Many thanks to all that attended the AGM on the 21st of November, was great to see a very good turn out despite the weather conditions.

The minutes can be read by clicking the following link AGM Minutes

A reminder that the AGM will be held next Thursday on the 21st of November, it would be great to see you there as be plenty to discuss on the night. The following motions and committee recommendations are listed below.

Motion from George Macdonald.

PROSOSAL

Amend Membership rule 3.1 to read “Concessionary membership will be granted to members with a minimum of 12 years consecutive membership on application in the year of their 65^th birthday”.

Reason for proposal

This would avoid the anomalous situation where a person who had been a member for only 12 continuous years reaching their 65^th birthday in year 13 on 31^th March would qualify, but a person who has been a member for 35 continuous years but was born on 1st April would not.

This is rewarding someone born before 31^st March while punishing someone born after that date.

Committee recommendations.

Have a flat fee of £110 (£10 additional will go towards the re-stocking programme beginning this year, for more information Brian Shaw NDSFB director will be in attendance at the AGM) This will remove the £150 charge if you held membership within the last 5 years and re-join with a break within those years, concession permit to increase by £5 for the same reason as noted which is still half price of full paying member. Associate adult permits additional £10 bringing this to £110 same as standard adult.

Remove intermediate permit so18 year olds and up will become full adult members.

Day ticket increase of £5 taking a spring permit to £25 up to the end of June, summer permits up £5 to £35.

Kevin Elliott to be elected to membership secretary.

Honorariums for the following office bearers - President, club secretary, treasurer and membership secretary. Award to be set my members at the AGM.

In compliance with items 6.1, 6.2 and 6.5 of the constitution, notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Inverness Angling Club will be held at the Raigmore Recreation Hall on Thursday, 21st November, 2024, at 7 for 7.30pm.

Under Rule 6.2, any notices of motion intended to be submitted to the AGM must be made in writing, signed by the member giving the notice and delivered to the secretary 10 clear days before the date of the meeting,. These should be made out to secretary Ally Henderson Station House, Daviot, Inverness, IV2 5XQ or emailed to him This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Huge thanks to Stevie Watt, Willie Macbeth, Davie Dyce and Ally Henderson for their hard work in preparing and collecting the Ruthven boat for it's winter storage yesterday.

The club regret to inform members regarding the passing of a current member.

Rankine Valentine lived in Kilmarnock and was a long time member of IAC, he helped at the Moy Game Fair for many many years, he also booked into a B&B near the Fluke at his own cost just to help out the club. He will be missed.

Well that is it all over for another season on the Ness system, the runs this year were better than last and just shy of the 5 year average but still a far cry from what it used to be. Catches are going in the right direction so lets hope this continues in 2025. The BBQ to mark the end was held on Saturday the 12th of October at the Mill Stream and looks like a great time was had, huge thanks to Ally Henderson and co who set this up, also big thanks to all members who have put in a lot of work over the year.

End of season BBQ.

The barbecue will be held at the Mill Stream same time as usual about half 12.
If anyone has any prizes for the raffle can you get them to Davie Dyce.

A reminder to all that the brown trout season ends tomorrow, any caught on the river from now on must be returned.
Loch Ruthven has fished well this season and the new boat has been enjoyed by many. We will be removing the boat shortly , cleaning and storing it for the winter.

Catch return boxes are now in the hut at the Little Isle and in Grahams. You can also log this from the website https://www.invernessanglingclub.co.uk/fishing/annual-catch-return.

Returns must be made no later than the 23rd of October or you may face a penalty charge next season.

Malcolm Riddell managed to save a potential blank week with a 7lb fish from the Braes today, conditions have been difficult particularly today with a cold wind and showers. So well done Malcolm not an easy fishing day.

It has been tough the last few weeks with high water and cold days, the water has dropped back so let's see what the last couple of weeks has to offer.

I will be away for the next week or so but club secretary Ally Henderson will keep you all updated with any news.

Tight lines for the rest of the season and hope to see some of you at the BBQ.

Mindless vandals targeted the Little Isle hut overnight last night; the police have been informed and are making enquiries. Thankfully, club secretary Ally Henderson and veteran member Davie Dyce have managed to scrub off most of the spray paint this evening. John Sutherland has kindly offered to re-paint it.

Brian Wallace was in touch today to advise that an angler has left a fly box at the Weir pool this afternoon, please get in touch with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange collection.

It has been a quiet week or so on the river as we draw closer to the end of the season. The numbers landed this year are up on last, which is encouraging at the very least.

The yearly BBQ will be held on the 12th of October at either the Mill Stream or Macintyre; we will confirm nearer the time, so watch this space for more details. As ever, all are welcome to attend, and it would be great to see many of you there. There will be many fishy stories to be exchanged, I am sure.

Tight lines if you are out this weekend.

Regular catcher Donnie Urquhart managed to land the only fish of the day from the Weir pool fishing a Devon minnow. Donnie's fish weighted in at 6lb. Well done!

The conditions this week have been difficult with a cold blustery wind and heavy rain. Next week looks settled so let's see if that makes a difference to catches.

I decided (Kevin Elliott) to cast a fly over the east bank of the Braes pool after work this evening and was rewarded with a coloured fish of around 6lb on my first run through the pool. A 10ft fast tip and size 8 Red Ally Shrimp did the job.

