John Macaskill, head ghillie on the Coul Water of the River Conon, is again offering free fishing to junior angling club members. Three dates are available — August 14th, 15th and 16th. Junior members of Inverness Angling Club should contact treasurer John Ralph This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they wish to put their names forward for nomination. Each junior must be accompanied by an adult on the day.

In addition, a raffle is being run to give adults the opportunity to fish the Coul beats in a prime week of the season — the week beginning Monday, June 30th. The winners will be drawn on Saturday, June 7. Raffle tickets, at £20 per ticket, will be available shortly through John Ralph.

Last year’s event was a great success and raised £1,520 for the Missing Salmon Alliance.

Members have been hard at work over the last couple of weeks carrying out a variety of tasks. Club secretary Ally Henderson and co got the Loch Ruthven boat launched over the weekend and is now ready for use when it opens on the 1st of April.

Avid angler and member Alex Evans who is often on the river for a cast, managed to clear the Braes banks over the course of a few sessions. A massivie thanks to him for his hard work.

I have recieved reports today of some runs of fish heading through the beats this afternoon, with one taken from Dochfour and one lost by a current member fishing a day ticket on the lower beat.

Current conditions are excellent for fishing and water levels low which suits the lower beats. Tight lines if you are heading out this week.

The Ness system has been relatively quiet this last couple of weeks, although there has been the odd bit of sport on the Moriston and Oich. On the River as a whole not much has been happening, however, it was good to hear from Neil Fraser (Peck) this morning who took to the Weir for a cast. On his first run through the pool he hooked into a livley fish which unfortunately spat the hook after a short battle, Neil opted to fish a Minnow to make the most of the conditions as the water has risen again to nearly 1.3 on the SEPA guage.

As we progress through the spring months chances should improve on landing some of these elusive early fish, so get yourself out for cast.

Tight Lines

Poliet reminder that late permit renewals after the 31st of March will incur a £20 penalty. So if you can please renew your ticket before this date to avoid this charge.

• Committee Meeting Minutes: If members would like a copy of any monthly committee meeting minutes, they should email Ally Henderson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to request one.

• Application Forms: Hard copies will be placed in the little Isle hut soon, but you can also download Word copies from the website, fill them in electronically, and email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The electronic method is preferred for its simplicity and efficiency.

• River News: The river is currently high due to last week’s rain, causing fish to move quickly through the lower beats towards Loch Ness. Prior to the rise, Dochfour reported its first February fish since 2011. This week has seen a few fish caught in the upper river systems as well. With the weather settling down, a drop in water levels would be welcomed for better chances at early fish.

           Tight lines to anyone venturing out this weekend!

The Lionel Main Junior Angling Course

We are reaching out to all junior members to let you know that a fantastic course has become available this year, the Lionel Main junior angling course. The course takes place on the famous Castle Grant beat of the river spey, once complete you will have SCQF qualifications in Angling, Aquatic and Countryside.

Junior members Daniel Grant and James Stewart attended last season, James said "I had the best time there and came back with a weath of new knowledge and skills, not to mention we caught a couple of fish!"

Please see the below poster and let me know how you get on if you do attend.

I was out for dog walk at lunch time and thought what a cracking day it is for fishing. I have been keeping an eye on water levels for the river and it has now dropped to great height of 1.04m on the Sepa guage. With a couple fish being caught on the upper system why not chance your luck by casting a line over the clubs pools.

Floating lines, sink tip, and weighted monkey or posh tosh would be worth a shout. If you are spinning, 18g Tobies should be enough just now, or Devon Minnows

Just a reminder to be mindful of wading this early in the season, redds will be in the vacinity! Try avoid it altogether when you can, and keep close to the bank went you can't.

Tight lines.

Well, the 2025 season is now under way, and it was fantastic to see a great turnout for the occasion.

Scott Hay piped the anglers down to the riverside, where long-term honorary member George Skinner took the first cast, officially opening the 2025 season.

Neil Souter of Pringles, as always, kindly provided hot drinks and bacon rolls. Big thanks to him!

Also thanks to Donald Mackay for taking some great pictures.

Tight lines to all this coming season.

The wait is almost over - Opening day of the 2025 season on the river Ness is almost upon us and a mere 9 days to go, how time passes!

Honorary member George Skinner will have the honor of the first cast.

Anglers will meet at the Mill 10am for 10:30am on Saturday the 1st of Feburary, so please do come along.

As ever there will be a piper for the ceremony, bacon rolls and a dram waiting for you to warm you up.

Opening day sponsored by Neil Souter of James Pringle Weavers - Wollen Mill, Inverness

Last week's weather was extremely wet, causing the river to rise to nearly 3 meters the SEPA gauge. Lee Mackenzie took some pictures during a walk, showing significant portion of the Macintyre hut submerged under water.

Lee managed to clean out the hut once the water level receded, so a big thanks to him.

Opening day is not far away, please keep an eye out for more info in the coming weeks.