Author: preid

Thanks for your patience. Kelvin Permits are now available to buy through www.fishkelvin.com

Please look for the “Permits 2022” tab at the top of the web page.

Due to a substantial increase in our lease cost, prices for Salmon Season Tickets have been increased by £10.

If you are purchasing a salmon ticket please be aware that your tags will arrive separately before the 1st of June.

Kind regards

Paul

I’m pleased to announce that permits for the 2021 season are now on sale through the official website. It has been a challenging process this year, and there are still some details to be worked out, but for those wishing to start their fishing you can now purchase your permit online.

The Committee have taken the decision to offer a discount on the cost of a permit for existing members. This is to compensate for the time lost from last season where the river was closed. This offer will close at the end of March. There is a £10 discount on the Salmon season ticket and £5 on the trout fly only permit.

It will not be possible to have an AGM this year in accordance with the Association’s Constitution. Therefore the plan is to hold a “virtual meeting” where we can update members and answer any questions. The date and joining instructions will be announced separately.  Any proposals will be adopted on a voluntary basis, with a view to ratifying them as soon as we can have an official AGM.

The Committee have decided to make a slight change to the rules this year. All fishing from Partick Bridge down to the confluence with the Clyde (around 500m) will be fly only. More details on this decision will be in the news letter.

Thank you for your patience.

Paul

River Kelvin Angling Association AGM

Agenda War Memorial Hall 11th February 2020

7.30pm Welcome and Introduction – Chairman

Summary of 2019 – Chairman and Secretary

Accounts – Treasurer and Secretary

7.40pm Elections
– Paul Reid (Secretary)
– Alistair Stewart (Vice Chairman)
– Jim Burns (Treasurer)

7.50pm Dougie McKinlay – Wildlife Crime Officer

8.15pm Proposals
1) Permit prices – £5 increase for indirect. No change if bought direct from the Association
2) Day tickets – £15 and open to all visitors
3) Raffle for submitted returns to replace £10 fine
4) Increase Jnr ticket age to 18
5) Concession to include students

8.30pm AOCB

8.45pm Raffle and Permits

9.00pm Finish

River Kelvin Angling Association AGM

Agenda                 War Memorial Hall 5^th February 2019

7.30pm

Welcome and Introduction – Chairman

Summary of 2018 – Chairman and Secretary

Accounts – Treasurer and Secretary

7.45pm

Elections

– Alan Atkins (Chairman)

– Roddy Hogg

– Davie Craigie

– Davie Craigie

8.00pm

Proposals

1. Increase membership fees to :

Adult £50, Concession £40, Trout Fly Only £20

2. Trout Fly Only joining fee £10
3. All trout fishing C & R only
4. Trout Fly Only permits capped at 70

8.30pm

AOB

8.45pm

Raffle and Permits

9.00pm

Finish

This years opening ceremony will take place on Saturday the 17th of March.

As we have in previous years, we will meet at the Islay Inn (corner of Argyle Street and Kelvin Way) at around 11:30am. There will be hot rolls available and time for a quick drink before the piper takes us down to the river (where there will likely be another quick drink!).

After the first cast there will be the opportunity for everyone to fish, and free day permits will be available to all*. We will also be running tours for new members, or those looking for more information about hot spots and access to the city stretches.

As always it’s a family occasion, and a great day out to celebrate another year of fishing on the River Kelvin. I would encourage any new members ( or potential members ) to come along, as there are plenty of opportunities to speak to existing members about tactics for the year ahead.

Let’s hope the snow has melted!

Paul

Words from The Chairman

 As we approach the start of a new season, I felt it would be useful to reflect on last year’s fishing, and our hopes and aspirations for the season ahead.

After a particularly jovial opening day celebrations in mid-March, the river started to warm up, and signs of early runners were present by the end of April. However, apart from a couple of pulls and follows, no springers were landed by the time spring fishing came to an end at the end of May. The whole month (usually a good bet for the first Kelvin fish of the season) was blighted with low water, and cold winds, which more often than not came out of the east. However, I was fortunate enough to catch two springers, and lose two on my usual haunt in the north east of the country.