Regular fish catcher Donnie Cameron scored again at the top of the Little Isle yesterday morning (7th September).  He decided to fish one of Neil Fraser's (Peck) killer version of the Black Shrimp on a copper tube and netted a clean fish of 6lb. Well done again Donnie.

The conditons tomorrow are looking good and the river is sitting around 1ft 4", the weather looks a little more unsettled for the rest of the week and this may casue another rise in levels.

Tight lines to all having a cast this week.

Alex Evans was in amongst the fish again today up on the lower beat of Red Braes pool, having had no success on the fly he decided to cover the swing with a black and orange Toby and was aptly rewarded with 2 in 2 casts. Alex said "Seen plenty of fish moving when I arrived and was not long before I got into my first" Well-done Alex.

River is sitting steady at 1ft 9" which is a great height for the upper beat, it's also fantastic to see a few backend fish starting to settle in up there which boads well for spawning.

Tight lines for anyone out on the river tomorrow.

The Red Braes Pool on the upper section of the Ness Angling Club is now starting to produce, Malcolm Davies had a go spinning a Devon Minnow yesterday morning (September 5th) and netted a 7lb fish. The river had settled until some heavy downpours put the river back on the rise, this will have had an effect on catches this week. The weather is settled again for the next few days so let us hope levels drop a little bit.

The IAC is now on 66 fish for the season so far compared to 42 for the whole of last season.

As expected with the dropping river levels catches today have increased, first up is regular dedicated angler Alex Evans who decided to have a go up on the Red Braes pool and was rewarded with a brace, he fished the fly initially and banked a nice fish of around 5lb on a GP feeler double using a sink tip. He then decided to have a go with spinning a zebra Toby and was not long before he hooked and landed another fish of 3.5lb - Very well-done Alex hours on the river pay off.

In the evening club secretary Ally Henderson braved the torrential rain and fished the Macintyre pool with the fly, he netted a clean fish of around 6lb on a size 8 Ness C.

The weather the rest of the week looks a little more settled and should be nice conditions to fish, let’s hope the run of catches continues the rest of week.

Alex with his brace

Donnie Cameron cast a fly over the east bank of the Little Isle today and caught a beautiful sea-liced fish weighing 5lb, he chose to fish a brass tube version his favourite Black Shrimp. This is the sole report received today thus far. River levels have become slightly more manageable at 1 foot 9 inches, as they are still decreasing we are anticipating an increase in the number of fish caught next week.

Tight lines.

Recent high water coupled with high winds have really hampered catches of late, but some anglers are still putting in the effort and it is only a matter of time before that pays off.

Paul MacFadyen fancied his chances down on the Little Isle pool with the fly rod and managed to bank a nice fish of around 4lb with assistance from Scott McCormack on the net, Paul said "Caught it about 11.15 on the fly which I actually tied during my time at the Fly tying classes over the winter". Well done Paul, always good to hear success such as this from members. I have heard other reports of fish hooked and lost today as well so let's hope we have some decent back-end fishing, especially when they start dropping back from loch Ness

The weather the next few days is looking dry and would be nice if water levels dropped a good bit, there are still good numbers of fish seen on the upper river despite the high water so it is still worth a cast.

Paul's Little Isle Fish

Firstly, thanks to everyone that has helped with bank maintenance this year. Unfortunately, there has just been a handful of members who have been attending, we understand that people have other commitments, but we all enjoy the river, and it would be really appreciated if more people would help out.

Ally, Davie and Charlie were all that turned up on Sunday, they cleared the bottom of the Braes, the steps down to the middle beat along with strimming the path on the Holm Mills side, this all achieved by 12:30pm so imagine what could have been completed if we had more help.

There will be another works party either next Sunday or the following Sunday and we hope that more turn up..

Neil Fraser (Peck) had a go with the Minnow early this morning down at the Little Isle and managed a 3lb grilse, Neil also lost another fish shortly beforehand.

A quiet end to the week, let's hope the water settles and drops over the coming days.

Tight lines.

George Cassels fancied his chances today with the high water and took to the productive Macintyre pool at Charlie's seat, George fished to the conditions with a Toby and banked himself a 5lb hen fish - Well done to George in relativley tough conditions. This takes the club's total to 59 this season so far.

Donnie Urquhart took to the Macintyre pool this afternoon with his trusty lure the Devon Minnow and landed a cracking cock fish of 8lb around 1pm. The Ness is now 2ft 7in and steady so different tactics will be required to make the most of it, all in all a quiet week so far but lets hope things improve over the next couple of weeks.

It was a quiet day on the river Ness yesterday with no fish landed on the club's beat although plenty were seen. River levels are now back up and there is more of an Autumnal feel to the air as we approach September. The Red Braes pool should be worth a cast now as we are now entering the back end of fishing, Red Ally Shrimp patterns or anything with red should come into their own from now onwards fished of a sink tip, again do not be afraid of fishing deep with sunk lines as the water rises. Spinnnng almost certainly worth a shot with the sometimes unmanageble wind and potential high water.

In other news there is a works party taking place this Sunday 25th August, the plan is to meet at the Red Braes for 9.30am.

