Fishery
1. Any contract is between the letting party (Tenant) on the one hand and an individual holder of a rod certificate(s) in the Beauly Fishing Syndicate (the Owner) on the other. The specific individual ‘Owner' may vary, depending on the date(s) of the let. No contract shall be created between the Tenant and either of the Beauly Fishing Syndicate as a whole, or Bidwells LLP acting as the Syndicate's managing agents.
2. Tenants are strongly advised to arrange their own insurance. Should the let be cancelled as a result of circumstances beyond The Owner's control, a refund or re-booking cannot be guaranteed. The Owner will not be responsible for refunding any additional costs incurred by the Tenant, including travel and accommodation costs.
3. Please contact your ghillie prior to your fishing in order to make arrangements to meet him and other fishers who may be on your Beat. The following is a list of ghillies' telephone numbers. In the event of any difficulty, please ring the Head Fisherman, Willie Matheson.
Willie Matheson - 01463 741734 / 07788 0592348
John Matheson - 01463 741491
Erin Hunter - 07340 610254
4. Fishing must be carried out in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner. FLY FISHING only at all times
5. Each beat will rotate on a daily basis, changing over at 3.00am.
6. A Lower River let comprises one (1) rotating beat, with up to 5 rods, on the FALLS, HOME and DOWNIE beats. In the spring this may differ, with the Downie being excluded from the rotation.
7. No subletting is permitted.
8. Fishing will be carried out under the supervision of a ghillie or ghillies. Any decision as to whether or not water conditions are suitable for the use of the boats will be the sole and final decision of the ghillie, and no boat may be used without his permission.
9. Every Tenant shall give notice to the ghillie of any proposed fishing outside customary hours. (ie 9.00am until 6.00pm).
10. Salmon and sea trout parr and all kelts must be returned to the river, as well as gravid fish.
Policy and any relevant statutory regulations.
12. Tenants must properly record all fish in the Fishing Record Books, which shall be retained by the ghillies.
13. No shooting of any kind is permitted. Any dog brought by a Tenant must be kept under strict control and must not cause annoyance or interference to other Tenants or fishermen or to farming or estate operations.
14. Fishing huts will be used as shelters and lunch huts and will not be used as sleeping places.
15. Any cars shall be parked by Tenants in the car parks provided and must not be left to block any farm access roads.
16. The Syndicate rights of access to and over the River banks are restricted and every Tenant shall respect at all times the property over which the access rights run.
17. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code shall be observed at all times and no fires shall be lit and no litter shall be left in or around the fishing huts or on the River banks.
18. Any Tenant who causes damage or becomes aware of any damage howsoever caused to any property will notify the ghillie immediately and thereafter the Managing Agents, Messrs Bidwells, Elm House, Cradlehall Business Park, Inverness, IV2 5GH, 01463 796050, as soon as possible.
19. Any Tenant observing any disturbances or foul play shall report the same immediately to the ghillie, who will be entitled to ask any Tenant to withdraw from the River in the event of any breach of the Rules or By-laws. Any Tenant may also report any such infringement to the Managing Agents failing which, the Chairman of the Syndicate.
20. Any complaints about the conduct or ability of any of the Ghillies or any complaints or suggestions with regard to the operation of the Fishings should be made in writing to the Managing Agents.
21. Ghillies shall start on the same beat for the particular week in each year and will stay with the same party throughout the week.
22. Ghillies shall be in sole charge of placing rods on each beat if the fishermen on the beat in question are not all of the same party.
23. Ghillies may not fish a Tenant's rod unless others in the party agree.
24. No liability will be accepted by the Syndicate for any loss or damage to equipment however caused.
25. Tenants are advised to insure themselves and their property appropriately.
26. In the interests of safety, fishermen are advised and requested to wear flotation jackets. Please always wade with caution and within your own limitations: - See attached Safety Advice.
27. Tenants are allowed to fish for a maximum of 12.5 hours in any 24 hour period, commencing at 3am.
28. Tenants must not offer ghillies drink; this is not expected by the ghillies.
29. Tenants will abide by any new rules or codes of conduct that may from time to time be introduced by The Beauly Fishings Syndicate Committee.
