WATCH: 2024 salmon fishing season opens on River Ness – as first catch is recorded on River Oich

The first catch of the salmon fishing season in the Ness catchment has been recorded within hours of the season opening on the River Ness.

Anglers gathered yesterday as the first cast was made at the Inverness Angling Club’s beat during the traditional opening ceremony.

Later in the day, angler Angus MacGruer caught a 13lb salmon in the River Oich, an upper tributary of the Ness catchment.

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Brian Shaw, director of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, believed it could be only the second salmon caught in Scotland this year.

"Angus’s salmon was weighed, using a weigh net, at 13lb, and was returned after a quick photo," he said.

"Angus caught the salmon on a fly of his own design and making and was delighted to have caught such a beautiful fresh salmon."

Earlier in the day, veteran angler Sandy Paterson made the first cast to mark the opening of the season on the River Ness after angling club members and guests were piped down to the river.

Mr Paterson has been a member of the Inverness Angling Club for 68 years and has served on various committees.

The ceremony, near James Pringle Weavers, also included the dispensing of a quaich of whisky into the water.

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