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Hi All
I suppose there is no doubt salt will have an adverse affect on fish. And obviously to greater and lesser degrees, depending on volumes ( salt & water) It follows different rivers will vary. I’d suggest this last load of salt would be greater than the first, just by token of the rain fall around the time of the freeze.
However I think Jon’s arguments are greatly contributing to the equation. weather wise this season has been bad for fishing, although obviously good for the fish. Fish regained their fighting weight early in the season. Low waters, clear waters, have allowed the fish easy feeding and reduced energy expenditure. A great part of the feeding equation is also governed by volume of fish, or competition, and resources. Therefore prolific stretches will produce in more diverse conditions and times of day. Less prolific, fish will feed when they want, noticeably more often at night, given their choice, indecently !
Given winter temperatures, conditions, and the fish are fat, they will only feed sporadically, to top up resources. The fish will obviously only feed when it suits them, ie. ideal conditions. I think there is something to be said for fish's ability to predict weather. A natural phenomena common to many animals and plants. I don't suggest they switch on Michel Fish every night, and study isobars. But they have their instinct. It follows their feeding pattern is affected by this. Basically through winter, coldish conditions, fish appear to feed every three days or so, and usually for a three or four hour spell. Spending the majority of time tucked up almost comatose. Warmer rising water will switch them on, but it dose depend on what's in their bellies, and reserves. Their need to feed, is governed by when its best to do so. The scenario we hope for, is frenzied feeding, I believe this happens when greed takes over. Barbel really get their heads down, not just feeding to top up resources, but literally stuffing themselves, even purging their gut, venting food as fast as they eat it. This is encouraged by the bag up or bust (BUB) approach. Vast feed amounts, piled in. This can feed the fish off very quickly, the bust aspect. But can induce the frenzied feeding, where tackle, rigs, and baits bare little consequence. The trick is knowing when it will work, some folk ( if they can afford it ) BUB every time they go, sometimes astonishing catches, sometimes the odd fish, but also often bust ! Digressing a bit here though.
A personal note, BUB can be a selfish, even irresponsible way to fish ! And certainly requires little skill.
There is also a lot to be said for the rubbish factor, rising water bringing hoards of debris down river. Barbel do not like sitting in this, will often wait until it subsides.
Many, interlinked subjects here, and others suggested in other threads, like the barbel big river thread. There within the answers, a culmination of many aspects ! All can be twisted or fanciful, to make a point, but realistically it’s all a case of balance.
Given your recent Ouse experience, the point I have digressed from, I’d say the salt can’t help. But mostly, it’s been cold, the fish are fat with full bellies, and weather conditions are even as we speak improving, or becoming ideal, which the Barbel know. Sorry to say, they started feeding after the season ticked out. The switch, urge, to stock up final resources for egg production, and frolics to come. Peaked too late !
Noticeable here too, studying our local rivers, they switch on always the same order. Another subject though, I have, hopefully not wasted to much of ones time !
Cheers Dick
ROJ16

Sorry Peter, Chris, I'm not going either there's.
Salt needs, barbule feelers and nostrils that is.
Cheers Dick