Tight lines to all who are out this week.

Brian McBain banked another 2 fish today from the Macintyre pool, 1 weighed in at 6lb and the other 8lbs both taken on the fly early in the morning. Well done Brian.

Later in the evening Davie Dyce was giving some casting lessons down the Mac with someone else's rod and accidentally hooked a fish, it jump and spat the hook. The angler in question was not impressed as he was flogging away all day with the fly - Only kidding Pedro maybe once Davie casts next time demand he passes back the rod.

Alan Crawford managed another fish today, this time he chose to try the big casting Macintyre and was rewarded with a lovely clean fish of 6lb. He was fishing a Cascade Conehead with a purple body. This is the only report from the day so far.

Well done again Alan keep them coming.

Salmon fishing: Scottish Government proposed river gradings for 2025 season

Methodical angler Donnie Cameron got in amongst the fish again today with 2 added to the book. One was caught in the Macintyre around 5lb, another one down at the Little Isle pool this weighed 3.5lb, both taken on his favourite fly the Black Shrimp.

Alan Crawford reports that he landed an 8lb fish up on the Weir this evening, Alan was using a 15ft sink tip and a killer Cascade Conehead fly - Very well done indeed.

Chris Bruce and Brian McBain are keeping catches ticking over today landing a fish each. Chris started his season off on the Ness with a 6lb fish from the Mill Stream on fly. Brian went to his favoured spot on the Macintyre and landed a 5lb fish on fly early in the morning.

Tides start to build again until Wednesday next week, lets hope the run of fish continues.

We are very sad to report the loss of respected member Louie Lisle.

Louie a very well respected member was a river watcher for the club, he was at the Little Isle hut from first light during the summer months where he met and sold daily and weekly permits to visitors, he also was a expert on the garden fly where he landed quite a few salmon in his time. Louie also looked after the Isle hut cleaning, replenishing water and gas. He was a friend to many anglers around the British Islands, sadly Louie will be missed by anglers near and far, he loved Inverness Angling Club so much so donations at his service will be going to the club.

Details of his funeral service can be found using this link - https://johnfraserandson.com/family-notices

Club Secretary Ally Henderson took some time out of his busy schedule this evening and got his Ness Angling Club season underway with a 7lb fish from the Red Braes pool on a Toby, Ally works incredibly hard for the benefit of members and the club so great to see him off the mark.

Further downstream king fisher Davie Dyce added yet another to his record with a 6lb fish from the Mill Stream on the fly. Gordon Macmillan fishing the Macintyre landed his first of the season whilst spinning, with a 6lb hen fish.

This takes the club catches to 49.

Well done everyone.

Junior member Maddox Reid downed tools for the day after a shift in Grahams Tackle Shop and fancied a cast over the Weir pool, he landed a cracking fish of 11lb on the Toby. He went on to say "1st of the year at the Weir on a Toby, I used the Ness salmon measure tape and measured 11lb". Very well-done young man!

Maddox's Cracker

Another keen junior member James Stewart fished the Coul beat of the river Conon today, this as a result of winning the excellent raffle that took place a few weeks ago provided by Mr Flux. He had a great day landing a 6lb fish. A delighted James said "It's great getting this sort of opportunity to get access to a top fishing beat" An important part of keeping juniors interested in the sport, so a huge thanks to Coul fishing’s.

Onto tomorrow - The very windy conditions of today have now subsided so it’s looking a bit more settled, the river is still up a bit but seems to be dropping slowly. Tight lines to all going out on the river banks.

James with his Coul fish

After a decent day yesterday on the river, today has been quiet......so far.

Kevin Macdonald chose to fish his triple density line with a brass bottle purple cascade to cut through the faster water up at the Weir, This netted him a fish of 3.5lb. Further downstream on the Macintyre pool, skilled angler Kevo battled through the very windy conditions with the fly rod and landed a 4lb fish.

Well done lads, hope to bring you more reports later today.

As expected, the rise in water levels today gave us the best day of the season so far with 7 landed.

Following on from the flurry of activity early in the morning Davie Dyce cast a line over the Little Isle and banked a 4lb grilse, later Kevo added another to his tally with an 8lb salmon from the Macintyre both of these were on fly.

In the afternoon it was Donnie Cameron's turn, he ventured out and cast a line over the Mill Stream pool and hooked into a very large summer salmon, it was eventually landed after a hefty battle, it was estimated at 20lb. Donnie said "Fish not weighed but a solid beautiful fish caught on a beautiful black shrimp fly tied by my good friend and fellow angler Neil (Peck) Fraser" This was his largest ever fish to date. He then went on and had a cast over the Macintyre and banked a 4lb grilse! Some man Donnie very well done!

To close off the day Alastair McArthur banked a 6lb cock fish that was taken on a Devon Minnow at Charlie's seat.

Let's see what tomorrow brings. Tight lines.

Peter Easton creator of the parrot fly, has managed to take the club catches up to the same level as the whole of last season. We now stand on 42 for the season and catches have only really just kicked off the last couple weeks.

Peter's fish was taken on a Devon Minnow at Charlie's seat and weighed in at 5lb. Well done Peter.

There seems to be more of a buzz about the banks this season as numbers of fish being seen/hooked are encouraging. Long may it continue.

