The Gress River

A seven mile long river flowing from Loch Gress through bountiful moorland to its estuary at Broadbay. The river is currently getting back to its once famous state with salmon/sea trout numbers improving since a local group of anglers restarted the Gress Angling Association and took out a 20 year lease on the fishery from the Stornoway Trust.

Season -June 1st -October 15th. Visitors day tickets £10.
Permits are available on route to river at the local shop and filling station, 'Gordon's', School Road, in the village of Back.

G.A.A. was originally formed in 1974, but for various reasons, its momentum gradually decreased to a point where, for many years, it was virtually dormant.

However, in response to local demand, and a groundswell of public support, the G.A.A. was reformed officially on 8 March 2002.

A Constitution was adopted at that time, with an objects clause as follows:

"The objective of the Association shall be to advance the interests of education and social welfare of the community in Lewis and Harris by prompting a knowledge of, and an interest in angling by rod and line, and to take such steps as may be deemed necessary to attain this purpose".

A Management Committee was formed and in a very short space of time, had set up and initiated a programme of developments to ensure the Association was pro-active, vibrant and forward thinking in its outlook and proposals.

The Management Committee comprises:

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 7 Committee Members (including a Junior Representative).

The incumbents of these posts organise and lead all events and activities, both in administrative and hands on capacities. They are ably assisted by the membership who are extremely conscientious in their efforts to improve the fishery

The 2007 season proved a success for the fly fishermen with all salmon being caught on the fly - the best flies were the usual suspects like the Allys Shrimp, Silver Stoat, Teal Blue and Silver. A good season after a poor 2006.