Another particular condition that, quite certainly, played a part in the lack of catches, was the low temperature of the water itself. This was a feature that continued to be the case right into the summer, and that put paid to most early morning sessions, throughout June and July. Fish were caught in June and July, and there did not seem to be a shortage of fresh runners seen trying to ascend the usual barriers on the lower river.

However, it was not all bad news and some lovely, fresh fish were caught throughout this period, but, again, fish seemed intent on running hard, or lying doggo in the pools in reaction to the low water temperatures. I was fortunate enough to catch three sea liced grilse during a week of action during July.  By this time of the season, fish were well spread out in the system, but still being frustratingly difficult to catch. News up and down the river was less than encouraging, with the expected flush of grilse in the last week of July / first of August, being a shadow of what was expected. Fish, again, seemed intent on running hard, and combined with fluctuating water levels, this made for very unsettled fishing conditions. One point that I thing is important to make is that I still see rods out flogging the water when it is clearly rising, or that the fish are running hard. This is generally a waste of time, and fishers would be well advised to pack up and go home in such conditions.

As we moved into the back end, fishing effort slowed considerably, as there did not seem to be the stock of fish, gravid or otherwise, usually expected in the upper reaches at this time of the season. I did, however, manage two more fish from the upper pools, albeit coloured grilse.

This season, top baits would have to be the worm and the flying C, with a few fish coming to a well swum Rapala. Flyfishers were, as usual, conspicuous in the absence, but until such time that we can create better fly fishing water, I regret that this will always be the case. I would welcome any suggestions from members as to where we can improve the fishings, the access and, generally, open up more water.  This season, the Kelvin has been categorised as a Category 1 river, but I urge all fishers to show restraint when taking fish, and ensure that, wherever possible, fish to be returned should never leave the net.

To conclude, I wish all Kelvinators a productive and enjoyable 2018 season, and invite everyone to our, now legendary, opening day bash at the Islay Inn, Saturday 17^th March 2018.

Alan Atkins,

Chairman.

 

Vice Chair’s Report

We have got a fantastic river that seems to improve every year.

My season started with the well attended opening ceremony, we met at the Islay Inn for some hot rolls and then a stroll to the river piped by Donald McKenzie. Paul Young was in attendance to provide some words of wisdom and thankfully we all made it down to the river in one piece. The last few years at least one person has taken a stumble down the stairs due to the moss however the drams have always been saved.

The first cast is above Snow Bridge, so called as in Victorian times snow was swept from Great Western Road into the Kelvin. Got to admit that I do enjoy our opening day as it takes place in mid march after the trout season is opened meaning that someone may see a fish even if it not an actual salmon. It is a family affair as well, there is a fair few kids come along and a casting instructor is usually on call to give some advice. It is a really good day and new members get to meet the committee and other anglers for advice. If we get a mild March we might even see a trout caught on a dry fly. I usually expect to see some rising trout on day one of the season to our very good large dark olive hatches which our trout love. Look for several trout together in pinch points where olives are floating down the river.

All anglers are aware that a valid permit is required to fish the city’s most accessible river and I would urge anyone who sees someone fishing illegally to telephone the police. When we introduced the photo cards a few years ago people used to clip the permit to their jacket or bag meaning we did not need to bother them to check however this seems to have lessened over the last year or so. We regularly get calls from anglers reporting poaching and sadly sometimes this is by people who should know better. There is no excuse to not buying a permit as it is one of the most reasonable permits on the Clyde system. If affordability is an issue the £15 trout/fly only permit is cracking value – trout fly gear can be picked up at very reasonable cost and I am sure a session can be arranged with someone to learn some skills.

Like most of you, it has been some years since I started fishing on the Kelvin and looking back in my diary I do not think it has ever been so good. Twenty or so years ago we did not have the same amount of angling pressure and even though we get folk complaining about access now, back then it was even worse however nobody really complained about it. The Vet School, for example, had a fence stopping access to the top of the stretch and if you were brave enough to climb the fence there was a few horses to dodge which put a lot of the townies off. Days would go by and you would hardly ever meet another fisher whereas now there are guys that fish regularly down that way. Sadly it is also regularly “poached” and we get calls about anti-social behaviour due to people that are not our members.