I decided to make an early start on the river this morning with the first good water of the Summer, it turned out to be a great decision! I had managed to hook into three fish. The first managed to get off at my feet when it made a last bolt for freedom, the second I managed to land which turned out to be a lovely well-fed grilse of about 7lb, thanks to Ally Henderson helping me tail it, he also dropped a couple himself. The last fish on my second run through the pool was on but threw the hook shortly after lifting into it. My set up for anyone interested was a 10ft extra super-fast sink tip, fished of a floating line. On the business end a Cascade Feeler conehead.

The weather this morning was difficult with the wind changing direction but was very mild, later dark clouds started rolling in with thunder and then the heavens opened, I then decided to call it a morning.

It was good to see numbers of fish running through the club beats, hope to hear of more reports later today. Tight Lines.

Water levels on the river Ness have risen over the last day to over 1.2m on the Sepa guage, this welcome rise should produce some good sport this coming week, will be great to see a slow steady drop to really make the most of the conditions.

Pools such as the Red Braes will now be worth a cast. Heavy sink tips will likely make the most of the water, do not be afraid to fish hover or sinking lines as well.

Devon Minnows will almost certainly produce some sport this week if levels hold.

Tight lines to all who venture out this coming week.

Experienced angler Kevo MacDonald managed to bank 3 fish today on the fly from the big casting Macintyre pool. These weighed in at 3lb, 6lb and 9lb. Later in the day Davy Dyce managed to bank a 5lb grilse from the Mill Stream on the fly, further upstream on the Red Braes Scott McCormack added another to his ever growing tally on a 10g Mepp, his fish weighed in at 3lb

Well done lads.

Scott's 3lb Grilse from the Red Braes

Good numbers of fish are now being seen daily on the river this week and catches remain steady. There has been a slow lift of water the last day or so and this should improve catches. Anglers putting in the effort are being rewarded.

Liam Campbell decided to cast a line over the Macintyre with the garden fly, he was rewarded with a tide fresh grilse of around 5/6lb that gave a good bend in the rod - Very well-done Liam.

Further downstream Willie Clark increased his growing tally with a fresh fish also around the 5lb mark, he hooked his fish at the top of the top of the Little Isle pool on a Cascade fly, expertly netted by Davy Dyce. These catches follow on from the 2 earlier in the day from the Weir pool.

Tight Lines to everyone out on the river banks tomorrow.

Liam's Bright Grilse

Angler Kevin Macdonald banked another 2 grilse today from the Weir Pool, Kevin went on to say "2 grilse first about 5lb and the second about 7lb caught at tail end of Weir pool on size 8 purple cascade, both using floating line with ten-foot fast sink tip and both returned safely".

Fast Sink tips seem to be getting results at the moment, just enough to cut through the fast-flowing Ness and get down a little bit to the fish.

Tight Lines

I managed to get my own account (Kevin Elliott) open on the river Ness this afternoon with a hard fighting grilse of around 7lb. Arrived at the big casting Macintyre pool and there were no rods fishing at the time, in fact the river was relatively quiet. Fished down the pool and seen one in at the side, the very cast after that I hooked into a hard fighting fish which gave a good account of itself, took off like a train at one point. Thankfully Frankie Durdle was there to expertly net it, at that point the hook came out.

Lets hope the run of fish continues to build over the next few weeks.

Veteran angler Davie Dyce got himself of the mark on the mighty Ness today with a fine Salmon of around 8lb, which was caught on the fly from the Generals Well.

Well done Davy!

Kevo Macdonald attended the Weir Pool late morning and banked 2 fish one at 6lb and one at 3lb. The grilse run seems to be building slowly this week so now would be the time to put the hours in.

Scott McCormack is currently on top form, having caught another Grilse at 6.5lb this morning using a homemade orange and black fly. Scott said he was handlining while fishing near the Little Isle hut when the fish took, giving him the best fight he's ever had from a salmon.

Scott's Bright Grilse

Further upstream on the Weir Pool, Ken Polus reports that he hooked a large fish that he played for 15 minutes, but it eventually broke free. Ken was fishing with a Dee Monkey fly. Plenty of fish seem to be running at the moment, but it's difficult to tempt them. Being in the right place at the right time, putting in the hours should yield results.

Brian Wallace fancied an evening cast on the Weir with a new rod he purchased from Scott Mackenzie at the Moy fair, he was delighted when he managed to bank his first of the season. A happy Brain went on to say "Lovely fish of around 6lb thanks to the young club member William for a shot of the net and Liam for netting the fish lovely fish, caught on a 10 foot fast tip with a black and orange cascade tied by fellow junior James Stewart"

Happy Laddie

A friendly reminder to please report catches within 24 hours as detailed on your permits. The link should you need it to save can be found by clicking here.

Tight Lines

Scott McCormack is have some great success on the club water recently, he fished the Generals Well this morning and was rewarded with a grilse of around 4lb. I was provided with some great info on his catch which is always welcome.

Scott said "Hen fish closer to 4lb than 3 off the General's Well at 9 o'clock this morning. The fish took a purple Cascade on a slow sink tip right at the end of the swing in the deep channel on the other side of the bridge.

Well done again Scott keep them coming.

