Fishery
Murthly Fishings; Top, Stenton and Lower Beats Letting Conditions.
Covid 19 Protocol and Conditions
1. Anglers booking through Fishpal must agree to:
Travel to the beat should be by private car. Any person sharing your car must be from the same household. Parking and social interaction at Murthly must be responsible and consistent with Scottish Government social distancing rules.
2. Relevant and regular sanitation measures should be taken by all anglers (rods and ghillies), including use of gloves and disinfectant hand gels, which will be provided.
3. The hut toilets will be open from 9am to 5pm. These will be cleaned by the ghillies at the end of every day. Please ensure a high level of hygiene is observed during use.
4. Huts – Access will be permitted to the indoor and outdoor seating areas at the Low Water Hut from 15th July, but kitchens remain closed for now. Only the veranda will be open at the Top Water Hut, due to the shared nature of this hut which creates an added dimension of risk and a large additional cleaning requirement. Usage of the huts must follow government guidance and strict social distancing must be observed indoors between members of different households. This may mean that there will not be space for all rods and their families to use the huts during the same day. The Low Water Hut will be open from 9am to 5pm. Anglers use the huts at their own risk and Murthly Estate reserves the right to close the huts at any time.
5. Food and drink brought with you should be consumed in a manner consistent with social distancing rules. If required, you should bring your own cups, plates, cutlery etc. These items will not be provided.
6. Anglers must not share fishing tackle or equipment, except with members of the same household. Ghillies will not handle any rods belonging to anglers.
7. Many of the normal activities of the ghillies will have to be undertaken in a modified manner under social distancing guidelines. You will need to set up your own rod, change lines, tips, flies and leaders yourself and take down your rod after fishing. It is possible that assistance with landing fish may be undertaken, however nets or any fishing tackle should not be passed between people.
8. Only one rod allowed in the boats at a time, to sit at the far end from the ghillie. Boats will be disinfected at the end of every day. Only members of the same household may use the boat in any one day.
9. Lifejackets are required, you must bring your own.
10. The fishing beat will close with immediate notice if the beat ghillie shows symptoms of COVID-19.
11. I confirm that no members of my party have any symptoms of coronavirus.
12. I confirm that no members of my party have knowingly been in contact with a confirmed or possible case of coronavirus within the last 14 days.
13. I confirm that no members of my party have been contacted by the NHS track and trace scheme to inform them they have been in touch with a confirmed case of coronavirus in the last 14 days.
14. I agree to inform the ghillie immediately if I or any of my party start showing any symptoms of coronavirus and agree to stop fishing immediately in this event.
The principal rod, to whom these letting conditions are originally sent, is responsible for distributing copies of them to all other rods within the party for the week(s)/day(s) concerned. Further copies can be obtained from the Estate Factors. No persons other than nominated rods may fish during the let unless with the prior consent of the Estate Factors. All rods must register at the fishing hut before fishing commences.
Manner of Fishing
1. All rods shall fish in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner. The use of natural bait is forbidden at all times.
2. The instructions of the ghillie shall be adhered to at all times, and boats may not be used for fishing by guests without the supervision of a ghillie. No interchanging of rods during the day is permitted.
3. All foul-hooked fish shall be returned to the river unharmed if possible.
4. Salmon and sea trout parr, gravid fish and kelts should be returned to the river.
5. Catch and release; Rods are requested to adhere to the Regulations as stipulated by the District Fishery Board.
6. No shooting of any kind is permitted.
7. Any dog brought by a member must be kept under strict control and must not cause annoyance or interference to other fishermen.
8. A maximum of 2 rods are permitted to fish from a boat at any time in both beats.
9. Cars must be parked in such a way as to avoid obstruction to others.
10. Rods shall respect at all times the property of others.
11. The country 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.
12. Any rod who causes damage or becomes aware of damage, however caused, to any of the property will inform the boatmen immediately and thereafter the Factor as soon as possible.
13. Any rod observing any disturbances or foul play on the part of other rods shall report the same immediately to the boatmen, who shall be entitled to ask any rod to withdraw from the river in the event of any breach of the rules or Bye Laws. Any rod may also report any such infringement to the Factor.
14 Traditionally fishing has commenced at 9.30 am and finished at 5.00 pm. From 1 May to 31 August in each year fishing is also permitted from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Payment of Rent Etc
15. Paid through Fishtay Website.
Safety
16. All rods and any other visitors to the fishings shall attend a safety briefing by the ghillie as soon as possible after their arrival at the beat, and shall sign the register to confirm they have received that briefing before any fishing takes place or before visitors leave the vicinity of the fishing hut.
17. Ghillies are obliged to wear flotation jackets whilst wading or in a boat. It is also recommended that they wear protective eye glasses and a cap when fishing. Rods are strongly advised in the interests of their own safety to take the same precautions, and to use wading sticks when appropriate. Furthermore, no rod may use a boat unless wearing a flotation aid. Rods should familiarise themselves with the plan of the river in the fishing hut, and with the safety diagrams on action to deal with water-logged waders etc. shown in the fishing hut. Flotation Aids are available from the ghillie, and rods are strongly encouraged to use them.
18. Rods may only fish after 5 p.m. with the agreement of the ghillie. Rods are strongly advised to make arrangements to remain in contact with each other and to summon help if necessary. Murthly Fishings - Letting Conditions
19. Fishing under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants can of course be dangerous and rods are strongly recommended to bear this in mind If the ghillie believes that any rod is so intoxicated as not to be able to fish safely without risk to themselves, he may require the rod to stop fishing or to fish only from such places as the ghillie may specify.
20. The ghillies carry mobile phones and full details of emergency arrangements, including contact details, are displayed in the fishing huts.
General Matters
21. Canoeing; While every effort is made to regulate canoeing on the river, this let is subject to any arrangements which have been made with the recognised canoeing organisations.
22. Every effort has been made for security of rods' equipment whilst on Murthly Beats. However, no liability can be accepted by the Fishings for any damage howsoever caused. Rods are advised to insure their equipment appropriately.
23. The Principal rod is responsible for locking huts and gates as necessary after 5pm. Keys will be provided to the Principal rod at the start of the let.
24. Any problems or difficulties arising out of the let of the fishings whether of the ghillies, the river bank or otherwise should be addressed immediately to the Estate Factors, Bidwells, Broxden House, Lamberkine Drive, Perth, PH1 1RA - telephone 01738 630666.
River/Area
1. 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 here: this page
2. The season is from 15th January to 15th October inclusive on the Tay and all tributaries, except the Earn and Eden which are 1st February to 31st October.
3. There is no fishing allowed on Sundays.
4. It is illegal to intentionally foulhook fish.
5. No prawns or shrimps can be used at any time.
6. The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board who are responsible for the management of the fisheries, requests all anglers to abide by a code for the conservation of salmon, especially spring salmon which have become much scarcer in recent years. Anglers are urged to adopt a catch-and-release culture and never to kill any fish which they do not require.
From the start of the Season to 31st May
All fish are to be released.
Anglers should not fish with worms.
From 1st June to 15th October:
All fish should be released.
Anglers should not fish with worms in September or October.
Sea trout:
All sea trout should be released throughout the entire season.
Further details and the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board's conservation recommendations can be viewed at: this page.
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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