Fishery
Fishery Letting conditions
Spinning is only permitted in high water (over three foot on the gauge), and catch and release is strongly encouraged.
All fish before 31 May must be returned. We would encourage the return of all seatrout.
We ask all anglers to use barbless hooks, and not to use trebles.
River Letting conditions
The use of shrimps and prawns are banned throughout the district.
The season extends from the 16th February until 31st October.
River/Area
The use of shrimps and prawns are banned throughout the district.
The season extends from the 16th February until 31st October.
As of January 2016 it is a criminal offence to retain a salmon or grilse prior to 30 april. By law any salmon or grilse that is killed before this date must be returned to the River.
After this date Catch and release is voluntary but recommended for both salmon and sea trout to the 15th June.
Esk Board's Recommendations for the Conservation of Spring Salmon and Sea Trout in 2018 are as follows:
Fishing methods
*The Esk Board recommends the use of barbless hooks to promote the safe return of salmon and sea trout. To refrian from the use of treble hooks. In addition anglers are respectfully reminded that fish destined for release should not be taken out of the water for photography. The length can be estimated by using the rod as a measuring stick and the weight estimated from standard weight/length relationships
North Esk Cat1
*The Esk Board operates a policy of voluntary Catch-and-release which is important to protect all salmon stocks and sea trout
South Esk Cat2
*The Esk Board operates a policy of voluntary Catch-and-release which is important to protect all salmon stocks and sea trout
* Insists that all tackle which has been used abroad is disinfected to prevent the accidental introduction of Gyrodactylus salaris.
FishPal
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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