The Little Isle was the place to be this morning when Scott McCormack managed to hook into 2 fish landing one of them. Unfortunately the other came off.

A delighted Scott said "Hooked into two fish this morning on the Little Isle. 1st came off after a bit of a fight and I landed one 6.5lb hen fish after a great battle stripping line off the reel a number of times. Both fish took a purple Cascade size 10 using a floating line with a slow sink tip"

well done Scott.

IAC continued with its long-standing support of the Moy Country Fair over the weekend, unfortunately the wind on Friday was blowing a hoolie right across the loch and the casting had to be cancelled, the fair was also relatively quiet which can be normal at the end of the working week.

Moving onto Saturday the conditions improved, crowds were gathering and casting resumed, club member Aiden Macdonald won the salmon distance casting with a cast of 54 meters - Well done Aiden, he was awarded a salmon rod from Scott Mackenzie Fly Fishing.

Another well-established member Brian Wallce won the trout accuracy competition, congratulations Brian.

A massive thanks must go to all those who made everything possible and the donations that were provided for prize giving and raffle: -

Scott Mackenzie Fly Fishing
HIS
Grahams Tackle Shop Inverness
MacGregor Industrial Supplied
Nairn Angling Club
Inverness Angling Club Members
The raffle raised £220 and is being donated to the charity SNAP.

Brian McBride managed to land himself a lovely hen grilse of 5lb at the neck of the Little Isle pool early this morning.

Well done Brian.

Charlie Dyce had a cast over the Silver Wells this evening and was rewarded with a fine grilse of 7lb on the fly, this is Charlie's first fish of the season. Well done Charlie

The river levels dropped further today and is now showing its bones, small flies full floaters and light sink tips should be the order of the day in some of the shallower pools.

Willie Clark scored again at the little Isle yesterday evening with a bright grilse of around 4/5lb, the fish was taken on a cascade fly at the top of the pool.

It has been a slow start to this week but lets hope this improves soon.

After a flurry of activity last week, this week has started slow with nothing reported on Monday. However, Patrick Kerr managed to kick off catches again with a 5lb grilse from the Mill Stream on a garden fly. Well done Pat.

I have received reports of a few fish seen this evening, this could signal another run of fish. Channary Point is busy with dolphins being observed as more arrive, a lift of water would be most welcome to get them into the system to safety.

Tight lines for all who are planning a cast this week.

Donnie Cameron & Willie Clark ventured out on great overhead conditions for a cast this evening (Thursday 25th July). Donnie chose to fish the Silver Wells and landed a sea liced cock grilse of 6lb on a Black Shrimp fly. Willie cast a fly over the Little Isle pool using a Cascade and was equally rewarded with a 6lb grilse. Well done both.

Steady reports of fish being hooked and lost are coming in as well, so the fish are there for catching.

The river is low at the moment, but full floaters and intermediate/slow tips should suffice if spinning light minnows and toby's, a lift in levels would be welcome as the run increases.

Again, tight lines to all who are venturing out over the next few days.

It's great to see young members getting out on the river and see what the Ness can offer, Klay Sutherland attended the Weir Pool with dad John and soon hooked into a lovely grilse of 5lb on the spinner, Dad John said "Klay had a good tussle with it and the fish was eventually landed below the Holm Bridge".

Very well done Klay and hope to see many more over the coming weeks.

Brian McBain attended his favoured spot at the Macintyre Pool this morning and added another to his tally. Fishing the fly he hooked and landed an 8lb salmon which he released, well done again Brian.

Very well done to Reuben landing and returning a lovely grilse of 4lb from the Mill Stream this evening. Throughout the day fish were being hooked but most lost, likely due to the soft mouths of these 1sw fish. Conditions again are decent tomorrow and hope to see some more in the book. Tight lines to anyone venturing out.

It seems that the grilse run is slowly starting to appear on the lower Ness, Brian Wallace and Maz Stephen both managed to hook up this morning but unfortunately they fell off after a short battle. The upper river reported the best day so far with 7 in the book. Recent reports from the bank this afternoon are that Brian MacBain landed a 5lb grilse on the fly no further details were provided, well done Brian.

With good water levels at the moment and decent overhead conditions, a cast this week should produce some sport.

Regular Mill angler Gary Goddard faniced a cast this evening and was rewarded with a cock grilse of 6lb which he released. Well done Gary!

Let us hope this is the start of the long awaited grilse run.

Long term member Donnie Urquhart attended the Weir Pool this morning armed with his favourite lure the Devon Minnow, he went on hooked and landed a stunning summer Salmon of around 19lb. There seems to be some nice fish running the river at the moment along with some grilse mixed in.

River levels are up again today so spinning and heavy sink tips will be required to make the most of the conditions.

Kevin Macdonald scored another fish with a lovely grilse from the Weir pool on Friday morning. He decided to fish his triple d line and size 10 Roncade. As things slowly pick up now is the time to cast a line, water is up today so let's hope that brings more in this week.

New member Antoine was delighted with his catch on the spinner with a cracking summer salmon of 11lb, the fish took at the head of the Mill Stream pool late in the afternoon. Well done Antoine.

The ADAA (Aberdeen & District Angling Assosiation) have kindly provided some updated videos of the fishing available on the exchange permits that we have with the ADAA for the River Don. Please click the below links to view some of the fantastic fishing that is available.

