Trout and Salmon May 2017 Fishing Reports by troutandsalmon

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The only monthly record of catches and news from the major fisheries of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

Includi

WAT E F I S H A R S TO N TO T I E D F L I E S AN T H I S S D T RY PRING

ALL

THE

L AT E ST

NEWS

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EXPERTS

FISHING REPORTS | England and Wales SCOTLAND Outer Hebrides Lochy Loch Lomond & Leven Lake of Menteith Nairn Ness Nith Orchy Orkney Oykel Scourie Shin Spey Stinchar Tay Teith Thurso Tweed Wick

SCOTLAND 79

66 52 50 78 80 51 45 54 48 73 63 74

IN V

58 70

62 83 GH UR

IN B

112 96

LE ST

S E A

28 OO

GA LW AY

I S H I R

114

ER P

LIN

LIV

DU B

29 18

115

Ballinderry Bush Bann Mourne Sixmilewater

IFF

NORTHERN IRELAND 117 118 119 120 121

CA RD

114 Lough Sheelin 115 Slaney 116 Suir

3 41

Drowes & L. Melvin Erriff Feale Finn Galway Weir Inagh Kylemore Abbey Laune Lennon Lough Mask Moher Lough Moy Screebe

101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113

IRELAND Lough Arrow Bandon Beltra Blackwater (Cork) Upper Caragh Lough Carra Carrowmore Lake Cong Conn & Cullin Lough Corrib Costello & Fermoyle Lough Currane Delphi

IRELAND

27 26

WA L E S

PL YM

92 108

AB E

116

W AT ER

25 39 33 13

YT H

103

88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

ENGLAND

30 19 14 2

90 111 93 100 110 107 106 95 102 97 113 98 105

A S E

101 94

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

121

T H

Isle of Man Mawddach & Wnion Pitsford Ravensthorpe Ribble & Hodder Rutland Water Seiont, Gwyrfai & Llyfni Severn South-west Wales Talyllyn Tees Till Towy Tyne Usk Lake Vyrnwy Wear Wessex waters Wye Yorkshire Esk Yorkshire waters

117

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

75 46

LF AS

86 35

119

120 104

Llyn Alaw Artro Bewl Llyn Brenig Bristol waters Conwy Coquet Cornwall Dee & Clwyd Derbyshire waters Cumbrian Derwent Devon Dovey Dwyfor Eden Border Esk Esthwaite Water Eyebrook Glaslyn Grafham Hanningfield Llandegfedd Lune

118

84 AS

67 47 59 64 82

NORTHERN IREL AND 109

65 6185

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87

Alness Annan Ayr Beauly Borgie Brora Carron Cassley Clyde Conon Cree & Bladnoch Aberdeenshire Dee Deveron Aberdeenshire Don Doon Earn Forss North & South Esks Findhorn Girvan Halladale Helmsdale Irvine Kirkaig & Inver

45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

ENGLAND & WA L E S

G L I S H E N

C H A N N

England & Wales BORDER ESK FISHING BEGINS on April 1 on the private beats. The river has had a few big spates but nothing like the bank-wrecking torrents of a few years ago. Conditions were looking good in March, with plenty of water to get early fish running. Early sea-trout can be in the pools during April and May and some of these are real beauties. The Border Esk and Liddel Angling Club continues to welcome new members and visitors and several local accommodation providers offer discount rates for visiting anglers. For fishing enquiries and river conditions contact Iain Blackett, Lundavra, Woodslee, Canonbie DG14 0TF. Tel: 013873 71301; Mob: 07796 005 240; e-mail: iain. blackett@tiscali.co.uk For spring fly-fishing for brown trout on Esk’s lowest tributary, the Lyne, the following patterns are recommended: Greenwell Spider, March Brown, Black Pennell, Partridge and Orange and Goldhead Hare’s Ear or Pheasant Tail nymph. For the the early sea-trout try Silver Stoat’s Tail, Border Belle, Esk Greenwell, Peter Ross and Teal, Blue and Silver in sizes 10-14, depending on river levels. – BORDER ROD.

