5th August, 2010
Mill Stream success for young Ness angler
Danny shows how its done
Perseverance paid off early in August for 11-year-old Ness angler Danny Henderson. A regular at the Mill Stream, often beating seasoned anglers to the river around 7 am, Danny has been putting in the hours in a bid to repeat his feat of last season when he landed his first ever salmon. On Thursday (August 5) he saw a fish jump in the bay at the bottom of beat one. He grabbed his spinning rod – equipped with a small brown and gold devon – and ran up to the top of the pool where he cast over the top block and hooked a fresh fish. No-one was close enough to help but he managed to beach the 5lb grilse on his own.
2nd August, 2010
Salmon arrive early on the River Ness
Month ends with landing of massive fish
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July had surprises in store for Ness anglers. It’s been some time since salmon arrived in numbers on the traditional date in the middle of the month. In recent years anglers have had to wait until the first or second week in August for sport to begin in earnest. But this year club anglers began taking fish from the beginning of July, and numbers increased as very low water levels rose to a more than adequate height. The first week saw 12 salmon landed, 19 were taken in week two, three in week three and nine in week four.
But it wasn’t just the numbers of fish that surprised anglers. Among the many grilse were a significant number of big fish in the 15 to 20 pound class. The greatest surprise came on the second last day of the month. Iain Fortey, taking a last cast with the fly rod in the Weir Pool before heading for work, hooked a very large fish which he finally landed, with the help of Archie Campbell, about 300 yards downstream adjacent to the Mill Stream hut. The large cock fish was 44 inches long and weighed 30 pounds.
20th July, 2010
Angling club loses its honorary vice-president
George Cameron, tutor and friend, dies
Inverness Angling Club has lost its much respected honorary vice-president. George Cameron, one of the Highlands’ top anglers who had given a lifetime of service to the club, died suddenly in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on July 14 at the age of 79. He had been looking forward to fishing the rivers Ness and Nairn at the peak of this season and repeating his enjoyment of the club’s winter trout league when it re-starts in October.
George was particularly supportive of young people. There are many who owe their casting skills to his tutoring. He also made sure they had the right flies or lures, knew where and when to fish and took special pleasure in seeing them land their first salmon. Kevin Macdonald, one of the club’s most successful anglers, recalls: “George helped me land my first salmon from the Provan’s Pool when I was 14 years old. I’d hooked it off the top island and hadn’t a clue what to do. George saw my predicament and came all the way round from Charlie’s Seat on the MacIntyre to gaff the fish.”
Jack Fraser, honorary president of the club, said: “We were mates for some 70 years. George was always ready to help and he was a key figure in helping found the club’s activities at the Highland Field Sports Fair. He will be sorely missed by his many friends.”
George is survived by his wife Connie, son George and daughters June, Connie and Maggie to whom the committee and members of Inverness Angling Club send their sincere condolences. His funeral service will be held at St Ninian’s Church, Culduthel Road, Inverness on Thursday, July 22, at 10 am.
11th July, 2010
Lost and found!
A surprise return for Kevin’s favourite fly
As catches on Inverness Angling Club’s water rose to four or five a day last week, there was further proof that salmon will take a fly after being lost, and with ironmongery already in their mouths. Ross Anderson was among the successful anglers on the pool early on the morning of Saturday (July 12), taking a magnificent salmon of around 12lbs. Hanging from its mouth was a length of nylon attached to a Cascade-style fly lodged in the throat of the fish. Having heard that a sizeable fish had broken Kevin Macdonald in the Mill Stream the previous day, Ross showed the fly to Kevin who was fishing nearby. He confirmed it was his, cleaned it up and tied it to his line. A short time later Kevin went down to the Macintyre Pool where he had been successful earlier in the week. Within a few casts his version of the Cascade again proved its worth as he hooked and landed a fresh grilse. Now that’s an event unlikely to be repeated but a story that will be re-told often in local angling circles!
