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Work has begun on the preparation of the Anglers’ Car Park at Holm Mills, made possible by the kind co-operation of Neil Souter, manager of Holm Mills Shopping Village. Most of the site was cleared today (Tuesday, March 11) and work will continue tomorrow with the delivery and spreading of quarry scalpings to dress and consolidate uneven ground.
[Pop up picture] The club is also grateful to Ronald Dyce for the loan of the machinery used for the works and to club member and driver Ian ‘Flooky’ MacLennan, whose skill made short work of clearing the site. The Anglers’ Car Park, which should be able to accommodate at least 15 vehicles, is perfectly sited to serve anglers fishing the MacIntyre, Mill Stream, Trenches and Weir Pools. It will also relieve pressure on the mill car park as shopping visitor numbers are increasing year on year.
3rd March, 2008
Tips wanted on exchange waters
Help your fellow club members to benefit
Many members of Inverness Angling Club make regular use of exchange ticket arrangements with other clubs in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland. Their knowledge of these waters would be of considerable help to club anglers who have not yet enjoyed the benefits of the exchange tickets.
These tickets are currently available for Aberdeen and District Angling Club, Beauly Angling Club, Dingwall and District Angling Club, Elgin Angling Association, Loch Achonachie Angling Club, Ugie Angling Association and Wick Angling Club. Although exchange arrangements with Alness AC are included on the 2008 IAC membership card, this facility has since been withdrawn.
Users of any of these tickets could provide valuable information to help club members unfamiliar with the fishings – including how to get there, where to park, what tackle to take, the best times for fishing and any other tips they feel may be useful. Email the info to alanj.scott@tiscali.co.uk for publication on the web site.
3rd March, 2008
Field features city fishings
Top country magazine reports on Scotland’s civic waters
Inverness city fishings have featured in an article in the leading countryside magazine, The Field. Freelance writer Drew Jamieson gathered information on Scotland’s civic salmon waters and produced a guide that should prove invaluable to anglers seeking good salmon fishing at reasonable prices. The piece gives the best times to fish, records salmon catches and release rates for 2007, and advises where visitor permits for Inverness Angling Club’s water may be obtained.
26th February, 2008
Ticket changes for Beauly river and firth fishings
Beauly Centre is new collection point
Arrangements for the distribution of Beauly Angling Club’s day and exchange tickets for the River Beauly and the Beauly Firth, previously available from Morrison the ironmongers, have changed. From March 1, tickets can be obtained from the Beauly Centre (not to be confused with the House of Beauly) opposite Beauly Police Station. The telephone number of the Beauly Centre is 01463 783444. Inverness Angling Club’s exchange ticket arrangements for the River Beauly remain the same; members should continue to collect these tickets from Graham and Company in Castle Street, Inverness.
Study to look at resurrecting Whin Park hydro scheme
Club seeks consultation on potential impact on top pools
A feasibility study is to be carried out into the proposed resurrection of the Whin Park hydro power scheme, now part of the popular children’s play area bordering the River Ness. Inverness City Partnership, which represents The Highland Council and leading local agencies, believes the project could generate income of some £44,000 a year, part of which would be used to meet the annual costs of enhanced city centre lighting.
The scheme – the UK’s 11th hydro electric plant when it opened in 1929 to supply power to much of the town – would draw water from the Red Braes Pool above the weir and carry it through the lade or ‘electric burn’ to the generator, exiting into the General’s Well Pool.
Inverness Angling Club, which will be included in the list of consultees on the project, will be considering the proposal’s potential impact on some of the best pools on the town fishings - the Red Braes, Trenches, Mill Stream and MacIntyre. Key questions will include the effect of water abstraction from the pools below the weir, particularly in low water conditions; the need to balance the projected income against much greater annual earnings from angling tourism; whether the scheme will require reinstatement of damaged sections of the weir; and whether a possible increase in water flow in the Braes could scour valuable spawning redds.
