Anglers taking to the River Tay today for the opening of the salmon fishing season will be required by law to return any catches to the river in an effort to protect fragile fish stocks.
The move has been welcomed by the body entrusted with protecting and developing fish numbers on the river, the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board.
William Jack, board chairman, said: “The new season heralds an important milestone in the protection of early-running spring salmon.
“New Scottish Parliament legislation, which came into effect on January 9, requires all salmon caught by anglers prior to April are released back into the water.
“This will make little difference to the majority of anglers, who already adhere to the Tay Conservation Code, as in the last five years over 90% of the salmon caught before April have been released.
“It is encouraging to note that the provisional figure for salmon reported caught on the Tay by anglers to the end of March in 2014 is the highest since 1986.
“It is fair to assume that catch and release in the last few years has contributed to this improvement. It is vital that we retain our spring conservation measures and the new legislation will help formalise this.”
Opening day ceremonies will take place today at Kenmore, Dunkeld and Meikleour.
In Kenmore, Provost Liz Grant will lead the march of the Vale of Atholl Junior Pipe Band from the Square down to the banks of the Tay to carry out the “blessing of the boat”. Local ghillie Stuart Matheson will then make the first cast of the day.
At Dunkeld, angling broadcaster and actor Paul Young will make the first cast of the year at the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel while at Meikleour, the opening of the fishing will include the christening of a new boat, Lady Violet, built by John Ferguson, a master craftsman from Stanley.
Today, anglers will compete for the Redford Trophy, awarded for the biggest spring salmon caught and safely released.