River Carron Conservation Policies

Since 1995 Catch and Release has been practiced on the River Carron and in that time we must have been responsible for enabling many thousands of spawners to reach the redds ensuring the survival of a percentage of their offspring for future years. Tenants and guest of the Carron have led the way and have consistently returned the greatest numbers and last year the River Carron returned 92% of its total catch.

We should all be aware that non-native invasive species can devastate a river. Signal Crayfish are now so prevalent in England that our native species have almost been wiped out. These voracious creatures can decimate populations of salmon and trout and they are now populating rivers north of the border. We ask you PLEASE to ensure that your equipment is safe to use on our river by following the CHECK CLEAN DRY procedures set out by Government. These also protect against the spread of other invasive animal and plant species

The Kyle of Sutherland District encompasses 5 rivers and the fishings of the tidal waters up to the Dornoch Bridge. Throughout the catchment the average catch for the year (by all fishing methods) is in excess of 4,000 salmon and grilse. It is for that reason the Kyle of Sutherland District Salmon Fishery Board requested that all fishermen throughout the catchment adhere to a Unified Catch and Release Policy set out below in order to ensure the survival of salmon fishing for the future. Since the introduction of this policy numbers of salmon and grilse being killed has dramatically decreased which is excellent news for us all.

Kyle of Sutherland District Salmon Fishery Board Conservation policy for 2010

“Kyle fisheries – you hold the future”

Multi sea winter salmon. Aim to achieve:

• All fish released before 15th June.

• All fish 65 cm (approximately 7 lbs) and over nose to the fork of the tail release after 15th June.

• A 100% release rate catchment wide over the season.

Grilse. Aim to achieve:

• All fish released before 15th June.

• A minimum of 80% release rate catchment wide over the season.

Sea Trout. Aim to achieve:

• All fish released before the 15th of June.

• All fish 50 cm (approximately 3 lbs) and over nose to the fork of the tail released.

• A minimum of 80% release rate catchment wide over the season.

Method.

• Fly only by statutory instrument.

• Treble hooks prohibited.

• Barbless hooks should be used as best practise.

Training and Education.

• The Board to provide education and training for anyone who requests it.

• Written leaflets and posters explaining the need for the Unified Conservation Policy (UCP) to be provided to all fishery interests.

Please also read the Kyle of Sutherland paper on grilse declines.

Equipment: The Carron Proprietors recommend that all anglers carry a knotless salmon net, a salmon rod (not a trout rod), strong nylon and artery forceps at all times.

Ban on the Sale of Rod Caught Fish: The Scottish Executive enforces a ban on the sale of salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line. The ban applies across Scotland, irrespective of where the fish have been caught.

A bleeding fish does not necessarily mean it will die unless it is profuse and from the back of the tongue or the gills. Under NO circumstances should a fish otherwise be killed.  All fish killed due to bleeding are property of the respective estate on all beats.

Anglers are reminded that all gravid fish (both male and female) should be returned.  Advice on releasing fish is available from the ghillie.

PLEASE NOTE THAT GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS IS STILL PREVALENT IN EUROPE ALL FISHERMEN AND CANOEIST MUST DISINFECT THEIR EQUIPMENT BEFORE ENTERING A RIVER IN GREAT BRITAIN. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON PREVENTION