2nd June, 2010
Highland Council acts to resolve parking problem
'No overnight parking' sign erected at Little Isle
A long standing problem of caravans and motor homes parking overnight in the Little Isle car park should be alleviated with the erection by The Highland Council of a 'No Overnight Parking' sign. The installation follows representations by Inverness Angling Club whose members have experienced difficulty parking their vehicles when out for an early morning cast.
1st June, 2010
Few salmon from club fishings as low water prevails
Weir and Little Isle produce fresh run specimens
With just two fish accounted for in April – both double figure specimens taken from the Weir Pool by Martin Nelson and Alva Parks – May saw a poor return for anglers on Inverness Angling Club’s Ness fishings. Just three fish were landed – compared with 14 last May. Willie Stirling landed two spinning at the Weir on the 19th and Nick Barker used a Cascade to entice a fresh fish from the Little Isle stream on the 27th. All were sea liced and returned. Willie’s fish were estimated at 7 and 8 lbs while Nick’s fish, carefully weighed prior to release, was 11.5 lbs. Nick’s fish came virtually a year to the day since he caught his last fish off the club water.
Low water prevailed throughout the month. Such conditions normally favour the club fishings, holding fish back in pools like the Little Isle and Weir, but there is some debate about whether this caused the low catches or it was down to a number of members choosing not to fish during the period of mandatory release. With that period ending on May 31, more anglers should be evident on the water from Tuesday (June 1). The club continues to encourage a release rate of at least 50 per cent.
17th May, 2010
Inaugural trout league voted a success
Phillip and Lee take top awards
 [Pop up picture] Inverness Angling Club’s inaugural winter trout league was voted an outstanding success by competitors who fished the final session at Achagour Fishery last Saturday (May 15). Total catches were impressive, despite losing two of the monthly sessions to extreme weather.
Phillip Enfield achieved the heaviest overall bag with a total catch of 38lbs 7ozs, wining the IAC Trophy and a rod, reel and line sponsored by Inverness tackle dealers Graham and Company. Lee Mackenzie landed the heaviest fish, a rainbow of 7lbs 9ozs, to win the IAC trophy and a rod and line sponsored by international tackle manufacturers Snowbee.
The runners-up for the heaviest bag were Billy Orrock (31lbs 4.5ozs), winning a £60 tackle voucher donated by club member Neil Fraser, and George Skinner (30lbs 8ozs), who received a fishing suit donated by Highland Industrial Supplies.
Entry forms are now available for the 2010/11 league which will run from October to a final session on May 14, 2011. Copies will be placed in the Little Isle and Mill Stream huts or you can call Alan Scott (see permit for telephone number) who can email you a copy.
15th April, 2010
Major manufacturers support Winter Trout League
Organisers also recognise generosity of local members
Snowbee, whose products are a popular choice by Highland salmon and trout anglers, is the latest international tackle manufacturer to make a substantial contribution to Inverness Angling Club’s inaugural Winter Trout League. The company has donated a valuable rod and fishing lines as leading prizes for the competition, joining local tackle dealers Graham and Company which has given a rod, reel and line in association with Daiwa.
League organisers Alex Elliott and Alan Scott paid tribute to the generosity of the companies – and to a range of local contributors including Neil Fraser (£130 in tackle vouchers plus three bottles of whisky) and Highland Industrial Supplies (two fishing suits). “Donations are sufficient to ensure that every competitor receives recognition for his efforts in the league which has proved an immensely enjoyable competition. We are all looking forward to the final on May 15 and are already planning a repeat for 2010/11, running from October to May.”
13th April, 2010
Join the cap set!
Club caps still available
Club members who have not yet purchased a club baseball cap can do so by contacting Louis Lisle (usually at the Little Isle hut around 11 am each day) or Alan Scott (contact telephone number on permit). The caps are available in green and navy and priced at £7.