BRISTOL WATERS CHEW VALLEY Lake opened to a full house and some great fish were caught. There was a clue as to how the lake might fish as, before the official opening day, season-ticket holders were allowed a preview day. Well, the bank-fishing (boats are not allowed out for this special day) was great, and the fish were in good condition, and, most relevant, feeding well. Plenty of them contained daphnia but some also had midge pupae (buzzers) in them. The fish were not especially deep in the water. So, the gathered anglers for official opening day were really excited that this year there might be the chance of some nymphfishing instead of the sinking lines and “nasties” that are usually employed. And so it turned out. Many fish were caught on Diawl Bachs and buzzer patterns. Midge-tips and slow-sinking lines were best, and, according to some reports, the faster-sinking lines were really not so effective

as they often are at the start of the season. Of course some anglers fished Blobs and assorted lures and caught fish, but the good news is that there were plenty of feeding fish to be had. Buzzers, daphnia and bloodworm were present in plenty of the fish. Stock-fish were in excellent condition and there was a decent smattering of fish that may have been over-wintered. Thankfully, there were not the ridiculous mass catches of opening day last year. I have heard reports of several boats catching around 80 fish between the two anglers afloat, but none of the “150-plus” of last year. I know I have said it before, but I

Chew’s early trout fall to Buzzers and Diawl Bachs will say it again – quite why anyone needs to catch more than ten fish in a session, especially if they are really easy, is a mystery to me. By the time you read this I hope that the water will be a couple of degrees warmer and the fly-life more prominent. John Harris, fishery manager, has told me that on calmer days there are often fish to be seen on the surface, which is encouraging. Best areas have been North Shore, Heron's Green Bay and as usual along East Shore, Spring Bay and Wick. Blagdon opens on March 15. This lake will have had less pressure on it with no pike boats out in February, so the trout will be far less disturbed. I am hopeful that the fish will be spread around the lake, but especially in the shallower areas, which, because they warm up sooner, will have the most active fly-life. I would be tending to fish Rugmoor, Top End and the shallower parts of the bays. – MARTIN COTTIS.

CONWY RIVER LEVELS were steady at around the 1 m mark on the Cwm Llanerch gauge during the first part of February until Storm Doris dumped a huge amount of water over Snowdonia on the 23rd which pushed the river up to over 3 m. Water levels fell as quickly as they had risen, but there were further peaks to around this high level on Feb 26 and March 1.

Conditions have remained unsettled since then, with the river up and down, although, as I write (March 9) the water is at about 1.2 m and gradually subsiding. It has been something of a relief to hear from Natural Resources Wales that no further restrictions will be imposed on Conwy anglers for this season. However, NRW outline proposals for the future include a total catch-and-release of salmon throughout the whole season on almost all Welsh rivers, restrictions on the size and/or number of sea-trout that can be taken and a ban on treble and barbed hooks. There will be consultations on these and other proposed measures starting this April, but the indications all point to further measures being put in place before the start of the 2018 season. Probably the only thing anglers can do to stop a total, all season, salmon catch-andrelease bylaw is to demonstrate that this can be achieved in a voluntary way. NRW asks in its briefing note: “Given the depleted state of salmon stocks, our ambition is that no adult salmon are deliberately killed by the fisheries in 2017. Hence we urge anglers and netsmen to voluntarily release all the salmon they catch. To achieve this, we ask all angling clubs, fishing associations and fishery owners to introduce their own rules to ensure all salmon, and a greater proportion of larger sea-trout, are returned alive and well to the river. We also ask for fishery rules to be amended to end fishing methods that damage fish. In this way released fish will have the greatest chance of surviving and contributing to future stocks by successfully spawning.” The Beaver Grove syndicate water on the Conwy is often overlooked, but there are some lovely pools and glides along this middle stretch of the river. This right-bank beat starts one field down from the footbridge by St Michael’s church on the outskirts of Betws-y-Coed and therefore includes the productive tail of the long Church pool. The bend in the river to the east then means it’s not so easy to fish the deep and tree-lined bank below the Stepping Stones around Hall’s Hole and Pearson’s pool, but soon, after the Llugwy joins from the west bank, the river opens up into the Firs pool with the shallow gravelled bank on the Beaver Grove side allowing easy wading. This pool has always been famous for sea-trout – some years ago John Reynolds caught sea-trout of 10 lb and 11 lb from

A FLY TO TRY THIS SPRING

Yellow May Dun Hook Size 12-14 Kamasan B400 Thread Yellow Tail Dyed-yellow cock hackle fibres Rib Yellow thread Body Yellow dubbing Thorax Orange dubbing Wing Coastal deer hair dyed yellow here – and it is where syndicate members tend to meet at night. Further downstream, members have shown that a stretch now known as the Glide holds salmon and sea-trout coming up from the deep water of Hafod below and two double-figure sea-trout have been caught here by members in the past few seasons. Downstream of here the tail of Hafod is the bottom part of the beat and members have caught salmon here spinning from the deep bank. Traditionally, this beat was leased by the owner of Beaver Grove House and this was the case with Ronald Brown and then his son, Colin, in the second half of the 20th century. Engravings on slate of large salmon which had been caught on this beat can still be seen outside the front door. At a later date Colin Brown sold Beaver Grove House to Keith Heminsley, who took on the lease for the fishing and for years ran a small syndicate here with great good humour. Very sadly, Keith died in 2015, but, encouragingly, I hear the lease to the Beaver Grove Beat has now been taken on by his friend George Smith, who has fished this beat for some years. George owns the cottage right by the river near the Stepping Stones, which, as well as at times staying there himself, he rents out, and guests staying there

