Issue No.12
15th October 2006

Huge success for our
Junior Courses
The Junior fishing days which we organised in July and August were a tremendous success - with over 60 young anglers taking part. Because of the numbers who applied, we had to change the venue for the August courses from Slatehouse Loch at Drumlanrig to the Drum Fishery at Auldgirth.

Instruction was provided by the Carlisle-based "COMPLETE ANGLING EXPERIENCE". They were, as usual, excellent with the youngsters.   NFIA members Ed Baxter, Davie Tait and Gordon McGregor helped out - all contributing to the major success of the events.

Most of the participants managed to catch at least one fish. The photos below show some of the successes. On the left, wee Sam Solley shows obvious delight on catching his first-ever fish. In the centre, Ed Baxter nets a good-sized rainbow for on of the youngsters. The two on the right proudly display another fish - hooked by the one in blue and eagerly netted and hoisted aloft by the other.

Coloured Fish If you have any doubts - put it back

We're into October now and the fish are beginning to colour - donning their spawning colours.

We really shouldn't need to ask anglers to return them. In this state, they are not good to eat - they are no use for smoking.

They are only good for going back into the river and finishing the spawning cycle.

If you are in any doubt about its condition, PUT IT BACK INTO THE RIVER!

"I was impressed by the quality and quantity of the catches in the afternoon. It was a pleasure to attend and meet your Association colleagues, the instructors and, of course, the youngsters themselves."

Stewart Atkinson
Group Manager Community Services - D&G Council

Thanks to everyone who donated
Thanks to everyone who contributed to our appeal for funds for the courses. Barjarg Estate, Dumfries & Galloway AA, Dumfries Common Good Fishings and ATH Mining all donated the £350 cost of a single day.

Mid-Nithsdale AA gave £252, while Portrack and Cowhill Estates each contributed £165. The Old Mains Fishery sent in £100 and we had a number of smaller donations from individual members.

The total income was approximately £2150 and the total expenditure was about £1650 - so we have a good surplus (£500) left over to arrange more courses in 2007. The surplus is being "ring-fenced" and will only be used for promoting Junior angling.

Thanks also to the Council . . .who provided us with a minibus and driver for each of the days.

The transport was essential for getting the youngsters from Dumfries up to Auldgirth and return! And all for free.

Issue 7 - Aug 2005
Issue 8 - Oct 2005
Issue 9 - Feb 2006
Issue 10 - May 2006
Issue 11 -July 2006

Buccleuch & Queensberry Hotel sponsors school Salmon Hatchery project

Thornhill's Buccleuch & Queensberry Hotel has sponsored S2 pupils from the local secondary school - Wallace Hall Academy - to develop a salmon hatchery project. We hope to cover the progress of the project throughout the winter months.