CONSERVATION
Numbers of salmon entering the Tay in most months of the year have tended to fall in recent decades. The decline has been most marked among the really early fish, the “springers” which come in during the winter and early spring. Studies in a number of rivers have shown that spring salmon are most vulnerable to angling exploitation because they are exposed to angling for many months as the pass upstream into higher tributaries. Significant rates of exploitation may occur, as high as 40% in some rivers.
It is essential therefore, with returns as they were in 2007, that exploitation of all salmon, but especially spring salmon, must be reduced as much as possible. Consequently the Board has strengthed its Conservation Code for 2008.
The Board has requested that all proprietors on the river make this Code a condition of let in 2008 and a significant proportion have already agreed to do this.
Start of the Season to 31 May:
- The first fish caught each day by each individual angler must be returned. Each individual angler then has the option of keeping one subsequent fish only, per day.
- Anglers should not fish with worms during this period anywhere in the district.
From 1 June to end of Season:
- All hen fish to be returned. The aim should then be to return at least 50% of cock fish caught, in particular cock fish weighing over 15 lbs.
- All coloured fish are to be returned.
- Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district.
To download a pdf of the Code, please click here. This download is laid out to be printed on both sides of a single sheet of A4 and makes a handy leaflet.
SAVING TAY SALMON SWEATSHIRTS
To encourage the release of spring salmon any angler who has released a spring salmon anywhere in the Tay district before the end of May qualifies for a free sweatshirt. This year the sweatshirts are an attractive bottle green colour sporting the “Saving Tay Salmon” logo.
When first introduced several years ago these sweatshirts were highly sought after and the Board has decided to re-introduce them due to popular demand.
To claim a sweatshirt contact the Board’s office (address below) and supply a note signed by the angler and a witness (e.g. the ghillie). Ghillies will have forms for this purpose.
WORM FISHING
Anglers are requested not to fish with worms up to 31 May nor after 31 August anywhere in the district. As many fish are deeply hooked, the Board considers this method of fishing incompatible with the need for conservation.
BAN ON SALE OF ROD CAUGHT SALMON
On 1st October 2002 the Scottish Executive introduced a ban on the sale of rod caught salmon throughout Scotland. The Board strongly supported this measure and reminds anglers that it is now illegal to sell rod caught salmon thus removing the incentive for killing excessive numbers of fish.
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ENSURING RELEASED FISH SURVIVE
The purpose of releasing salmon is to ensure that they survive to spawn. They will not do this if they sustain injury or damage which allows fungus to attack. The fungus Saprolegnia, is an ever present menance and can quickly overcome fish which are stressed or damaged. The mucus is the first line of defence and should not be damaged. The following simple steps must be followed:
Landing the fish:
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Use a fine, knotless meshed landing net and ensure the fish remains in the water.
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Do not beach the fish, as abrasion can lead to infection.
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Minimise handling the fish.
Fish should never be "tailed".
Knotted nets, gaffs and tailers are now illegal in Scotland anyway.
Removing the hook:
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Wet your hands. A dry, bare, warm hand can cause abrasion which later may lead to infection.
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Remove the hook gently. If possible remove the hook using forceps or a hook disgorger, taking care not to squeeze the fish.
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The use of barbless or micro barbed single hooks is recommended, as they make removing the hook easier.
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Take care with fresh, early fish as they are prone to damage and fungal infection.
Returning the fish:
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If possible, try to slip the fish out of the net without touching it!
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If you really must, then support the fish, in a current, facing upstream and allow time for the fish to recover and swim away on its own.
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Do not weigh the fish but estimate the weight of the fish from its length. Record all fish caught and released.
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Photographs by all means, but do not remove the fish from the net which should remain in the water. However tempting, PLEASE DON'T GRASP A FISH'S TAIL!! This can result in fungal infection.
The Golden Rules.....
The web is strewn with photos of salmon held like this. If you are to release fish, especially fresh run salmon, this is a recipie for trouble. The abrasion caused by fingers provides an inroad for fungus, especially around the tail. DONT DO IT!
Fish to be released should be kept in the net and in the water!
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