17th Feb 2008
IAC on the net
Web site attracts strong interest
Inverness Angling Club's web site, which has attracted over 1,000 visits a month since April of 2007, continues to attract strong interest. January of 2008 recorded 1,928 visits following 1,739 in December. With a couple of weeks of the month remaining, visits for February are running at 1,057. If you have news for the web site, email alanj.scott@tiscali.co.uk
15th Feb 2008
Casting Clinics to be repeated
Speycasting champions will lead tuition
Inverness Angling Club is continuing its commitment to maintaining the casting skills for which Ness anglers are renowned by offering tuition to its junior and younger members and encouraging more young people to take up angling. The club will repeat the highly successful series of Casting Clinics reintroduced last year.
Once again, these will be staged each Wednesday in June – June 4, 11, 18 and 25 – at the Little Isle Pool. Champion Speycasters Gordon Armstrong and Scott MacKenzie will provide demonstrations from 7.30 to 8 pm, then lead other club tutors in passing on their skills to novices and any experienced anglers who need to sort out any casting problems they may have.
Club committee prepares for a busy year
Volunteers will be needed as work programme gets under way
The club’s A-Team, honoured with the joint award of the ‘Angler of the Year Award’ at the 2007 AGM, will form the core of a River Improvements Sub Committee formed at the committee meeting on February 14. David Dyce, Neil Porter and Gary Macdonald will be joined on the sub committee by president Mike Campbell and member Lee Mackenzie to drive through a range of repairs and improvements on both sides of the river.
Volunteers will be needed at various times. Anyone who would like to offer their skills and services should contact a committee member. Members who have seen the excellent clearance work on the Braes, carried out by David, Neil and Lee, will appreciate the value of such work, but it takes time and effort and more volunteers are essential.
Among long awaited improvements is the pruning of tree branches which are interfering with casting on some of the major pools. The club now understands that such work requires planning permission. In the hope that permission can be secured to enable work to be completed before the arrival of the main runs of fish, secretary Donnie MacKay is to press on with developing the necessary paperwork and formal application in association with the Scottish School of Forestry, whose students have already completed part of a programme to renew all the beat posts on the river.
A major project will be the formation of a new car park at Holm Mills to serve the MacIntyre, Mill Stream, Trenches and Weir Pools. This is being made possible through the kind co-operation of Holm Mills Shopping Village and the company’s local manager, Neil Souter. The company is also considering a club request to build a new hut by the Mill Stream.
Work has also begun on developing new signage, using the redefined corporate image which now concentrates solely on the blue and yellow logo used for the club badge. This will also be applied to club stationery and the web site pages.
Mike Campbell, treasurer Billy Mackenzie, Gary Macdonald and Alan Scott form another sub committee to plan arrangements for the club’s Fisherman’s Corner at the Highland Field Sports Fair to be held at Moy on Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2.
Raise an issue or suggestion with the club committee
Schedule of meetings for 2008
Members of Inverness Angling Club are welcome to raise any concerns, issues or suggestions for consideration by the club committee. If you wish to do so, contact any of the club office bearers or committee members whose names and contact details are on the membership card.
Committee meetings for 2008 will be held on March 20, April 17, May 15, June 12, July 17, August 14, September 18, October 16 and November 11. The annual general meeting will be held in Raigmore Hospital Recreation Hall on Thursday, November 20 at 7.30 pm.
Headlines exaggerate anisakis dangers
Food Standards Agency’s original advice stands
Anglers may have been concerned or puzzled by a recent hyped-up story in several newspapers about the dangers of anisakis, the worm-like parasite found in many fish caught on the Ness and other Scottish rivers last season.
Clearly, newspapers must have been having a lean time for stories that day as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has not made any statements on anisakis since its original advice last September. Just for the record – and in advance of the potential reappearance of the parasite this season - FSA advice issued then was:
“Parasites in fish, particularly anisakis, can, if ingested alive, cause serious health problems. Our advice to anyone consuming wild fish taken from UK rivers is available from our website www.food.gov.uk If fish is to be eaten raw or almost raw it should be frozen in all parts for at least 24 hours, at a temperature of at least -20°C. Where the fish is to be hot smoked (internal temperature above 60°C), which is sufficient to kill any parasites present, it need not be frozen first. Where it is not possible to carry out adequate freezing it is advisable to cook the
fish. A temperature of 70°C for two minutes will kill any parasitic contamination present.”