Lower Fintray Beats: https://youtu.be/WcWf1kA8CjQ
Upper Fintray Beats: https://youtu.be/tLkr-3oOK8w
Pitcaple & Kemnay Beats: https://youtu.be/Agm4MpWG4KU

Alex Evans a very keen member of the IAC took to the Weir Pool this morning with his fly rod, he was rewarded with a lovley sea liced grilse of around 6lb.

The fish took a size 8 Roncade variant fished of a 10ft fast sink tip - Very well done Alex.

Grilse have started to appear in catches around Ness Castle and Dochfour this week, lets hope we are in for a good grilse run this season. it is looking promising.

News from the river indicates that grilse are now starting to appear, a good run was spotted yesterday morning on various parts of the river Ness. The first couple of weeks in July years gone by was the normal time for the grilse run, so now would be the time to get some hours in on the river.

Good water levels and temperature should fill you with confidence when casting a line, fast/slow sink tips size 8 flies or small coneheads should do the damage.

Tight lines for anyone venturing out.

Junior member James Stewart took his single handed rod to the river over the weekend targeting brownies, he was rewarded with a lovely sea trout caught on a traditional teal blue and silver fly.

Up the top of the beat Alex Evans had a cast for these great fish in the evening yesterday, hooking and losing a good fish and landing several brown trout.

While salmon fishing is quiet at the moment many anglers start to target these species, there can be some great sport at times given the right conditions. The grilse runs are hopefully not too far away and usually start to appear in numbers next month.

Tight lines.

We regret to inform you that the upcoming casting clinics scheduled for this year have been cancelled due to ongoing works at the Little Isle Pool. The Highland Council cannot confirm when exactly the works will be completed.

We understand that this may be disappointing news, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

This is the first time they have been cancelled, and they are a huge part of the development of the angling club and those who may be new to the sport, particularly junior members.

IAC are looking for helpers at this years Moy Game Fair - Please put your name forward if you can, the list will be in the little Isle hut.

Firstly we would like to thank you for all the suggestions that came in to name the new Ruthven Boat.

It was decided at the meeting to call it after 2 very well respected people of the Inverness Angling Club.

Mary-Don is the new name after Mary Dyce and Donny Mackay

Mary (Mother of Davie Dyce) assisted the club over many many years in any way that she could, and will always be remembered.

Donny Mackay who was a big part of the IAC for a long period of time, serving as secretary for over 10 years and was an avid fisherman.

These 2 big names mean a great deal to the club and what a great way to remember them both.

Reminder that the junior raffle for the Coul beat fiishing offer will close on the 7th of July, the draw likley to take place on the 10th July at midday at the little isle hut. Please see below for details.

John Macaskill, head ghillie on the Coul Beat of the River Conon, is again offering free fishing to junior angling club members. Three dates are available — August 12, 13 and 14 which is within the school holidays. Junior members of Inverness Angling Club should contact treasurer and membership secretary John Ralph via letter or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they wish to put their names forward for nomination, please provide the name, contact details and address of the accompanying adult. Each junior must be accompanied by an adult on the day.

River Director Brian Shaw of the NDFB took the new Ruthven boat out on her maiden voyage at the weekend. Please read his attached appraisal below.

When I booked the club boat on Loch Ruthven, I hadn’t realised that mine was the first booking of the new Coulam 152 boat. Consequently, I was asked to do a little write up.

I had fished Ruthven once before but it must have been 30 years ago. I was looking forward to fishing it again, especially as this is mayfly time, and Ruthven was known to have a good hatch.

Booking the boat was easy, just phone Graham’s and collect the key the day before. The boat is free for members, just one of the many benefits of membership. The boat is moored, along with several others at the east end of the loch. There is parking at the roadside with a short walk to the loch.

Unlocking, and preparing the boat, takes a few minutes but it is worth taking some time to get properly organised. Maybe the smell was coming from the cover but stepping into the boat was like getting into a new car. The cover was clearly working well as the boat was completely dry after the very heavy rain the previous day. I will come back to the boat later, but how was the fishing?

As I left the mooring at 9am the loch was calm with just the odd trout rising, but the breeze soon picked up to a nice light, but steady, northerly. The odd mayfly was hatching and I soon picked up a few fish around the remains of the crannoch. I could see a few gulls working over the water on the south shore, where the loch narrowed, so I headed down there for a cast. This was a good move as I started catching lots of fish, and missing many more. The breeze was taking the boat into and along the shore, with the drogue and minor adjustments with the oars the boat could be kept in the good fishing zone quiet easily.

I had to be back home by 3pm, which meant packing up at 2pm. In that time, I probably landed 30 fish, the best just short of a pound, which was great fun. Most of the fish took mayfly wets such as the Melvin Octopus or Ruthven Palmer on the bob, but also the Green Partridge, or a Claret Bumble on the tail. The Doobry on the middle dropper also hooked a few. The mayfly hatch was steady, and enough to keep at least half a dozen black headed gulls over the water all day, plus many smaller birds such as wagtails, sandpipers and chaffinches busy all along the south shore.

