Anglers march on River Teith for launch of fishing season in Callander

Scores of anglers flocked to the River Teith today (Saturday 1st February) to celebrate the opening of the salmon fishing season.

Para snowboarder Andrew Macleod joined Stirling Council Fisheries in Callander to throw a traditional quaich of single malt in to the waters to toast the new season, as well as highlight the benefits the outdoors can have on people’s mental and physical health.

Accompanied by Provost Christine Simpson, Doune and Deanston Pipe Band led the annual parade of around 500 people through the town to the river banks where anglers of all ages gathered to watch the ceremony.

Introductions into the world of fly tying were offered from John Richardson of Franc & Snaelda, and for those looking to try their hand at fishing for the first time, ‘come and try sections’ helped new anglers cast their first line.

Exhibitors included Trossachs Search & Rescue, Mhor, Lantra Scotland, The Scottish Fly Fair, Forth Rivers Trust, Police Scotland and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

A warm welcome in Callander

Provost Christine Simpson said: “The opening of the fishing season is one of the highlights in Stirling’s calendar and the turnout this year was just fantastic once again.

“We always receive great support from the local Callander community, anglers from across the country and all the organisations who turn out in support of the opening day.

“Anyone who visits our shores will be able to experience not only some of the best fishing the UK has to offer, but also the wonderful spirit of the angling communities surrounding our rivers.

“I would like to congratulate the team, led by Fisheries Officer Scott Mason, for the sterling work that they do.”

Seven days of free fishing

Anglers are again being welcomed to fish for free on the Council’s sections of the River Teith between Saturday 1^st February and Saturday 8^th February (not including Sundays).

The Teith is publicly owned and managed by Stirling Council, who this year have implemented new conservation measures, such as full catch and release on the river Forth and the removal of worm fishing to protect fish stocks and meet conservation targets.

Vice-Convenor of the Environment and Housing Committee, Councillor Danny Gibson, said: “We are very proud of our publicly owned fisheries and the work our teams do to preserve the river and its fish stocks so that generations can come and enjoy the type of event we have seen here today.

“Our permit price freeze will allow a wider range of anglers than ever before to access our beautiful rivers and I hope that they come to sample, not only some of the best value salmon fishing in the UK, but also the warm and hospitable welcome that is provided by the communities that surround them.”

Fishing permit price freeze

Stirling Councillors decision to freeze permit prices offers residents and visitors to Stirling some of the best value salmon fishing in the UK. Anglers can fish for nine months for just £200, while youths up to the age of 21 can now fish the whole season for only £15. Up to the age of 12, youths are also welcome to fish for free with a paying adult on a catch and release basis.

Stirling Council Fisheries also offer anglers spring fishing, sea trout fishing, summer fishing and back end fishing all on the one permit, which covers both rivers.