 

With three young kids I found it difficult to get out as much as I once did, and this went for tying flies as well. Thankfully pre- children I was able to tie enough flies to last me a good few years however now I am struggling around trying to get some basics together. I am still a half dozen flies kind of guy however there seem to be a few interesting patterns that I will be concentrating on this season. The “Retirer Sedge” is one of those patterns that just seems to make sense, a bit of deer hair for a wing and some poly yarn to make it super buoyant, from June onwards you could keep this as a dry fly and never take it off and still catch fish all day. Obviously I am late to the game, however Neil Sinclair’s foam bodied CDC olive looks reasonably simple to tie and could be used from the first day of the season until the last, also do not discount his old Double Decker as a workhorse which will pull up fish from every river.

I have enjoyed reading the exploits of other anglers on the Kelvin on our Facebook page, please follow the links on fishkelvin.com or urbanflyfisher.com to ensure you get to the correct one.

I hope you all have a great season, if you have any questions whether it is just for a chat or want to know whether a rumour you heard is true or false please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a great season!

Alistair

 

Headline Figures

215 members

138 returns submitted in time

198 migratory fish caught.

 

Wild Salmon Fisheries Review

Last year the Wild Fisheries Review collapsed, with the Government hinting that this was to avoid having to pass on costs to anglers. I could talk all day about what I think on this matter, but let me summarise by saying how completely gutted I was when I heard the news that the review would not be progressing. Not because I was sure of an outcome, but more because of the time that had been put in by many involved in the Clyde fishery. On behalf of the Association, and as part of the RCFMT, we had responded to many consultations, and there were many meetings and working groups attended to try and get some sort of improvement on a system that the Government had described as “not fit for purpose”.

Well guess what? That system that is not fit for purpose is probably exactly what we will end up with. Not just back to square one, but possibly a step backwards as some of those that campaigned against change have managed to consolidate their position.

In the short term the Clyde continues to be under-represented, without any statutory powers, and without any clarity on what will happen going forwards.

As the Secretary of the RCFMT I will do my best to keep you up to date with any news that comes out of Marine Scotland. There has been a changing of the guard, and I suspect that there are changes to come with regards to how the Clyde Fishery is managed.

The whole of the Clyde system has been given Category 1 status for 2018. As I have mentioned before I have my concerns about how this is calculated, but this approach is here to stay and we must learn to live with it.

The RCFMT have asked that all clubs and associations keep their conservation measures from last year in place, with a view to trying to keep our Cat.1 status going forwards. So our conservation rules and tags issued will remain unchanged.

The Scottish Government has not yet responded to their Consultation on Conservation Measures for 2018, so I am afraid I have no news regarding any changes to the law for the season ahead, and I am aware that this will lead to confusion given that the permit booklets have already been printed. I am assured that any changes will be issued by April, and I will pass on this information as soon as I get it.

Please keep an eye on www.fishkelvin.com for more updates.

 Permit Sales

FishPal is now up and running for existing and new member permits (including trout fly only). We are now looking at how we can add junior and concession permits to this online purchasing format.

Existing members (including concession) can renew their permits at GAC and JB Angling if they prefer not to buy online. Junior and fly only permits are currently not available in the shops.

The coarse fishing permit which was proposed at the 2017 AGM has taken slightly longer to set up than anticipated. It was also felt that this should run from March to make it easier to administer. This will therefore launch this year and be available through FishPal.

Bailiff Update

Currently we have 1 warranted Bailiff, and 7 Wardens. All are volunteers. We have at least 3 people that are willing to sit the exam and become warranted bailiffs, however changes at Marine Scotland have meant that the last exam date was cancelled, and there is no date for the next one. We are currently in contact with Marine Scotland through the RCFMT, and I will update as soon as there is any news.

As ever, we are looking for more volunteers to help ensure we look after the river. If you would like to know more about becoming a Bailiff or a Warden, please contact a member of the Committee.

