All visitors of the Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association (KoSAA) are required to acquaint themselves with, and adhere to, these rules, which supersede all earlier versions, as of July 2026.
Sea Trout & Salmon Fishing
Conservation
In common with other fisheries KoSAA supports and upholds a policy of conservation. It is essential that all visitors of KoSAA should adhere to both the letter and the spirit of this policy.
Visitors Permits
The permits must be carried at all times when fishing and produced to the Bailiff’s or any member on request. They should have the Date, Name and Telephone number (for emergency use only) on them.
Fishing Season
The fishing season for Salmon and Sea Trout on the Kyle of Sutherland is from 1st June to 30th September inclusive.
Fishing Methods
Fishing on The Kyle is by rod and line using fly or spinning methods only. The use of bait, including worm, prawn or any fish-based products, is strictly prohibited with the exception that worm may be used below Bonar Bridge bridge. The use of treble hooks is forbidden, including when spinning.
Fly Fishing Areas
All of the Kyle with the exception of the designated spinning and worming areas at Bonar Bridge is “fly only”. Details of the designated spinning and worming areas are shown on the accompanying maps. It is the visitors responsibility to acquaint him or herself with these areas.
Sale of Fish
No fish taken from KoSAA waters may be sold or offered for sale.
Catch Limits
All Salmon and Grilse must be released.
All Sea Trout 50cm and longer must be released (measured from nose to the fork of the tail)
All Trout/Finnock under 1lb must be released
Visitors may kill/keep up to two Sea Trout per day.
Anglers are asked to consider releasing Sea Trout caught while fishing for Salmon.
Guidance on Catch and Release
The use of barbless or single hooks, whilst not obligatory, is strongly recommended. A fish once hooked should be brought as quickly into quiet water for quick release. Any fish caught should be kept in the water. Exposing a fish to the air, even for a short period can significantly reduce its chances of survival. Handling should be minimised. When necessary, the fish may be supported from beneath but not squeezed or held by the gills. After removing the hook, or cutting the leader, if necessary, the fish should be supported facing into the current and allowed to recover until it swims off.
Etiquette and Behaviour
Visitors must behave with courtesy and consideration to other anglers.
Visitors must take their turn to enter a pool or beat.
Visitors must not enter a pool or beat less than 30m above another angler.
Visitors must not enter a pool or beat downstream following each cast.
Anglers must move at least too paces downstream following each cast.
A visitor may re-enter the water at the point where he or she caught a fish.
Catch Returns
It us a strict condition that visitors submit an accurate Season Total catch return daily or weekly. All returns must be made to the Post Box at the White shed by the Bridge.
Trout Fishing
The Trout fishing season is from 15th March to 6th October inclusive.
Methods
Fishing is by fly only. Treble hooks are illegal and must not be used.
Access
Access must be made using recognised roads/paths only. No camping or fires are allowed.
Loch Boats
No more than three rods are permitted in a boat. Keys must be returned to the white shed from which they are obtained unless there is an agreement to the contrary. Any damage to boats must be reported immediately to the white shed by the bridge. Anglers will be held liable for damage caused by abuse or neglect.
Safety
Water can be dangerous. It is important that all visitors have and use suitable safety equipment when fishing or wading, such as wearing a life jacket an using a wading staff. Special care must be taken when entering, moving in an leaving water to ensure that safe practices are observed. When fishing from a boat suitable safety equipment including a life jacket must be used. Junior members under the age of sixteen years must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times whilst fishing. The use of chest waders by Juniors is not permitted,
KoSAA insurance applies to all visitors with the condition that juniors under the age of 16 year’s must be accompanied/supervised by a responsible adult of at least 21 years of age.
KoSAA will not accept responsibility for any incident arising from failure by anyone to use suitable safety equipment and follow safe practices.
The Country Code
Members are asked to take great care not to damage crops or fences or injure livestock. Please keep to recognised access routes, keep dogs strictly on a leash, and leave all gates as you found them.
Please leave no litter, especially discarded fishing line.
We hope you enjoy your time with KoSAA.
Tight Lines.