Readers can see our original story on anisakis by scrolling down this page to 23rd November 2007.
4th Feb 2008
Opening day arrives at last
Weather presents members with difficult conditions
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Some 30 members of Inverness Angling Club braved blizzard-like conditions and high water to attend an opening day ceremony by the Mill Stream on Friday, February 1. Despite the weather, members voted the ceremony – the first held for many years – as an outstanding success.
President Mike Campbell, accompanied by piper Kenny Watson, led anglers from the car park of the Holm Mills Shopping Village to the river where Mike poured a dram into the river and wished everyone ‘tight lines’ for the season.
He also passed the club’s thanks to Holm Mills manager Neil Souter for the company’s sponsorship of the ceremony, which included the traditional dram, coffee, tea and splendid bacon rules in the welcome shelter of the mill restaurant.
30th Jan 2008
Fishery board encourages catch and release
Rewards increased for 2008 season
The Ness District Fishery Board has increased rewards for the release of spring fish caught anywhere in the Ness system up to June 16. First, each angler who catches and releases a springer will receive a side of smoked salmon produced by the Edinburgh Smoked Salmon Company. Second, the release of fish will enable anglers to participate in a draw for some valuable prizes, including a Daiwa fly rod, a £50 voucher for Graham’s tackle shop and various bottles of whisky and half sides of smoked salmon.
Results will be announced early in July. Successful anglers should submit their names and contact numbers, together with the weight and length of the fish, and where caught, to the ghillie/club secretary. Each entry should also bear the name of a witness. Photographs of fish can be sent to John MacColl, for possible inclusion in local press articles, at john@yellowbrookcottage.freeserve.co.uk
25th Jan 2008
Club members to mark 2008 opening day
Holm Mills Shopping Village to sponsor event
Members of Inverness Angling Club will celebrate the opening of the salmon fishing season on the River Ness on Friday, February 1, in the hope that 2008 will see a repeat of a highly successful 2007 season.
The event, being sponsored by Holm Mills Shopping Village, will take place at 11 am on the east bank of the Mill Stream Pool, one of the most productive beats of last season. Anglers will be piped to the river where club president Mike Campbell will make the traditional toast to the season with a dram of whisky and take the first cast of the year.
“This is the first time in many years that the club has arranged an opening ceremony and we are grateful to Holm Mills for their assistance,” said Mike.
“We thought it appropriate to stage an opening ceremony this year to mark the continuing success of the River Ness club water, to underline the river’s position as one of the leading salmon beats in Scotland and to demonstrate, once again, the internationally-recognised Speycasting skills of our members.”
Neil Souter, manager of Holm Mills Shopping Village, said the company’s sponsorship of the event was part of their continuing commitment to supporting local groups.
“The river and local anglers are very much a part of the daily life of the shopping village. We welcome anglers as customers and staff enjoy watching them during breaks. The river is also a tremendous tourist attraction. Growing numbers of shoppers from all over the world have watched angling club members hook, play and land some magnificent salmon.”
Club members are invited to meet in the Holm Mills car park from 10.30 am. Refreshments and snacks will be available after the opening ceremony.
15th Jan 2008
Opening day event
Holm Mills Shopping Village to sponsor event
Inverness Angling Club members are invited to an opening day ceremony at the Mill Stream Pool (Island Bank Road side) on Friday, February 1. Anglers are asked to meet in the Holm Mills car park at 10.30 for 11 am when a piper will lead them to the river where the opening ceremony and first cast of the year will be carried out by president Mike Campbell. The event is being sponsored by Holm Mills Shopping Village who will be providing refreshments and snacks. Watch this space for more information nearer the time!
Signs of the times!