I am very familiar with the Coulam “Spey” river boats but this was the first time in one of their loch boats. As the top manufacturer in this market the boat was, as expected first class; strong, stable and safe with built in buoyancy. It drifted well with the drogue secured round the middle seat. The set up for rowing was spot-on and it took no time to get back to the mooring. The oars are fitted to the rowlocks, and secured in place with pins, another good safety feature. The sump, and manual bilge pump, mean the boat can be kept dry very easily. The only comment about the boat is that the gunwales are quite high, which is good for safety, but it means it might catch a lot of wind on a windy day, so I’d take a drogue. However, the high gunwales mean that the seats are at a good height, and not at all uncomfortable. The cover is quite bulky, which was no problem as I was fishing solo, but if there were three in the boat it would need to be rolled up and stacked away well.

Members are fortunate to have this fishing on their doorstep. Ruthven is classic highland trout loch, set in beautiful surroundings with good quality fishing. I was told the far end was better, which means a long row, and that the big fish take better in the evening, especially late in the evening. It can produce big fish, up to 4lb, but even the mayfly hatch wasn’t bringing them out to play. They will have to wait for another day; which won’t be as long in coming as my second visit.

Huge thanks to Stevie Watt, Ally Henderson, John Sutherland and Ethan Stewart on taking delivery of the new Loch Ruthven boat over the weekend. It was decided over the last few committee meetings that the old boat was not up to standard and that it was a good idea to invest in a brand new one for use by members.

Ally and the team worked hard all Saturday afternoon getting everything in place so that the boat was ready for booking on Monday morning. 

Well done gents.

Please be sure to read the attached rules below.

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY FISHING AND ENJOY THE NEW BOAT. THE CLUB HAVE INVESTED A LARGE SUM ON THE BOAT FOR EVERYONE’S ENJOYMENT AND WE WOULD ASK THAT YOU LOOK AFTER IT AND LEAVE IT AS YOU FOUND IT.

THE CHECK LIST BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED BY ALL USERS, FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING BANNED FROM USING THE FACILITY IN THE FUTURE.

1. ON ARRIVAL INSPECT THE BOAT AND IF THERE ARE ANY FAULTS CONTACT THE CLUB SECRETARY IMMEDIATELY.
2. REMOVE THE COVER, FOLD IT UP AND STORE IT ON BOARD THE BOAT.
3. UNLOCK THE OARS AND PLACE THEM IN THE ROWLOCKS.
4. LOAD YOUR GEAR ONTO THE BOAT.
5. UNLOCK THE PADLOCKS ON THE CHAINS AND GO AND ENJOY YOUR TRIP.
6. ON ARRIVAL BACK TO THE BERTH ENSURE THE OARS ARE LOCKED AND THE BOAT IS LOCKED AND SECURED FRONT AND REAR AS YOU FOUND IT.
7. TAKE A PHOTO OF THE BOAT FROM SEVERAL ANGLES BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVER IS IN PLACE. THIS MUST BE EMAILED TO THE CLUB SECRETARY This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR WHATSAPP TO ALLY (07917301555).
8. ENSURE THE COVER IS FIRMLY ATTACHED AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS SECURE BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

STUDDED WADERS OR BOOTS MUST NOT BE WORN ON THE BOAT!!!

TIGHT LINES AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

The works party scheduled for tomorrow is now unfortunately cancelled and will be held the following Sunday 16th June 10am at Pringles.

IAC are delighted to announce that a new boat is on the way for Loch Ruthven for use by members. Further updates will be released via the club website and Facebook pages in the coming days.

We are looking for suggestions to name the new boat, please can you email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. your thoughts and we will pick the best at the next committee meeting later this month.

Will take place on Sunday the 9th of June meeting at Pringles car park.

Reminder that the cut off date for purchasing raffle tickets for the Coul beat is the 20th of May, less than a week away.

A real good opportunity to have some sport on this wonderful beat.

Kevin MacDonald was in on the action this morning fishing the weir pool.

Using a home tied prawn fly fished off a triple D line - He hooked into a lovely springer of 10lb

Very well done Kevin

The work party scheduled for this coming Sunday 5th May is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

It will now take place on Sunday the 12th of May.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Congratulations to Neil Fraser on catching the clubs 2nd Spring Salmon of the week yesterday Saturday the 27th of April.

Neil Fraser stalwart of the IAC got an early start in and fished through the Weir pool and was rewarded with a 12lb sea liced springer.

Well done Neil.

Peter Easton had the right idea today and took his rod to the river Ness. Only his second trip this season and was rewarded with a cracking sea liced spring Salmon of around 11lb -  the first of the IAC this year, very very well done Peter!

The conditions right now are just perfect, nice and settled along with a dropping river. Most importantly some decent runs of fish going through, that is 3 that I know of reported on the lower system today.

John Macaskill, head ghillie on the Coul Beat of the River Conon, is again offering free fishing to junior angling club members. Three dates are available — August 12, 13 and 14 which is within the school holidays. Junior members of Inverness Angling Club should contact treasurer and membership secretary John Ralph via letter or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they wish to put their names forward for nomination, please provide the name, contact details and address of the accompanying adult. Each junior must be accompanied by an adult on the day.

