Forth DSFB Update 2 on Easing of Lockdown

The Scottish Government has announced their route map to reducing lockdown measures to combat the spread of COVID 19. This is divided into four main phases and restriction on fishing with other outdoor activities will be eased in phase 1. At this point we do not have a date when fishing can start. The First Minister plans to announce the start of phase 1 on Thursday 28th May with fishing expected to start within this phase (there is no indication whether that will be with immediate effect or sometime after).

Fishery owners or managers (including syndicates and clubs/associations) will need to ensure that they can comply with any guidance or restrictions and to then confirm that they give permission to fish. Fisheries will have different requirements and the ForthDSFB cannot provide specific advice, however we have provided general guidance via email.

The ForthDSFB cannot comment on the travel restrictions in place however the angling community has shown considerable support to the process of Staying at Home and Supporting the NHS during this difficult time and we would urge that everyone continues to support the ethos of the requirement, not to travel long distances and support their local fishery in the short term. This is not a straight back to normal situation.

For clarity, the ForthDSFB enforces the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 but it has no responsibility to enforce any Coronavirus or other requirements. These are the responsibility of the fishing owner and all anglers and would be enforced, if required, by Police Scotland. Please do not put our bailiffs’ health at risk by expecting them to put themselves in any hazardous situations if you are asked to provide proof of permission please respond positively. The enforcement team will continue to support the fishery in a proportionate manner prioritising its resources as required.

As many of you will be aware the ForthDSFB/ForthRT can offer contactless payment and fishery promotion via the Fishing Around the Forth project – www.fishforth.org . If you would like to take advantage of this then please send a request for a call back to fishing@fishforth.org

Should any proprietor, fishery manager or club/association require any assistance please contact us via board@forthdsfb.org leaving a phone number and we will call you back. We do not have the resource to answer individual anglers questions and these should be addressed to the appropriate fishery.

We hope that all fisheries can get back up and running smoothly and that the remainder of the season is as fishy as possible. Please let us know when you re-open and as always we are interested to hear of any fish caught.

Please also check out Fishing Around The Forth’s online hub by visiting www.fishforth.org . This has a vast range of information on each fishery available around the Forth along with where to get permits. You can buy permits for some clubs and fisheries direct from the website and have your permit emailed so you can get out on the river once fishing resumes. Tag Fishing around the Forth in any of your fishy news or use the hashtag #fishingaroundtheforth