TENANTS MUST PRINT OFF AND READ THE RIVER BEAULY CODE OF CONDUCT: -
THE RIVER BEAULY FISHERS' CODE OF CONDUCT AND RULES
River Beauly Fishers have a reputation for sportsmanlike and considerate behaviour to fellow fishers. They also respect the local environment and countryside code. Our own code of conduct is designed to reinforce this fine tradition.
1. All fishers shall fish in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner.
2. Fishers shall move down a pool, taking approximately two yards in between casts. If a fish is risen or caught, the fisher is entitled to move upstream from the lie by say six yards or so, and fish the lie again.
3. It is important that all fishers should feel that they have enjoyed an equitable share of each days fishing. When a beat consists of a divided party it is possible that some may not have had an equal opportunity to fish the most productive part of the Beat. To minimise this possibility, the ghillies will be responsible for placing and moving the rods. Please try and arrange beforehand, with your ghillie, your starting times.
4. When others are fishing from the opposite bank, or behind you, do not make numerous false casts in order to achieve your longest possible distance. This is to avoid disturbing the fish.
5. The ghillie should give you a time in which to fish your pool. If you finish fishing before the allotted time you are quite entitled to fish the pool again but you must not start in front of someone if they are fishing the opposite bank.
Rule 3 and 5 will not apply if a beat consists of fishers who purchased or leased a beat together as fishing friends, owning 2 or more rods each and inviting their own guests. In such cases it is for the party to arrange their rota, unless they do not wish to do so.
6. If someone is fishing close behind you on the opposite bank, and you catch a fish, you should let them through. However, the person on the opposite bank must ensure that he does not impede the playing of the fish.
7. In order to prevent lies being disturbed you must not wade deeper than instructed by the ghillie.
8. No rod should be fished for more than 12 hours a day. No rod is to be shared by more than two persons in the course of a day, with the exception of immediate family.
9. At no time will more than three rods fish any one pool at the same time. This specifically applies to the Ferry Pool, which includes the Stones.
10. The ghillie's decision is final but he should not be put into a position where he has to exert his authority.
11. Every fisher must abide by the Conservation Policy. It is in everybody's interest to safeguard our sport. Please remember, when returning fish, you must touch them as little as possible and only with wet hands or a wet cloth.
12. Salmon and sea trout parr, kelts and all gravid fish must be returned carefully to the river.
TREATING EQUIPMENT
With the increased movement of fishers between rivers and in the interest of hygiene, we request that all fishers coming to the Beauly ensure that their fishing equipment has been disinfected. This can be done using various methods.
• Place all equipment in a deep freeze for a day
Or
• Store equipment for 48 hours in a drying room with a minimum temperature of 20C
Or
• Place equipment in a room for 1 hour with the temperature at a minimum of 60C
Or
• Immerse equipment in a 3% solution of salt for 10 minutes
Your ghillie will help you with this task if necessary.
SAFETY AND FISHING
• WADING – Always wear a life jackets or buoyancy aid. If wading in a difficult place make sure someone is with you. If you do not know the river, ask your ghillie.
• Use a wading stick and never wade too deep especially in fast water. The Beauly can rise without warning so be aware of conditions at all times. A rising river will create capillary action on the stones by the rivers edge.
• Never drink and wade.
• CASTING – Hooks can cause serious injury, so wear protective glasses and do not try to cast more line than you can manage. Make sure that no one is standing behind you in the way of you back cast and be especially careful when fishing near high voltage overhead wires.
GUIDELINES FOR GHILLIES' FISHING
The Beauly beats rotate and it is therefore in everyone's interest that the river is given some time to rest. Ghillies and their wives and others employed, very much appreciate the opportunity to occasionally fish the river. The Committee is in favour of such opportunities being afforded to the ghillies, their wives and other employees. However, the following rules will apply:-
No ghillie, their family or employee may fish unless substit
River/Area
BEAULY DISTRICT FISHERY BOARD SALMON & SEA TROUT CONSERVATION POLICY 2019
The Beauly District Fishery Board has a statutory duty to to act for the protection and improvement of the fisheries and for the increase of salmon and sea trout within its District. With declining rates of marine survival, the conservation of stocks should be of prime importance to all anglers. This Conservation Policy represents a minimum requirement all anglers should adhere to.