12th April, 2010
Mill Stream hut opens for season
New flooring fitted
Anglers on the right bank of Inverness Angling Club’s Ness fishings will be pleased to know that the Mill Stream hut is now open for the season. Tough industrial vinyl has been laid to protect the floor from assault by water and studded boots. For this we are indebted to David Macleod, a flooring specialist before he joined the staff of Grahams tackle shop. The hut’s cooker and furniture were re-installed, along with some new additions, on Monday (April 12) – so tea and coffee can now be prepared and served! Two keys are required to gain access to the hut. Members can obtain them from president Mike Campbell at a charge of £5 per set.
31st March, 2010
Council aims to alleviate Little Isle parking problem
New sign should discourage overnight use by caravans
The Highland Council has confirmed that plans are in place for the installation of a ‘No Overnight Parking’ sign at the Little Isle car park where recent years have seen growing problems caused by the parking of caravans and motor homes. The announcement follows representations by Inverness Angling Club members who fish the Little Isle Pool. The club committee passed these to the council’s local ward manager Stewart Wardlaw whose help in resolving the matter is greatly appreciated by all concerned.
31st March, 2010
Trust secures cash for study of Whin Park lade
Hopes rise for fishery enhancement project
Dr Keith Williams reports that the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust has secured grant money to assess the feasibility of improving the Whin Park lade – the old ‘Electric Burn’ – for potential use in fishery enhancement. Keith revealed: “The money will enable us to get contractors to have a look at the pipe work going through the old turbine house and assess if the fish can get through, and also employ a specialist company to assess the habitat and design any improvements needed.” The news will be welcomed by Ness anglers who believe that a stocking initiative is needed to increase the numbers of salmon migrating from and returning to the river.
16th March, 2010
Winter Trout League final re-arranged for May 15
Extension restores sessions lost to the big freeze
Some sessions of Inverness Angling Club’s inaugural Winter Trout League were casualties of the big freeze as Achagour Fishery was hit by thick ice and deep snow. The last session to be fished by a couple of competitors was around December 15, and those who did not anticipate wintry conditions lost out on adding to their total bag. January and February sessions were impossible as the fishery remained ice-bound, and most thought the March session would suffer the same fate. The weather finally relented, however, and higher temperatures and fresh winds resulted in the fishery being declared open in the week beginning March 15, enabling competitors to fish their first session of 2010.
The planned six monthly sessions of the league have been restored as the organisers have postponed the final to Saturday, May 15. While the league arrangements allow anglers to fish their sessions at a time of their choosing each month, all participants must fish the final session together. This is designed to deliver a competitive and enjoyable final event, with a bit of a party atmosphere and a prize for everyone.
Anglers will gather at the fishery by 0930 on May 15, the competition will start at 1000, there will be a break for a snack lunch at 1230, fishing will re-start at 1315 and the competition will close at 1545. The prizegiving will take place at 1630. Car owners willing to act as nominated drivers for the event, and those needing lifts, are invited to contact Alan Scott (telephone number on club permit).
20th February, 2010
Canoe slalom course installed on Electric Burn
Club reassured on potential river impact
Members have been concerned about the sudden appearance of a canoe slalom course on the lower part of the Electric Burn, below the Whin Park shop. While the club was not consulted on this development, it is understood the course is intended as a training aid for young or inexperienced canoeists. There should be no question of water flow being increased with potential impact on the river between the Weir and the General’s Well Pool. The Fishery Trust is keeping a close eye on the situation, especially as the area holds stocks of lampreys.
20th February, 2010
Fisheries Trust to look at juvenile production potential of Ness lades
Post your thoughts to the IAC Forum
Various lades connected to the River Ness – including those at Island Bank Road, the Electric Burn, Holm Mills and Ness Castle – are to be investigated by the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust to determine whether they can be developed to assist natural production of young salmon. A small hatchery has long been on the wish list of Ness anglers, although it is recognised that the River Garry and upper parts of the Ness system must take priority as natural recruitment is reputed to be at a dangerously low level. Stocks of fry and parr in the Ness are said to be high but club anglers argue that stocks of mature returning fish have declined and cite hatchery stocking experience on other rivers, like the Dee, as the way to go. Let us know what you think by posting your thoughts to the IAC forum on this site.