Habitat Improvement

In conjunction with the Clyde River Foundation, we are continuing to investigate the possibility of “renaturalising” a stretch of the Kelvin. The project will involve taking a “barren” stretch, and attempting to improve the habitat through instream works.

The intention was to use LEADER funding to pay for the project, however due to Brexit we may have to look elsewhere.

CRF Work Undertaken on the Kelvin Catchment

Fishery Surveying

A total of 11 sites were electrofished in the Kelvin catchment; three of these were annual surveillance sites on the Glazert.  Of the others, two were annual surveillance sites on the upper and Lower Allander Water (Figures 1 and 2) and six were investigative sites to determine the extent of salmon presence in smaller burns.

The Allander sites have been monitored annually for 16 years. The Upper Allander site (Figure 1) usually contained a mix of 0+ salmon (fry) and older (1++) parr but this did not occur in 2004, 2015 or 2017, where only parr were present.  Lack of fry in these years indicates a lack of successful spawning in the vicinity of the upper site.  The reason for that remains enigmatic but it could be due to lack of spawing adults penetrating to the top of the Allander.  To that end, we suggest the RKAA keeps an eye on potential blockages at the fish pass and upstream and the CRF will add another site to its routine monitoring programme in Milngavie above the salmon ladder.

 

 

 

The Lower Allander site is among the most productive in Scotland for juvenile salmon.  The 2017 results show nothing of concern.

Of the other sites, we confirmed salmon spawning in or near the Craigdhu Burn in Milngavie, the Craigton Burn above Milngavie, the Park Burn near Kirkintilloch and substantial numbers of fry were found downstream of the weir on the Pow Burn, which flows into the lower Allander.

Invertebrate Surveying

We have an Honours student currently studying water quality samples taken from 20 sites over the length of the Luggie Water.  The report is due in March.

Schools Work

Clyde in the Classroom 2018, is the biggest ever.  There are currently brown trout eggs in 114 classrooms in 99 schools across the Clyde system.  Around 20 of these are in the Kelvin subcatchment.

 

Work Parties

Mixed bag with regards to the work parties last year. We had an excellent day at the back of Glasgow Golf Club, where we managed to open up some very interesting pools. The whole stretch looks to have some good fishable water, but unfortunately it is very overgrown and will need several days of work.

We also arranged a session at Torrance, but the turn out was so poor that this had to be abandoned. David Graigie and I instead went to Balmore and spent the day strimming the banks.

Winter weather meant that the closed season was not as productive as it has been in the past. Although I’m pleased to say that we managed a work party on Sunday, and a lot of banking has been opened up above the University Pool.

A ever, the Committee continue to get feedback from disgruntled anglers about access to the river. I would remind everyone that we are an Association, and it is everyones responsibility to chip in where you can. Turn out at the work parties has been very poor. We could get so much more done if we actually had the bodies to carryout the work. In previous years we have had more volunteers that equipment, and therefore invested in more. Now, very often we leave equipment in the cars as there is no one there to use it.

As we open up the banks to improve access, one unintended consequence is that we provide room for invasive plants to grow. This year we will need to focus on removing Himalayan Balsam in particular. So please volunteer to come along to the work parties in the summer months, to learn more about dealing with this plant and to help keep it in check.

 Pollution Incidents

With regards to the incident that Tommy Savage reported at Torrance, where a farmer has dumped topsoil down the bank and altered the flow, I regret to inform you that this matter was not dealy with by SEPA. Indeed a complaint was raised by the Committee, and an apology issued by SEPA. A warning has been given to the farmer, but there will be no further action. We have raised the matter with the RCFMT.

Scottish Water Projects

I recently met with Scottish Water to discuss the upgrades they are making to the wate water system across Glasgow. Having completed most of there works on the Southside, they are now turning their attention to the North, with several projects planned for the Kelvin catchment.

The first stage involves upgrading 3 Combined Storm Overflows that currently discharge into the Kelvin, which are unscreened. Two within Kelvingrove Park, and one beneath Otago Street. The two in the Park are to be replaced and given automatic screens, which will clean themselves following any discharge. The CSO at Otago street will be given a manual screen, which will be electronically monitored and cleaned by Scottish Water after every discharge.

