Issued on behalf of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board:

St Johnstone FC Manager Steve Lomas opens the season on the River Tay, the home of good value salmon angling

Steve Lomas, Manager of St Johnstone FC and former Manchester City, West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Northern Ireland midfielder, opened the salmon fishing season on the Tay at Dunkeld House today. A ceremony, organised by the Dunkeld and Birnam Tourist and Angling Associations supported by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board (TDSFB), marked the start of the 2012 season.

The formal opening of the river, accompanied by music and pipers, took place at 9.30 am by the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel, with the first cast being taken by Steve Lomas.

William Jack, chairman of the TDSFB, commented: “On the opening of the new season the Tay Board would like to take the opportunity to counteract the widely held misconception that salmon angling is the preserve of the wealthy. For example in February there are currently over 3,000 rod days available on the Tay. Half of these cost £30 pounds or less and 95 per cent less than £60. Often this will include assistance from a ghillie with a boat. In addition there is a great amount of water owned or managed by clubs and associations, offering easy access at little cost. Obviously many prices increase as the season progresses but there is still a wealth of good value fishing available to all”.

On January 16 anglers were be competing for the Redford Trophy, awarded for the biggest spring salmon caught and safely released on the main river.

Notes:
1) The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board is the statutory body responsible for the protection, preservation and development of salmon and sea trout fisheries in the Tay system.

2) The River Tay’s Conservation Code:
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.
• No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
• Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district.

3) On January 16 anglers will also be competing for the Redford Trophy, awarded for the biggest spring salmon caught and safely released on the main river. The Redford Trophy is awarded annually to the captor of the largest spring salmon caught and safely released on the River Tay (not including tributaries) on the opening day of the season. The winner receives the Redford Trophy, a £250 Gift Voucher from Crockart’s of Blairgowrie and an invitation to the River Tay Awards Dinner. Entries should be submitted to Crockart’s (tel: 01250 872056) by 5 pm on January 16.

18LBS Benchil & Pitlochrie looks like the main contender!!
regards
bert

unconfirmed 22lb bar of silver

Last year the boys from the toon done the business.

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we saw the first fresh fish being banked at around 9.15 at Kenmore We also heard of the 20lb fish whist talking to Mr Gowans at Portnacraig.
Rather amusing to see a 3lb rainbow being claimed as a springer
Newtyle for us tomorrow hopefully the cold will slow them down after last weeks mild spell.







The harlers out at Dunkeld House



Not a common sight today.....the fly at Easter Haugh

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BROWN TROUT:THE RED SPOTS HAND PAINTED BY GOD

PR.
The Kenmore Bridge photo is a stunner.
Evokes all sorts of memories!
regards
bert

aye Bert the river had that cold dark misty look to it....so "Tayish". Driving up past Dalguise the trees were pure white with frost....a magical morning to be out in the heart of Scotland....."whaes like us"

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BROWN TROUT:THE RED SPOTS HAND PAINTED BY GOD

Salmon Fishing Scotland.

PR you must have taken the missus up with you, I don't believe for a second that you took those pics (way to professional for you and yer kodak instamatic). Had no joy on the Clyde today, might change venue for Friday, will let you know.

I took my decent slr camera (that i am still trying to fathom) yesterday.
Four of us out again today at Newtyle ....The new ghillie Andy is a top bloke. Two of the lads had kelts and the lass had a p.b broon I failed to keep a decent fish on
"springers"......I think I will only get one if buy a dug !

Chappy was club photographer today.

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BROWN TROUT:THE RED SPOTS HAND PAINTED BY GOD