have the option of some of the fishing on the beat – for further information visit www. snowdoncottage.com . I understand there may be space available in the syndicate for this season; contact George by e-mail: info@snowdoncottage. com or phone 07917 170 220. By the time this issue is out, the season will have started on the Conwy, although realistically little angling takes place for a few months. Nevertheless, usually on March 20, opening day, some stalwarts are out on the Gwydyr beats in search of an early fish and I will let you know next month if they found any. – MAX COVENTRY.

COQUET THE COQUET’S first salmon of the season was caught on March 1 by Amble rod John Foster, who landed the 12 lb 8 oz springer at the White Posts. He was fishing a black- and-yellow Devon minnow. Mr Foster wins the coveted Coquet Trophy, which will be presented to him by the Duke of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle. The only downside was that the fish was seal-damaged. No other spring fish have been encountered yet, although the odd salmon and sea-trout kelt has been returned. The total count of fish runs in 2016 was 8,000 salmon and sea-

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May 2017 | 107

FISHING REPORTS | England and Wales England and Wales trout combined. Up to the time of writing (March 10) the fishcounter at Acklington has registered 23 migratory fish running through the fish-pass. About a dozen more ran through in the first few days in February. Willie Farndale, head bailiff for the Northumbrian Anglers’ Federation told me that after the first fish was caught angling pressure dropped off considerably on the federation waters. The formation of the Northern Rivers Anglers’ Association in late February shows that anglers in this region are serious about improving the lot of the northern angler. This newly formed body expects to be involved in important matters such as the net-limitation order and the stocking of rivers. It will be a representative body for the major rivers in the region. Northumbrian Water’s Fontburn Reservoir opens on March 11 after a pre-season stocking of 12,000 prime rainbow trout. The brown trout season opens on March 22. May can see the first significant pulses of salmon and some early sea-trout entering the Coquet. – DAVID CARRICK.

CORNWALL THE 2017 season opened earlier this year at South West Lakes Trust’s rainbow trout waters (March 4, with a preview day for season-ticket holders on March 3) and got off to a flying start. The opening weekend produced some outstanding sport, both in terms of the quality of the fish and their willingness to take a fly despite the cold, wet and windy weather. Anglers at Siblyback averaged 3.7 fish per rod over the opening weekend. With fish

following the wind-blown food source, most were caught in Two Meadows, the Marshes, and the North Shore. Floating and slowsinking lines proved to be the most successful, with dark nymph patterns such as Montana, Dark Damsel, Diawl Bach, and Black Pennell, or lures (Tadpoles, Cat’s Whiskers, Orange Gold-heads and Baby Dolls) catching fish. The best fish was a 4 lb 6 oz rainbow, caught by Mr R. Cogar from Bodmin. Harsh conditions at Stithians meant that the fishing at this exposed fishery was challenging, Pub Bay and North Bank proving to be the most productive locations. Nymphs and lures fished on sunk lines proved to be the only method, with goldhead Tadpoles and weighted orange and yellow lures the successful patterns. The best fish was a 3 lb 8 oz rainbow, caught by Mr Docking from St Agnes on a goldhead Tadpole.

4 lb 6 oz rainbow is Siblyback’s best so far Rods at Drift averaged three fish per angler, including a number of blue trout, which seemed to favour small lures and Damsel patterns. The Badger Sett bank proved to be the most productive area, with teams of nymphs (Damsels in particular) doing well, as well as deeperfished black Woolly Buggers and pink/orange fritz mini lures. The trust’s brown trout fisheries open on March 15. For

detailed fishery information and prices visit www.swlakesfishing. co.uk or visit one of the fisherybased self-service kiosks. Rising water temperatures should see an increase in surface activity, with floating lines starting to come to the fore in the next month. For information on South West lakes, contact Rosie Vine, Communications Manager, South West Lakes Trust. Tel: 01566 771 930; e-mail: rvine@swlakestrust. org.uk Both the Inny and Lynher opened on March 3. However, at the time of writing (March 10), and with both rivers in fine condition and plenty of water. there are no reports of any fish caught. The Fowey opens on April 1, and is noted for its early run of large sea-trout. The best conditions are coloured water or, if the river is clear, night-fishing. For non BAA or LDAC members, day-tickets may be obtained from Roger Lashbrook’s Tackle Shop, Higher Bore Street, Bodmin. Tel: 01208 78006. The Camel opens on May 1, so no information as yet. The Bodmin Angling Association AGM was well attended. Further details were given by David Chapman from the West Country Rivers Trust regarding the £1.8m funding for the river. Over the next three years, the river will be electrofished to ascertain fish stocks, and work will be undertaken to remove obstacles considered to obstruct the passage of migrating salmonids. However, a number of concerns were raised regarding the way in which the funding would be spent. Fears are that a high proportion of the money would be frittered away in producing (yet again) endless reports detailing information that

