Fishery Rules

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The main stem of the River Clyde, from Daer Reservoir to Bothwell Bridge, is covered by a Protection Order thus it is illegal to fish for any freshwater species without a permit.

This Migratory Fish Permit is valid only on that part of the MAIN STEM of the River Clyde between Stonebyres Falls and Motherwell Bridge with the exception of certain restricted areas: Strictly NO FISHING from Stonebyres Falls to Stonebyres Bridge (both banks) – Power Station Property. Permit holders fishing out-with the limits of their permits will be prosecuted.

Permits must be carried at all times and shown to UCAPA Scottish Government appointed bailiffs on request. Fishing without a permit will render you liable to prosecution.

On stretches where the Migratory Fish Permit is valid, holders of this permit can fish for Migratory and Freshwater Species in their respective seasons.

1. The season for salmon and sea trout is 11 February to 31 October, both dates inclusive.

2. The brown trout season is from 15 March to 6 October, both dates inclusive.

3. UCAPA applies a grayling season from 7 October to l4 March, both dates inclusive

4. All caught migratory fish should be returned, independent of the applied river legal category grade.”

5. In Scotland it is illegal to fish for Salmon and Sea Trout on Sundays. Those who fish for migratory fish between midnight on Saturday and midnight on Sunday will be prosecuted.

6. Fishing for freshwater species is allowed on Sunday.

7. During the month of October, fishing for Migratory Fish will be restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

8. By Law, anglers fishing for freshwater fish must give way to salmon anglers.

9. UCAPA will not be held responsible for the loss or damage to any permit holder or their personal equipment.

10. Permit holders are instructed to adhere, at all times, to the Country Code and to approach the river by recognised routes only, without causing damage to property.

11. Permit holders must not be accompanied by dogs.

12. Permit holders must not light fires or leave litter.

13. Any person who uses, or directs, any form of physical or verbal abuse towards a UCAPA Representative, Bailiff or Warden shall be liable to have their permit revoked and may also be liable to criminal prosecution.

CATCH RETURNS/FISHING EFFORT

It is a legal requirement that all Salmon and Sea Trout caught must be recorded, along with the number of days fished on the Catch Return/Fishing Form (issued with permit). Nil returns must also be reported. All Catch Returns/Fishing Effort Forms must be submitted to the UCAPA no later than 20 November. Failure to submit a Form by the above date may result in a penalty charge being added to future permits. Persistent offenders may be refused any further permits.

METHODS OF ANGLING

1. Anglers fishing for Migratory Species must observe the “Spinning Marks” adjacent to Mauldslie bridge and Crossford bridge (Juniors are exempt). River level must be on or above the red spinning mark at 8 am on the day of fishing for spinning restrictions to be lifted for that day. Spinning Mark restrictions do not apply downstream of the Green Pipe Bridge at Skellyton Flat.

2. Where spinning or bait fishing is permitted, such will be carried out by means of a single hand-held rod, and any weights will be consistent with the lure or bait employed.

3. The use, as bait, of natural prawns or shrimps and plastic imitations thereof will not be permitted.

4. Worm fishing for migratory fish is not allowed before 1st April and from 1st October barbless or debarbed hooks must be used.

5. All anglers must adhere to a “step a cast” when fishing through a pool Other anglers must remain at least l5 metres away from the next angler and must always await their turn to fish the pool from the head.

6. Fishing with bubble floats, or similar devices, is strictly prohibited.

7. No Permit Holder is to be in possession of a gaff, tailer or similar device.

8. Only knotless landing nets must be used.

9. Lures such as Rapalas, etc., must only use ONE hook. Either one single, one double or one treble.

10. All fly-fishing will be by means of a single rod only with reel, line and leader. The maximum hook size permitted is 4.

11. Lead-cored lines, lead weighted flies and wire-casts are prohibited.

12. Nymph-style fishing for salmon is prohibited.

SALMON CONSERVATION CODE

All salmon caught must be carefully released.

TROUT AND GRAYLING

All trout and grayling less than 30 cm (12 inches) in length or over 41 cm (16 inches) in length must be carefully returned alive and unharmed to the water. Holders of permits may take up to 2 trout or grayling, in their seasons, per day. For conservation purposes UCAPA encourages catch and release.

ENSURING RELEASED FISH SURVIVE

The purpose of releasing salmon is to ensure that they survive to spawn. They will not do this if they sustain injury or damage which allows fungus and disease to develop.

The following simple steps must be followed:

Landing the fish:

  • Use a fine, knotless meshed landing net and ensure the fish remains in the water.
  • Do not beach the fish, as abrasion can lead to infection.
  • Minimise handling the fish. Fish should never be “tailed”.

Removing the hook:

  • Wet your hands. A dry, bare, warm hand can cause abrasion which later may lead to infection.
  • Remove the hook carefully using forceps or a hook disgorger, taking care not to squeeze the fish

Returning the fish:

  • If possible, try to slip the fish out of the net without touching it!
  • If you really must, then support the fish, in a current, facing upstream and allow time for the fish to recover and swim away on its own.
  • Do not weigh the fish but estimate the weight of the fish from its length. Record all fish caught and released.

Photographs by all means, but do not remove the fish from the net which should remain in the water.