River Creed Rules 2026 – Marine Scotland Conservation Grading 2/Moderate (Committee statement – Catch and Release strongly encouraged at all times however all anglers (members and day tickets) may keep a total of 1 (one) fresh cock fish in the season if caught between 1st June and 15th September 2026). Otherwise assume 100% Catch & Release mandatory outwith these dates.
Anyone taking out a Creed season membership or day ticket must abide by these River Creed Rules.
- The season runs from 1st April to 31st Oct. The closing date may be subject to change by the committee if in the interests of the fishery. Members will be notified as soon as practicable by email or Facebook posting should this be necessary.
- Fishing by fly, worm or spinner with the following concessions – Fly fishing only between the road bridge on the Harris Road and the Sea Pool with the exception of the Youth members who may fish with the worm between the road bridge and the Arnish bridge at any time. Registered disabled can fish any method at any time subject to any restrictions on river levels etc and Point 4 below. No set lines permitted.
- Please show courtesy to other anglers. A maximum of 2 anglers per pool below the Road bridge. Anglers must not fish a pool for longer than twenty minutes when other anglers are waiting upstream.
- Only fly fishing is permitted downstream of the Matheson Pool.
- No spinning on the river when the river level is below the white marker on the Dam Pool or 0.4 on the SEPA gauge which can be checked here .https://waterlevels.sepa.org.uk/Station/234190
- Only one rod to be assembled when fishing on the system.
- Boats are available for hire as an “add-on” for day and evening ticket holders. on Loch Clachan and Loch an Ois through our membership page https://syangling.com/membership/. Adult members with Creed season tickets have booking “credits” added to their membership included in the cost of their ticket. Anyone booking a boat, must be over 18 years of age. The wearing of a lifejacket or similar buoyancy aid is strongly recommended when afloat. Any damage to boats or equipment must be reported through the text line. The person booking a boat is responsible for ensuring all fishing companions are either current season ticket holders or have an appropriate day or evening ticket for the day in question. The only exemption is for non fishing companions in the boat. Maximum of three persons in a boat at one time. Day hire between 12am and 5.30pm – evening hire 6pm to last light at dusk.
- All fish must be returned carefully.
- We recommend anglers using de-barbed hooks to minimise harm to the fish.
- All anglers must obey instructions from water bailiffs and appointed river watchers.
- Strictly no Sunday fishing for salmon or sea trout by Scottish Law.
- Membership tickets to be carried at all times and displayed on request. Season tickets are not transferable.
- All anglers must complete catch returns by the 11th November annually.
- All anglers are encouraged to report daily catches or significant news to our text line 07810 211308
- Zero tolerance on litter. No litter or tackle discards to be left around the catchment.
- Boat use – No trolling on Clachan – Engines may only be used for moving between drifts. A trolled fly is permitted on Ois.
- Creed season ticket holders may use a float tube/belly boat on Clachan or Ois in lieu of using a boat. As such, members should confirm a boat is available when they wish to fish, and book the appropriate Creed boat out first – up to 2 members may float tube per one boat booked. Day ticket holders should book a boat along with their day ticket for the right to float tube. The booked boat must remain at its mooring while float-tubing is taking place.
- Strictly no fires to be lit on the catchment.
- Youth SAA members (under 18 years old) may fish the River Creed free of charge provided they are supervised by an adult with a valid Creed permit. Adults must submit a catch return for any Youth anglers that they supervise. .
- All anglers should be aware if they encounter either suspected escaped farmed salmon or the non native “pink or humpback” salmon. (Information link https://fms.scot/pink-salmon-in-scotland/ ) which are now regularly showing in Scottish Waters. Any such fish caught must be killed at any time of the season but must be surrendered to any of the following – a Club official, a registered water bailiff or a representative of the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust as soon as possible with a full report where and when caught.
Sanctions.
The sanctions for breaking any of the rules will be immediate loss of your season, day or evening ticket, a ban from the system for the season and a review of future Creed membership applications.
Catch Return Forms.
To comply with the Marine Scotland regulations, catch returns will be called for nearer the end of the season. Anglers should record all salmon, sea trout and finnock caught as well as the number of fishing trips undertaken. A copy of the annual form can be viewed and downloaded here.