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May 2017

is already well known and documented, instead of actually doing the “work on the ground”. A new rule regarding hooks was adopted and, after Sept 1 each season, barbless hooks are mandatory. Finally, those who wish to volunteer for river work should visit the Bodmin Anglers’ Association website: www. bodminanglers.jimdo.com for details and dates. – RICHARD BRISTOW.

CUMBERLAND DERWENT AT THE time of writing the opening of the trout season, March 15, is just a few days away, and given the comparatively benign winter weather up here in Cumbria, early-season prospects look good and there will no doubt be a few anglers eager to be out on the river again. With little to report on the salmon angling front I will simply repeat a previous observation that with changing patterns of salmon runs we might have more to record if anglers actually went fishing during the early summer instead of just muttering about a lack of fish. However, with little angling success to report this month it does provide an opportunity to pass on some of the recent developments on the fisheries front. Of interest to readers may be the decision of the EA not to continue, for this year at least, the monitoring of salmon smolts in the upper catchment. This seems a great pity as instead the EA would appear to base any calculations of future survival and productivity of salmon on a combination of anglers’ catches and the results of electro-fishing surveys operated in partnership with the much-in-demand West Cumbria Rivers Trust. With no other monitoring system on the river in place, and the river failing to meet its conservation limit in terms of the numbers of eggs deposited for the third year in succession, this seems to be a curious decision. With the continued decline in salmon populations, there is much concern among Derwent salmon anglers over the reluctance of the EA to permit a re-opening of the nowmothballed Keswick hatchery. Numbers of salmon caught in the Derwent have fallen from 1,770 in 2004, to 227 in 2015 and the Agency rejected two previous proposals for re-opening, mainly but not entirely, on the grounds of genetic integrity. With a better understanding of the EA machinations and policy and in the light of recent

events, a new detailed, wellreasoned and argued proposal has been prepared by a Derwent Owners’ Association subcommittee and sent to the EA with the stated backing of Sue Hayman, our local MP and shadow DEFRA minister. This highlights concerns over the continued decline of Derwent salmon towards what seems an almost inevitable extinction as a self-sustainable species, and an erosion of a significant factor in the Derwent SAC designation. This is despite huge investment in habitat improvements and between 80 and 90 per cent catch-and-release across the catchment. The effects on the local economy are also highlighted and the proposal argues that among other benefits, as well as offering some mitigation against low survival at sea, a hatchery would provide back-up in case of future floods such as that of 2015 in which over 40 per cent of the redds were damaged. With suggestions as to the use of Scotty boxes to increase in-river survival, the group hopes to convince the EA to take a more measured view and permit a re-opening of the Keswick hatchery. There is a feeling on the Derwent at the moment that unless this occurs, there will come a time when someone, someday in the near future, turns round and says, “We should have done something.” Or at least given it a shot just to see if it works. – ERIC HOPE.

DEE AND CLWYD ALTHOUGH THERE is little to report from either river so far as salmon or sea-trout sport is concerned, at the time of writing (March 9), keen trout rods have been out, anxious for that magical first take of the year. The rivers at the moment are still high, after heavy rain following Storm Doris, and this presents a challenge to even the most experienced rods. There has been conformation from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) that they do not intend to introduce mandatory catch-andrelease for either salmon or sea-trout this year, but they are asking that anglers voluntarily release all salmon caught. NRW have advised us that there is to be a consultation period of 12 weeks on the subject of compulsory catch-and-release, which is to start in April this year. These consultations are not helped by those selfish and thoughtless anglers who kill salmon before the June 16. Another subject high on the

A BEAT TO TRY THIS SPRING

at all times in the coming weeks. As usual, please be aware that grayling, which are officially classed as coarse-fish, are out of season until June 16. – DAVID M. THELWALL.

