Items filtered by date: June 2020
Sporting trout
While waiting for the first salmon be caught on the club water of the River Ness, a few anglers are chasing sea trout. Member Fiodor Slastitienko had this 1.5lb specimen from the Islands Pass on a 10gm casting jig.
Happy: A trout for Fiodor
Change for Ruthven bookings
Inverness Angling Club advises a change in booking arrangements for its boat on Loch Ruthven, previously made through president Alex Elliott. With immediate effect, bookings should be made directly through Grahams tackle shop in Castle Street - telephone 01463 233178 - from which the boat keys can be collected.
Anglers MUST bring sanitiser with them when collecting the boat keys. Otherwise, the keys will not be issued. This is to demonstrate that users are able to sanitise the boat, gate and anything else handled after use.
Fresh from the sea
Today’s morning tide produced a great result for IAC member Donald Macpherson. Fishing the Weir Pool, he hooked and landed a fat two pound sea trout at the Spout. And to show that it’s worth a cast right now, Donald saw salmon moving through. The time is just about right for grilse to enter the river.
Rewarding: A beautifully marked sea trout from the Weir
Club withdraws from river hut project
Inverness Angling Club (IAC) has withdrawn its bid for the construction of a replacement hut adjacent to the planned ‘My Ness’ art project by the Little Isle Pool of the River Ness
The project, costing an estimated £33,000, has been the subject of two years of negotiations with Highland Council, which had offered assistance of £20,000 from the Town Centre Fund and £10,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund.
In a letter to City of Inverness area manager David Haas, club president Alex Elliott said: “This topic has been discussed with Highland Council and other parties for over two years. However, the committee of IAC has become increasingly frustrated by what they see as unrealistic building costs and a failure on the part of the planner to understand our needs.”
Mr Elliott explained that from the outset the club merely wanted to extend its existing hut by a metre or so, but this was rejected by planning.
“Then we were asked what the essential elements of our hut must be in relation to the arts project. Put simply, the build had to be vandal proof as previous huts had been burnt down. Construction had to be such that we as a club could undertake cosmetic repairs should it be vandalised, something we have had to do on a regular basis to the existing hut.
“Despite the efforts of all involved in this project, for which we as a club are grateful, we are continually being pointed towards a wooden construction or something clad in wood, neither of which will stand the test of time. Additionally, the price quoted for the construction of such a shed appears excessive. It is with regret, therefore, that IAC no longer wish to progress with this project.”
The club, said Mr Elliott, felt that in these difficult financial times there were far more deserving groups within communities to which the funding could be better distributed.
He added: “We appreciate that this will come as a disappointment to all who have supported this project, but the time has come to draw a line under it and move on. After all, we have a hut which has served us well for many years and will continue to do so for many more years to come."
On the record: Courier photographer Gary Anthony captures Alex at the isle hut
Gas pipe works at Black Bridge
Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) will begin works on the gas main slung underneath the Black Bridge tomorrow (June 24) from 0800 hours. They are expected to take four days and will not affect the river or anglers.
The works involve hand cleaning and painting a corroded section of the pipe which will then be wrapped to protect it. Corroded bolts on two flanges will be replaced. SGN staff will be working around the low tides when they will be able to walk under the bridge and use small podium steps to access the pipe.
All work will be carried out in accordance with SEPA CAR and GBR Guidance, including sheeting being used for containment purposes.
Grahams open for membership renewal
Membership of Inverness Angling Club can now be renewed at the Castle Street tackle shop of Graham’s of Inverness.
During earlier Covid-19 restrictions the shop was limited to minimal opening hours serving gun customers. As relaxations are introduced, the shop is now open to all, daily except Wednesdays and Sundays, from 0930 to 1700.
Like other retail businesses, entry restrictions are still in place. Customers should wait at the door for admission then use the cleaning station positioned inside the door. Barriers are in place at the counters.
Exchange tickets restricted
Membership of Inverness Angling Club not only provides enjoyable fishing on the River Ness but gives access to a number of other Highland and north-east fisheries through exchange tickets.
Members should note, however, that exchange tickets are not currently available because of travel distance restrictions imposed by the government to control the spread of Covid-19.
The club will confirm, through this web site, when these restrictions are lifted. Details of exchange ticket arrangements are printed in membership cards.
IAC moves with the times
With current restrictions preventing Inverness Angling Club from holding normal monthly meetings, the club has turned to technology to carry out its business. Committee members utilised Zoom video conferencing for a successful meeting last night (June 18).
The Covid-19 restrictions have also compelled the club to change arrangements for the payment of membership fees. Payments can now be made by bank transfer and card payment should be available soon.
Waders rule on Ruthven!
It’s not compulsory, but users of Inverness Angling Club’s Loch Ruthven fishings are reminded that thigh waders are required to gain access to the boat. Without them, you are bound to have a very wet session!
Team tackles invasive species
Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed have despoiled the banks of the River Ness over many years, requiring annual treatment. Officers of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board are about to invade their sites in further efforts to limit their impact on the environment.
The sap of Giant Hogweed is potentially harmful if it gets on skin, causing severe blistering when exposed to the sun. Blistering can recur over months and even years. Originating from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia, it was first introduced to the UK as an ornamental in the 19th century. It can now be found throughout much of the UK, especially on river banks. The smaller native Hogweed doesn’t pose the same dangers.
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing, strong, clump-forming perennial, with tall, dense annual stems. Stem growth is renewed each year from deeply-penetrating rhizomes (creeping underground stems) which can crowd out native plants. Knotweed originates from eastern Asia. Its natural habitat is on the side of volcanoes but it has spread into populated areas and has flourished on waste ground. It was introduced to Britain by the Victorians as both an ornamental plant and a cattle feed.