NEWS 2020
02/08/2020
The weather finally broke and we had some welcome torrential rain on Monday. This caused a nice spate and brought the long awaited runs of grilse and salmon in to the river. Monday and Gordon Rennie started his amazing week off with a grilse. Tuesday and Gordon had another grilse and Marc Macmillan had a grilse and a 3 lb sea trout. Wednesday was a red letter day and at least 19 fish were caught. Jim Mcgarry had 2 grilse at Nairnside, John Mackintosh 2 grilse, Davie Campbell his first fish a grilse, Bruce from Forres had a grilse, Billy Milne 2 grilse, Ali Macgregor 2 grilse, Gordon Rennie 4 grilse, Charlie Walker 2 grilse and Charlie Black a 12 lb salmon, Jamie Carruth 2 grilse. Thursday and the river dropped to a perfect level and the fly came into ts own. Gordon Rennie had an amazing 7 grilse, Thomas Lobar 2 grilse, Charlie Black 2 grilse, Charlie Walker 2 grilse, Tackie Mackintosh a grilse, Billy Milne an 8 lb salmon, Billy Maitland a grilse, Jamie Carruth 2 grilse. Friday and Gordon had another grilse to add to his amazing weeks tally. Most of these fish were released. Jordan Grant a River Ness champion distance caster took out a day ticket on saturday and had 3 grilse, and David Wilson had a grilse. The river is now low once again but the next flood should see plenty more fish into the system as August is usually the peak month. Apologies for any people I have missed out.
26/07//2020
Once again there was very little rain during the week, and the river dropped to below summer level. Saturday has however seen some heavy rain, and a small rise may be expected hopefully. Not many anglers ventured out in the low water, but on wednesday , Billy Maitland had a cast at Nairnside and caught a fresh grilse of 3 lbs. Thursday and Willie Robertson was also successful with a 4 lb grilse as was George Youngson with a grilse of 4.5lb. The coming week looks to have very little rain in the forecast, with showers, but hopefully conditions will improve. The work parties have been out each weekend and this weekend is the last one of the season. The paths have all been cleared and are looking good. There has been a huge grass/weed growth this year due to the weather and the lack of anglers not using the paths due to the virus. Thanks go to Billy Maitland for organising the work parties and to the loyal band of work party regulars. We now have excellent equipment to do the work, with strimmers, chain saws, Flymo and loppers, and plenty safety equipment, so hopefully next year, more members will come forward to help, instead of the usual crew. We really need the members help as it is getting to the stage that unless we all muck in and do a bit, then nothing will get done next year.
05/07//2020
As expected, the rain on sunday produced good fishing conditions for monday. Gordon Rennie took full advantage and landed a cracking 16 lb salmon and a 2 lb sea trout. John Mackintosh had a sea liced 6 lb grilse, Scott Graham had a great time landing 3 grilse of 6 lbs, 5 lbs and 4 lbs, and a sea trout, and Sandy Ord had a 6 lb grilse. Tuesday and the river had another lift and Davie Mackintosh landed 2 grilse of 6 lbs and 4 lbs. Thursday and Davie Mackintosh had a small grilse, John Mackintosh had a 6 lb grilse and Gordon Rennie had a great spell landing 3 grilse of 6 lbs, 5 lbs and 4 lbs all within 1/2 an hours fishing in the same pool. Sandy Ord also had another grilse. Robert Johnstone a junior member landed a sea liced salmon of 8 lbs from Nairnside beat. This is the 1 st fish caught from this new beat this season so well done Robert, ably assisted by his dad David. Friday and Billy Milne landed a cracking 14 lb salmon and Davie Mackintosh was successful again with a 4 lb grilse, George Youngson also had a grilse. Saturday Alan Murray had a sealiced grilse 4.5lb his friend had 2 the same size. The river is now in full spate, due to heavy rain on Saturday night so hopefully by Monday it will be fishable again. The forecast looks to be showers for the coming week so levels should stay good. Apologies if I have missed anyone. I have just heard that Willie Wallace was out for a cast and stepped into a hole on the path, that contained a wasps nest. He was very badly stung all over his face, so beware. Hope you recover quickly Willie.
