Members of Inverness Angling Club can get free access to the famous Loch Ruthven from tomorrow as the club boat launches for the season.

Vice president Stevie Watt, secretary James Emery and Chris Bruce released the boat from winter storage and launched it on the loch on Saturday,

Bookings for the boat on this famed trout loch can be made through tackle dealers Grahams of Inverness.

Ready for trouting: The IAC boat is launched on Loch Ruthven

Committee members of Inverness Angling Club paid a site visit to the Archimedes Screw development this past week, seeking assurances on several points. But some concerns remain unresolved.

The Highland Council restricted the size of the delegation as the area is still a building site. Attending were president Bill Byers, vice president Stevie Watt, secretary James Emery and treasurer and membership secretary John Ralph.

Key concerns that remain unresolved are the potential speed of the water flowing from the twin screws into the top of the Mill Stream, and restoration of the angler access to the river above the development.

Only one of the two screws was operating at the time of the visit and water flow had dropped from previous high levels. There is concern that high output from the screws during higher water conditions could threaten the safety of anglers fishing the west bank of the Mill Stream. Council officials also appear reluctant to consider a klaxon to warn anglers when the unit starts generating.

Club officials are also concerned by the low water levels in the Electric Burn which holds stocks of protected juvenile trout, salmon and lampreys. This will be referred to the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board which has conducted rescues at the burn in previous low water conditions.

This year marks the first UK tour for the Jack Fletcher Band, a four-piece indie/rock outfit from Wolverhampton. The Scottish leg kicks off at Inverness next Wednesday, April 6, at the Tooth and Claw. But singer/guitarist Jack Fletcher, guitarist George Hadley, bassist Henry Bradley and drummer Tom Robinson will also be taking the stage at the Little Isle Pool of the River Ness.

Chis Daphne of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board is a fan of the band and knew the guys were keen to try their hand at game fishing while in the area. With the help of IAC members, the musicians will be shooting some lines at the Little Isle around 1300 hours on Wednesday.

Tickets for their gig are available here: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/the-jack-fletcher-band-2022-uk-tour
Check their music out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC81Xd2zyhx0Xkju36Q5Geug
The band’s website address is: http://jackfletcherband.co.uk/

The Inverness angling community has suffered another grievous loss with the passing of John MacIntyre. A long term IAC supporter from a young age through to concessionary membership, John (86) enjoyed fishing the club water and, in the 1970s, with a group of friends as a partner in a boat on Loch Ness. He also served on the club committee.

The club sends its sincere condolences to John’s family. His funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, March 24, in the funeral home of William T. Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness.

Huts: IAC’s riverside huts will reopen from Monday (March 21) after deep cleaning. Members are asked to act responsibly in use of the huts — don’t crowd together inside and clean them down after use. Hand sanitiser and cleaning materials will be provided.

Catch Reports: Members and visitors are asked to note that the number for catch reports made by text has been changed. They should be sent to John Ralph on 07702 889841. Clearly, It is not possible to make the change on permits already issued but permits not yet issued will be amended. The preferred method of catch reports is via the club web site.

Loch Ruthven: The club boat is expected to be launched for the trout season on Loch Ruthven by April 1. A note will be posted here when the boat is available.

Inverness Angling Club has continued its long term donation of two week’s fishing permits in the annual auction staged by the Wild Trout Trust. Details of the auction, and the chance to participate for a wide range of fishing-related lots, can be seen here: auction.wildtrout.org

This is the title of a feature-length documentary which will capture the interest of salmon anglers and all those with a concern for the countryside.

Three years in the making by the charity ‘Scotland: The Big Picture’, Riverwoods, say the producers, “shines a light on the perilous state of Scotland’s salmon and tells the compelling story of an inextricable relationship between fish and forest.”

The film begins a sponsored Scotland-wide screening tour in Edinburgh on March 18 - a tour which includes Aviemore, Drumnadrochit and Fort William — but, strangely, no screening in Inverness. Perhaps those with an interest in the River Ness should get together to sponsor a screening. See a trailer and detail through the following link:

https://www.scotlandbigpicture.com/riverwoods

Inverness Angling Club has secured a commitment from The Highland Council to restore areas damaged by work on the ‘gathering place art scheme’ at the Little Isle Pool.

Visitors walking through the area have created hardened earth paths alongside the wall. Grass seed sown throughout the area following construction has not taken. Club seats, a rod rack and steps installed by the club have not been replaced. And part of the main public pathway has succumbed to regular flooding.

The planned works will include tarred paths alongside the wall and each side of the club hut, and the restoration of club seats and rod rack.

Unsightly: (above and below) The area around the club hut has become a muddy mess

Replacements: Seats and a rod rack will be placed in the grass area in front of the wall

Access: Steps will be replaced in this area to ease exit from the river

Flood: Drainage will be introduced to remove this large pool which hinders public passage

Inverness Angling Club has just received the sad news of the passing of a former member, Richard Collins, who worked at the Fish Diagnostic Unit at Drummond Hill, Inverness, before retiring to Dunblane.

Looking back on his life, his son David writes: “It is obvious that fishing was one of his greatest loves, and we, his family, are very grateful for the time he spent with you, on your waters, and your friendship. At those times, he was happy.” Messages to the family may be sent to mobile 07738 801333.

As the weather warms a little, more IAC members are having a cast for much sought-after spring salmon — despite rather heavy water conditions.

