Fishing at Cairnton
The Dee Conservation Code 2007
The Board's code for 2007 is unchanged from that introduced in 2002. It calls for the release of ALL salmon and grilse throughout the season, and for the release of every 1st alternate sea-trout, (over 3lbs to be returned). The Board has given thinly veiled warning that it is prepared to use powers under the Salmon Scotland Act of 2001 to enforce all, or any part, of the Dee District to comply. Strong words, and I wonder whether they can identify offenders without 'grassing' from the offended! The code allows a start on 1 Feb, and the use of minnows up to 15 April; but no trebles.
At Cairnton, we support the principles of the board's code fully, while recognising that the hunter likes to take home something 'from the hill'.
So, as far as Cairnton fishing will proceed:
- We start on 1 February.
- Fly only.
- No trebles.
- ALL salmon and grilse returned.
- 2nd alternate seatrout returned; none over 3lbs killed.
- Fish killed which should not have been are handed to the Estate, to be sold at market rate - proceeds to Middle Dee Project.
In return, we will offer up to 2 sides of smoked salmon to each named fisher for the first 2 salmon/grilse returned up to mid-July, and 1 side of smoked salmon for each 2 salmon/grilse returned after mid-July up to 2 times the numbers fishing, without 'naming'. We will provide doubles for use with tube flies, when asked. Please squash barbs, and play fish as hard as you can: a fish who touches the 'bank', will be counted a kill, even if it later throws the hook. (The only spring fish killed recently was too exhausted to swim away after 20 minutes, having been played with too much care).
The full papers on the Dee Board Code, with rationale, are available in both the Rod-room and Ferroch hut.
Thank you for your restraint over the years. Tight lines in 2007.
