The Scottish Government and Marine Scotland have recently published the proposed river gradings for the 2025 season and initiated a consultation period concerning these proposed gradings. The deadline for consultation feedback is 6th September 2024 (23.59 24th September). This announcement was not totally unexpected or a surprise.
The proposed Category for the Loch Lomond System is CatIII = 100% catch and release for the 2025 season.
Whilst a detailed review of the information used to reach this grading is needed, this decision and categorisation is likely to be a result in a reduction of the five year average of the Lomond system catch returns. In particular a reduction in the five year average for the River Endrick 2024 catch returns which with it’s SAC protected status can directly impact the overall Lomond catchment categorisation.
The current grading system as used by Marine Scotland assesses and priorities the health of of the entire system and the River Endrick in particular due to its SAC status. The resulting Endrick grading is universally applied to other parts of our system (River Leven, Fruin, Loch Lomond). This means that the Leven , Fruin and Loch are automatically also classed classed Cat 3 (Poor) since under the current assessment there is no way to know which fish are ultimately Endrick bound fish.
As stated above, a statutory consultation period has now been initiated before a final decision by the Scottish Government in early 2025. Any individuals or organisations can raise objections to these proposed gradings before 6th September as part of this consultation process.
For further information concerning these proposed river gradings , supporting documents and details of the consultation process please use the link below:
Salmon fishing: Proposed river gradings for 2025 season
As in the past, your LLAIA committee will of course consider the proposed gradings and their impact in terms of both the health of the system and our member’s interests before deciding whether any valid objections can and should be raised on behalf of our membership and association.
Further details and communications will follow.
