The following set of rules are produced by Newton Stewart Angling Association and are included on this site for purpose of reference.
1. The term “Association Waters” means the body of water together with it’s banks and shores as stated on your Permit.
2. Angling can be a dangerous sport, Lochs are deep as are rivers which can also be fast flowing. Great care must be taken whilst wading and walking the banks, as these may be boggy or have concealed holes or burns.
3. You are responsible for your own safety whilst fishing on any Association waters and the wearing of a life jacket or buoyancy aid when on these waters is strongly recommended.
4. The only LEGAL methods of fishing allowed on Association waters, is by a single or double hand held rod and line, the end tackle can be single or multiple fly combinations of suitable size (max 4 flies). From 15th April – 30th September when the water is above the spinning marks on the River Cree (i.e. no yellow showing), a single rod for spinning with an artificial lure, or for worming only, can be used. No other baits are permitted. Fishing from bridges is prohibited.
Note:
Spinning (artificial lure) and worming ARE permitted at ALL times as follows: -
a) The River Cree on the East bank of the Ghyll Pool, also on the West bank of the Pipe Pool downstream to the end of the beat. (Floats are permitted in the Ghyll Pool only).
b) On the Bladnoch and Penkiln burn.
c) OAP's and Junior members are allowed to use worms on the Bruntis.
d) Disabled anglers (in wheelchairs) are allowed to use worms on the Wee Glenamour.
e) After the 30th September, no worming is allowed on the River Cree.
f) After 1st June worming is allowed on Kirriereoch.
5. The daily kill limit per angler on all lochs and for herling on the River Cree is 2 fish of 12” and over. The angler with a limit may continue to fish using barbless hooks to catch and release.
6. All parr, fry, kelts, smolts, gravid back end and unclean fish MUST be returned to the water immediately.
7. Permit holders bind themselves to always fish in a courteous manner. E.g. Do not enter a pool below the angler(s) in possession. Enter behind them and follow them through taking one step at each cast.
8. Always have your permit on your person whilst on the Association waters. Association members or other authorised persons, have the right to request to see your permit to fish, the fish you have caught and to examine your fishing tackle if they so wish. You have the right to ask to see their membership card first. Please help stop illegal fishing by reporting to an Association member anything you feel may be contrary to the rules as set out here.
9. It is illegal - to sell any fish caught on Association waters, to introduce coarse fish of any sort into Association waters and to set fires beside Association waters.
10. No dogs are allowed and please take all litter home with you. Anyone reported leaving litter will be refused a permit next time.
11. Each permit holder will be held responsible for any damage they cause to property, fences, trees, dykes etc. Please always leave gates as you find them.
12. The Committee requests that all salmon caught on the River Cree from the 1st March to the 1st May be returned to the water, also that salmon caught after the 30th September be placed in the keep nets provided. These fish will be retained for use in the broodstock programme and both will assist in stock regeneration of the water.
13. By purchasing this permit you are agreeing to abide by all the above rules. Our intention is that your angling experience with us will be a pleasant and rewarding one, and we rely on the co-operation of all our members and guests working together to make it happen.
14. Any member bringing the name of Newton Stewart & District Angling Association into disrepute, will be expelled from the Association forthwith.
15. Any Member or Visitor found to be fishing illegally (in breach of rule 4) will be liable to expulsion from the Association and their membership withdrawn for life.
Catch Returns
16. Each permit holder, is responsible for submitting a catch return, (including a NIL return), of the fish caught by them. This will be annually for members and for each fishing period for visitors.
The secretary of each Angling Club or Association is legally bound to submit to the Scottish Executive an annual return of all fish caught. To this end fishing on the Associations waters is conditional, on each angler providing the Secretary with the information needed to make the statutory return. A heavy fine can be imposed on our Association by the Scottish Executive, if the % of returns received does not reflect accurately the full club membership. A penalty fine (decided at the AGM annually) will be imposed on all anglers not submitting a catch return, even if it is NIL, by the 10th of November each year,
Pollution
Anyone seeing evidence of suspected pollution of a river, stream or Loch, please contact SEPA on 01671 402618 as soon as possible.
