The official opening of Stirling’s salmon fishing season on the iconic River Teith in Callander will take place this Saturday (1st February).
The launch event will begin at 9.15am in Callander, when the piper-led parade of anglers, armoured with fishing rods, leaves Ancaster Square. The river will then be officially opened by Team GB para snowsport athlete Andrew MacLeod, who grew up in Stirling.
Introductions into the world of fly tying will be on offer from John Richardson of Franc & Snaelda, and for those looking to try their hand at fishing for the first time, ‘come and try sections’ will help new anglers cast their first line.
Exhibitors will include Trossachs Search & Rescue, Mhor, Lantra Scotland, The Scottish Fly Fair, Forth Rivers Trust, Police Scotland and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
Seven days of free fishing
Stirling Council Fisheries are also offering seven days free fishing on their River Teith beat to mark the start of the salmon fishing season, running from Saturday 1st February until Saturday 8th February (not including Sundays).
Stirling Council Fisheries Officer Scott Mason said: “The opening of a new salmon fishing season is always an exciting time and we always receive fantastic support from the local Callander community, anglers from across the country and all the organisations who turn out to support us.
“It is great news that an inspiring local figure such as Andrew Macleod will be opening the river this year. Despite the challenges he has faced in his life through losing his leg, he has not let this get him down, and he has pushed himself to be as active as possible, while championing the outdoors and getting youngsters involved in outdoor sports.”
Fishing permit price freeze
Stirling Councillors have again approved a continued freeze on permit prices, offering 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.
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.
Enjoy a warm welcome on the Forth and Teith
Vice-Convenor of the Environment and Housing Committee, Councillor Danny Gibson, said: “The rivers Forth and Teith offer not only some of the best value salmon fishing in the UK, but also a warm and hospitable welcome from the communities that surround them.
“The protection measures are an example of how committed we are to responsible management of our waterways while also seeking to extend opportunities to enjoy the angling experience to as many adults and youngsters as possible through our generous permit rates.
“It has been a long running tradition to celebrate salmon season opening in Scotland and we hope to see as many people as possible visit Callander on Saturday 1st February.”