River Nairn and Findhorn’s low water levels prompts temporary halt to fishing amnidst concerns of saprolegnia outbreak
Warm days and a dry spell have prompted the closure of fishings on the River Nairn after water levels remaining “exceptionally low” in recent weeks.
The Nairn Angling Association has issued a notice to its members warning of the halt to fishing on the water course to protect its fish stocks.
It comes as Scotland experiences what has been reported as the driest start to the year since 1964.
According to River Levels UK, levels on the River Nairn at the Firhall monitoring station have been below normal for more than two weeks, with a level of 0.35m at the time of writing.
A Nairn Angling Association spokesperson wrote: “As many of you are aware, the river levels have remained exceptionally low for some time. This is having a detrimental impact on fish stocks in the River Nairn.
“In response, the committee has decided that, with immediate effect, all Nairn Angling Association fishings will be temporarily closed. Fishing will only resume once the river level reaches 0.45 metres on the Firhall SEPA gauge.
“Our river bailiffs will be actively monitoring all beats to ensure compliance with this policy. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to protect the river and salmon\seatrout stocks.”
Low water levels have also impacted fish in the River Findhorn, where the Findhorn District Salmon Fishery Board has recommended that all salmon fishing activitie are temporarily halted after the initial run of spring salmon was found to be suffering from “severe levels” of saprolegnia, a type of water mould causing them to die in large numbers.
They said: “As many of you will be aware, with the recent dry, warm weather the river has been extremely low for some time now and the initial run of spring salmon is suffering from severe levels of saprolegnia, a type of water mould, which is causing them to die in large numbers.
“For this reason, the Findhorn District Salmon Fishery Board has made a recommendation to all proprietors that as of Monday 19th May fishing on the river and in the bay should stop for a period of at least three weeks. The situation will be reviewed two weeks later on 2nd June and extended if necessary.
“There is indication that saprolegnia is transferable between rivers, so increased vigilance on biosecurity for all water users should be a priority, and disinfection of equipment before and after use should be a key focus.”
