Category: The Club

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

The catch returns page is now live – you can find it HERE or use the menu at the top of the page.

Remember, there is a penalty if you do not submit your catch returns. members that fail to submit catch returns are treated as new members and would be required to pay the new member supplement.

Any questions ask through the contact form or the River Kelvin Fishers page where all the action happens.

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

 

It’s that time of the year again, it is the Kelvin opening ceremony ! We will be meeting in the Islay inn at around 1130 for a dram and breakfast and then at around midday we will be piped down the road to the river. We are probably the only club that has to stop at traffic lights !

Our Chairman Atkins will give a short speech and then we all get to laugh at him stumbling around trying to cast!

Please bring your wives and kids as it really is a nice couple of hours!

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

 

Daiwa Exceler 9 ft Spinning Rod 10-40g

Bottle of 12yo Highland Park Whisky

Shakespear Sigma 9 ft Spinning Rod 10-30g

A years membership

Mitchell Avocet IV Gold 4000 Reel

Daiwa Trout River Net

RKAA Fleece (Blue or Green)

RKAA Hat (Choice of Styles)

12 x Courvoisier Cognac Minitures

Agenda Milngavie Town Hall 2nd February 2017

7.00pm Welcome and Introduction – Chairman

Summary of 2016 – Chairman and Secretary

Accounts – Treasurer and Secretary

7.15pm Elections
– Alan Atkins (Chairman)
– Frank Cook
– Davie Craigie
– Davie Craigie
– Roddy Hogg

7.30pm Proposals

1. Day tickets (limited to 5 per day) to be made available. Priced at £10.

2. Coarse permit to be created for Clyde beneath Dalmarnock Bridge down to the tidal weir. £15 per year, no worm or spinning.

3. Number of migratories that can be taken in one day changed to two (currently one).

8.00pm AOB

8.30pm Raffle and Permits

9.00pm Finish

Just a quick note to confirm that the AGM will be going ahead on the 2nd of February. There has been a delay in getting some of the invitations out due to a problem with the mailshot provider, but the remainder should be delivered in the next couple of days.
The venue is Milngavie Town Hall, and the meeting will start at 7pm.

Kind regards
Paul