DEVON

Bywell, River Tyne

The Tyne is the number-one salmon river in England and Wales with more than 30,000 fish annually passing its fish-counter at Riding Mill. The Bywell beat comprises two and a half miles of river with a fine mixture of long, powerful pools and one or two longer stretches of slower water that fish well in high water. There are 12 named pools and others during high water. The beat is fished mainly from the bank and by wading, with two boats available. There are two full-time gillies, and two excellent fishing huts. Day-tickets for salmon cost from £82 plus vat. Contact Tom Carter, FishPal. Tel: 01573 470 612. Buy tickets online at www.fishpal.com/England/Tyne/Bywell/?dom

agenda is the decision by NRW to cease the stocking of salmon in all Welsh rivers. However, fierce opposition to this continues, and one well-known and equally wellrespected representative of the River Dee anglers has asked me to include the following comment, with which the great majority of anglers, will, I feel sure, agree. “It has now become clear that despite their protestations the NRW board decision to close hatcheries and prohibit third party stocking was a badly disguised cost-cutting exercise following a farcical ‘consultation’. “After an informal meeting between the Dee Fishery Association and NRW, NRW have agreed to examine the latest evidence and factual analysis with a view to revising their decision. There is clear and irrefutable proof that the closure and prohibition decisions were influenced by opinion rather than evidence and based on a confused and irrelevant collection of statistics originating mainly from Pacific salmon studies. There was never, and there still is not, any proof of stocking causing harm.” – John Roe, chairman, Dee Fishery Association, vicechairman, Dee & Clwyd Local Fisheries Advisory Group, River Dee riparian owner. We, Welsh anglers, could be forgiven for concluding that NRW and the Welsh Government have

a hidden agenda, to drive game anglers from Welsh rivers, so I appeal to you to participate in any consultations that take place. I know, as anglers we tend to keep ourselves to ourselves, but please don’t allow our inaction to facilitate the “powers that be” to deprive us of our sport: they seem to have forgotten that for many years we have been, and continue to be, the guardians of our rivers and the fish that swim in them. – ALLAN CUTHBERT.

DERBYSHIRE AS I write (March 10) nearly all of our major stillwaters are now open, the start of the river season is only just over a week away and we are at last experiencing the first signs that spring is on its way. Despite some rather inclement weather, both Foremark and Ladybower Reservoirs got off to a good start with rod averages in the region of eight and three fish respectively. At Foremark, with the fish preferring to congregate 50 yards offshore, the boats have had the advantage over the banks so far, but the latter has still been producing 20-plus fish for some bank anglers. Water levels at Ladybower have risen from winter-long lows to nearly full in a matter of weeks, although it has not had any colouring effect on the water itself, which retains its usual

peaty-brown hue that is so consistent on this upland reservoir. While lures such as Black and Green IPNs and Cat’s Whiskers will no doubt have taken their fair share, patience with a small Damsel nymph has paid dividends for some in terms of locating the overwintered fish. While it is still too early to report on the long-awaited river opening day on March 18, it is time to focus on the prospects for the early season. Heavy intermittent rain in recent weeks has led to water levels on the Dove rising and falling by up to 0.75 m continuously. However, after a week of relatively dry weather, that trend is at last diminishing and I am now more optimistic than I was a fortnight ago. While nymph-fishing will certainly pay dividends if conditions allow, don’t forget the dry-fly, good examples of which for this time of year are the Parachute Adams and the redoubtable Double Badger. Hatches can be very sudden and shortlived at this time of year so it pays to be observant and react to the opportunities as soon as they present themselves. The peak of the Derbyshire Mayfly season usually occurs in early June, but keep a lookout towards the end of May and be aware that the Mayfly nymphs will be present in large numbers beforehand. Most importantly, carry a full range of suitable Mayfly patterns with you

MORE DEVON rivers opened for salmon fishing on March 1 but it was a frustrating time for anglers as the start of fishing on these rivers coincided with the arrival of heavy rain, which continued throughout early March. As a result, there were spates throughout the county and anglers hoping for some early fish found the rivers mostly unfishable with high and coloured water. The Taw and Torridge normally produce some early March salmon but at the time of writing (March 10) both are still unfishable and no salmon have been reported. Although the Dart, Teign and Exe opened in February, there was little evidence of any salmon being present and there were no reports of any fish being caught so far and little evidence of angling activity. One consolation is that after a fairly dry autumn and winter that have left reservoirs and ground water at low levels the continuous rain is providing some muchneeded topping up. And any salmon that have arrived will have had plenty of water to run well into the river systems. At the Arundell Arms there were few opportunities for grayling fishing but nine were caught at the end of February before the spates arrived. Tony Bostock had an afternoon on Beat 3 of the Lyd, catching three grayling and a handful of out-ofseason brownies. The best grayling was a respectable 14.5 inches and all were taken on a Pheasant Tail nymph. Prior to the rivers rising into spate, Alexander Jones and David Pilkington were busy doing some bank-trimming on the Lew, so

this lovely little trout stream is now in fine order for the new season. Salmon fishing on the lower Tamar has been pretty well impossible and reports of the first fish of the season are still awaited. The Dart Fisheries Association held its AGM on March 10, when the secretary reported on activities over the past year. Although final catch figures for 2016 were still awaited from the Environment Agency, both runs and catches appear to have improved after the very poor season in 2015, when disease was such a problem. An electrofishing survey of juveniles at 24 sites carried out by the Westcountry Rivers Trust in 2016