They hope to stat this work in March, and there should be very little issue for anglers. The majority of the work should be finished within 6 months, however one of the CSOs is below a school and can only be worked on during the school holidays. It is estimated that this will therefore take 3 years.

The next stage is to tackle a futher 8 CSOs further upstream on the Kelvin.

Opening Day

This years opening ceremony will take place on the 17^th of March. We will meet in the Islay in from 11:30 am, and head down to the river at midday. As usual, all are welcome. We will be offering free fishing to all on the day, so please come along and enjoy the occassion.

Summary

Although the numbers of fish caught last season were down, this could be down to reduced angling pressure. This is reflected in the number of permits sold, and could be seen on the river with unsettled conditions in the summer meaning the banks were often quiet.

The drop in revenue can be put down to a slight decrease in permits sold, but also due to an increase in certain permit types. Existing members permits, fly only and junior memberships were all up, so the drop in revenue is down to new member tickets. This is not necessarily a bad thing. For example, if we had 100 new members last year that all renewed this year, then revenue from those sales would be down 30% (no joining fees). The decision then is whether to increase prices, drive new memberships or trim the budget accordingly. At the moment the club remains financially comfortable, so the Committee are not keen to increase the permit price. Instead this year we will look at trying to recruit new members and continue to balance the books with regards to spending.

There are no major outlays expected in 2018, indeed we are awaiting a rebate on our lease as agreed with the Crown Estate. The plan is to try and increase the access at a greater rate this year. We would have done more this year but the tree surgeon we were working with was fully booked for the second half of the year! We will try to arrange more work parties, and look at alternative suppliers for some of the major arbore work.

What we need from the membership?

Please continue to keep an eye out for poaching/pollution incidents.

Volunteer as a bailiff if you can spare the time.

Come along to the work parties.

Encourage others to join the Association.

With regards to recruiting members, we are looking to create some posters to go in angling shops etc. If you have any trophy pictures to share that we can include, please send them in.

Have a great season!

Paul

 

Agenda                Bearsden Town Hall 5^th February 2018

7.00pm                        Welcome and Introduction – Vice Chairman

Summary of 2017 – Vice Chairman and Secretary

Accounts – Treasurer and Secretary

7.15pm                        Elections

-Alistair Stewart (Vice Chairman)

-Paul Reid (Secretary)

-Jim Burns (Treasurer)

7.30pm                        Proposals

1. Article 18 of the Constitution – Amend the quorum number from 50 to 40.

Currently we require 50 association members at an AGM or EGM in order have a quorum. Last year we had around 65 people attend the AGM. If any future AGM or EGM was to clash with another event , or bad weather put people off from attending, we might end up in a situation where we have to cancel. Lowering the number of members required for a quorum would help to make this less likely. If membership numbers go up in the future we can reverse the reduction.

2. Junior Members – Raise the age to 18.

Currently 16 years old. We would like to try and increase the number of people under the age of 18 joining the Association, and to prevent drop off where previously young anglers coming to the end of their Jnr membership, might not review at standard adult prices.

3. Brown Trout – Lift the ban on killing trout.

Proposal put forward by an Association member. The Committee were unanimously against this. Putting it to the AGM will allow us to see whether the body of the Association agrees, and perhaps demonstrate to the proposer the current thinking amongst his fellow members.

8.00pm                        AOB

8.30pm                        Raffle and Permits

9.00pm                        Finish

• Alan Atkins (Chairman) cannot attend due to work commitments

You can now purchase season tickets through FishPal (except concession tickets).

http://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Clyde/Fisheries.asp?dom=Pal

Your permit will then be posted direct. This should speed up the process dramatically, and allows payment by card.

Kind regards

Paul

 

Just a short summary to cover the AGM, and any changes of note.

The evening began with words from the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary covering highlights from the 2016 season. These can be found in the RKAA Newsletter that was posted last week.

We then reviewed the finances. Questions from the association were answered, including plans for future expenditure. Overall the finances remain healthy.