20th February, 2010
Flood prevention scheme to begin
Holm Burn works scheduled for the summer
Now that the much discussed Inverness flood prevention scheme has received formal approval, work will begin this summer on the Holm Burn and the area where it enters the River Ness at Ness Side. The committee of Inverness Angling Club was briefed on the project by Keith Williams, biologist to the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust. The works, which will take some two months to complete, are likely to receive permission to commence ahead of the Ness District Fishery Board’s usual period constraint of August/September, so that any over-run does not threaten the spawning season. As the Holm Burn holds deposits of clay, the works could cause significant colouration of the river, especially on the right bank.
19th February, 2010
Roy collects Angler of the Year Award
Contribution to club is recognised
 [Pop up picture] President Mike Campbell presented the club’s Angler of the Year Award to member Roy Gibson (left in picture) at a meeting of the committee on February 18. The award is presented annually to a member who has made a substantial contribution to the club. In his own quiet way, Roy ensures that bank access to the Ness fishings is comfortable for members by clearing scrub and overhanging branches.
9th February, 2010
Club members thanked by visiting piscator
John impressed by happy gang at Little Isle hut
A big ‘Thank you’ to members of Inverness Angling Club comes from summer visitor John O’Brien, of Wandle Piscators Angling Club, who won a week’s permit donated by the club to the Wild Trout Trust’s annual auction.
Says John: “I chose to come at the very end of August and first week of September. A 12 hour overnight coach journey from London delivered me to the riverside around 1.00pm on Sunday afternoon. Don MacKay’s words from our telephone conversation were still fresh in my mind – ‘You’ll nay be fishing on the Sabbath’. I made my way along the river and up to the Park Guest House where Hendry Robertson made me comfortable for my stay – and gave me hearty breakfasts every morning for the rest of the week.
“Determined to be ready to go the next morning, I walked the river bank all the way up to the weir on Sunday afternoon. What lovely stretches of water I saw, and crystal clear. On Monday morning I set off for the Little Isle hut to find Louis Lisle and get my permit to fish for the week. He told me that the river was running over a foot higher than normal as a result of dam draining further up the system. He said the fishing would be tough, and he was right.
“After a few days the rain started and it poured down. The river rose a further three feet and was roaring through. I still can't believe I fished a river, risen over four feet in flood, and still running crystal clear. Many areas were unfishable but the happy gang at the Little Isle hut continued to encourage me and give me advice on how and where to fish. Bill, a regular visitor from Fife, was a particularly good source of information and help.
“Just how good was all that advice? I fished hard for six days and caught nothing! However, I did get a lot of casting practice – which was needed, as I’m new to salmon fishing. I also fished four days on the River Usk in Wales this season with no joy there either.
“Thanks once again for supporting the Wild Trout Trust and for all the friendship and advice offered by the regulars at the Little Isle Hut. It was much appreciated and mostly remembered. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful stretch of river at your doorstep. I envy you.”
We appreciate your comments, John, Don’t be a stranger - Editor
5th February, 2010
Thought for the Week
The waiting fisherman
A fisherman is one who can’t wait ten seconds for a woman but can wait all day for a fish. Anonymous
4th February, 2010
Another threat to salmon survival?
Deep wading could damage our future stocks
As salmon anglers, we all want to help the fish that enter our rivers to maximise the results of the spawning season. Let’s face it, we all know that the King of Fish faces enormous threats to its survival in the journey from the redds to the sea and back again. So at a time when ova are secure in the redds, and some alevins could well be emerging, take care not to destroy these valuable additions to our stock by deep wading. And in the present low water conditions on the Ness, even shallow wading could prove harmful in pools with good depths of gravel close to the banks. So watch your wading – and save our stocks!
