Year-Round Fly Fishing
on WTA Waters
In 2011, the WTA opened its rivers to year-round fishing allowing anglers to pursue rainbow trout through the traditional June – August closed season.
The Decision
The traditional June–August closure was based on the assumption that trout were breeding and should be left undisturbed. After careful consultation with ichthyologists, fisheries scientists, and experienced anglers, the WTA concluded that the advantages of year-round fishing clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
Key Considerations
01
The WTA administers more than 200km of river with relatively low angling pressure. Redds are unlikely to come under significant threat.
02
Rainbow trout breed according to conditions, not calendar dates — weather extremes in the Highlands mean spawning is variable.
03
Over-population is evident in most seasons. Reduced numbers from year-round fishing mean individual fish grow larger — 100 sheep on 1 hectare do not fare as well as 1 sheep on 100 hectares.
04
Most anglers practise catch-and-release, so actual pressure on stocks is low.
05
Year-round fishing increases visitor numbers and contributes to the local economy of an area with high unemployment.
06
Protective legislation relating to trout no longer exists.
The Exception
The brown trout section of Willow Stream on the farm Balloch is excluded from winter fishing and remains closed from June to August.
Monitoring
Beats are monitored through catch return analysis, particularly during the annual festival. Any beat showing a negative impact from winter fishing can be closed or managed accordingly.