Midweek Catch Report: Monday 11th to Wednesday 13th August

River Conditions

This week on the River has been unusually quiet. Bright, sunny days and fluctuating water levels have made the fishing tough so far. With hot weather keeping the fish deep and unsettled flows, anglers have had to work hard for every take.

Monday, 11 August

Brian Nichols landed the sole salmon of the day—a fine 12-pounder taken on the fly.

Tuesday, 12 August

Donald Macpherson Sr. and Jr. tried the garden fly at Cross Hedges. Each banked a sea trout, one weighing in at 1 lb and the other at 2 lb. Mike Duncan fishing the Braes had his first of the season a fish of 3.5lb taken on fly.

Wednesday, 13 August

Baking sunshine kept the fish inactive, and no catches were reported.

River Levels and Prospects

After rising above 2 ft on the gauge earlier today, the water has dropped back to 1 ft 4 in. Anglers remain hopeful that any cloud cover will entice more takes. Pods of fish are still being spotted upriver, and a shift in conditions could bring them on the take.

Other News

With the Moy Fair cancelled due to high winds, anyone who paid the entry fee for the casting competition can request a refund within the next 28 days, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can arrange this.

Have a cast this week, and here’s to tighter lines and better weather ahead!

End of Week Catch Report – 7 to 9 August 2025

It’s been a very windy week overall, which likely hampered catches somewhat. In total, nine fish were landed between Monday and Saturday. Let’s dive in and see what’s been happening on the banks.

Thursday 7 August

No fish were reported, although a few were hooked and lost before the wind picked up.

Friday 8 August

Three grilse were landed:

• William Roy Gibson spun a 5 lb fish from the General’s Well and followed it up with another 5 lb grilse from Redd Braes Pool.
• Davy Dyce added a 5 lb grilse from the Macintyre Pool, fishing on the fly.

Saturday 9 August

Charlie Dyce landed the only catch of the day—a 4 lb grilse from the Mill Stream.

Conditions & Outlook

With gusting winds over the weekend, low catch numbers aren’t surprising. Over the next couple of days, tides will run quite high, but the wind is forecast to ease. Water levels remain steady at around 1 ft 5 inches (1.2 m on SEPA), a great height for spinning and for fly fishing with a heavier tip.

Tight lines for next week—I look forward to receiving your reports!

The Moy Game Fair is cancelled for tomorrow due to high winds. Thank you to everyone who offered to help, and those that have helped over the last couple of days.

Midweek Catch Report: Tuesday 5th to Wednesday 6th August

Monday brought no action due to the damaging weather sweeping across Scotland, so our anglers regrouped for the following days. Here’s how the fishing unfolded:

Tuesday 5th August

• Kevo Macdonald Fished the West bank of the Macintyre Pool, landing a 6 lb grilse on the fly.
• Paul Kelly Returned to the West bank of the Mill Stream, banking a 7 lb fish on a Devon Minnow.
• Davy Dyce Also on the West bank of the Mill Stream; after just a few casts, he hooked and landed a 5 lb grilse on the fly.

Aside from these landings, numerous other fish were both hooked and lost, with plenty spotted rising throughout the day.

Wednesday 6th August

• Malcolm Riddell Snagged the sole reported catch for the day—a 1.5 lb fish taken on a Zebra Toby.

River Conditions

River levels are currently at 1 ft 3 in and rising. This remains an excellent height for fishing most of the club’s pools. Keep an eye on the Redd Braes pool as the season progresses for promising action. Tides are also starting to build again this week so catches should increase as a result.

Tight lines for the rest of the week!

End of Week Catch Report – Saturday 2 August 2025

It was a decent end to last week’s fishing with four fish caught on Saturday, 2 August. Let’s see who the lucky anglers were.

Saturday 2 August Catches

• Charlie Dyce added to his tally with a 6 lb grilse from the Weir Pool on the fly.
• John Sutherland (“Thumper”) was not to be outdone, banking a plump 7 lb fish a little later in the afternoon at the Weir Pool.
• Brian McBride managed a cracking grilse from the Little Isle Pool on fly.
• Davy Dyce landed a 4 lb fish from the Mill Stream also on the fly.