SSE spark indignant response from club
Club members brave enough to take a stroll by the riverside in recent weather conditions could hardly believe their eyes when they spotted new, bright yellow signs installed on both sides of the Mill Stream. In theory, the signs took out two of the prime beats on the club water. On the Bught side, the first sign – just above the start of the second beat – warned of nearby power lines and declared ‘No fishing beyond this point’.
The same sign was installed at the top of the first beat while cautionary signs were placed on either side of the electricity pylon. These included the words ‘Cast with Care’; clearly, the author had not considered the contradictory messages! The same arrangement of signs appeared on the Holm Mills bank. The signs have since been removed and secretary Don MacKay has politely advised Scottish and Southern Energy, who were responsible for erecting them without any consultation, that they have no authority to determine fishing arrangements on the club water!
10th Dec 2007
Kincurdie net closed
Ness Board secures five-year deal
A deal struck by the Ness District Fishery Board will see at least 400 extra fish reaching the Ness and Beauly river systems each year. The board has negotiated a five-year closure of the Kincurdie netting station from 2007 at a cost of over £4,000 a year.
5th Dec 2007
Open to question
NDFB holds second public meeting
Inverness anglers once again turned out in force for an open meeting staged by the Ness District Fishery Board on Tuesday (December 4), although total attendance was somewhat down on the first meeting held in January.
Andrew Wallace, director of the Association of Fishery Boards; Keith Williams, of the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust; and Dr Alistair Stephen, fisheries consultant to Scottish and Southern Energy, all gave interesting talks. But a particularly fascinating address was presented by geneticist Eric Verspoor of the Fisheries Research Service, Freshwater Laboratory, Pitlochry.
His presentation was too detailed for this web site to do it justice, but he did show how salmon in different rivers and different parts of the same system possessed unique characteristics. He also warned against ill considered stocking which could result in the opposite effect to that intended. Eric’s book, The Atlantic Salmon – Genetics, Conservation and Management, is recommended reading.
National release rates encouraging
But association director says Ness rates below average
Andrew Wallace, director of the Scottish Association of District Salmon Fishery Boards, reported that spring runs had been poor this year (2007) and grilse were late. But when the grilse did arrive, they were in much better condition than in the previous season.
Angling conditions had been good and release rates encouraging, with 65 per cent for spring and 55 per cent over the season. But he reported that Ness system release rates were well below the national average. “Some people are letting the side down,” he said, adding that this undermined negotiating positions. Anglers had to show that they were doing their bit; otherwise, government would impose regulation. Hopefully, Mr Wallace was not addressing IAC members whose release rate increased by 11 points to 36 per cent in 2007 – a highly creditable figure.
Club release rates have to be considered against a background of fishing effort (this season the club had almost 450 members and sold just over 250 fishing days to visitors) and that many of these members and visitors will only catch one fish in the season and, naturally, want to keep it for the pot. It was evident this season that those anglers who caught several fish were releasing a higher proportion.
Garry in parlous state
Ness counts encouraging
Continuing fish counts – conducted throughout the Ness system by Keith Williams of the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust – show that the River Garry remains in a parlous state, with desperately low or nil incidences of salmon fry and parr over most of the river.
Around 130 hen fish are needed to populate the Upper Garry yet fewer than 60 went through the counter. On the other hand, it was encouraging to hear that fry populations in the Ness met the highest ratings, although parr were not recorded at the same levels.
Action against predators
Co-ordinated approach could achieve success
NDFB are to join forces with other fishery boards around the Moray Firth in an effort to achieve a joint solution to continuing predation by sawbills.
Annual applications by NDFB for a licence to control marauding flocks of mergansers and goosanders, which are particularly noticeable on the River Ness, have been rejected.
It is believed that a joint application will stand a better chance of success and enable the development of co-ordinated action to control predators.
28th Nov 2007
Greenland extends moratorium
Agreement will save thousands of Atlantic salmon
A new Greenland Conservation Agreement will suspend commercial salmon fisheries in Greenland's territorial waters for seven years from 2007. The fishermen of Greenland have agreed to continue a moratorium, begun in 2002, which has already saved thousands of wild Atlantic salmon that originate in rivers of North America and Southern Europe, migrate to feeding grounds off West Greenland and then return to their home rivers to spawn.
