RESIDENTS and visitors to Stirling’s river banks in 2020 will be able to cast off with some of the best value salmon fishing in the UK.

Permit prices are again being frozen to encourage anglers onto the banks of the Rivers Teith and Forth when fishing season begins on February 1, 2020.

Stirling Council Fisheries offer anglers spring fishing, sea trout fishing, summer fishing and back end fishing all on the one permit, which covers both rivers.

Anglers can fish for just £200, while youths aged 12 to 21 can now fish the whole season for only £15. Up to the age of 12 youths are welcome to fish for free with a paying adult on a catch and release basis.

The reintroduction of day permits in September and October, and the extension of the youth discount from 16 to 21, are also both being maintained this year.

A three-month permit, introduced in 2018, is ideal for those who are unable to fish the entire season. Unlike a full season ticket, they are restricted to a single river only, so either the River Forth, or the River Teith.

Three-month permits are available in either Spring, Summer or Autumn versions, covering the following three month periods: Spring – Feb to April; Summer – May to July; Autumn – August to October.

Stirling Council fisheries officer Scott Mason said: “Anyone who visits our shores will be able to experience some of the best fishing the UK has to offer, as well as embrace the local spirit of the angling communities surrounding our rivers.

“By freezing the permit price we hope to encourage a wide and diverse range of anglers to access both our beautiful rivers, coaxing anglers who have previously fished here to return to Stirling, and enticing a new generation to take up the sport so that it can look forward to a bright future.

“Not only are our prices competitive, the landscape and hospitality on offer are also second to none, offering a great catch for seasoned and budding anglers alike.”

The opening day on the 1st of February 2020 marks a seven-day period of free salmon fishing on Stirling Council Fisheries Teith stretch at Callander. All anglers should adhere to the fisheries rules which will be displayed around the river during this period.

Those wanting a taste of what both rivers have to offer can view stunning aerial video footage available on the official Stirling Council Fisheries Facebook page, which captures the wide range of fishing on offer around the Rivers Teith and Forth.

Scott Mason provides a helpful commentary by talking through both beats, detailing everything anglers need to know about these fantastic sites. Anglers can learn about when to come, how to fish the beats and what tackle to bring, while nature lovers can sit back and enjoy the amazing views of some of Scotland’s most scenic rivers.