30/06/2020
Last week was very poor with no catches however this week is different, plenty of rain has put the river up and a few catches have already been recorded, full details will be reported at the end of the week. Best fish so far a cracker of 16lb by Gordon Rennie.
Members are to note advice highlighted by Moray estates in relation to salmon exhibiting signs of red ‘rash’, bleeding and/or ulceration.
http://fms.scot/reports-of-disease-in-wild-atlantic-salmon/
21/06/2020
The river remained low throughout the week, with only a small rise of an inch or 2 on wednesday. Only 1 fish was caught and that was on Tuesday at a 5 am session by Davie (Tackie) Mackintosh, who landed a fresh 8 lb salmon. A few fish were seen showing during the week but nothing else was caught. The week ahead may have some hoped for thunderstorms and some heavy showers, as the river now badly needs a good flood. Grilse have appeared early in other rivers so they should be about soon.
15/06/2020
As predicted after the massive 4 foot rise, the 1 st fish of the season was caught by Dave Carson on monday, at 7am, weighing in at 8 lbs. He wins the Peter Ramsey trophy. Shortly after, Gordie Milne had a 12 lb salmon and in the same pool, Ron Cameron also scored with a fish the same size, so well done all 3 anglers. Willie Wallace also had a sea trout of about 3 lbs. Friday and Charlie Black had his 1st of the season a liced 7 lb salmon. After that the river dropped away very quickly and low water prevailed once again. With the outlook hot and sunny, it looks like ita back to sun bathing for a while, although there is a possibility of thunder and lightning mid week. Lets hope so as the river is badly in need of rain.
08/06/2020
A good amount of rain fell at the weekend giving a significant rise in water. As of today we are finally off and running. First fish of the season 7.5lb was landed early this morning by Dave Carson well done Dave !!
This was followed later in the day by Ronald Cameron 12lb and Gordon Milne 12lb. Water is still good so worth a cast if you can get out.
29/05/2020
With the river back open from today 29th of May it is important that anglers are aware of the latest information in relation to travel for fishing.Fisheries Management Scotland have been in regular discussion with the Scottish Government and with this in mind the latest advice from Fisheries management Scotland is.
“During phase 1, limitations on travel will have a bearing on angling activity. People are only permitted to travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise and are advised to stay within a short distance of their local community (broadly within 5 miles) and travel by walk, wheel and cycle where possible. The First Minister has indicated that the reference to ‘broadly 5 miles’ is an indicative guide. What is ‘local’ in an urban environment, as opposed to a more rural environment, could be quite different. It is important that anglers and fishery owners use their judgement about an appropriate distance of travel within a short distance of their local community.”
We have had a request from Alex Rose of Kilravock Estate, who has asked all anglers if they see any Himalayan balsam growing on or near the paths, can they pull out any they come accross by the roots and leave the plants over a fence or branch so that they die and cannot reroot. They are actually very easy to pull out. He is currently doing an operation to eradicate these plants and any help from anglers would be appreciated and helpful see the first 2 photos as to what this plant looks like. At the same time anglers are reminded that on no account should the touch or come into contact with Giant Hogweed (second photo) another plant that can be found around the river. This plant will cause severe blistering on the skin and can take up to a year to clear up. Photos on gallery page.
Quick reminder again on the new rules when fishing the Nairn.
All anglers MUST now carry antiseptic wipes and hand gel santizer with them at all times. This is in order to keep fellow anglers, members of the public and farmers safe. Anything touched must be wiped, like stiles, gates, fences and seats.
Anglers travelling in motor vehicles should do so alone, unless being accompanied by a member of the same household.
