REGULATIONS FOR RIVER LOCHY FISHERS
Monday Mornings (or Thursday mornings for 3 day bookings) The head of each angling party must report to the Fishing Room at Camisky between 8.30 and 9.30am on Monday morning or morning of arrival for : Gyrodactylus Salaris declaration : Form MUST be signed prior to anyone from any party commencing fishing.
NOTE : Anglers who have been fishing anywhere abroad within the previous month should produce full disinfection certification or have their equipment disinfected at the Fishing Room (please give 48 hrs notice if requiring disinfection.
• A brief update on River conditions, previous weeks fishing and current prospects
• Hut / Boat key and catch return form. Fishing Methods
• MAY-OCT Fly fishing only–except when SEPA gauge is above 2ft when spinning is permitted
• Single, double & treble hooks are allowed.
• Please ensure you have a decent set of forceps for hook removal.
Catch and Release procedure – All season ALL WILD MSW SALMON AND GRILSE MUST BE RELEASED.
ALL FARMED SALMON MUST BE KILLED
What to have and what to do...... • ALL anglers should carry a set of forceps to remove hooks. This is the most effective unhooking method when you are releasing a fish.
• When fishing from a high bank (i.e. Tailrace-left bank) or locations where “beaching” a fish is problematic, anglers should carry a net.
• Fish should not be played to the point of exhaustion, particularly at times when water temperatures maybe higher than normal e.g. low water conditions.
• Whether beaching or netting a fish, please ensure the time it spends out of the water is kept to an absolute minimum.
• If taking photos it’s best to keep the fish in the water until the camera is ready.
• NO fish should be lifted up solely by the tail. If lifting out the water, use both hands – one around the wrist of the tail and the other supporting the weight near the front.
• To release a fish, simply hold it facing upstream, against the current, on an even keel until you feel is has enough energy to swim off by itself. It is best to hold in well oxygenated water to ensure a quicker recovery time.
• Bleeding Fish : o From the mouth – RELEASE – it will usually survive. o From the gills – CALL THE FISHING COORDINATOR. Keep fish in water until a decision is made
• If a fish shows signs of exhaustion/stress and will not hold its upright position in the current, then please give it extra time. It can take up to 20+mins to revive a fish in warmer temperatures.
• Please plan ahead – equipment, tackle, where to land your fish etc.
Enjoy your sport but be mindful that the fish is being released. Handle as little as possible and make sure it swims away.
Many thanks for taking care of our precious resource.
Extra fishing on beats shared with local angling clubs
ALL SEASON The Beat 1 party may fish 2 rods on Mucomir Pool any day of the week. Please note that the left bank of Mucomir Pool is fly-only. This beat should have no more than 8 rods (4 each bank) fishing at any one time).
Up to 4 'upstream' rods may fish the Tailrace beat at any one time. No fast sinking lines permitted on this Beat. The Tailrace Beat is shared with the Inverlochy Angling Club. Please be courteous.
Health and Safety You will notice that, while we would wish to retain the ‘wild’ element of the river and its banks, we have made changes to some of the more obvious risks that could exist. However, we would like to highlight to all anglers that, while we have attempted to reduce potential risks wherever possible, you do access this wild place at your own risk.
The River Lochy Association cannot highlight the danger of drowning while fishing too strongly. Not only do we encourage you to wade within your ‘limits’, but be aware of water height variations when fishing, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The Lochy is a Hydro river and therefore levels can fluctuate dramatically in a short space of time. Please monitor the height of the river if crossing and/or accessing fishing areas from islands. The use of a wading stick and a life jacket are recommended.
Boats and huts There are 2 boats on each beat (see beat maps) which are primarily used for crossing the river. During low water levels you can usually find crossing points to wade but above 1ft it is advisable to only use the boats. Each party will be provided with a key which will unlock boat and hut padlocks. On leaving the beat at night the boat and hut should be locked and secured.
During periods of very heavy rainfall the boats may become filled with water. It is the responsibility of your Ghillie to bail the boat. If you do not have a Ghillie then in some cases you may have to perform this task yourself or, in extreme weather conditions, a member of the RLA staff will be on hand to assist.