Monday’s Storm Impact

Today’s storm hampered catches, with no fish reported, although a few were hooked and lost before the rain and wind arrived late in the morning. Water levels have remained relatively stable, and we’re hopeful that catches will continue into the rest of the week.

                           Thumper, Charlie and Brian with Saturday's catch                     

Fishing Update

Fishing on the club stretch of the Ness is ticking along nicely this week so far. Let’s have a look at what’s been happening on the banks.

Thursday 31 July

Peter C. Fraser opened his account with a 5 lb grilse from the Mill Stream, taken on a Cascade fly.

Liam Campbell added another to his total (his third of the season) with a 5 lb grilse on a Garden Fly, from the Mac.

Liam's 3rd

Friday 1 August

Scott McCormack hooked and landed a 6 lb grilse at the head of the Little Isle Pool, using a 10 ft slow-sink tip and a size 6 Yellow Cascade fly

Kevin Macdonald managed the best of the day on the popular Weir Pool, landing an 8 lb salmon fishing a Toby spinner.

Kevo Macdonald got his season up and running with a 3 lb grilse from the tail of the Macintyre Pool.

Water Levels & Outlook

This week’s daily catches are encouraging. Fish are now being seen in most pools, and the slightest change in conditions could bring more on the take. Water levels are holding well at around 9 inches—a height that suits all methods but is particularly favourable for fly fishing.

Maintenance Thanks

A big thanks to long-term member Paul Kelly for strimming the banks from the Mill Stream down to the top of the Macintyre Pool.

It was a good start to the week with 4 caught on Monday. Davy Dyce got things started with an 8lb fish in the afternoon from the Mill Stream on the fly, later Peter Easton landed his 2nd of the season from the same pool on the fly. Paul Kelly had his second this of the season also from the Mill Stream on a Devon Minnow.

At tea time Scott McCormack got his season up and running on the Ness with a lovely sea liced fish from the Generals Well.

Scott's Gleaming Grilse

Good runs of fish are still being seen up river so get out there and give it a try - Tight Lines.

River Report – Week Ending 27th July

Catches have started to increase over the past week as strong runs of salmon and grilse make their way upriver to their spawning grounds.

Friday 25th July

Donnie Urquhart favoured the Weir Pool and, using the Devon Minnow, landed a fresh cock fish of 8lb around 15:30.

Saturday 26th July

The action continued with Charlie Dyce, who initially lost a fish but soon recovered to land two grilse. The first, a lively 4lb fish, “put up a great fight,” said Charlie. The second was a 6lb cock fish. Both were caught at the ever-popular Weir Pool.

Later that day, down at the Macintyre, Danny Moore opened his account with a lovely 8lb fish caught on an old copper Toby.

“I was fishing all day with the fly and had no offers, so I switched to the spinning rod. It wasn’t long before I hooked this fish,” said Danny.

Well done, Danny — perseverance pays off!

Up at the Red Braes, John Beaton landed his first of the season at the Two Tree Stumps using a 20g Toby. His fish weighed 4.5lb and is believed to be the first landed from this part of the river — a promising area when the water is higher.

With water levels continuing to drop, the IAC should be in for a strong week ahead. If the run holds, all methods should produce.

Tight lines to all out this coming week, I look forward to receiving your reports.

Catch & Release – Small Changes, Big Impact

Fisheries Management Scotland has released a new short film titled “Small Changes, Big Impact.”

The film highlights key messages from their newly published Best Practice Guidance on Catch and Release — including:

• Keeping fish submerged during handling
• Using appropriate tackle
• Fishing in cooler conditions
• Avoiding unnecessary handling

These small but crucial actions can make a big difference in giving wild salmon the best possible chance to survive and spawn.

Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp2FKillMA

Download the Best Practice Guidance here - https://fms.scot/catchandrelease/

Peter Easton had a great start to his session on the river today.

He visited the Macintyre Pool with the minnow and, on his first cast, hooked and landed a gleaming 5lb fish. Well done, Peter!

River levels are still on the high side, but once they drop a little, we should start to get in amongst them as we approach prime time.

Tight lines!

.

The river is up at over 1.4m on the Spea gauge after the much needed deluge of rain on Monday.

The only fish reported so far was Paul Kelly who landed a fresh fish of 5lb from the Mill Stream on Tuesday the 22nd of July. There are good reports of numbers of fish being caught further upstream and on the Loch. Once the water starts to drop it will be well worth a cast.

