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Fishery Board’s open meeting
Club members and other interested local anglers should consider attending an open meeting being called by the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board in the Waterside Hotel, Inverness, at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2007. The subject of the meeting is “Salmon Stocks in the Ness System – The Need for Conservation.”
Andrew Wallace, director of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, will talk on the need for conservation measures. Other speakers, to be announced, will make presentations on the latest data on salmon stocks, fishery and river management (dealing with conservation measures, including the current situation on broodstock capture and stripping, hatchery facilities and catch and release) and why catch and release – either voluntary or legally enforceable - is essential. The board will also present its case for seeking legally enforceable powers for catch and release.
High water concerns
Anglers will be viewing the present high water levels on the River Ness with some concern about their impact on the river environment. The greatest risk to salmon, sea trout and brown trout is the movement or silting of redds, according to Keith Williams, manager and biologist of the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust.
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Despite significant research, we still don’t know enough about the full impact heavy water conditions have on kelts, spawning fish and the physical attributes of any rivers. Will it help if kelts are flushed out of the system earlier than usual? Just how much does heavy water at this time of the year affect early spawning fish? What changes do floods wreak on the river bed and bank?
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Compared to other rivers, and the higher levels of the Ness system, the River Ness itself is fortunate, says Keith. As one long series of redds, there’s always somewhere in good condition for the fish to spawn. A tendency for salmon to spawn later, well into the first half of the year, could well mean that the majority of Ness fish will be unaffected by flood conditions. We can only hope that is so for we won’t see the results, positive or negative, for another four or five years.
Opening day
It’s getting closer and closer to the opening day of yet another salmon season. Once again, IAC is delaying the start from January 15 to Thursday, February 1. But the 2007 season could kick off in style. With the success of the closing day party at the MacIntyre – again, well done lads for a great party really well organised! - plans are afoot for a opening day celebration at the Mill Stream (Holm Mills side) on February 1. Arrangements are currently being finalised – so watch this space!
Club News
Members of Inverness Angling Club, and visitors to our waters and the web site, are encouraged to pass on any interesting information for posting to the web site. Please note, too, that we will be keen to get reports on catches throughout the season with a view to publishing weekly reports on the web site, at least in the main part of the season from June to October.
All news should be passed to Alan Scott, preferably by email at alanj.scott@tiscali.co.uk or by telephoning Alan on 01463 235287 or 07785 287995 (mobile).
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