Items filtered by date: June 2019

IAC’s annual series of Casting Clinics launched at the Little Isle Pool and the Bught Park on Wednesday (June 5). While wet weather may have discouraged a few folk from turning out, several adults and juniors took advantage of top tips from world Speycasting champion Scott Mackenzie, who leads the successful international tackle company Mackenzie Flyfishing, and instructor David Mateer.

The clinics, which will run from 7 to 9 pm each Wednesday in June, are open to all. They provide an excellent opportunity to develop skills in casting for trout and salmon, especially for those interested in taking up angling for the first time. All tackle can be supplied, thanks to a donation of equipment by tackle manufacturers Loop.

Top tips: Scott explains Speycasting technique

Developing: Casters apply new skills

One to one: Dave Mateer passes on his experience

Starting young: Junior members build their trout casting skills

Reports of diseased salmon are coming in from Norway, Ireland and Scotland. The symptoms, in small numbers of fish so far, are bleeding and/or ulceration on the underside of the fish, from head to tail. The cause of the trauma is unknown at  the moment.

Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) are liaising closely with Marine Scotland and samples have now been taken by the Fish Health Inspectorate. FMS advise that if anglers land one of these fish, they should follow normal biosecurity protocols and disinfect their fishing tackle, landing net, waders and fishing jacket.

Anglers catching any fish showing the symptoms described should contact Chris Conroy, CEO of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, at the earliest opportunity. Says Chris: “In the first instance, please take photos of the affected fish. If it seems that we have a developing problem on the Ness system, then we will issue keep nets allowing the fish to be retained alive. NDSFB will co-ordinate any communication with the fish health inspectorate.” Contacts for Chris are: Mobile 07944 617202. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mystery: A diseased fish caught in Norway

Inverness Angling Club is committed to helping anyone interested in salmon and trout fishing to build the skills that will help them enjoy a fascinating sport. And this month presents an ideal opportunity for all age groups, experienced or inexperienced, to benefit from the club’s annual Casting Clinics.

Never picked up a fishing rod in your life? No problem - our Casting Clinics can help you to become a proficient caster. Experienced angler but having problems with your casting? No problem - our Casting Clinics can help you iron out any difficulties.

Best of all It’s completely free - club member or not. And tuition comes from top casters, like three times world Speycasting champion Scott Mackenzie, instructors Frank Durdle and David Mateer, and the club’s qualified coaches.

Take this chance to develop your skills. The clinics will run from 7 to 9 pm every Wednesday in June - the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - at the Little Isle Pool and on the adjacent Bught Park. You can bring your own tackle or use our top class equipment kindly provided by international tackle company, Loop. Graham MacKenzie has kindly donated a Hardy's game bag for raffling in aid of junior member development.

Anglers are advised that vehicular access to the angler’s car park at the Mill Stream is closed following the appearance of another hole in the surface. An additonal steel plate has been ordered to strengthen and cover the weakness. Watch this page for ujpdates. Meantime, anglers can use the main Mill car park.

Danger: Hole causes closure of angler's car park at Mill Stream until further notice