At the elections Alan Atkins, Frank Cook, Davie Craigie and Roddy Hogg were all re-elected to the Committee.

The results from the 3 proposals were:

1. Day tickets – Voted down by large majority
2. Coarse permit – Passed by large majority. Further vote on price – £15 agreed.
3. Two migratories a day – Voted down by 31 to 12

So we are currently looking at ways to introduce the new day and coarse permits. Migratories remains at 1 per day.

As mentioned in the newsletter, the only other change relates to new members. Only existing members can buy their permits in a shop, new members must apply direct. We are setting up an online solution, but until this goes live new members can print off the application form from www.fishkelvin.com, or contact the Association through the Facebook page for details on how to pay by bank transfer.

Permit prices remain unchanged

New members – £60 (concession £50)

Existing – £40 (concession £30)

Jnr – Free (post only)

Trout Fly Only – £15 (post only)

Kind regards

Paul

Words from The Chairman

As we are about to embark on a new season, I feel that it would be appropriate to give a short overview of the season past.

Like almost all west coast rivers, the Kelvin was under mandatory catch and release of all salmon for the whole of the 2016 season, which presented both anglers and managers with a raft of challenges. From what I have heard Kelvin fishers faced the challenges with gusto, and I’m sure the figures will prove that the vast majority of our anglers stuck to the rules. In fact, I heard word that on one particular pool, fishers had released over 150 fish by the end of August alone. This must be applauded, and is a great indication that many of our new, more novice anglers have taken on board government restrictions, and complied without complaint. Further to this, it must be noted that our “old hands” have obviously done a great job of educating new members, and encouraged good stewardship and conservation of our wee gem.

In fishing terms, the spring was not nearly as productive as 2015, but with around 10 springers landed to my knowledge, we shouldn’t complain. As we moved in to June, the river was blighted by low water, and the catches reflected this. Although, there were some notable exceptions, and with water, tide bright fish in the 8 to 12lbs range were caught.  Personally, I had a disaster of a season on the Kelvin. After catching 5 springers in the my favourite northern river, including an 18.5lbs fly caught beauty on the 16^th of February, my largest and earliest salmon to date. Back on the Kelvin, luck evaded me, and, apart from a couple of lost fish, it was a blank season for me.  However, personal circumstances, and work commitments meant my time on the river was scarce.

As we came in August, conditions improved and a steady stream of spates brought in the grilse in numbers. However, there were days where these fish seemed to be turbo charged, and did not stop in the pools in the lower river. It was very frustrating for rods to see numbers of fish ascending the obstacles in the lower river with real purpose. In saying this, sport was hectic when the fish did slow down and take a rest, and some Kelvin fishers reported catches of two or more fish in a session.

As we approached the autumn, September was once again blighted by low water, and the catches reflected this as was to be expected. The last month of the season saw better levels, and catches were, on the whole, very good, with a couple of exceptional individual tallies. So, all in all a good season, and a high level of catch and release. However, with more than 100 fishers not declaring their catches, our final count could have been much higher, and by all accounts our returns are better than the other rivers in the catchment for last season. On a sour note, I have received reports that there were a large number of fishers out without permits, and I can only remind members that it is their responsibility to check the permits of unfamiliar rods on the water. As association members, it’s your river, and anyone fishing without a permit is basically taking money out of your pockets.

Finally, please remember to look out for work parties over the rest of the winter. Not only will you feel a strong sense of ownership over the river after a day’s brashing and clearing, but it will open up much more fishable water for everyone.  Finally , I would just like to wish all Kelvin fishers a productive and enjoyable season 2017, and please ensure to join us for our opening day bash on Saturday 18^th March 2017,

Your Chairman,

Alan Atkins.

 

Vice Chair’s Report

The trout season started as usual at our most excellent opening day ceremony, which should be a highlight of any Kelvin Fishers diary. We had a good turnout which started out with rolls with bacon or sausage at the Islay Inn, with a dram on the association. We were then piped to the river by Donald McKenzie, and then a speech by our Chair Alan Atkins. We had Lawrence Meechan, who is a casting instructor, teaching some of the kids how to cast a fly and also giving any members who wished some tips on how to reach some of those Kelvin trout. It really was a great day and I enjoyed meeting old and new members. I urge you to attend this year as I always find that members are very free with the knowledge they give out.