Tight lines.

Club Announcement Volunteers Needed for Moy Game Fair

It's almost that time of year again ”how time flies! The Moy Game Fair will take place over two days, starting on Friday 8th August 2025. Inverness Angling Club are seeking volunteers to help run Anglers Corner.

If you're able to lend a hand, your support would be greatly appreciated. Last year, the bulk of the work fell to just a few dedicated members, and this time we'd love to share the load more evenly.

To keep this event a success and to secure the club's future presence at such a fantastic showcase” it's imperative we gather as much help as possible.

Please put your name forward to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can assist.

After a flurry of activity last week things had gone quiet until today Thursday the 17th of July, Liam Campbell decided to try Charlie Seat and was rewarded with a nice grilse, Liam reports "Caught an 8lb salmon at the MacIntyre whilst out fishing with my son Cole, caught at 8.30pm with the garden fly.

Well done Liam.

Regular Macintyre angler Brian McBain opened his account on Tuesday the 8th of July with a clean grilse of 6lb on the fly. Well done Brian.

There were no further reports. Good water levels at present and would expect the run to pick up any day now.

Gordon Macmillian and John Michael (Thumper) were in the right place at the right time early this morning Monday the 7th of July, both decided to try the weir pool with spinners and banked a fish each. Thumpers was a wee grilse of 2lb taken on a flying C, Gordons a sparkling grilse of 6lb was taken on a devon minnow.

Very well done to both.

Gordon Macmillan started his fishing day on Monday the 30th of June nice and early hitting the Weir for 05:00am with a devon minnow, it wasn't long before he hooked and landed his first ever double figure fish a lovely clean fish of 10lb, An hour later, he followed it up with a gleaming 9lb bar of silver.

Excellent to hear of fish starting to be caught on the clubs fishings. Loch Ness has also started to pick up, a friend hooking 2 today losing one at the net and the other long distance, Dochfour also reported 3 on Monday. Historically the start of July was the time for the main runs to appear, so would be nice to see a sustained run of fish this season, we can only hope.

Tight Lines

Condolences go out to friends and family of Brian Findlay who recently passed away - Brian was a devoted club member for many many years and loved the River Ness he will be sadly missed by many.

I will keep this page updated with any further details for his funeral.

Update.

BRIAN SUTHERLAND FINDLAY
INVERNESS
10.07.1944 - 28.06.2025

Peacefully, on Saturday 28th June 2025 at Raigmore Hospital, Brian Findlay, 27 Essich Gardens, Inverness aged 80 years. Former Water Board and keen fisherman River Ness. Much loved husband to Sheila, devoted and loving dad, dear grandfather and friend to many. Funeral service on Tuesday 15th July at 3.00pm in the funeral home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness. All welcome.

Donations are invited in memory of Brian for Dementia UK at the service or below.

For those unable to attend, the service will stream live at www.williamtfraserandson.co.uk/live-stream

We are delighted to report that the first fish has been landed, long term member Andy Massari was fishing the Little Isle pool on Tuesday evening of 24th June and banked a sea liced grille of 6lb.

Very well done Andy. This follows on from reports from the last couple of weeks of fish hooked and lost, let's hope we are in for a bumper summer run following a poor spring.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of long-standing club member, Michael Fenion, on Tuesday, 17th June.

Michael was a dedicated member of our Angling Club for many years and a passionate angler who brought enthusiasm and camaraderie to the riverbank. His presence, good humour, and love for the sport will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Michael having a cast - Little Isle Pool

FENION
Inverness
Peacefully after a short illness with his family by his side in Raigmore Hospital on Tuesday 17th June 2025, Michael John Fenion (Mike), aged 71 years, Wyvis Place, Inverness. Beloved husband of the late Joan for 50 years, adored dad of Pauline, Alan and Steven, loving gaga of Kayleigh, Robyn, Maisie, Sam, Matthew and the late Ryan and great gaga of Ruairidh, Mikie and Billie, close father-in-law of Ian, also a dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and good friend to many. Funeral Ceremony on Monday 7th July 2025 at 2pm in Inverness Crematorium. All welcome to attend. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Mike towards Inverness Angling Club (kids activities) may be given at the door. Inverness Crematorium livestream link available from D. Chisholm & Sons' website (funeral notices).

