Salmon stocks improved within 24 hours of the artificial flooding
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Artificial floods are improving fish stocks in Cumbria, as part of a joint initiative between the Environment Agency and an energy distribution firm.
By releasing additional water from reservoirs, salmon and trout are being encouraged to spawn in tributaries of the rivers Eden and Derwent.
Stocks have been boosted with the help of United Utilities, which manages and operates the water network in Cumbria.
Low flows in November discouraged fish from entering spawning tributaries.
Agency Fisheries officer Denis McCartan said: "Within 24 hours of the flow increasing in the St John's Beck tributary, considerable numbers of salmon and trout have moved up into this important area in advance of spawning."
United Utilities' water resource manager, John Sanders, said: "It's all about balancing vital water supplies with the needs of fish and the environment.
"We are delighted that our joint action is generating such encouraging results."
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