The new agreement is signed by three non-governmental organisations - the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) of North America, the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) of Iceland and the Organization of Fishermen and Hunters in Greenland (KNAPK) - and is endorsed by the Greenland Home Rule Government which will help enforce it.
27th Nov 2007
Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries
Dingwall location for 'listening' event
North anglers are being invited to give their views on a government document which could have a huge impact on the future health and management of freshwater fisheries in Scotland. On behalf of the Scottish Freshwater Fisheries Forum Steering Group, the Scottish Government has issued a consultation document - A Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries - which lists 27 priorities for action.
The document, developed over the past three years, can be accessed online at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/09/13103142/0 or printed copies may be obtained by writing to The Scottish Government, Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries, Room 408a, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh EH14 1TY. A series of 'listening events' are being held throughout Scotland to secure views on the document. The Highland event will be held in the National Hotel, Dingwall, on Sunday , December 9, from 10 am to 12.30 pm and 1.15 pm to 4 pm.
Tree trimming planned for 2008
Specialists assist club
Priority river works for 2008 include the trimming of overhanging branches which are impeding casting on several areas of the club beats. Secretary Don MacKay told the AGM that a new relationship established between the club and the Scottish School of Forestry, which saw new beat posts being installed this year, will also cover the trimming of trees and bushes.
Before such work can start, club officials aim to walk the river with forestry school and Highland Council tree specialists as some trees, including numbered trees on the right bank of the MacIntyre Pool, could be protected.
Committee an effective team
Three new members elected
The committee of Inverness Angling Club for 2008 will be: president – Mike Campbell; vice president – Billy Orrock; secretary – Don MacKay; treasurer – Billy Mackenzie; members – Andy Massari, Jimmy Elliott, Ken Maclean, Gary Macdonald, Martin Nelson, Mick Whitehead, Alan Scott, Ally Henderson, Frank Rabbeth, David Dyce, Neil Porter and Lawrence Deans.
President Mike Campbell paid tribute to the work of retiring and continuing members of the committee – which, he said, formed a very effective team – and welcomed the three new members, David Dyce, Neil Porter and Lawrence Deans.
Rule changes approved
Worm fishing prohibited after September 30
On the recommendation of the club committee, members approved a change to the rules governing worm fishing. Recent rules prohibited worm fishing before March 15 and specified the use of barbless hooks from October 1 to 15.
As there have been some reports of members using barbed hooks, worm fishing will now be prohibited after September 30. Committee recommendations to delay the start of the season until February 1, and for anglers to refrain from deep wading in the spring months, were also approved.
Membership income drops
Warning about future rises in costs
A drop in the number of senior members of Inverness Angling Club, from 269 in 2006 to 233 in 2007, was the main reason for a decrease of over £2,500 in membership subscriptions, treasurer Billy Mackenzie reported to the annual general meeting on November 22. Total income fell by £1,695, partly due to improved income from visitor permits.
Secretary Don MacKay warned that fishery board assessments, which had remained fairly stable as a result of poor catches in the last five-year valuation, could rise significantly in 2009 as improved catches are reflected in a forthcoming revaluation. Charges for all membership categories, and for visitor permits, remain unchanged for season 2008.
Catches rise
Significant increase on 2006
Annual returns confirmed that 2007 was a very good season for Inverness Angling Club members and visitors. And the number of fish released increased by over 10 per cent. A total of 428 fish were taken, mainly in the period from July to October, compared to 278 in 2006.
This broke down to 151 salmon and 277 grilse compared to 95 salmon and 183 grilse in 2006. Of these, 56 salmon and 98 grilse were released - a release rate of 36 per cent which was an increase of 11 per cent on 2006. Approximately 150 rods caught fish during the season.
Over 40 fish and an 11 lb sea trout were caught on the club's River Nairn fishings and five fish on the club's permits for the River Oich.
