The River Eachaig is an important catchment for sea-run brown trout and Atlantic salmon on the Cowal Peninsular in Argyll and Bute. The River Eachaig Fishing Syndicate is working to improve the habitat for fish spawning and young fish that are key to the health of the river and the fishery with the help of the Wild Fisheries Fund and other partners.
Several surveys of fish populations and fish habitat has identified that the condition of the habitat reduce the ability of the river to produce optimal number of smolts, which is a consequence of erosion of riverbanks and loss of bankside vegetation caused by severe flooding. To restore the river habitat and to improve the recruitment of young fish, a programme of habitat improvement works has been undertaken since 2022. The project has focused on:
- Installation of green bank revetment on sections of eroding riverbank.
- Coppicing of trees and installation of trees into the river that provide cover for fish.
- Fencing of sensitive areas to allow regeneration of vegetation that will act to create robust riverbanks.
The work being carried out in 2024 continues the programme of improvements which are being monitored to ensure that it is effective in improving the regeneration of young trout and salmon. This year’s work will focus on riverbank strengthening, riparian zone fencing and rhododendron control.