Anglers must not share fishing tackle or any other items, except with members of the same household.
Any members caught fishing without wipes and hand gel will have their permit immediately suspended and will be reported to the committee.
Government rules for distancing must be obeyed and anglers should stay at least 15 meters away from other anglers.
28/05/2020
Lockdown restriction removed and river to open tomorrow 29th May, please follow all club and government advice
26/05/2020
Unfortunately is seems the river will not open on 28th May. Statement yesterday from Nicola Sturgeon.
"Our current expectation is that we will be able to announce relaxations on Thursday (28th May). I would expect any new rules to come into place from Friday this week and those will mainly be in relation to outdoor activities."
"On Thursday there will be a clear decision on whether we are entering phase 1"
We will all have to now wait till this Thursday to see what will be announced .
22/05/2020
FISHING TO RESUME ON RIVER NAIRN
The Scottish government have announced today that the COVID-19 restrictions on fishing are likely to be lifted on the 28th of May 2020. Assuming this goes ahead all anglers are to note the special conditions that apply if they wish to fish on the river.
All anglers MUST now carry antiseptic wipes and hand gel santizer with them at all times. This is in order to keep fellow anglers, members of the public and farmers safe. Anything touched must be wiped, like stiles, gates, fences and seats.
Anglers travelling in motor vehicles should do so alone, unless being accompanied by a member of the same household. Anglers must not share fishing tackle or any other items, except with members of the same household.
Any members caught fishing without wipes and hand gel will have their permit immediately suspended and will be reported to the committee. Government rules for distancing must be obeyed and anglers should stay at least 15 meters away from other anglers.
We wish you all a safe successful season. NAA committee.
24/04/2020
The club has a new video on youtube check it out by clicking button at the top of this screen
26/03//2020
****** URGENT NOTICE TO ALL NAA ANGLERS *******
Due to the government advice to stop the spread of coronavirus, the Nairn Angling Association has decided that the “one form of exercise a day” which is allowed, should not be used to fish on the river.
While you are mostly on your own when fishing, crossing stiles, opening gates and touching them may cause infection to spread.
Let us hope that this will not last for too long, and we can all get back to enjoy our sport. This will protect our anglers and members of the public.
Please pass this message on by whatever means you can to anglers who may not be aware.
01/03/2020
The Nairn angling association are pleased to announce that the association committee have secured a new fishing beat on the river Nairn for our club members. The new beat is at Nairnside full details under our "The Fishing" menu page.
15/02/2020
The Nairn Angling Association had their official Opening ceremony today at the Jubilee Bridge in Nairn where the turnout was very high. The 2020 season was opened by well known River Nairn angler Billy Maitland. Crowds were in awe as not only did he christen the river from the bridge with some malt, but he still managed to make it underneath the bridge before it hit the water. Well done Billy one of the great characters to meet up with on the riverbank 😊
Yet again the first cast was made by young angler Tommy Mcintosh well done to him yet again. There is plenty of water currently in the Nairn and there is more to come but despite that a few kelts have been caught since opening day, good to see that they are all reported to be well mended.
Lets hope for another great season like last where some real quality fish were caught and returned by members. Good luck and tight lines to all club members and visiting anglers who enjoy the great sport to be had on the wee gem of the River Nairn. Not fished it before then give it a try, you may be very surprised just how good it can be.
28/01/2020
The new 2020 season is almost upon us permits are now in stock, and available for sale as usual at Pat Frasers. The outwith members should have received their letters. The season opens on Tuesday 11th February with the opening ceremony being held on the Saturday after opening, on the 15th February, at the Jubilee Bridge at 10.00am. It will be performed by committee member Billy Maitland, and a dram will be available as usual, to toast the new season. Big floods during close season has caused some changes so anglers please wade carefully as gravel movement has caused the bottom to change at some wading points. Work parties have been out and some paths have been cleared, and we are getting a digger in, in mid February, to clear Green Road to Hanger path properly.