Items filtered by date: July 2019

With rivers to the north of Inverness reporting the arrival of shoals of grilse, it may not be long before Ness grilse return to the pools and runs of their native river system. A few are already being seen breaking the surface of the club water and in the fascinating pictures produced by the underwater cameras of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board. 

One of these early grilse fell to the rod of new associate member John Cameron of Dumfries. John took out his permit just last week to enjoy casting a line in his time off from working in a busy local restaurant. Today (July 19), making an early morning visit to the Mill Stream, he struck it lucky with a 4.5 lb grilse. The fish was attracted by a size 10 Willie Gunn. Welcome to the club John!

Anglers have picked up a shoulder bag left by a visitor to the Little Isle, adjacent to the Bught Park, over the week-end. They might like to know that it is has now been delivered to lost property in Police Scotland Area Command in Burnett Road, in the Longman Industrial Estate (the road opposite the fire station). 

Club member Maz Stephen has spent more hours than most on the Weir Pool this season seeking his first ever salmon and that special springer, but without success. His reward came today (July 12) with a fly-caught fish of a lifettime - a really feisty specimen which was hooked in the Weir Pool but took Maz all the way down to the Mill Stream before he could land it. The fish was independently measured and estimated at 21lbs, probably the best fish landed from the club water this season. It's certainly one that Maz will remember for a long time.

Memorable: A 21 pounder for Maz

The first reports of salmon catches on Inverness Angling Club’s water often result in unscrupulous, so-called ‘anglers’ taking advantage of the benefits of our river without paying the small daily or annual charge that enables us to maintain the fishery. The first report of alleged poaching, apart from illegal activities in the estuary, have come in from the Weir Pool. 

Members are asked to approach any anglers they don’t recognise, engage them in conversation and ask if they have permits, showing your permit. If they are unable or unwilling to produce a permit, advise them to leave and report the incident to the bailiff of Ness District Salmon Fishery Board. His telephone number is listed on the back page of the club permit. 

It was a lucky visit to the River Ness today (July 9) for James Buchanan, a Kirkintilloch based member of Inverness Angling Club.  Fishing the Silver Wells Pool with a spinner, James landed a magnificent 18lb salmon - the second fish of this weight in as many days.

If any encouragement was needed to pick up the rod and line, attach a favourite fly or lure and get down to the River Ness it came today with the landing of a magnificent salmon from the Weir Pool. Club member Willie Broadley, casting his successful Devon minnow, hooked and landed an estimated 18lb fresh run salmon. The run anglers have looked forward to may have arrived….!

Cracker: 18lbs of fresh fighting salmon for Willie

Construction work on three projects by the River Ness has been delayed, according to reports. They include the My Ness project at the Little Isle, approved late last year under delegated powers; a children’s water feature in the Ness Islands; and a viewing platform on Bank Street. 

The projects have been the subject of continuing controversy, largely as a result of the way in which the My Ness project was approved. Councillors will get the opportunity to discuss the My Ness artwork at a requisitioned committee meeting on August 20.

A classic salmon fly, invented by a member of Inverness Angling Club, attracted a four pound grilse for Walter MacKay at the Weir Pool of the River Ness today (July 5). The Hairy Mary, one of the first hair wing salmon patterns, was created by the late John Reidpath. Over the years it has brought results for salmon anglers around the world.

Inverness Angling Club’s series of Casting Clinics closed on Wednesday evening (July 3) with another strong attendance of novice and intermediate casters, and club coaches and instructors. Junior and senior participants have made considerable progress in trout and salmon casting techniques over the series, thanks to the donation of outfits by Loop and a significant investment of time by instructors, including world Speycasting champion Scott Mackenzie and instructors David Mateer and Frank Durdle.

Building: IAC's Casting Clinics grow membership

At last - the IAC water produced its first salmon of the season today (July 3). Davey Dyce migrated from his favoured residence at the MacInyre Pool to land a fresh-run eight pounder from the Little Isle Pool. Hopefully, his catch heralds the arrival of the Ness summer run and will be the first of many - for Davey and other club members and visitors.