Investigation launched after 'rainbow trout' caught during opening of salmon fishing season at Loch Tay

An investigation has been launched after rainbow trout were allegedly caught during the opening of salmon fishing season at Loch Tay.

The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board (TDFSB), the Tay Rivers Trust, Meikleour Fishings, Perth and Kinross Council and the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce hosted the opening in Meikleour on Thursday.

Scotland Men’s National Team boss Steve Clarke performed the traditional “first cast”.

Anglers also gathered on the banks of Loch Tay at Kenmore to begin the season, however, they were shocked when they started pulling “dozens” of Rainbow Trout out of the water.

The species is not native to the River Tay, but can be found in fish farms and both natural and man-made fisheries.

A concerned resident told STV News: “They are pulling big Rainbow Trout out one after another.

“I was there for five minutes, and three were pulled out while I was there. We don’t know how big an impact this can have on the natural system, but they’ll go for anything that moves.

“They’ll eat young salmon, young trout, it can cause unseen damage, really.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has confirmed it is aware of the alleged escape of fish from a nearby fish farm run by Kames.

The Fish Health Inspectorate has confirmed it is aware of Rainbow Trout being caught in Loch Tay, and enquiries are ongoing. Supplied

The company has told SEPA it is not aware of any escape but is investigating.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA received a report early this afternoon, making us aware of a possible incident involving escaped trout from a fish farm in Loch Tay.

“Officers contacted the site who confirmed they were unaware of any issue but are investigating. SEPA advised them to notify Marine Scotland should a release be confirmed from their site.”

The Fish Health Inspectorate has confirmed it is aware of Rainbow Trout being caught in Loch Tay, and enquiries are ongoing.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) are aware of an allegation of rainbow trout being caught in the Tay catchment. The FHI are investigating this matter.”

Kames fish farm has been contacted for comment.