Two hooked as season starts
Highland News: Published: 03 February, 2011

THE first two salmon from the Ness system for the 2011 season were recorded last week, with both coming off Loch Ness and, importantly, both being returned.

The honour of being the first to catch one this year goes to Billy Neil, from Spean Bridge, who took a 14lb fish last Monday when he was trolling out from Glenmoriston.

Fish number two was taken by Angus MacGruer last Saturday.

Angus hooked and successfully netted a fine 15lb salmon while trolling a gold sprat at the Hammer Stone on the Moriston side of the loch.

But it wasn't such a happy story for another Loch Ness worthy Kevin "Curtains" Stewart when he was fishing on Saturday with Neil Porter.

First of all he burned his hand on his Kelly Kettle, then he burnt his jersey on the fire and then melted his piece box to boot.

They say all bad things come in threes, but in Kevin's case they come in fours.

As he was getting out of the boat at the end of the day, he ripped his neoprene waders after getting them caught on a rowlock.

Curtains!

There was a good turnout of Inverness Angling Club members on Tuesday for the official opening on the River Ness season at Holm Mills.

Now, it's just a matter of time to see which of our local anglers can get his - or her - name in the record book for the first fish of the year.

First cast Neil Porter and honorary president Jack Watson at the Ness season opening. Callum Mackay

The first few weeks of 2011 proved challenging for anglers at Achagour Fishery, near Nairn.

With low temperatures, ice was a problem and fishing was limited early in January, but a few brave souls made the effort once temperatures improved and were rewarded with fit fish, hungry for slowly retrieved lures and static buzzers.

Most fish were in the 2lb to 3lb range and gave good sport.

Top rod was Jake G Fraser with 34 fish for two visits, Billy Orrock had 16 and Mick Fenion 14.

Buzzers were the most productive at various depths with orange, red, white and lime green the best colours.

The Achagour Winter League continues to be competitive and at this stage there are quite a few anglers still very much in contention.

The Inverness Angling Club Winter League is also being well supported at Achagour.

A fundraiser for the Scottish Ladies Fly Fishing Team 2011 is being held at Achagour on April 17 from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

The entry fee is £25 and names are now being taken for this event which was well supported last year. For further details contact the fishery on 01309 651259. LAF

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