3rd February, 2010
Opening day sees first fresh fish of the season
Enjoyable celebrations at the Mill
 [Pop up picture] Billy Connolly’s exploits on the River Dee may have grabbed the television spotlight, but some 50 members of Inverness Angling Club had a great time at the Mill Stream Pool on February 1 with an enjoyable opening ceremony, the first fresh fish of the season caught on the Weir Pool and 15 or so lively kelts which bent rods for the first time in 2010.
The event was sponsored once again by the Holm Mills Shopping Village whose manager, Neil Soutar, declared the season open. President Mike Campbell paid tribute to Neil’s unstinting support for the club throughout the last few seasons. As members took to the river, word came through that John Kaka had caught and released a fresh 8lb fish at his favourite sport in the Weir Pool. Other members connected with strong and lively kelts, including Neil Fraser with three from the Weir; Billy Mackenzie, two from the Mill Stream; and Frank Rabbeth and Lee Mackenzie stretched their lines on the MacIntyre Pool.  [Pop up picture]
Evening TV news coverage included reports and interviews on Scottish Television and BBC Alba. Next day’s Highland edition of the Press and Journal carried a story and front page picture which featured members Graham Mackenzie, David Dyce and Paul Wareing.
3rd February, 2010
Mousey setback for new club member
Alan’s wader problem presents a timely warning
New club member Alan Graham was keenly anticipating opening day on the River Ness so that he could continue developing his Speycasting and fish-catching abilities. But he got a nasty shock when putting all his gear together the night before. Mice had attacked his breathable waders, leaving a series of holes which no patch could fix! It’s a warning to all other anglers that the garage is not the best place to over-winter your gear – or even over-night in the kind of weather conditions we have been experiencing of late, and which are forecast to continue – unless you place them well out of reach of vermin. They will be seeking shelter from the cold, so set a couple of traps to give them a warm welcome! Alan still enjoyed opening day, using a pair of older waders. His persistence paid off when, after patiently fishing right down the Mill Stream, he got a bit of action with a big brown trout.
28th January, 2010
Bright little bundle for Michelle and Ken
Best wishes to future club member
Inverness Angling Club’s future lady membership has just increased with the arrival on Burn’s Day of Breagha Gowans, daugher of Michelle and Ken Gowans. Ken tells us that the midwives have a little bit of a competition at guessing the weight of newborns, and both were close to Breagha’s weight of 6lbs 8ozs. Asked if he would like to have a guess, Ken replied that he’d probably get closer if Breagha was a salmon! All club members send Michelle and Ken – and Breagha – their very best wishes. For those of you not familiar with Gaelic, Breagha means beautiful or bright.
28th January, 2010
Date set for trout league final
Members meet on March 20 to decide top rods
Saturday, March 20 will see the final of Inverness Angling Club’s winter trout league at Achagour Fishery. The league, the first of its kind for the club, has brought some 20 members together over the close season, creating a platform for friendly competition and some superb crack, and reflecting the developing bonhomie of the riverside over the last few seasons.
The final session will start at 10 am, break at 12.30 for lunch kindly provided by fishery owners Stewart and Cindy Mackintosh, restart at 1.30 and end at 3.30 pm. The prize giving will be held at approximately 4 pm, reward winners and runners-up for the heaviest bag overall and the heaviest fish overall.
22nd January, 2010
Ness opening day arrangements confirmed
Club members look forward to another successful season
Final arrangements have been confirmed for Inverness Angling Club’s River Ness opening day celebrations on Monday, February 1. All anglers – members, visitors and their guests – will be given a warm welcome to the Mill Stream Pool at 10.30 for 11 am on the day.
Please use the Anglers’ Car Park nearest the river (follow the signs) and then gather in the main car park from which piper Ken Watson of the Northern Constabulary Pipe Band will lead the gathering to the river. After a welcome from club president Mike Campbell, Holm Mills manager Neil Soutar, who is kindly sponsoring the event, will declare the season open in the traditional manner – a dram for the river followed by drams for those present! Free bacon butties, tea and coffee will then be provided in the Ghillie’s Restaurant in the main building of Holm Mills.