I had a difficult season this year due to a fire which meant I had to vacate my house for the best part of the season.  However, on my regular walks through the park I spoke to many trout anglers, and this season has been excellent. I have also kept up to date with the river through our Facebook page and group – we decided to shut down the forum on the website and start a Facebook group as that is where it seems all the discussion appears to be these days – you can access it through the official River Kelvin Angling Association Facebook page or website. It was only a few years ago that trout fishers appeared to be few and far between on the Kelvin, however after the decision to catch and release all trout the benefits of this are showing every year with bigger and more numerous fish. Consequently, this has attracted a lot more dedicated trout anglers utilising the bargain fly only ticket. Reading through the various Facebook posts I see that the larger Kelvin trout are often taken using techniques such as French nymphing. I had hoped to organise a meet up during the summer one night for the trout guys (any anyone else interested) to swap skills and knowledge however due to my personal disruption it never happened – it will be a priority this year.

All anglers are aware that a valid permit is required to fish the city’s most accessible river and I would urge anyone who sees someone fishing illegally to telephone the police. The police were called last season to assist with an ex-member who was fishing illegally. The ex-member had previously accepted a sanction of a one season ban however had then continually fished the river. After much more negotiation this then resulted in the persons tackle being confiscated and the police being involved. Obviously it should never have to get that far however, it is the members that have made the rules and expect them to be upheld. This season we will be even more vigilant what with the forthcoming changes in policy due to the Wild Fisheries Review.

Anyway, I am looking forward to this coming season and plan to meet up with anyone that fancies a fish. I get asked often about flies for the Kelvin and I give the usual advice of Grey Dusters and pheasant tail nymphs as standard. Klinkhammers and Comparaduns if you want to be fancy – micro  flies at dusk into dark for rising fish.

Have a great season!

Alistair

 

Headline Figures

233 members

130 returns submitted in time

251 migratory fish caught.

 

Wild Salmon Fisheries Review

As you are aware, the actual review and the river categorisation system are separate. The review is ongoing, and I have been working closely with the RCFMT to review and respond to the information that has been provided by Marine Scotland. Going forward I will be providing links to the relevant information on our Website and Facebook page. By following the links you can keep yourself informed and provide personal responses. We will of course be responding as an interested party at an Association level, and as part of the RCFMT.

With regards to the river categorisation of the Clyde System, the Government has decided that we will move from a class 3 (total C&R) to a class 2 (conservation measures in place). While personally I am happy with the decision, I have my reservations about how this decision was made and the possible outcomes. Not something I am going to go into detail with here, but feel free to ask me in person.

For the past 8 years I think I can say that the RKAA has been a conservation minded organisation. The majority of our members understand the need to show respect for their quarry, and the need to protect fish numbers. This can be demonstrated by the measures voted in by the membership (C&R to June and October, tagging system, etc.). The result is that after discussion with the RCFMT there is actually very little we have to change, as we already do enough to demonstrate that we are working to protect fish numbers. The only change from the rules in the 2015 season, is that we will be issuing 3 tags instead of 5. This is in line with the other clubs in the system that issue tags.

 

Permit Sales

There will be a couple of changes to the way we sell permits next season, but there will be no impact on existing members.

We have had a couple of instances where shops were issuing permits incorrectly, so as a trial we are moving new permit sales to direct only. Existing members will still be able to renew their permits in one of the angling shops, but for anyone looking to buy a permit that was not a member in 2016, they will need to complete a form and send it to the Committee for approval.

We are also in discussions with Fishpal about offering season tickets and day permits online.

 

Bailiff Update

There were a couple of incidents of note this year, but due to ongoing legal process I cannot go into any detail. I can say however that we have stepped up a gear when it comes to those that repeatedly go against the Association. While there are some people that would prefer that we did not involve the police in Association matters, in two cases last season we were left without any choice. Those involved were given multiple warnings, but for their own reasons they felt that they could not behave in the manner that is expected from Association members. My only issue with involving the police is that they are often not up to speed with the law that applies to fisheries. As we go forward I believe that this will start to improve, and ultimately if and when the Wild Fisheries Review is completed there will be a far more robust set up in place.

