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 that exploitation of all salmon, but especially spring salmon, must be reduced as much as possible. Consequently the Board strengthed its Conservation Code in 2010 and this has been continued for 2011. The following is recommended:
Start of the Season to 31 May:
- All salmon should be released alive.
- Anglers should not fish with worms during this period anywhere in the district.
From 1 June to end of Season:
- All hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released.
- All coloured and gravid fish to be released.
- Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district.
Worming in June, July and August
During the months of June, July and August the Board requests that worming should only be undertaken with Circle hooks or Shelton release hooks which are designed to help prevent deep hooking. Contact the Board for details of suppliers.
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.
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.
However the Board recommends that between 1 June and 31 August any worming which is done should only be with Circle hooks or Shelton release circle hooks.
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".
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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!
REMOVE HOOKS FROM RAPALAS
Rapala and other multiple hook lures are popular on some beats on the Tay and in Loch Tay. As the number of treble hooks attached can lead to problems in hook removal it is recommended that such lures should be used with a maximum of one treble hook only.
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