Web site popularity grows
Visits soar over 2,000 mark
The popularity of Inverness Angling Club's web site continues to rise. Monthly visits to the site totalled 1,683 in July, 1,911 in August but rose to a record 2,431 in October - probably as a result of anglers far and wide seeking information on the massive fish taken at Dochfour on October 13.
Visitors should note that the site also includes a forum for angling chat which also includes a facility to exchange, buy or sell tackle. Next season will see further developments and the continuation of the news section. Anyone with good stories and pictures is invited to send them to Alan Scott (alanj.scott@tiscali.co.uk) for consideration for inclusion in the news section.
Laggan gets rap on the knuckles
Fishery board sympathises with club
Gordon Menzies, chairman of the Ness District Fishery Board, gave strong support to Inverness Angling Club's queries about approval for recent bank works at the Laggan Pool of the River Ness.
The works, apparently to protect a tree which was in danger of falling into the river, were approved by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) - now responsible for supervising onerous new regulations about river works - but not, it seems, to the extent completed. And SEPA had not advised the Laggan owners that fishery board approval was also required.
The fishery board have now underlined, to proprietors and SEPA, that the board must be consulted before any improvements are carried out. The board considered it extremely unfair that the Laggan had proceeded with works while Inverness Angling Club had taken a long time to go through its improvement plans with all the authorities concerned.
Focus shifts to Little Isle Pool
Search on for lampreys nest
With the first phase of river improvements completed in the Trenches and Mill Stream, Inverness Angling Club will now concentrate its efforts on securing approval for improvements at the Little Isle Pool.
Works planned for 2007 had to be shelved as Scottish Natural Heritage claimed works could destroy a lampreys nest which, apparently, had been discovered during a survey of the pool.
Biologist Keith Williams plans to check the pool to see whether the lampreys are still there, as a first stage in resurrecting improvement works.
New representative on fishery board
Club wishes secretary well
Secretary Don MacKay is Inverness Angling Club's new representative on the Ness District Fishery Board. His appointment at the triennial elections to the board was confirmed by club president Mike Campbell at the club's annual general meeting on November 22.
Wishing him well in his service with the board, Mike said Don would make a very effective representative. Don replaces Jack Fraser who was warmly thanked and applauded for his service on the board and to the club over many years.
23rd Nov 2007
IAC recognises sterling service
Awards go to ‘A Team’ and former secretary
[Pop up picture] Inverness Angling Club’s very own ‘A Team’ was recognised at the club’s annual general meeting on November 22 when its three members were jointly presented with the Angler of the Year Trophy. It was fitting recognition for a series of riverside projects led by David Dyce, Neil Porter and Gary Macdonald who refurbished huts, built steps, repaired seats and carried out many other jobs which brought substantial benefits to members. President Mike Campbell described their contribution as ‘outstanding’. The trophy, originally presented by Mike Jamieson, was accompanied by bronzes of salmon for personal retention.
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The club also recognised decades of service to the club by Jack Fraser, former long-term secretary and, for the last three years, the club’s representative on the Ness District Fishery Board. Jack also received an attractive bronze of salmon. Thanking the club, Jack confirmed his involvement with the club covered more years than most members thought – he got his first permit when he was five years old!
15th Nov 2007
NDFB delays consideration of mandatory catch and release
Action may be taken in 2009
It is understood that, because of time constraints, the Ness District Fishery Board will not make any move to introduce mandatory catch and release for the 2008 season. But the board is seriously considering, for the 2009 season, banning the killing of any salmon anywhere in the Ness system until after May 31.
The reasons for this proposal will be fully explained at the open meeting to be held in the Waterside Hotel on Tuesday, December 4, starting at 7 pm. All members of Inverness Angling Club are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear what the board has to say and to contribute to the discussion on the future of fisheries in the Ness system.
Red vent salmon potentially dangerous
Food Standards Agency issues detailed advice
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that salmon with red vent syndrome, caused by an infestation of the Anisakis parasite, are potentially dangerous to humans. The agency declares: “Parasites in fish, particularly Anisakis, can, if ingested alive, cause serious health problems.” FSA recommends that anyone consuming wild salmon taken from UK rivers adheres to the following advice:
- Visually inspect the wild salmon to detect and remove parasites. Those fish which remain obviously contaminated should not be consumed.
