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 News 2007
News 2006

Chairman's Report 2007

Throughout the year much conscientious work and management is carried out on this River. The Stinchar is a valuable resource not only to us fortunate Riparian owners but to the broader local community. I am pleased to report that the 2006 season was the best season the River has had for ten years. Seven hundred and sixty five salmon and grilse and forty sea trout were caught on rod and line. In leaner times the Stinchar has suffered from bad press. Nowadays anglers do not have the same loyalties as their predecessors. Fishing has become more available both at home and abroad and fishermen travel to Rivers where good news is reported. With this fact in mind, this report will be posted on our website and copies sent to those who write articles in the angling press.

Throughout 2006 the Ayrshire Rivers Trust has continued with its conscientious survey work and advice to the Board. The independent advice provided by Brian Shaw and Peter Minting enables the Board to put in place a robust management plan. I would like to thank all those who sent their catch details to A.R.T. This is so important. It is only by keeping accurate records that we can measure what effect all we are trying to do on the River is having. There are however a few owners who still seem reluctant to send in their results. I would implore them to do so and have asked A.R.T. to follow this up. These figures are to assist the scientific data and go to help formulate the suggestions and advice given to the Board.

This last year has seen the implementation of the Controlled Activities Regulations. We remain on good terms with those at SEPA who are responsible for administering those new powers. It is important that all Riparian Owners do abide by them. I would be happy to advise or assist any owner who wishes clarification on any of these matters.

Aided by the assistance of Gordon Hyslop and Robert McIlwraith the Board has undertaken bank stabilisation and water side management schemes on the Upper Stinchar and the Water of Assel. These projects have been undertaken in partnership with landowners who have agreed to monitor these works and assist in their maintenance. This program of improvements will be continued this coming year. A.R.T. will be identifying other areas where the Board and landowners can work together. The Hatchery has been ably managed by Derek McWilliam for another year. Forty thousand fed fry have been released into the Balloch Burn and into the head waters of the River Stinchar. The Board has continued its good relations with the Forestry Commission, who have an on-going restoration plan on many of the minor tributaries of the River. This coming season will see the first Hatchery bred fish returning to the burns in which they were placed. A new addition to the Hatchery water supply is planned to be plumbed in this coming summer. It will enable us to accommodate greater numbers of fish. The Board will be awarding a prize to the angler who produces the most amounts of fish for the Hatchery at the end of the season.

As mentioned earlier, the Stinchar catches are beginning to climb back to numbers of old. However, it is important to continue the good work done on the management of the stock, particularly considering that the improvement in numbers is likely in part to be due to the fact that the sea nets are no longer fished. Bearing this in mind I think we owe a vote of thanks to Knockdolian Estate for having voluntarily removed their nets. Good angling practice and a catch and release policy are essential tools with which to aid this management. The Board would like to see a 50% return policy adopted. Hen fish in particular are essential to the regeneration of our fishery. It is so important that all owners and angling clubs seek to dissuade anglers from killing fish and that they encourage the use of tackle that is that of a sportsman and not that of a hunter. Our sea trout stock is still a fraction of what they were. The instructions in our guide lines reflect the dire need for their conservation. The new proposed revised angling guidelines are to be debated and approved this evening. These will then be distributed by the Bailiffs.

The Board has asked A.R.T. to produce clear instructions to all anglers as to how to avoid contaminating the River with Gyrodactylus Salaris. It is extremely important that all fishers who come to this River from further afield adhere to this advice. Last August it was brought to my attention that there had been a possible sighting of signal crayfish in the Duisk. A.R.T. were informed and the Board purchased some traps. However no crayfish were caught. Riparian owners should be aware that if at anytime they see a crayfish, they must without hesitation inform a member of the Board. These exotic crustaceans can decimate a salmon and sea trout fishery.

The population of predatory ducks on the River is increasing and this year has been a particularly good breeding season. The Board are looking for volunteers who would be prepared to assist in the survey work to ascertain numbers in order to obtain a licence for their management. Management of a successful fishery depends on balance. If we allow the population of mergansers and goosanders to grow, our efforts to maintain the status quo will be made all the more difficult.

I attended the first meeting of the "Ayrshire Rivers and Burns Project" and very much hope that Ayrshire and Arran FWAG, skippered by the redoubtable Tommy Loudoun, is able to secure the funding in order that the Stinchar valley community can embark on this enlightened and beneficial scheme.

The Board is monitoring the planned windfarm developments on the area, with particular regard to changes in land use, as in the felling of timber and subsequent run off of surface water. Contributions towards our restocking and environmental schemes are being sought from the windfarm community funds.

www.stincharfishing.co.uk is up and running thanks to Charles Ellis our website manager. This site needs to be kept updated. General positive news of catches etc on the River should be reported to Charles via Gordon Hyslop.

Here in this beautiful part of South West Scotland, we have a chance through our collective endeavours to protect and improve this charming River. This can only be done with the cooperation of all. We have a duty not to fail.

I would like to thank my fellow Board Members for their support, assistance and patience, Austin Thomson and Angela, his Secretary, for their guidance and conscientious book keeping, Tom Lothian and his team of Bailiffs for their eyes and ears and Derek McWilliam for successfully managing all those arranged marriages!

Johnny Warrender - Chairman