Anglers from all parts of the UK are being invited to take up associate membership of Inverness Angling Club. Associate memberships are normally limited to around 30 a year, so it’s a rare opportunity to fish the River Ness, one of the Highlands’ iconic salmon rivers, for £165 a year.

The fishings recorded a ten-year average catch of 322 salmon and grilse up to 2011. A range of wide, streamy pools offers superb conditions for fishing the fly, which normally takes most fish. The lower reaches can fish well for sea trout while good brown trout can be found in most pools.

The main runs of Ness salmon arrive in the period from July to mid October, when the club expects members to release at least 50 per cent of their catch. All spring fish caught from opening day on February 1 to May 31 must be released.

Club president Mike Campbell said: “Current associate members from all over the UK enjoy the challenges of fishing a superb salmon river and the camaraderie of our club. We hope more anglers will take up this invitation to fish our water.”

Applications for associate membership will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Application forms, along with detailed information on the club waters, are available from the web site or from the membership secretary, Alan Scott, 24 Merlin Crescent, Inverness IV2 3TE. A brochure with map and pictures of the main pools is also available.