Plentiful water should bring springers into Devon rivers also indicated some improvement on 2015. After the clearance of obstructions on the main Webburn, as well as the East and West Webburn, there were encouraging reports of redds on these streams in December. Overall there was some improvement in the number of both salmon and seatrout redds. On the downside, runs of both salmon and seatrout remain disappointingly small and very few sea-trout were seen in the middle-river pools last year, resulting in very limited night-fishing. The new hydro-electric scheme on Totnes Weir adversely affected the Dart Angling Association’s sea-trout fishing in the weir pool itself, with catches substantially lower than in recent years. Not only has the flow through the pool changed significantly but, with the new fish-passes, fish can get over the weir rather more easily. On the East Lyn, the

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May 2017 | 109

FISHING REPORTS | England and Wales

F I SH I NG R E P ORTS A FLY TO TRY THIS SPRING

Olive Crippled Midge Hook Size 10-12 Fulling Mill All Purpose Medium Thread Brown 8/0 Tail, post and breathers Glo-brite white fluorescent floss Rib Fine oval gold Abdomen Olive seal’s fur with a dash of hare’s fur added Hackle Grizzle, dyed sunburst Thorax As abdomen Environment Agency is continuing with conservation measures on the Watersmeet and Glenthorne Fishery for the 2017 season. Restrictions have been in place on this Exmoor fishery since 2014 in response to disease problems affecting adult salmon and sea-trout, and monitoring has also revealed reduced numbers of young salmon in recent surveys. Anglers have been allowed to continue fishing for salmon and sea-trout on a catch-and-release basis throughout the season and have been limited to fishing with fly or spinner only. The use of worms was traditionally allowed from June 16 but this bait has been prohibited in recent years to limit the number of fish caught while stocks have been under pressure. Following discussions with the Lyn Riparian Owners’ Association and local interest groups, worming is being allowed again on a trial basis this year from June 16, subject to strict conditions relating to hook size and type. All salmon and sea-trout must still be released throughout the 2017 season, irrespective of the method used to catch them. As a further conservation measure, anglers will not be allowed to fish with worm at any time in Long pool. The brown trout fishery regulations remain unchanged and the full list of fishery regulations can be found on the reverse of permits. As the rivers open up for the 2017 season, Westcountry Angling Passport guides, tokens and Dartmoor tickets have been printed and good supplies are with the usual agents, including the Forest Inn at Hexworthy, which is back on the list of agents. Most of the passport beats from last year remain in the scheme and the banks on stretches of some streams have

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had a trim for the new season. On the Dartmoor Fishery, a slot limit has been introduced to encourage the release of the bigger wild brown trout. This means that all trout under eight inches or over 11 inches must be released. In addition to the website, www. westcountryangling.com, up-todate information on the Westcountry Passport can now be obtained on Facebook and Instagram. The 2017 season on the South West Lakes Trust rainbow trout waters opened early this year on March 4, with a preview day for season-ticket holders on March 3, and got off to a flying start. Despite the cold, wet, and windy conditions over the opening weekend there was plenty of sport, both in terms of the quality of the fish and their willingness to take a fly. Rods averaged nearly 4.5 fish per visit over the opening weekend at Kennick, with a number of fish over 4 lb. Very little insect activity was evident but fish were keen to take nymphs and lures fished mainly on intermediate lines. The most successful patterns included Damsel and Montana nymphs, as well as deeper-fished Tadpoles and Boobies. The best fish caught included a 4 lb 4 oz rainbow, as part of a full bag including another fish of 4 lb, caught by Paul Lee fishing a nymph pattern from the bank. Mr Peppit caught a full bag, which included rainbows of 4 lb 4 oz, 3 lb 10 oz and 3 lb 2 oz, while fishing from the bank. With the reservoir full and boats not yet available at Burrator, fishing from the bank at Longstone proved most productive, with anglers using mainly intermediate lines. Rods averaged just over two fish per

angler, with Montana and goldhead Damsel nymphs doing well. The best fish was a 3 lb 10 oz rainbow for Pat Power, fishing at Longstone with a White Strike. The fifth South West Fly Fair, which was held at Roadford Lake on February 25 and hosted by the South West Lakes Trust, attracted more than 250 people. The show was opened by its patron, Charles Jardine, and featured fly-tying demonstrations from both local and nationally renowned experts, with a chance to “have a go” as well as the opportunity to pick up useful tips and valuable advice. More than 40 people took advantage of the free fly-casting lessons and clinics for both newcomers and experienced anglers feeling a little rusty after the close season. There was also the opportunity to try float-tubing with the British Float Tube Association. Late report: On the Torridge, the first salmon of the season at the Half Moon Hotel was an 8 lb fish for Andy Nixon, caught from the lower reaches at Beam on March 14.– MIKE WEAVER.

