THE DON DISTRICT SALMON FISHERY BOARD
2016 Salmon & Sea Trout Conservation Policy
Since 2015 new legislation governing the taking of salmon has come into force across Scotland. The latest change for the Don was made in March 2016 and requires all rivers to protect the conservation status of salmon. As part of this legislation the River Don has been given a Category 2 status which means that existing conservation measures on the Don are deemed inadequate and that there is a need to reduce the number of salmon being killed on the catchment. For 2016 this will be done on a voluntary basis and we urge all Don anglers to return the salmon they catch. If we fail to return the salmon or stocks decline then this voluntary basis may, according to Scottish Government, become mandatory for 2017.
Legal RequirementsA. As of January 2015 it is a criminal offence to retain a salmon or grilse prior to 1st April. By law any salmon or grilse that is killed before this date must be returned to the river, whether dead or alive.
B. It is illegal to sell rod caught wild salmon or sea trout, or use knotted nets, tailors or gaffs.
Conservation CodeC. Anglers are encouraged to practice 100% catch and release for the entire season for salmon, sea trout and finnock.
D. Anglers should be encouraged to fly fish throughout the river catchment.
E. It is recommended that all hooks should be barbless or crimped. No treble hooks should be used.
F. Spinning permitted at the beat’s discretion. No treble or barbed hooks to be used.
G. It is recommended that bait fishing, using the worm only, is only permitted for junior anglers at the beats discretion. There should be no worming in October.
H. Fish returned to the water should be handled carefully with wetted hands and held facing upstream until sufficiently recovered to swim free. Fish should remain in the water at all times.
I. To help prevent an outbreak of Gyrodactylus salaris which has had catastrophic effects on some European rivers, all visiting anglers who have been using their fishing tackle abroad must make sure they have sterilised all their equipment, particularly waders and landing nets.
For guidelines on how to safely release fish or information on fish stocks then please visit our website:
www.riverdon.org.uk