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Gordie Smith.

Gordie Smith was an integral part of the Inverness Angling Club. He served as president in the 1970s and also held the position of secretary. He will be sadly missed

Work parties are being arranged for the 8th and 22nd of June to carry out bank cleareance, interested members are advised to meet at Whin Park for 09:30-10:00am.

A very welcome return this year to the casting clinics hosted by three-time world Spey casting champion Scott Mackenzie. Unfortunately, last year's event had to be cancelled due to works at the Little Isle pool, where the casting usually takes place.

Scott will be assisted by top instructor Frank Durdle and other qualified club coaches. There is no requirement to be a member of the angling club to take part, and the club is particularly keen to welcome aspiring young anglers and their parents to hone their casting skills.

The clinics will run each Wednesday in June (4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th) from 7pm until 9pm.

Salmon and trout rods, reels, and lines will be provided courtesy of leading international tackle supplier, Loop.

John Ralph is now in possession of the raffle tickets where lucky anglers will have the chance to fish a prime week on the River Conon's Coul beat. Owner David Flux kindly donates a couple of weeks and at the same time raises money for the missing salmon alliance. The draw takes place on June the 7th so please enter before the 28th of May.

Good luck!

Please can members read the below consultation in relation to Loch Ruthven, paying particular attention to staying away from the reed areas while fishing. Club secretary Ally Henderson has submitted an objection on behalf of the Inverness Angling Club.

Consultation on Local Guidance for Watersports at Loch Ruthven

Special Protection Area

Loch Ruthven is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its
breeding Slavonian grebes. It is also designated as a Special
Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site for the same reasons.
The entire UK population of breeding Slavonian grebes is usually
found within 30 miles of Inverness. Numbers peaked at 70-80
breeding pairs in the early 1990s but fell to 15 pairs in 2023.
The breeding pairs at Loch Ruthven dropped from a long-term
average of 13 to just 3 in 2024. More information on the
designations can be found at SiteLink - Loch Ruthven SPA

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), managing
Loch Ruthven, is concerned about increased recreation disturbing
breeding Slavonian grebes. Since 2020, there has been a
significant rise in paddle-boarders, canoeists, and swimmers,
leading to more disturbances of the birds.
The grebes remain on the loch throughout the breeding season,
nesting in reeds at the water's edge. They swim to find food, but
noise or movement from people can disturb them, block their
nests, or separate adults from their young. Surveys have shown
that the birds avoid areas of the loch where people are present.
In 2023, NatureScot assessed the site condition of Slavonian
grebes at Loch Ruthven SPA, changing their status from
"Favourable Maintained" to "Unfavourable Declining," citing
increased recreation as a reason.
With support from NatureScot and the Local Access Forum, the
RSPB seeks to develop local guidance advising visitors to refrain
from canoeing, paddle-boarding, or swimming at the east end of
Loch Ruthven from 1 March to 31 August. This aims to meet
conservation objectives and reduce disturbances.
National guidance Guidance - Managing public access in areas of wildlife sensitivity in Scotland | Scottish Outdoor Access Code (external link) and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code NatureScot (external link) supports such guidance if other methods to
prevent disturbance have been exhausted and agreed upon.
Over the years, the RSPB has controlled access to the loch and
provided information on avoiding disturbance to the birds. Since
2021, they have employed rangers and enlisted volunteers to
educate the public on responsible behaviour. They have also
monitored bird sightings and incidents of disturbance.
Local guidance should emerge from consensus among the
community, land managers, the access authority (The Highland

Council), governing bodies of sports, local clubs, activity
providers, and users.
The guidance is advisory, but ignoring it may mean acting
irresponsibly as required by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Furthermore, it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside
(Scotland) Act 1981 to intentionally disturb these birds during the
breeding season, which runs from 1 March to 31 August.
Take part in the consultation
Loch Ruthven Consultation Form (external link)
Privacy notices - Consultation on Agreed Local Guidance | The Highland Council
See our Privacy Notice on the Consultation on Agreed Local
Guidance.

John Macaskill, head ghillie on the Coul Water of the River Conon, is again offering free fishing to junior angling club members. Three dates are available — August 14th, 15th and 16th. Junior members of Inverness Angling Club should contact treasurer John Ralph 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. 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, June 30th. The winners will be drawn on Saturday, June 7. Raffle tickets, at £20 per ticket, will be available shortly through John Ralph.