The club is looking forward to another successful season, at least matching the 2009 catch of over 350 salmon and grilse. All salmon and grilse must be returned prior to June 1. Thereafter, the club is again encouraging members and visitors to release at least 50 per cent of their catch up to the end of the season on October 15.
30th December, 2009
New Year wishes
And tight lines!
The committee of Inverness Angling Club send their warmest wishes to all members and friends for a happy, healthy and successful 2010. Tight lines!
30th December, 2009
Opening Day 2010
Mill Stream location for opening ceremony
Inverness anglers will celebrate the opening of the 2010 salmon season with a special ceremony being arranged by Inverness Angling Club at the Mill Stream Pool at 11 am on Monday, February 1. Once again the opening ceremony is being sponsored by the Holm Mills Shopping Village under the management of Neil Soutar, who has kindly arranged for food and refreshments to be laid on following the ceremony. More details will follow shortly.
23rd December, 2009
Club's 2010 permits now on sale
Ness fishings compare with best club waters in Scotland
Inverness Angling Club's 2010 permits for the Ness Fishings are now available from Graham and Company, the tackle dealers based in the city's Castle Street. Permit categories include senior (£100), lady (£50), concessionary (£28) and junior (13 to under 18 years, £5). Juniors aged 12 and under are entitled to free permits. Concessionary permits are restricted to those who have reached the age of 65 and have been members of the club for 10 consecutive years. Those who wish to concentrate only on the sea trout fishings below the Black Bridge can obtain permits for £6.
The club also makes associate membership available to those outside the immediate area of the City of Inverness (including Balloch, Culloden, Smithton and North Kessock) for an annual fee of £140. Application forms for associate membership, and for those from the Inverness area joining the club for the first time, can be downloaded from the permits page of this web site. New senior members pay a joining fee of £10.
With 2009 returns totalling 352 salmon and grilse, the club believes its rates offer very good value for salmon fishing, particularly as its attractive fly pools bear comparison with the best club or association waters in Scotland.
28th November, 2009
AGM warned about future costs
Further fee increases may be needed to meet rising rent
Members of Inverness Angling Club will not have to meet any increase in fees for 2010, but officials confirmed at the club’s well-attended annual general meeting on November 26 that it may be a temporary reprieve. The District Valuer determined that the rent payable to Highland Council for the Ness Fishings should rise by £3,000 to £15,000 a year from August 2008. While the club appealed the timing of the imposition of the rent, on which a final decision by the valuer is awaited, cautionary increases in senior, concessionary, associate and visitor permits were introduced for the 2009 season. But if the club is to avoid future deficit, fees could go up further in 2011. Meantime, treasurer Billy Mackenzie reported a surplus of £3,126 on income of £35,705 – a reduction of £1,700 on the previous year. The bulk of costs of over £32,000 were attributable to fishing rents and fishery board assessments.
28th November, 2009
Fluctuating numbers underline potential dangers
Future appears healthy as junior membership rises
A surprising drop in 2009 membership underlined the fluctuating fortunes of Inverness Angling Club. At one time, senior membership of the club was restricted to a maximum of 350 but it is some time since that total was reached. Adult membership rose from 256 to 269 in 2006 but crashed to 229 in 2007. The following year saw a healthy increase to 272 but numbers returned to 229 in 2009.
Secretary Donnie MacKay commented: “Repeats of this level of membership in future years may mean that the club will become more dependent on income from associates and visitors or accept further increases to our own permit costs.”
The future of the club would appear healthy with junior membership (under 18s) rising from 116 in 2005 to 133 in 2009. Total membership in all categories, excluding under 12s, currently stands at 481.
28th November, 2009
Defaulters reach disappointing level
Failure to submit returns means automatic suspension
In order to meet its legal obligations, the club insists that members must make a return of catches by October 23 each year. Members who do not submit timely returns face automatic suspension and must re-apply for membership, incurring a renewal fee of £10 on senior membership fee of £100. Members were disappointed to hear that 43 members defaulted on their returns in 2009.
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