River Conon Conservation Policy

The following is the Cromarty Firth Fisheries Conservation Policy for 2010:

Salmon are classified as an endangered species throughout Europe. If they were mammals or birds they would be protected and fishing would not be allowed. There is therefore an incentive for anglers to act responsibly. Spring fish are sufficiently scarce for it to be foolish to kill any of them. The number of grilse returning from sea appears to be declining and so the numbers killed should be minimized. Sea trout over 1½ lbs are particularly valuable so should be released.

The percentage of fish released in the Cromarty Firth rivers is well below that achieved on most major Scottish rivers and the Board's policy is to release a minimum of 70% in 2010.

Salmon up to 30th June

• All fish to be returned i.e.100% Catch and Release. This policy has been in place on the Dee for many years, and has been introduced this year on the Tay and the Tweed.

Salmon after 30th June

• All fish over 30” / 75cm long (about 10lbs) to be released.
• A maximum of one fish (i.e. salmon/grilse under 30” / 75cm about 10lbs) per angler per week may be killed.
• Up to 6 fish (salmon/grilse under 30” / 75cm about 10lbs) may be killed per angler per season in the Cromarty Firth rivers.

Sea Trout

• A maximum of one sea trout over 1½ lbs per angler per week may be killed but it would be preferable to kill only smaller fish.

General

• All coloured fish should be released

• All foul hooked fish must be released by law

• The sale of rod caught fish is forbidden by law

• Please use barbless hooks

• When releasing fish, try to keep the fish in the water at all times and use knotless mesh landing nets.