DOVEY THANKFULLY, NATURAL Resources Wales have announced that its proposals for mandatory catch-and-release of salmon has been postponed until next season, at least, to secure the right measures and all-round correct outcome. To rush important issues through at the last minute when most clubs and associations had already printed permits and rules would only show how much NRW and angling had drifted apart. NRW stated it would like anglers this year to consider returning all salmon and large sea-trout – especially hen fish – something that here on the Dovey our conservation-minded anglers are happy to do every season. I remind Dovey anglers, and especially the night-fishers, that fishing is now allowed from 8 am until dawn the following day. If you do not receive a copy of the 2017 rules please ask for one at any of our distributors. Hopefully in my next column I will have the first catches to report. For all information and permits regarding Dovey Association water contact our secretary, Richard Evans, on 01654 702721. Permits are also available from our distributors Mr News, newsagents, Machynlleth (01654 702 495) and the Post Office, Cemmaes Road (01650 511 422). My e-mail address for any help is gwil.dovey@yahoo.co.uk – G. H. THOMAS.

EDEN

GRAFHAM

THERE WAS plenty of water during February, and with water temperatures higher than usual salmon were running through the lower beats; it was around Armathwaite where they began to slow up. I heard of a 19 lb salmon caught by M. Jenkins on the Yorkshire Fly waters. At least three others in the 10 lb-12 lb range were caught from their beats, and all on fly. The prime Warwick Hall beat has produced one salmon so far this season. The eight-pounder was caught by Paul Davidson in the House pool. The river has been too high for this beat for the past three weeks. Sport has been patchy for grayling anglers. Unsettled conditions certainly did not help the fly-fishers. Bait-fishers did manage to find odd pockets of fish at times, and the upper river proved to be best for February grayling sport. Sparse hatches of dark olives occurred at times in late February but in general grayling stocks appeared to be thin on the ground. Is this the result of the masses of cormorants and goosanders? Trout anglers will be out on the river in greater numbers during April and May. May can produce some fine sport with trout likely to be showing more interest in surface flies. The Eden Rivers Trust led a project to remove a ford on the Lyvennet, near Kings Meaburn. This was part of the Cumbria River Restoration Programme. By removing this structure fish will now be able to migrate freely. The project was also supported by Natural England, several rivers trusts, the Environment Agency, the National Trust and the RSPB. Fish were seen moving upstream freely after the work was completed. – CUMBRIAN ROD.

OPENING DAY was wet and cold, with a south-easterly wind. However, a good number of boats were out and bank anglers were present from first light. Some 10,000 fish, both rainbows and browns, had been stocked since February 1, all from points on the south shore. The harbour, Sailing Club Bay and the south end of the dam had visits from the stocking lorry. Many boats started from these areas but soon found themselves on the north shore, on favourite drifts near the Willows, G Buoy and Deep Water Point. These areas were full of fish, which had seemingly found their way from the south shore in quick time. Boats anchoring 50 yards from the bank were soon into fish – and not all stock-fish, by any means. I caught two splendid overwintered rainbows just shy of 3 lb. Bright, lean fish with full tails, they gave a very good account of themselves in the cold water. The New Lodge Trophy for the largest fish on opening day was won by Julian Willard with an overwintered rainbow of 3 lb 3 oz. It was reported that a brown trout of over 6 lb was caught by a boat angler. This outof-season fish was returned. The lake is now at top level and the overall results for the early days of the season are most encouraging. More than 1,000 brown trout have been stocked and beautiful fish they are, but out of season until April 1. After opening day the wind swung to the south and the banks have been very productive, particularly Gaynes and Plummer banks. Perry Point has also seen its fair share of the action. The season-ticket prices this year are the same as for the previous season. The tickets apply for 11 months of the year and all allow catch-and-release.