Last year’s event was a great success and raised £1,520 for the Missing Salmon Alliance.

Members have been hard at work over the last couple of weeks carrying out a variety of tasks. Club secretary Ally Henderson and co got the Loch Ruthven boat launched over the weekend and is now ready for use when it opens on the 1st of April.

Avid angler and member Alex Evans who is often on the river for a cast, managed to clear the Braes banks over the course of a few sessions. A massivie thanks to him for his hard work.

I have recieved reports today of some runs of fish heading through the beats this afternoon, with one taken from Dochfour and one lost by a current member fishing a day ticket on the lower beat.

Current conditions are excellent for fishing and water levels low which suits the lower beats. Tight lines if you are heading out this week.

The Ness system has been relatively quiet this last couple of weeks, although there has been the odd bit of sport on the Moriston and Oich. On the River as a whole not much has been happening, however, it was good to hear from Neil Fraser (Peck) this morning who took to the Weir for a cast. On his first run through the pool he hooked into a livley fish which unfortunately spat the hook after a short battle, Neil opted to fish a Minnow to make the most of the conditions as the water has risen again to nearly 1.3 on the SEPA guage.

As we progress through the spring months chances should improve on landing some of these elusive early fish, so get yourself out for cast.

Tight Lines

Poliet reminder that late permit renewals after the 31st of March will incur a £20 penalty. So if you can please renew your ticket before this date to avoid this charge.

• Committee Meeting Minutes: If members would like a copy of any monthly committee meeting minutes, they should email Ally Henderson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to request one.

• Application Forms: Hard copies will be placed in the little Isle hut soon, but you can also download Word copies from the website, fill them in electronically, and email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The electronic method is preferred for its simplicity and efficiency.

• River News: The river is currently high due to last week’s rain, causing fish to move quickly through the lower beats towards Loch Ness. Prior to the rise, Dochfour reported its first February fish since 2011. This week has seen a few fish caught in the upper river systems as well. With the weather settling down, a drop in water levels would be welcomed for better chances at early fish.

           Tight lines to anyone venturing out this weekend!

The Lionel Main Junior Angling Course

We are reaching out to all junior members to let you know that a fantastic course has become available this year, the Lionel Main junior angling course. The course takes place on the famous Castle Grant beat of the river spey, once complete you will have SCQF qualifications in Angling, Aquatic and Countryside.

Junior members Daniel Grant and James Stewart attended last season, James said "I had the best time there and came back with a weath of new knowledge and skills, not to mention we caught a couple of fish!"

Please see the below poster and let me know how you get on if you do attend.

I was out for dog walk at lunch time and thought what a cracking day it is for fishing. I have been keeping an eye on water levels for the river and it has now dropped to great height of 1.04m on the Sepa guage. With a couple fish being caught on the upper system why not chance your luck by casting a line over the clubs pools.

Floating lines, sink tip, and weighted monkey or posh tosh would be worth a shout. If you are spinning, 18g Tobies should be enough just now, or Devon Minnows

Just a reminder to be mindful of wading this early in the season, redds will be in the vacinity! Try avoid it altogether when you can, and keep close to the bank went you can't.

Tight lines.

Well, the 2025 season is now under way, and it was fantastic to see a great turnout for the occasion.

Scott Hay piped the anglers down to the riverside, where long-term honorary member George Skinner took the first cast, officially opening the 2025 season.

Neil Souter of Pringles, as always, kindly provided hot drinks and bacon rolls. Big thanks to him!

Also thanks to Donald Mackay for taking some great pictures.

Tight lines to all this coming season.

The wait is almost over - Opening day of the 2025 season on the river Ness is almost upon us and a mere 9 days to go, how time passes!

Honorary member George Skinner will have the honor of the first cast.

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

As ever 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 - Wollen Mill, Inverness

Last week's weather was extremely wet, causing the river to rise to nearly 3 meters the SEPA gauge. Lee Mackenzie took some pictures during a walk, showing significant portion of the Macintyre hut submerged under water.

Lee managed to clean out the hut once the water level receded, so a big thanks to him.

Opening day is not far away, please keep an eye out for more info in the coming weeks.