A Message From The Trust Chairman

Over the last thirty years or so the catches of Sea Trout and Salmon in West Sutherland have declined drastically. Be you local angler or visitor this decline seriously reduces your enjoyment of fishing in our area and something must be done to improve that.

Rod and line catches within the West Sutherland area, 1952 – 2007.

Action is being taken and the West Sutherland Fisheries Trust was established during 1996. Sea Trout and Salmon are the priority but the importance of good Brown Trout fishing is not forgotten.

The Trust is here to maximise the returns of salmon and sea trout, while helping to maintain the natural ecology of the region.

The Trust now employs 2 full time biologists and one full time Regional Development Officer to try and and determine the causes of the collapse and to suggest remedial action. The issues, both freshwater and marine, are complex.

A start has been made and assessments of fish stocks and invertebrates and surveys of habitat and water quality along with analysis of catch statistics are underway. The build-up of scientific data will take time, perhaps several years, to bear fruit. So please be patient and supportive !

The trust comprises of an enthusiastic group of local anglers, crofters, fishery proprietors and managers, scientists, a vet and fish farmers, all of whom contribute their time money and energy to support the work of the Trust.

In addition to the scientific work, the Trust is also involved in advising on a range of fisheries matters and encouraging the setting up of angling clubs, fishery management groups and fishery restoration projects. There is a lot of work going on and there is effort being made to improve the fish stocks for you.

The West Sutherland Fisheries Trust is the only local organisation, covering the area from Loch Hope in the north to the River Garvie system in the south, dedicated to restoring Sea Trout and Salmon stocks. You want to see more fish in the rivers and lochs, I am sure, for less than the cost of day's fishing on a prime river, please support us with a financial contribution. We do need your support financially, morally and to demonstrate that we have significant angler support. Numbers count so please add your name to those who support what we are trying to achieve.

It does feel good to know that you are doing something really worthwhile for the future well-being of wild Salmon, Trout and Sea Trout.

I look forward to welcoming you as a 'friend of the Trust'.

The Trust Chairman