SALMON
11TH FEBRUARY TO 31ST MARCH - STATUTORY REQUIREMENT
Under The Conservation of Salmon (Annual Close Time and Catch and Release) (Scotland) Regulations 2014, it is an offence to retain any salmon caught before 1 April. By law, all fish must be released. Every effort should be made to ensure no harm is caused to fish prior to release.
1ST APRIL – 30th JUNE
• 100% catch & release
To protect vulnerable spring salmon stocks, it is the Board's recommended policy that all salmon be released
1ST JULY – 15TH OCTOBER
• Release all hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 7lbs (66cm/26 inches)
• Retain only one cock fish under 7lbs per angler per week with a maximum of three per season
• All coloured and unseasonable fish should be released. Please see illustrative guide overleaf.
SEA TROUT
• Release all finnock of 1 pound (35cm/14 inches) or less
• Release all sea trout of 3 pounds (50cm/20 inches) or above
• Retain only two fish per angler per week with a maximum of six per season
• All coloured and unseasonable fish should be released (smolts, kelts, over-wintered finnock)
GENERAL PROVISIONS
• Fishing should be by Fly only.
• To facilitate the release of fish barbless or crimped hooks should be used. Treble hooks should not be
used.
• Under the provisions of The Conservation of Salmon (Prohibition of Sale) (Scotland) Regulations 2002 the sale of rod caught salmon or sea trout is illegal.
• When releasing fish, try to keep them in water at all times and under no circumstances should fish be lifted clear of the water by their tails.
• Guidance on catch & release best practice can be found on the Board's website this page
• The use of ‘knotless' mesh landing nets is a legal requirement and will help prevent the fish from being damaged.
How can salmon be recognised at the different stages of their life?
Fresh-Run Salmon
Recognised by the pristine condition and bright silver flanks. Fish straight from salt water have loose, easily detached scales and many carry sea lice which drop off within a few days. Hen salmon (illustrated) have a tiny kype on the lower jaw, but unlike cocks they retain normal head proportions while in the river.
Maturing ‘coloured' Cock & Hen
Cock: The combination of "tartan" colours is typical although shades vary - the fully developed kype, used in fighting rivals, and the enlarged adipose fin, are the most consistent indicators of maturity.
Hen: These are usually less coloured than cocks of similar age and they never have enlarged jaws. This one will have spent a few weeks in river or estuary - note the coloured head and lack of true silver flanks.
‘Unseasonal' Cock & Hen in Breeding Dress
Cock: The combination of 'tartan' colours is typical although shades vary - the fully developed kype, used in fighting rivals is the most consistent indicator of maturity.
Hen: This is a summer fish – ‘springers' are often darker by spawning time while late entrants may still be silver flanked. Fully mature hens have soft, swollen bellies and spawning is imminent if they also have protruding vents.
‘Unclean' Kelt
Kelts are salmon which have spawned. Usually identified by the thin shape, distended vent and presence of "gill maggots" on the red gill filaments, they are often encountered by anglers in spring when they regain a silvery appearance and can be mistaken for fresh run ‘springers'. Kelts must be returned unharmed.
FishPal
EXTRA CORONAVIRUS RULES
These rules are to help ensure that not only you, but also other anglers, gillies and walkers, are protected as far as possible. They will apply to all past and future bookings made through FishPal.
1. Social Distancing. Always keep at least 2 metres away from ALL other people on the river (unless in your own household). In particular do not shake hands with anyone.
2. Do not share cars, boats, huts, tackle, nets, crockery, food etc with anyone else (unless in your own household).
3. No longer expect any ghillie to shake your hand, set up your equipment, make you cups of tea, or drive you round the beat. Do not hand any tip directly to the ghillie. Leave it where it can easily be found.
