Items filtered by date: August 2019

Ladies take to the Ness

Incessant rain failed to dampen the spirits of the ‘Ladies who Fish’ on a visit to the River Ness today (August 31). Organised by Inverness Angling Club and FishPal in aid of the Highland Hospice, the event attracted 14 ladies from as far apart as Fort William Inverness, Newcastle and Edinburgh. 

On hand with support were members and coaches of Inverness Angling Club, together with world Speycasting champion Scott Mackenzie and instructors Frank Durdle and David Mateer. Rising water led to an early finish, of safety grounds, with no fish caught. But the ladies enjoyed being introduced to the mysteries of angling knots and tying flies in the shelter of the Hospice building. The day raised £1,060 for hospice funds.

Little Isle: FishPal's Ann Woodcock goes for salmon

Mill Stream: Lady and ghillie

Happy bunch: The umbrella keeps Chris dry

Tips: Frank introduces essential knots

Skills: David gives tying tips

Worthwhile: A good day raised valuable funds

Ladies say thanks

Ladies who fish got together with men who fish on the Mill Stream Pool of the River Ness today (August 30). The purpose was for ladies who were coached by Inverness Angling Club in last year’s highly successful ladies day to say thanks to the men who gave up their time to coach them in casting techniques.

It was the ladies turn to act as ghillies today, with donations going to charitable causes chosen by the club. Saturday will see another ladies day in which the club joins forces with FishPal to raise funds for the Highland Hospice.

Getting together: Ladies and gents at the Mill Stream

In the pink: Steve Watt and Alex Elliott

Ladies who ghillie: Cheyenne Stronach coaches Alex Elliott while FishPal’s Ann Woodcock assists Steve Watt

Two from Mill

The Mill Stream produced two fish today (August 29). Andrew Fraser had a four pound grilse while Murray Richardson landed and released a fly-caught seven pounder.

Angler rescues fellow fisher

An otter cub owes its life to an angler making an early morning visit to the River Ness. Over the last few months, James Buchanan has been making extended visits from his home in Kirkintilloch to the Ness fishings managed by Inverness Angling Club, of which he is an associate member.

Entering the river at the Little Isle Pool early this morning James heard loud screaming noises coming from the opposite bank of the river, running alongside Island Bank Road.

“I thought it was a couple of birds of prey screaming at each other,’ said James. “But then fellow angler Donnie Cameron pointed out that it was a cub otter which appeared to be in some distress.”

He went on: “I followed it downstream, crossed the Infirmary Bridge and found it lying partly on the bank. It seemed utterly exhausted and appears to have been separated from its mother and siblings by the high water of last week. 

“I got a couple of bites when trying to pick it up so I took off my shirt and wrapped it up in that. It settled down as I walked up to the anglers’ hut. We alerted the SSPCA and an officer came and took it into their care.”

IAC acting president Alex Elliott said: “We enjoy seeing the otters on the river. They are a key element of the wildlife habitat provided by the city’s unique Ness Islands. James did a really good job in rescuing this cub. Hopefully, it will make a full recovery and return to its native river.”

Otterman: James Buchanan with the rescued cub otter

Cascade catch

Despite some increased activity over the last few days, just one fish was reported from the club water today (August 27). Fishing the Pass, Jordon Grant had a four pound grilse caught on a Cascade.

Works appeal

Work to complete the clearance of the right bank of the MacIntyre Pool will continue this coming Sunday (September 1). Once again, the club is appealing for members to help. Anyone who has an hour or two to spare should join Chris Bruce, and a couple of associate members who have already volunteered, at the Mill Hut at 11 am. This final stage of works should give members better access to a leading pool when, hopefully, an autumn run of fish will deliver results.

First from island pass

The island pass on the town fishings of the River Ness runs from the weir at the tail of the General’s Well Pool down to the top of the Little Isle Pool. It’s often ignored by both local and visiting anglers but not so today (August 26) by IAC member Roderick MacCuish. Fishing a copper Toby, Roderick landed and released a six pound grilse - his first of the season.

Up on the MacIntyre Pool, Davie Dyce increased his tally with a fly-caught six pounder, duly released. James Buchanan, an associate member from Kirkintilloch, also added to his total catch with a seven pounder from the left bank of the Mill Stream.

Good grilse: The first of the season for Roderick

Members tool up to tackle banks

Club volunteers gathered at the Mill Stream this morning (August 25) to continue bank works designed to benefit all members. Although fewer than expected turned out from a club with such a large membership, the team soon got started clearing overgrown paths, bankside bushes and overhanging branches from the right bank of the Weir Pool down towards the MacIntyre Pool. A collection of new power tools improved the efficiency of the works efforts which will continue over the next week or so.

Before: Just one section of the Mill Stream bank

After: Tidier with no obstructions

Events for those who go fishing

Here’s an offer that’s difficult to refuse - a free day’s fishing for men, coached by women, with a lunch time barbecue by the riverside and the chance to help charities through donations and a great prize draw.

The event is being staged by Inverness Angling Club (IAC) in association with angling agency FishPal. All interested should gather at the Mill Stream hut, behind the Holm Mills Shopping Village, at 10.30 am on Friday, August 30. The club is seeking volunteers from qualified coaches and competent anglers to help instruct inexperienced casters. They should confirm their attendance by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 12 noon on Thursday, August 30, to assist the organisation of catering.

The following day sees a repeat of last year’s successful ‘Ladies Who Go Fishing’ day in which lady anglers - novice, intermediate or experienced -  will be coached by world Speycasting champion Scott MacKenzie, SGAIC instructors David Mateer and Frank Durdle, and Inverness Angling Club coaches and members.

The day begins with a bacon roll breakfast at the Highland Hospice, following which ladies will form groups of beginners, those with a little experience and ladies who fish regularly. After a break for lunch at the Hospice the afternoon session will start at 2 pm. The day concludes at 4.30 pm when it’s back to the Hospice for tea, coffee and cake. The cost for the day, inclusive of angling permit, tuition and food is £60 per lady. Places for Ladies Day should be booked with Sue Munro by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All proceeds will go to the Highland Hospice.

First for Dougie

IAC member Dougie Dyce realised an ambition early today (August 24). Fly fishing the east bank of the Braes with fellow member Ally Henderson, he hooked and landed his first ever salmon - a grilse of five pounds. Congratulations Dougie, and welcome to the successful pursuit of Salmo Salar! 

Another member who was out early today was Michael Grant, who caught and released a four pound grilse on a home-tied orange Francis half inch copper tube before first light. Kevin Macdonald landed a four pounder on the fly from the MacIntyre Pool. Donnie Cameron added to his tally with a four pound cock grilse caught and released on the Little Isle.

 

Delighted: A happy Dougie with his first salmon

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Inverness Angling Club

Ness Walk
Inverness
Highlands

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