The Lower Brora Fishings, will be let on the following Terms and Conditions:
The Lower River Brora comprises the North Bank (4 rods) and South Bank (4 rods) which are let separately.

Each bank of the Lower Brora is divided into 2 beats, upper and lower. The Upper beat extends from the bottom of Loch Brora to the foot of the New Pool. The Lower beat extends from the top of the stream above the Madman Pool to the marker post at the tail of the Donkey Pool.

Rods only fish from their designated bank. In order to ensure that rods do not fish opposite each other, North and South Bank rods fish on different beats; i.e. if you commence fishing on the Upper beat on Monday morning, you would change over to the Lower beat at 1.30pm; and on Tuesday it would be reversed and you would begin fishing on the Lower beat in the morning and change over to the Upper beat at 1.30pm etc. PLEASE NOTE: North Bank rods will always commence on the upper beat on the Monday, South Bank rods on the lower beat. If in doubt ring John Bray, head bailiff (01408 621268).

The maximum number of rods allowed on either beat at any one time will be 4. It is recommended that all fishermen wear lifejackets, particularly whilst wading.

There is no resident ghillie. However, ghillies may be available by prior arrangement. Please contact us as early as possible. Fishing will be by rod and line and fly only, and there will be no exception to this rule.

Freelance ghillies: Brian Stubbs (01431 821580).
Douglas Sutherland (01408 621538)

In consequence of their being no ghillie, all tenants will be issued with a permit to fish the Lower Brora fishings for the duration of their tenancy.

These permits must be carried at all times. Tenants must produce their permits if requested by representatives of the owner or agents of the Lower Brora Fishings, river board bailiffs, representatives of Sutherland Estates or their agents and the police. Permits can only be authorised by the agents, CKD Galbraith, and they will be issued from the Perth Office only. The authorising signature of the agents will be Robert Rattray of CKD Galbraith (01738 451600).

A record of numbers and weights of all fish caught together with a record of the pools and the anglers’ names must be kept and entered in the weekly return form provided. The completed form must be returned to this office the week following a let. Failure to do so may prejudice future lets.

RIVER BRORA – CONSERVATION POLICY 2006

The majority of rivers are now adopting conservation measures to help fight the continued decline of Scottish salmon returning to Scottish rivers.

The Lower River Proprietors have, therefore, decided that a mandatory partial catch and release policy be adopted on the Brora, and this is now a condition of the let and must be adhered to. We will be looking for the support of our tenants and their guests in our future conservation measures which we feel is prudent for the long term benefit of the River Brora.

A weekly limit of 8 fish per party of 4 rods (or two fish per angler per week if a split party) as a maximum.

Releasing fish: To assist our conservation programme, anglers are requested to return their first and third fish and any fish they catch after the fourth. They may keep their second and fourth. This means that a maximum of two fish per rod may be kept per week but please be aware that those sharing a rod should also share the limit. This limit applies throughout the fishing season and anglers are reminded that all gravid fish (both male and female) caught towards the end of the season should be returned.

If there is rod sharing (only by prior agreement with CKD Galbraith) this limit will apply per rod, and not per individual. All coloured fish should be returned, and all hen fish in August, September and October. Single and double hooks are encouraged in preference to trebles, and please consider barbless hooks, particularly after the rod limits have been achieved. We would also encourage that multi sea winter fish (i.e. over 10lbs) are returned, particularly after 15th June. A ban on the sale of rod caught salmon and sea trout has been introduced by the Scottish Executive. This ban applies across Scotland, irrespective of where the fish have been caught.

Unless otherwise specified a firm booking will be accepted on receipt of the attached booking form duly signed and accompanied by a cheque for 50% of the total rental which is to be a non-returnable deposit. The balance of the rent will be due for payment 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy, against an invoice to be issued from this office.

Acceptance of an offer of fishing renders the taker responsible for payment of the rent in full in the event of subsequent cancellation. However, should it be possible to re-let the cancelled days, it may be possible to refund the rent to the original taker, less 7.5% agency commission and an allowance to cover the cost of re-letting. The tenant shall not sub-let the days taken or assign his fishing rights without the express approval of the agents, and shall on no account do so at a profit.

The owner and agents will accept no liability whatever for damage, injury or loss to the persons or belongings to the tenant(s) or those in his/her party, from whatever cause arising, nor can they be held responsible for adverse weather conditions or acts of God.

The fishing permit and returns form will be issued when the second invoice has been paid. A form certifying that all equipment and tackle has been treated against the parasite Gyrodactylus Salaris, as recommended by the Scottish Office, is included. This must be signed and returned by the principal member of the party prior to the fishing.

CATCH & RELEASE GUIDELINES

Catching Fish for Releasing: Please carry with you a knotless salmon net, artery forceps and fish within shouting distance of another person (a whistle can be useful in attracting attention). Putting a fish into a keep net, tethering and releasing a fish is much easier with a second pair of hands. Play your fish as quickly as possible, strong leader nylon helps fisher’s confidence in their ability to undertake this. A salmon rod also aids this (the flexibility of a trout rod prolongs landing time, exhausts the fish and may lead to death).

If a fish is to be released, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the procedure beforehand. Any of the ghillies will explain the procedure to you. Keep the fish in the water in your landing net away from rough stones and rocks, then use the artery forceps to get the fly out of the fish’s mouth – if it struggles, let it settle – do not grip the fish around the gills. Avoid handling the fish more than is necessary.

If you must photograph your fish, never hold it up by the tail – always hold it round the wrist of the tail with the thumb and forefinger, with the second hand supporting the fish underneath the belly.

When you put the fish back, support it gently resting the belly on your hand with the head facing into the current in the normal swimming position. Give the fish time to recover – this may take several minutes – and allow it to swim away when it has revived. Please – never beach the fish on rough stones as this damages the scales and can cause disease and never ‘throw’ the fish back into the water.

Please report any sightings of tagged fish to John Bray and if one is caught please record the information on the tag before releasing the fish.

We would like to draw your attention to the access road to the South Bank fishing hut and fishing at the Madman and Corner pools. This access passes through Stone House Farm, and you will appreciate that care and attention must be exercised whilst using this access, particularly as there are young children and dogs on this farm.

Please could you restrict your speed to a maximum of 5 miles per hour on this access road at all time whether travelling to or from the river.

Cars should only park at the designated car park adjoining the south bank fishing hut.

Please keep dogs under close control or on leads whilst at the river.

Gates must be left closed when found closed.

Please also take any litter home with you. Please do not discard litter on the riverbank or at the fishing hut.

We would be grateful if party leaders could ensure that all other rods are aware of these general rules, and in particular the speed restriction on the access road past Stone House Farm.

We thank you for your co-operation.

We hope that you enjoy your fishing on the River Brora. We thank you for your support in our conservation policy and wish you TIGHT LINES.

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