The beat is fished in two separate halves, Waulkmill and Goldcastle and with the benefit of the reciprocal arrangement with the proprietors of the opposite bank whereby this Estates tenants will fish over the whole breadth of the river for approximately half the length of the beat each day, alternating between the upper and lower beats each day.
Waulkmill is split into the upper beat known as Waulkmill and the lower beat known as Goldcastle and Fishponds is split into the upper beat known as Fishponds and the lower beat known as Knowesbank.
2. Sub-letting A tenant may not sub-let the full beat except through the Estate, but he may advise the Estate to sub-let or arrange for the boatman to fish on his behalf. Tenants will be credited with all rents received by sub-lets, less commission of 10%. Sub-letting at a profit of rod or rods at any time is not permitted.
3. Rods A maximum of 6 rods are permitted on the beat.
4. Hours of Fishing The normal hours for fishing are 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, although these times may be extended by arrangement with the ghillie. If parties fish beyond 6 pm, they will share their fishing with up to two bank permit holders, permits being granted separately by the Estate office (these permits will be granted under condition of not infringing the tenants reasonable enjoyment of the water). The Estate reserves the right to fish one extra rod from the bank at any time.
5. Fishing Methods The Tenant will ensure that all members of his party fish in a sportsmanlike manner and only with tackle and bait approved by the boatman. The water should be fished by fly in preference to spinning tackle when conditions are suitable. The use of natural prawn or shrimp bait, or any part thereof, is not permitted (by Statute). Salmon and sea trout parr, all kelts and baggots, and during the months of September and October, any gravid hen fish, must be carefully returned to the water.
6. Catch Returns All fish caught and retuned must be recorded and a return made to the ghillie before you leave the river. This information is essential for Estate records. All records of catches submitted to prospective tenants are believed to be correct but the Estate does not accept responsibility for their accuracy.
7. Dogs If any member of the tenants party brings dogs to the river, the tenant must ensure that they are, at all times, kept under control and in particular, do not worry livestock or otherwise cause nuisance to the Estate or occupiers of adjoining land.
8. Car Park/Access The tenant and any member of his party must exercise care and consideration in driving vehicles over access roads leading to the river, and cars may only be parked in the designated car park areas next to the fishing huts.
9. Fishing Huts The fishing huts are provided as shelters and lunch huts, and are not to be used as sleeping places.
10. Safety The Subjects of the Let comprise the rights of fishing only and the Estate does not accept responsibility for the natural hazards and adverse climatic conditions affecting the catching of salmon. Field sports in general, and rod fishing in particular, automatically expose the participants to risk of injury to themselves and others close by. The tenant must make adequate provision for his or her own safety equipment, such as life jackets and safety glasses, wading sticks, etc, and adequate foul and cold weather clothing. Waders are not provided by the Estate and anyone choosing to wade in water does so entirely at their own risk and with no guarantee from the Estate as to the safety of their actions. Anglers are strongly encouraged to wear buoyancy aids, both in the boats and when wading. Some Estate equipment is available for loan, but no assurance is given as to its safety guarantees. Anyone coming onto the Estate does so at his or her own risk, and the Estate will accept no responsibility for any loss or injury sustained. The tenant must hold suitable third party liability insurance cover to indemnify his party against any competent claim against any of them arising from the let of this fishing.
11. Boatmen The tenant may not fish without the boatman in attendance. Any disputes arising between the tenant and boatman must be referred to the Estate Factor without delay. Where a boatman is required to fish on behalf of a tenant, adequate instructions must be given to the Estate regarding the disposal of fish caught by the boatman in the tenants absence. The tenant is not permitted to hire or engage additional boatmen or boats other than those provided by the proprietor, and the boat(s) provided by the Estate is only to be used under command of the Estate boatman who will be the sole judge on whether the water conditions are safe for the use of such a boat(s).
12. Countryside Code The Countryside Code shall be observed at all times. No fires shall be lit, and no litter may be left in or around the fishing huts, or on the river banks.
13. Poaching The tenant will co-operate in the prevention of poaching and is asked to report immediately to the Estate Office, or any Police Officer, or the Superintendent of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board (tel 01738 583733), fishing by unauthorised persons on beats rented by them.
14. Conservation Measures Guests are asked to adopt a catch and release policy and never to kill a fish they do not require. As a minimum guide, the first salmon caught between 15th January and 31st May must be returned and each individual angler may only retain one fish per day thereafter. Anglers should not fish with worms during this period. From 1st June to 15th October all hen fish to be released and the aim should then be to release at least 50% of cock fish weighing over 15lbs. All coloured fish should be released throughout the year. Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the system where highly coloured fish (spring fish or early grilse) are waiting to spawn.
Copies of the catch and release code are on display in the fishing huts.