In addition, a raffle is being run to give adults the opportunity to fish the Coul beats in a prime week of the season — the week beginning Monday, July 1st. The winners will be drawn on Saturday, June 1st. Raffle tickets, at £20 per ticket, will be available shortly through John Ralph and Graham's Tackle Shop. The cut of date for purchase will be the 20th of May.

Last year’s event was a great success with anglers landing quite a few fish, hooking and losing many more and raising £1,960 for the Missing Salmon Alliance.

The work party scheduled for the 28th of April has now been amended to the 5th of May meeting at the Archimedes for 09:30 - As much available help from members would be greatly appreciated, please get in touch with Ally Henderson to let him know if you can make it. He can be contacted on 07917301555.

Catches on the upper Ness system since the beginning of the season have been steady and slowly increasing as the season progresses, focus is now turning to the lower stretches where catches of spring salmon are also starting to increase with the lower water levels. Dochfour have reported 4 this week before the weather took a nasty turn on Thursday.

Looking ahead river levels seem to be holding steady at around 1m on the Sepa guage, a change away from the cold easterly winds would be most welcome. Saturday is looking nice and mild into the afternoon with southerly winds and should be pleasant for a cast, Monday is looking even better, it will hopefully not be long before the first springer is caught in the coming weeks.

Tight Lines

IAC are looking for volunteers to carry out bank maintenance on the 14th and 5th of May, meeting at Whin Park for 10am.

If you can assist it would be greatly appreciated, please get in touch Ally Henderson the club secretary on 07917301555 to let him know you can attend.

Exchange Tickets

Just a polite reminder that club exchange tickets booked via Graham's Tackle Shop are fished on a C&R basis only.

Anglers have just 4 weeks to renew their Inverness Angling Club permits for 2024, without penalty. From midnight (March 31) a penalty of £20 is payable on top of the standard senior membership fee. Contact membership secretary John Ralph before the 19th of March to renew in time. Local members can still attend Graham's Tackle Shop until Saturday the 30th to renew.

River levels on the Ness have been up and down of late and  unfortunately still on the high side to fish well. This week is looking nice and dry so we should see levels dropping to intercept some spring salmon that are running the system.

With levels high early runners are in and away to the sanctuary of Loch Ness, ideally the club require lower water to slow them up a bit. March can be a good month for some early sport, so get yourself onto the river and enjoy a cast.

Tight Lines

Inverness Angling Club’s Cascade Fly Tying group completed its 2023/24 run on Wednesday night with participants demonstrating the skills they had developed over the four month series.

The group is pictured with instructors Jimmy Stewart (far left), Graham MacKenzie (far right) and Christa Douglas (second from right).

2024 Conservation policy of the Ness system. Please have a read.

Hearty anglers turned out in good numbers today to welcome in the new season.

Scott Hay piped keen fishers down to the water side where veteran angler Sandy Paterson had the honour of the first cast.

Those in attendance were treated to refreshments and a bacon roll courtesy of Pringles Woolen Mill.

The first springer of the season was also reported today from the upper ness catchment, so get yourself out there for a cast!

The 2024 Season is almost upon us!

With early high cold water, it can pay to get out on the river for a couple of hours given the right conditions, and with the right gear you have a good chance of connecting with some early season monsters.

Sinking lines, large tube flies and some weighted minnows/tobys will see you right. I remember one day (2016 good spring year) fishing high spring water (1.3m on the Sepa gauge) with a hover shooting head, 10 ft ex super-fast tip along with a 2" copper posh tosh.

First run through the pool, the line was coming round lovely, and everything went nice and tight - The reward was a spring fish of around 12lb. This same year the first fish was caught by Tony Quinn the month before in early April.

The previous year (2023) it was March where Kevo landed that first of the season, the thing to remember is they all have to swim past us to get to the loch. So, when you can spare an hour or 2 it can pay to get out on the river for a cast or two! Then get warmed up in the Mill for a breakfast to finish your morning.

Just remember to mind the redds when you are wading, and try avoid it altogether when you can, and keep close to the bank went you can't.

Tight lines for the 2024 season.

There will be a slight change to the first cast on opening day due to the Fisheries Minister having to pull out last minute - The honour will now go to veteran angler Sandy Patterson.

Sandy is a well-known and well-respected member of the IAC, it will be his 80th Birthday year so an extra special season for him. What better way to start an 80th birthday season than to open his favourite River.

It is with more sadness to announce the death of former long-term member of the Inverness Angling Club.

Douglas Grigor (Dougie) aged seventy-nine passed away suddenly but peacefully at Raigmore Hospital on the 18th of January 2024.

There will be a funeral service on the 2nd of February 12 noon at John Fraser and son, Chapel Street, Inverness. No flowers but donations to the Highland Hospice may be given.

Thoughts go out to his family as this sad time.

Opening day of the 2024 Salmon season on the river Ness is upon us and is a mere 12 days away, how time flies!

Mairi Gougeon Scottish Fisheries Minister will be in attendance to open the river with the first cast at the Mill Stream pool.

Anglers will meet at the Mill 10am for 10:30am on Thursday the 1st of Feburary, so please do come along.

As always there will be a piper for the ceremony, bacon rolls and a dram waiting for you to warm you up.

Opening Day sponsored by Neil Souter of James Pringle Weavers - Woollen Mill, Inverness.