Items filtered by date: May 2020

Grahams of Inverness is currently open from Monday to Friday from 1200 to 1400 hours under a special dispensation for firearms and ammunition. Sales are by appointment.

The tackle shop is happy to take telephone calls during these times for fishing enquiries. It can arrange for purchases to be collected at the door or delivered.

The shop can be contacted on 01463 233178 or through its web site www.grahamsonline.co.uk Grahams hopes to be fully open again on Monday, June 15.

Inverness Angling Club issues a low cost annual permit which covers fishing for sea trout in the lower part of the river, from the Black Bridge to the sea. The permit does not confer membership of the club and all fish caught, other than sea trout, must be released. These permits may be purchased by contacting John Ralph at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07702 889841.

Scottish law requires all persons fishing for salmon and sea trout to have written permission in their possession. Holders are reminded that they should carry their permit with them at all times. Failure to do so will result in removal from the river. Anyone fishing without purchasing a permit could be subject to arrest for poaching.

Anglers fishing Inverness Angling Club’s beats on the River Ness are reminded that all salmon and grilse caught over the next few weeks must be released unharmed. The rules, printed in permits, could not be clearer:

“All Ness beats have agreed to extend the catch and release period to June 30.

“From July 1 to October 15 only one cock salmon or grilse weighing 8 pounds/69cm/27 inches or less may be retained per angler per week, with a maximum of two cock fish being retained per angler per season.

“All hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 8 pounds/69cm/27 inches must be released. All coloured and unseasonable fish must also be released.”

Bailiffs are patrolling the river but they have a big area to cover. The club is appealing to all members to check the permits of any anglers they don’t immediately recognise. It’s the only way to ensure that our river and its stock are protected from illegal fishing.

Bright sunshine welcomed Inverness Angling Club members back to the River Ness today - but the weather was not what anglers seek for a successful day. Nevertheless, there were smiles on the faces of the few who did venture out as they enjoyed the first chance for a cast for over two months.

The Weir Pool, both sides of the Mill Stream, MacIntyre Pool and the Little Isle saw angling activity, but no reported success. The ‘craic’, as always, was fast and flowing at the Little Isle - with strict adherence to social distancing.

Reopening: Rods out on the Little Isle Pool

Good cast: Stevie Watt tries for trout

Social distancing: (left to right) Dougie Dyce, James Laraway (back), Stevie Watt and Davie Dyce

The Scottish Government today launched the first phase of relaxations of lockdown regulations imposed to help fight the spread of Covid-19. This signalled confirmation by Inverness Angling Club that its Ness fishings will reopen from 0500 hours tomorrow (Friday, May 29).

There are, however, strict conditions attached - by government and club. Travel distance to the club waters is recommended at no more than five miles. Social distancing must be maintained at all times, on the banks and in the river. The club recommends that anglers use disposable gloves and carry sanitising liquid with them at all times to protect themselves against any infection from rod rests, gates or benches. Breaches of government regulations could result in the fishery being closed.

Click this link for further guidance: Reopening guidance

Little Isle Pool: Ready for rods

Will this picture be repeated this coming Thursday? We have to wait and see as the Scottish Government considers any matters that may delay the start of Phase 1 relaxations, such as an increase in the R number. Hopefully, all will be well and we can get back into our much-loved sport.
The reopening of fisheries will come with strict guidance on social distancing and hygiene, designed to protect anglers and their families. Gatherings of more than two people will be forbidden while anglers are advised to wear gloves and carry sanitiser to treat rods, rod rests, seats and gates. All huts remain closed until further notice.

The Weir Pool: Productive year round

Doctors and nurses at the intensive care unit of Raigmore Hospital are enjoying a few special treats as thanks for their care of club member Ali Scott. Cousin Mick Fenion tied up a box of trout flies and offered them for sale. Neil Fraser bought the flies but put them back in for auction. They then sold to another kind angler, raising £105 overall.

Gratitude: A trolley of treats

If fishing has reopened by then, anglers should note that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be staging a training exercise on the River Ness on Saturday, May 30. It will take place at the Holm Bridge from 0900 to 1300 hours. The service regularly trains on the river to ensure that it is well prepared for real emergencies.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Graham’s tackle shop is unable to distribute Inverness Angling Club permits at the moment. Anglers seeking to renew membership or requiring permits should contact the club’s membership secretary, John Ralph, preferably by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to his mobile 07702 889841.

Ian Woolley has tied up a fitting celebration of VE Day with a couple of flies using the purple and green regimental colours of the 51st Highland Volunteers. They are definitely colours for feisty fish!

The 51 Highland
Tyer; Ian Woolley

Hook: Kamasan B175 size 10
Tail: Glow bright floss No. 19
Body: Black thread
Rib: Small copper holographic
Wing: Black marabou
Throat hackle: Green Highlander
Cheeks: Jungle cock

Victory on any fishery!