Rules for Anglers

CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE FORRES ANGLING ASSOCIATION PERMIT IS GRANTED

  1. FROM 1ST MAY FLY ONLY IN ALL POOLS.
  2. FROM THE 11Th FEBRUARY TO THE 15TH MAY NO FISH TO BE RETAINED. ONLY 1 FISH PER DAY TO BE RETAINED FROM 16th MAY TO 30th SEPTEMBER.
  3. All fish under eleven inches must be returned to the water immediately.
  4. THIS PERMIT, ALL TACKLE AND FISH MUST BE SHOWN TO ANY ASSOCIATION MEMBER OR BAILIFF ON REQUEST.
  5. While breast waders are now permitted, anglers are advised to minimise the disturbance to fish by over wading.
  6.  
  • All members and permit holders must fish in a sportsman like manner and must keep moving down the pool on a “cast and two steps” basis at least a minimum of two feet between casts.
  • In the event of a pool being fished from either bank, no member or no permit holder shall enter the pool in front of the angler in possession, but must enter the pool at any of the numbered markers and fish the pool in accordance with Rule 6(a).
  • Spinning fishers must allow fly fishers the right of way, but must fish in accordance with Rule 6(a).

THE COMMITTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE RULES IF NECESSARY.

 

CONDITIONS FOR ASSOCIATION POOLS

NEWTON – FLY ONLY AT ALL TIMES

FLY ALL SEASON.

SPINNER (minnow, toby and spoons) PERMITTED UNTIL 30TH APRIL IN THE FOLLOWING POOLS:

RED CRAIG / STONEY / SUSPENSION BRIDGE / ROADSIDE / RAILWAY / BROOM (Above Bridge) / COLLINS / ANTONS – BROOM ABOVE No. 2 MARKER

COLLINS AND ANTONS NO HIGH BANK FISHING.

Collins pool, Forres Angling Association, River Findhorn
Collins Pool, Forres Angling Association

MOY BURN WORMING

Note: Moy Burn allows members to fish with worms but excludes the Skater pool and the Breach.

 

LEASED WATER

CODE OF PRACTICE ON ALL LEASED WATER

  1. Fishing permitted with FLY only – barbless hooks recommended.
  2. Fish over 4Kg. (8lbs 12ozs) MUST be returned.

Catches per rod should be limited on the basis of reason and good sense with stock conservation in mind.

FROM 11th FEBRUARY to 15th May NO FISH TO BE RETAINED.

FROM 16th MAY TO 30th SEPTEMBER ONLY 1 FISH PER DAY TO BE RETAINED.

LEASED WATER POOLS

  1. Downstream Broom of Moy Bridge
  2. Sonnie’s Pool
  3. Gordon
  4. Dump
  5. Meg
  6. Cloddy
  7. Sea Pool
Meg pool, Forres Angling Association, River Findhorn
Meg Pool, River Findhorn, Forres

The following District Fishery Board Anglers Code should be read in conjunction with the above association rules:

F D S F B Conservation Code 2021

RELEASE   
Anglers must release:     
All fish caught up to 14th May inclusive    
From 15th May:     All fish over 9lbs / 28 inches (4 Kg / 72 cm)     
All coloured, stale and gravid fish             
As many hen fish as possible    
All sea trout  

RELEASE RATE      
Anglers are asked to achieve a minimum of: 75% of all fish caught from the 15th May  

KEEP RATE 
Guidance only as Release Rate above should take priority: 
A maximum of 1 salmon (under 9lbs) or 2 grilse (fish under 4lbs) per rod per 6 days.      

METHOD   
Before 1st May fly fishing is encouraged. Most beats are fly only all season.  From 1st May it is mandatory. Pinched or barbless hooks are recommended. Avoid using triple hooks.  

 

Catch and release advice

CATCH AND RELEASE – 6 SIMPLE STEPS:

  1. Use the strongest practical nylon cast to aid quick landing of fish. Long playing leads to the build-up of harmful metabolites such as lactic acid which kills fish even after they appear to swim away unscathed.
  2. Use single or double hooks but avoid using triple hooks. Pinch the barbs by carefully crimping them with slim-jawed pliers. This is better than using barbless hooks.
  3. Try and plan your release strategy as you are playing the fish – think where the best area would be to net or beach, unhook & release your fish. Avoid sandy beaches and silty bays, and where there are extensive areas where the water depth is shallower than the depth of the fish.
  4. Take great care in handling fish. It helps if there are two of you so try and fish in pairs. Do not pick the fish up by the tail and carry it to the bank for unhooking purposes. If possible use a wide- mouthed small knot-less mesh net to minimise handling and remove the hook and release the fish while still in the water. Wet the hands first or use surgical gloves and wet them as well, avoid the gill area, do not squeeze the stomach and take care not to rub off scales. Turning the fish upside down will often prevent it from struggling. Use your knees or the river bank to keep the frame of the net level and just above the water surface.
  5. Use long-nosed artery forceps or slim-jawed pliers for removing hooks.
  6. Try to minimise out of water and handling times. Return the fish as quickly as possible. Some photographers keep fish out of the water far too long, considerably reducing their chances of recovery. Support it until it has recovered enough to swim away.

Note also the following information:

Forres Angling Association Code of Conduct

Forres Angling Association Constitution