EXTRA COVID-19 RULES
- Social Distancing. Always keep at least 2 metres away from ALL other people on the river (unless in your own household). In particular do not shake hands with anyone.
- Do not share cars, huts, tackle, nets, crockery, food etc. with anyone else (unless in your own household).
- No longer expect any ghillie to shake your hand, set up your equipment, make you cups of tea, or drive you round the beat. Do not hand any tip directly to the ghillie. Leave it where it can easily be found.
- Bring your own food and drink and do not share.
- Bring your own hand sanitiser and wipes and use regularly during the day, especially if you have to use any WC provided by the fishery (try to avoid if you can). Wash your hands regularly wherever possible.
- Wear gloves when touching doors, gates, styles, fences or any equipment that is not your own.
- Bedding must be stripped from your own bed by yourself, and placed in the black bags provided .
In addition, you must use your own common sense at all times to reduce the risk of cross infection. If in doubt, don’t do it!
BALMAKEWAN BEAT RULES
- North Esk season runs from 16th Feb to 31st Oct both dates inclusive no fishing allowed out with these dates.
- The beat is flyfishing only spinning may be allowed at the ghillies discretion by kids and the elderly
- The use of single and double hooks preferred over trebles. If trebles are to be used they must be de-barbed and no hook exceeding size 6.
- Compulsory catch and release of all salmon/grilse and sea trout must be adhered to from 16th Feb-15th June as of EDSFB rules any fish bleeding within these dates must still be returned and the ghillie contacted.
- No salmon are to be killed male or female, fresh grilse or sea trout under 4lb can be taken if a salmon is damaged or bleeding the ghillie must be contacted.
- All pink salmon must be killed, retained and reported Mr Craig Macintyre EDSFB 07796715570
- Irrespective of the date of capture all fish handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid damage and stress.
- It is illegal to sell rod caught wild salmon or sea trout.
- All anglers are requested to disinfect waders and landing nets prior to fishing to prevent the introduction of Gyrodactylus salaris and other diseases to the North Esk disinfecting cleaning station situated on beat.
- Fishing boundaries on Balmakewan are downstream of the Luther Burn where it enters the Luther pool and upstream of the Hatton Bend. These boundaries must be respected.
- While fishing a pool with rods on the opposite bank at Pert and Gallery, please fish with good rod etiquette, manners and respect for the other anglers.
- We strongly advise the use of life jackets. If you do not wear one you do so at your own risk and a disclaimer must be signed regarding this before fishing can commence.
- When livestock are grazing the riverbanks, all gates must be left as found and all dogs must be kept on leads or under control.
- Please drive safely along the beat tracks, and give caution when entering and exiting the beat through Balmakewan farm.
- Any breakages and faults in the lodge or bothy must be reported to ghillie.
- Full refunds will not be given for cancellations unless 60 day’s notice is given (from first date of stay).
We welcome you to the beat and these rules have been devised for your safety and enjoyment but most of all sustaining and enhancing the river’s fish stocks and maintaining a viable, thriving fishery.
Thank you
Mike Young
Balmakewan Ghillie/Manager
07415667000