Returning anglers warned to check before casting off

New systems and rules in place for waters to re-open

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency will continue to investigate mine water discharge into the River Esk which has been concerning local anglers

FISHERIES are now preparing to re-open next week after lockdown relaxation, however the advice is to check venues before travelling.

Some waters are applying a booking-only policy and indications are that the Scottish Government have stipulated a five-mile travel limit.

At Harlaw, Malleny Angling plans to open on May 29 or June 1 at the latest but their bothy will be closed and there will be no tickets available from bailiffs.

Jim McComb, chairman, said: “We want all anglers to respect other park users.”

Tickets must be bought online or from vendors including Edinburgh Angling Centre and Orvis, but Balerno Post office is closed.

Karen Jack at Loganlea above Flotterstone said they will open when allowed and will use a booking system as she does not want more customers than she can safely handle.

The clubhouse will remain closed and she cannot take card payment. Correct money will be required. Customers will also need to bring their own nets.

Iona Allan at Allandale Tarn near West Calder plans to re-open on Thursday for pre-booking only and there are a number of new rules to ensure social distancing and safety.

Cramond Angling Club, who control a nine-mile stretch from the foreshore to Kirkliston, will also open when allowed and secretary Joe Arndt asked anglers to use common sense and not to share tackle, flies or nets.

At Pottishaw near Whitburn, fishing must be booked in advance. There will be no lessons or tackle hire until social distancing laws are relaxed.

Bosses say the water will be restocked with brown, tiger and blue trout before opening on May 28.

Bowden Springs at Linlithgow and Drumtassie near Blackridge are aiming to open on Thursday. Drumtassie will have two sessions with the first from 7am to 2pm and the second from 2.30pm to 10pm. An all-day ticket from 7am to 10pm is also on offer.

Overall, David Ogg, chairman of Angling Scotland (AS) who look after the interests of game, coarse and sea angling north of the border, said they were currently seeking clarification on the details of the phased plan announced by the First Minister.

It was, he said, a start, however, the organisation is disappointed at the journey limits for fishing.

He said: “From the way we read the proposals you can fish locally, only up to five miles from your home. Our proposal to the Scottish Government was for a 40 mile radius.”

Mike Horn, president of the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers, urged every angler to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives until the green light was given.

Archie Ferguson, vice-president of the Scottish Anglers National Association urged anglers to respect any conditions attached to permits issued by re-opening fisheries.

Meanwhile, Alison Brooks-Baker, clerk to the Edinburgh-based Forth District Salmon Fishery Board, has provided an update on Junkies Adit and mine water discharge into the River Esk which has been concerning local anglers.

Ms Brooks-Baker revealed she recently met Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and added that the Coal Authority are in the process of buying the land adjacent to the underground mine entrance in order to pump the discharge and mechanically treat it.

She added: “This should be ready by the Autumn, assuming they can get the equipment and get it done. Then they will start looking at the longer term for which they need a load of land if it is to be a passive solution.

“They say they had to wait for it to get this bad because they were not sure whether the water would come out at Junkies Adit or one further up towards Newbattle.”

Ms Brooks-Baker has asked for further information on what shorter term mitigation could be deployed, including freshet from the reservoirs which could help to prevent total decimation of the river and life,

She added: “I have asked for their comment on loss and damage to emerging juvenile salmon and trout given its location below Dalkeith Weir which is impassable.”

Forth Rivers Trust (for the ForthDSFB) will continue to monitor the impact and Ms Brooks-Baker added: “It is clearly a complicated issue, but it is disappointing that there has been little effort to mitigate damage.”