CHANGES TO Perth Town Waters fishing are to be discussed by councillors this week.
The Perth and Kinross Council-administered fishery on the Tay runs from Quarrymill to an area downriver of Kinfauns.
The alterations to be thrashed out at tomorrow’s meeting of Perth Common Good Fund include the removal of one section over safety fears, and stopping VisitScotland selling permits after it demanded a larger commission.
Complaints about blocked access from riverside anglers will also be noted.
A report to go before the common good fund committee states: “A number of complaints (approximately 10) have been made by anglers fishing from the bank about the increased use of boats for angling.
“The main problem seems to be that one or two boats tend to put down an anchor and fish from the best fishing places for long periods of time.
“This prevents larger numbers of anglers fishing from the bank. Anglers on boats also pay for permits to fish on council beats, but as their use of boats prevents other anglers from using the beat it is proposed to solve this by making the fishing permit bank fishing and by wading only.
“This would also ensure that bailiffs can ensure anglers have permits and avoid the problem of boats fishing outwith the designated beats.”
Turning to the VisitScotland issue, it continues: “VisitScotland have to date sold council fishing day permits for which they received a commission of 8.33%.
“They have advised us that they have decided to increase the commission they require to 10%.
“As only nine permits were sold last year by VisitScotland and the council sells fishing permits from Pullar House it is proposed to stop selling permits through VisitScotland.
“Day permits have and will continue to be posted out to anglers wishing to fish the river at weekends prior to their visit.
“This proposal will streamline permit sales and avoid paying additional commission.”
One of the six separate beats on the stretch Incherrit, near Kinfauns Castle will also be removed from the permit.
The report states: “Incherrit was accessed via a layby on the Dundee Road and informal crossing of the railway line.
“Network Rail shut the access in 2010 by erecting a 2.5m high fence in response to their new safety policy for public access across railway lines and have confirmed this is a permanent closure.
“Unfortunately there is no other access by foot to the beat and therefore it is proposed to remove this beat from the permit.”
The right to fish the river running through the Fair City was first granted “to the people of Perth” by Robert II in 1375 and was subsequently embodied in Royal Charters. Such was the demand to dip their lines in the fish-rich waters that a permit system was set up in 1959 to bring an end to the free-for-all which had previously existed.
Those attached to the Perth and District Angling Association were deemed to be “people of Perth” and could obtain permits at discounted rates.
The Town Waters fishery is one of the first to open in the Tay catchment, beginning on January 15 and operating until October 15.
Income in the last year from permits amounted to £2,113, all of which was passed on to the Common Good Fund.
A total of 68 salmon, grilse and sea trout were recorded as caught during the last season.
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk