Voluntary conservation measures introduced by the Ness board, in partnership with proprietors and anglers across the Ness system, have resulted in a significant improvement in the overall release rate in recent years. The provisional 79% total release rate recorded in 2013 is the highest on record, with the ‘spring’ release rate now standing at a highly commendable 98%.
Total salmon Release Rate (salmon & grilse combined)
‘Spring’ Release Rates (January to May)
Further to this, a conservation agreement was reached with two net and cobble operators in 2013. These stations remained closed for the entire season. Provisional catch return data indicates that the total Ness District net fishery catch reduced from 545 fish in 2012 to zero in 2013. This is the first time in at least 61 years that no fish have been recorded by the nets. The current agreement runs until May 2014, after which the Board hopes to secure a longer term agreement.
It is important that efforts continue to maintain, if not further increase, the number of salmon released back into the Ness System. Looking forward to the 2014 season, the Board’s Conservation Policy will continue with the following recommendations:
From the start of the Season to 30th June 100% of all salmon caught should be released.
- During this period anglers should not fish with worms in any part of the system.
From 1st July to the end of the season all hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10lbs should be released.
- No more than one clean fish weighing less than 10 pounds may be retained per angler per day.
- All coloured and gravid fish must be released.
- During September and October anglers should not fish with worms in any part of the system.
Further detail can be found on our 2014 Conservation Policy poster. Please feel to download and circulate.
Alex Elliott with a magnificent 17lb springer from the River Oich
