Catch and Release Policy
The continued aim of the K.S.D.F.B. in 2011 is to maintain and enhance Salmon stocks within the Kyle of Sutherland catchment. This aim can only be achieved by a sound management plan, which consists of a number of objectives; one of these is the implementation of conservation measures by means of catch and release. The Upper Shin proprietor fully supports catch and release and strongly encourages all fishermen to take only what they want for their own consumption. A stale fish is not particularly appetising. Farmed salmon is an excellent and cheap alternative; please make your fish cakes and fish pies out of these.
The Shin Proprietors would ask rods to release all fin clipped or tagged fish and fish caught in the Dam pool and Cinder’s pool. (Make a special note in the book).
Before 15th June 75% of all fish to be released.
After 15th June all fish over 65 cm (2’ 1½”) are to be released.
All rods or wading sticks should have tape placed at the appropriate place.
This does not mean you may keep fish under 65cms. Recent research has shown that the grilse is just as important as a salmon. So please put back wild salmon and buy fresh farmed fish instead.
Over the season 75% of all fish to be released. (Last year we achieved 80%). Very well done to all who returned fish.
The seven years of voluntary catch and release have been so successful the Proprietor still believes that the rods are acting in a responsible way. The wild salmon deserves the chance to breed and will not do so in the bottom of a deep freeze.
Please read the notes on releasing fish and try to carry forceps or specialist hook de-gorgers with you to allow the fish to be released in the quickest and most humane way.
Alternatively you can use barbless hooks, this makes releasing your fish much easier. If you want a real challenge then fish with a single barbless hook. A reward will be given to all those who manage to land a Salmon and then successfully release it having used a single barbless hook (we recommend that the hook are not straight but have a kink in the shanks).
If the rods would like the added challenge of fishing with barbless hooks, the Proprietor has nothing but admiration for them and would enjoy hearing all about it. There would be a space in the Newsletter and web site for the best ‘one that got away story’.
During the 2010 season 262 fish, or 87% of the total caught, were released back into the river from the Upper Shin. The river and hatchery are many hundreds of thousands of eggs better off because of this action.
If any tenants would like to tour the Shin’s new holding facility on the Grudie, we would be delighted to arrange this for you.