The Little Isle Pool of the River Ness is always popular, although the right bank of the Weir Pool tends to be the most productive part of the river in the spring. The left bank of the Mill Stream, by Whin Park, is also worth a cast.

Club membership to date totals 171, including 87 seniors, 31 concessionary, 30 associates and 23 juniors. Anglers who have not yet renewed their membership should do so before the end of March to avoid paying a £20 penalty.

New members are always welcome. Details of fees and application forms can be found on this web site. From the home page, go to to Fishing/Permits/River Ness permits.

Members of Inverness Angling Club express their sincere condolences to honorary vice president Andy Massari on the death of his partner, Barbara Wood. Their sympathies are also extended to Barbara’s family. Barbara was a regular and cheery visitor to the club beats of the River Ness, and to club events. She will be missed by many.

The funeral service will take place at 12.30 on Thursday, February 17, in the funeral home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness, thereafter to Kilvean Cemetery.

It was a windy start for Inverness anglers today (February 1) as they gathered at the Mill Stream Pool of the River Ness for the opening of the 2022 salmon season.

The river was blessed with a dram of malt whisky by Neil Souter, manager of opening day sponsors Holm Mills Shopping Village. Interim president Bill Byers then invited club member Geraldine Connah to take the first cast of the season. Despite the troublesome wind, she did a fine job.

The morning closed with lots of friendly chat over tea, coffee and bacon rolls kindly provided by our sponsors in the Mill restaurant.

Opening march: Anglers follow the piper to the river

First cast: Geraldine Connah opens the season

For the record: STV films proceedings

Hot stuff: Sandy Paterson, Eric MacLeay and David Mateer enjoy the refreshments

The 2022 salmon fishing season kicks off on the River Ness on Tuesday (February 1) with Inverness Angling Club staging a traditional ceremony at the Mill Stream Pool.

Anglers, as the supreme optimists, are looking forward to a season in which catches will be way above the 50 salmon and grilse caught on the club water during 2021.

Members, family and friends are invited to the opening at 10 for 1030 am. Once the river is blessed with a dram of whisky, and lady member Geraldine Connah takes the first cast, coffee, tea and bacon rolls will be served by staff of sponsors Holm Mills
Shopping Village in the Mill restaurant.

The Scottish Government has published a Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy which aims to halt the decline in salmon stocks in the country’s rivers and lochs. Priority themes for action are:

• Improving the condition of rivers and giving salmon free access to cold, clean water
• Managing exploitation through effective regulation, deterrents and enforcement
• Understanding and mitigating pressures in the marine and coastal environment
• Making a positive contribution through international collaborations
• Developing a modernised and fit for purpose framework

The full strategy document can be downloaded at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-wild-salmon-strategy/

An enthusiastic lady member of Inverness Angling Club will have the honour of taking the first cast of the 2022 salmon season on the club beat of the River Ness.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Mill Stream Pool at 1000 for 1030 hours on Tuesday, February 1. Interim president Bill Byers will invite Neil Soutar, manager of sponsors Holm Mills Shopping Centre, to bless the water in traditional fashion. He will then call on Geraldine Connah to take the opening cast.

Geraldine has much to say about the help, consideration and kindness of club members since she decided to devote her energies to salmon angling nearly five years ago. Instructors David Mateer and Frank Durdle, and other club members, have helped her to develop her Speycasting abilities — and to catch two fine salmon in the process.

A proud Scot, born in Stirlingshire, Geraldine spent most of her working life in England before deciding to retire to Inverness with husband Stephen 14 years ago.

“We felt at home from the moment we arrived here,” said Geraldine. “The people are warm and welcoming. And I admire the commitment of anglers to the club, the work they do to maintain the river banks and the time they devote to helping our junior membership.”

Geraldine with her first salmon, accompanied by instructor David Mateer

IAC club members and visitors are advised that the car park by the riverside behind the Holm Mills Shopping Centre will be closed to motor vehicles until further notice. But the area will remain open to pedestrians.

There is concern about significant deterioration of the concrete surface near the club hut. This poses a risk that parts of the surface could collapse under the weight of cars. Experts are being called in to assess the condition of the area. Meantime, anglers are asked to use the marked car parking areas at the shopping centre, but to avoid the long lanes designed for buses.

The newly-appointed director of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB) has committed to “working closely with anglers and landlords to drive forward the best future possible for the Ness.”

Brian Shaw, latterly senior biologist to the Spey Salmon Fishery Board, said: “There will be challenges but I’m ready for them. My prime interests have always been wild fish and environmental issues. There are issues to be worked through in relation to renewable energy developments as well as the Caledonian Canal’s proximity.”

Mr Shaw succeeds Chris Conroy who is leading an Atlantic Salmon Trust project in Sutherland.

Neil Cameron, who has succeeded Michael Martin as chairman of the NDSFB, said: “Brian brings a fresh view as well as considerable insight and expertise to the Ness. His track record suggests he can play a vital role as we all work together to face up to the local effects of a global salmon crisis.”

Inverness Angling Club wishes all its members and friends all the best for 2022 - and tight lines for the season!

A potentially long delay in the production of Inverness Angling Club’s membership cards has been overcome and cards are now available. Current members can get their permits from Grahams of Inverness in Castle Street by showing their 2021 cards.

Club permits need a range of coloured paper stock for different membership categories. The availability of these was threatened by Covid-related production and delivery problems. But a determined effort by staff at the club’s printers finally managed to secure sufficient for club needs.

New members should apply for 2022 permits by completing the application forms on the web site at Home/Permits/River Ness permits.