4. Bring your own food and drink and do not share.
5. Bring your own hand sanitiser and wipes and use regularly during the day, especially if you have to use any WC provided by the fishery (try to avoid if you can). Wash your hands regularly wherever possible.
6. Wear gloves when touching doors, gates, styles, fences or any equipment that is not your own.
In addition you must use your own common sense at all times to reduce the risk of cross infection. If in doubt, don't do it!
STANDARD BOOKING CONDITIONS
1. Once you have booked you cannot change your dates or number of rods (the only exception is when you book through the help desk, have notified us of any mistakes within 7 days of the date of making the booking, and provided proper evidence that the mistake is the help desk's and not your own).
2. If you need to change your rod or days, they can be booked separately if you need extra ones and they are available. If you need less rods or days, or decide not to come after all, then we can try to relet them for you, but cannot guarantee to do so. There is a £10 + VAT charge for trying and if successful a further 10% letting fee + VAT.
3. You cannot sublet the fishings you book without our permission and then only by private arrangement and at the same prices and conditions as for this booking. No agent other than ourselves or the fishery manager may be used to help obtain a sublet.
4. Rods may not be shared on any one day without prior permission of the ghillie or fishery manager, which is often refused and should never be relied upon.
5. In Scotland it is illegal to fish without written permission, so you must bring this confirmation, or a copy of it, with you when you fish.
6. Charges: All bookings are subject to a booking charge which will vary according to the amount being booked. The exact charge will be clearly displayed on the very first booking page once you have set what you are wishing to book. There are no charges for processing debit cards. Credit cards can not be used unless you confirm that you are a non EU angler and will be surcharged by 2.5%.
7. Please note that in line with general practice, we cannot give refunds for fishing spoilt by inclement weather or poor water conditions.
8. You must ring the ghillie, or other contact set by the fishery, at least two days before you come, so he knows that you are coming and that you know where and when to meet him.
9. You must report full details of any fish caught to the ghillie or other contact provided by the fishery promptly.
10. We have asked fisheries to provide lifejackets or buoyancy aids of a design that will not impair your ability to fish in comfort. We strongly advise you to wear one when using a boat or when wading in strong or deep water. If you don't, you are doing so at your own risk. If you are not happy with the equipment provided, or any other safety issue, please ring us immediately, so that we can arrange for the situation to be rectified. A general guide to safety can be seen by going to this page
11. If you have any problems with the standard of service provided on the fishery, please tell the ghillie or fishery manager straightaway and if you don't get a satisfactory response, please contact the office immediately, so we have time to act before you leave. Failure to do so will severely hamper any chances of us obtaining fair redress for you.
12. To help prevent an outbreak of Gyrodactylus Salaris which has had catastrophic effects on some foreign rivers, all rods fishing must complete a Gyrodactylus declaration on arrival at the fishery. This states that either you have not used your fishing tackle abroad in the last three months, or you have done so and had it properly sterilised, or you have done so and NOT had it sterilised. In the latter case, you must agree to sterilisation taking place before you start fishing, and accept that there may be some delay in getting this organised. A copy of the declaration form can be seen by going to this page and more information on Gyrodactylus by going to this page
13. All bookings are also subject to the conditions set by the relevant fishery.
14. The booking system and its management are at all times acting only as an agent for the fishery. All letting contracts are therefore between the fishery and the person taking the fishing.
15. The system management and/or the fisheries reserve the right to immediately withdraw fishing without compensation from anyone who breaks these or associated conditions, or flouts normal standards of behaviour or fishing etiquette.
16. You need to bring your own fishing equipment (rods, reels, lines, flies etc) unless you have specifically agreed with the fishery well in advance that they supply this for you.
17. You need to be reasonably healthy and mobile to access most fishings. If you are not, you must notify the fishery or ourselves before you book, to ensure that you can be looked after safely and properly.
18. Anglers are reminded that parking of cars should be in designated parking areas and is always at the anglers own risk.
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