- If wild salmon is to be eaten raw or almost raw it should be frozen in all parts for at least 24 hours, at a temperature of –20°C or colder. This will ensure that any non-visible parasites or undetectable larvae of nematodes are destroyed.
- This freezing advice also extends to wild salmon that are to undergo a cold smoking process or to be eaten after marinating or salting – for example, as in Gravadlax.
- Where wild salmon is to be hot smoked – to an internal temperature above 60°C, which is sufficient to kill any parasites present – then it is safe to eat without freezing first.
- Where it is not possible to carry out adequate freezing, it is advisable to cook the wild salmon. A temperature of 70°C for two minutes will kill any parasitic contamination present. As there is no infallible method of detecting and removing larvae, this advice is particularly relevant for pregnant women and elderly people where ingestion of live parasites from fish could pose a serious health risk.
New regulations become law
Worm ban enforced above Dochfour Weir
New fishery laws came into force on October 17 following the enactment of the River Ness Salmon Fishery District (Baits and Lures) Regulations 2007 by the Scottish Parliament on June 26.
The regulations, instigated by the Ness District Fishery Board, renew the ban on natural prawn and shrimp throughout the Ness system and incorporate this with a ban on fishing the worm, natural or artificial, above Dochfour Weir.
Other national regulations enforced make it illegal to use gaffs, tailers or knotted mesh nets. While gaffs and tailers have not been used in the Ness system for many years, anglers should check their landing nets to ensure they conform with the new law.
12th Nov 2007
Fishery board to stage another open meeting
Anglers look forward to fuller answers
The Ness District Fishery Board is to hold an open meeting for the area’s anglers at the Waterside Hotel at 7 pm on Tuesday, December 4. It is the second such meeting this year and attendance should match or exceed the packed meeting held in January, when board members faced tough questioning and considerable criticism of its communications with anglers.
Most of those present felt that chairman Gordon Menzies and other board members failed to fully answer many of the questions presented. Hopefully, the December meeting will deliver fuller answers and herald a more open approach to discussing the management of the area’s salmon and trout fisheries with those who use them.
6th Nov 2007
The club AGM
Members urged to attend
The annual general meeting of Inverness Angling Club will be held in the Recreation Hall of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, at 7.30 pm on Thursday, November 22. All members of the club are urged to attend to hear reports from club office bearers on the 2007 season, to give their views on any of the club’s affairs or activities and to consider developments for 2008.
To get to the Recreation Hall, take the main access to Raigmore Hospital, turn left after the bus stop, next left near the helicopter pad and next right through the hospital staff accommodation units. You will see the Recreation Hall ahead. Sufficient parking should be available in the immediate area.
16th oct 2007
Dochfour lands potential record
‘Monster of the Ness’ generates international interest
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What an exciting end to the 2007 season! While it will not qualify as an official record, the massive salmon taken and released at Dochfour on Saturday (October 13) caught the attention of anglers all over the world.
Check any angling forum and you will see it is the leading topic of discussion. And that discussion should lead to more anglers casting a fly over Ness waters next season and beyond.
Meanwhile, anglers on Inverness Angling Club’s water may well be pondering the chances of intercepting similar fish at the Little Isle, MacIntyre, Mill Stream or the Braes. That really is something to think about as we look forward to the 2008 season – as well as some way to claim a record without killing the fish!
Club water continues to perform
Fresh fish taken on last day
While the Dochfour catch rightly caught most of the attention, club anglers continued to make their mark on the town water on the last day of the season. Ken MacLean and Ian Knox had fish of around eight pounds from the Weir and Trenches respectively, and Alan Scott took a grilse of around six pounds from the MacIntyre.
All three were released. The fish taken by Ken and Alan both had long tailed sea lice streaming from their backs, confirming once again that the Ness recruits plenty of fresh fish up to and beyond mid-October.
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