Unfortunately, due to illness and relocation, we find ourselves down to 1 warranted bailiff. We do however have 2 members going through the process, and hopefully a further 2 joining them. If you would like to volunteer some of your time to help look after the river, please get in touch.

As ever, if you see anything suspicious or behaviour you are unhappy with, contact the Committee.

 

Catch Returns

This year I must emphasise the importance of keeping track of your catches and submitting an accurate catch return. This information could well be crucial when it comes to the categorisation of the system. So if we want to remain cat. 2 and possibly move to cat. 1, then you must make sure you submit a catch return by the 20^th of November. This year we received 130 returns, which is a number with plenty of room for improvement. I would also like to talk about the quality of some of the returns we received this year, which were well below what the Crown Estate would consider acceptable. The format that we provide online and in the booklet must be completed accurately, as this is the way we then have to submit to the Crown Estate. So, to be clear, you must keep a record of the weight of each fish and when it was caught. Simply putting down the total you caught for the year and caught between June and September is not acceptable. If your return is not completed properly it will be recorded as not submitted, and the fine will apply.

 

Habitat Improvement

In conjunction with the Clyde River Foundation, we are currently investigating the possibility of “renaturalising” a stretch of the Kelvin. The project will involve taking a “barren” stretch, and attempting to improve the habitat through instream works. European funding may be available, but with the political climate I am not holding my breath.

I recently saw a report on the length of catchment that has been lost over the years to altering of the original channel. Something like 90km has been lost in total! I’m hoping we can use this information to lobby for instream works in the future.

 

Work Parties

Family commitments and adverse weather conditions have prevented me from organising as many work parties as I have in the past. Most work has been ad hoc around clearing obstructions in the salmon ladder, although Frank Cook has continued to work away at clearing some of the banks up by Glasgow Golf Course. We also invested in some clearing of the vegetation along the stretch above Great western Road, and the result is very pleasing. I look forward to fishing this stretch when the season starts.

The plan is to organise a number of targeted work parties through the year, with plans to tackle access at Kirkintilloch, Torrance, Glasgow Golf Club and beneath Balmore Bridge. That is plenty to be getting on with, but we appreciate there are other areas that need attention and we hope to get round to them.

Please try to get along to a work party and help out if you can.

 

Pollution Incidents

There were a number of pollution incidents reported last season, but I’d like to start by bringing you up to date with a successful prosecution. Following numerous complaints from the RKAA and members of the public, SEPA took action against Allma Construction. The company were working at the Woodilee development, and had been responsible for sediment being released into the Bothlin Burn and Luggie Water. While I am delighted that there has been a result, I am concerned about how long the process took, and the size of the fine (£4000).

Tommy Savage got in contact with me to report an incident above Torrance. It looks like a large section of the bank has been damaged and as a result the pool has been altered dramatically. The incident has been reported to SEPA and the last update was that the investigation was ongoing and could potentially fall under criminal law. So no further information at the moment, I will update as soon as I hear anything.

 

Opening Ceremony

The official start of the season is the 11^th of February. The ceremony will be held on Saturday the 18^th of March to coincide with the opening of the trout season. Details to follow.

 

Summary

I just wanted to take the time to highlight the importance of last season, and the stability of the Association. The cat.3 situation had a negative impact on clubs across Scotland, with many reporting a fall in membership numbers and the financial implications that go along with that. I really feel we have bucked the trend on the Kelvin, maintaining our membership numbers and balancing the books in a difficult period. We also showed healthy catch figures, which again seemed to go against what we have been hearing from other rivers.

Personally, I feel that the Kelvin is a river that is improving year on year. While it is not without its issues, if we can continue to open up access and work with SEPA to keep an eye on water quality, then I believe that we have a fantastic asset. It is my hope that the membership realises the value of the fishing on offer, and gets involved in promoting and improving the fishery.

Have a great season!

Paul