NE W

NEXT MONTH

DRY-FLY ON THE CAIRN

Some 15 miles of day-ticket trout stream to explore

WET-FLIES WITH BUZZ

Fed up with epoxy? Try the connoisseur’s choice for midge-feeders

CATCH TROUT ON THE LUNE Where, when and how to fish it

FLOATING-LINE TACTICS FOR SALMON

What you need to know to experience the best of all salmon takes

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SEA-TROUT FISHING The tackle and techniques you need to start night fishing

THE LATEST TOP-END REELS We take a look at fly-fishing’s most desirable kit

J U N E I S SU E O N S A L E M AY 4

FISHING REPORTS | England and Wales PROSPECTS The 2016 season finished with a large number of fish still in the lake, and 50,000 have been ordered for 2017. The local club and the wardens have done considerable work on the boats and on bank-clearance overthe winter. The calendar is looking very busy with club, national and international competitions. I have no doubt that the reputation of the fishery as a first-class and exciting water will be maintained. – PETER HARTLEY.

LUNE I WAS hoping to report on the outcome of the EA’s review of the Lune salmon stock assessment in this report, but even with the deadline for the publication of the CEFAS report rapidly approaching, we have still haven’t had any feedback or hint from the EA as to whether they will reclassify away from the “At Risk” status. More evidence supporting the claim that the EA had underestimated the true size of the Lune run came in early March, when the hydro operators at Forge Weir released their annual statement. In it they stated they had now collected sufficient data to validate their new fish-counter and how it was “… especially interesting to see how well the fish-pass has been used by salmon and sea-trout.” Why it should take the EA so long to

reassess the stock when all the facts point towards a significant number of fish bypassing their own counter for the past three years, only they know. I can only surmise they are having difficulty admitting they have got it wrong or the true status doesn’t fit with their political ambitions for the Lune. After all, we have the most heavily netted estuary in England and Wales and, without declaring the Lune to be “At Risk” and imposing mandatory catch-andrelease on the rods, how else will they justify reducing the netting effort? Away from the EA and the political issues, the Lune Hatchery Group has continued its small-scale stocking operation. In late February, the first attempt to plant out ova in Scotty boxes was thwarted by Storm Doris but a second attempt, on the first Saturday of March, saw most eggs successfully planted out into upper Lune tributaries. The turnout on both Saturdays was excellent, anglers from many of the Lune’s associations coming out to support the filling and planting out of boxes. The help of the team from Keswick Anglers was particularly appreciated. The Lune is not their own catchment, nor their closest neighbour, but they still turned up on both Saturdays and when they time came to go up the fells and plant out the boxes, they got stuck in and got wet! Thank you, chaps! The help of the motorised crew

A BEAT TO TRY THIS SPRING

Pityoulish, River Spey The Pityoulish beat on the upper Spey offers visiting anglers easy wading on one and a half miles of right-bank fishing with 12 named pools. The gillied beat boasts good runs, deep glides and shaded areas for salmon and sea-trout. It is ideal for fishing parties and families, accommodating four rods – two at the top and two at the bottom – that rotate after lunch in the hut. Pityoulish is perfect for anglers new to the sport and for young people wishing to learn fly-fishing. Day-tickets for salmon cost from £30. Contact Tom Carter, FishPal. Tel: 01573 470 612. Buy tickets online at www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Spey/ Pityoulish

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from Tebay Anglers was also very much appreciated. They came equipped with motorbikes and quad bikes, enabling the eggs to be carried to the highest parts of all tributaries. The Hatchery Group has asked me to thank all those who turned up over the two weekends. The Lune Rivers Trust announced that an agreement has been reached with United Utilities allowing the disabled angling platform below Halton Lower weir to go ahead. They also announced they had been making good progress with the access path alongside the River Keer at Carnforth – until someone stole their pile of stones and their wheelbarrows! At the trust’s February meeting, Dr Everitt gave an excellent talk on the River Roeburn and explained how increasing rainfall and moorland draining was responsible for some of the devastating floods in that part of the catchment and linked this to the reasons why the Roeburn has for many years under-produced as a nursery for salmon and sea-trout – probably ever since the Wray floods of the 1960s. The key to this sub catchment’s revival appears to lie in “slowing the flow”, and some interesting proposals to reduce the rate of run-off from Whitmoor were put forward. As I write this report, the Lune is in excellent order for the earlyseason fly-fisher, but as yet I have seen no one fishing. This is not uncommon these days as there’s very little effort before June 16, even though there may be a good number of spring salmon and early sea-trout to be caught. On a visit to the Skerton Fishery with Gary Hudson last April we saw a number of good sea-trout showing in the pool below the weir and on our first trip nightfishing at the very beginning of May, Gary caught a cracking 4 lb sea-trout. A couple of weeks later, in mid May, while fishing a fly through some “lumpy” water one evening at Caton, I caught my first salmon of the season. These days, there’s also a very good run of slob or estuarine trout in April and May and some good catches can be made as far upstream as Sedbergh. A couple of seasons ago an angler fishing the Junction pool of the Rawthey and Lune in April caught five between 3 lb and 5 lb in a day so it is almost always worth an early-season visit as, despite what the EA would have you believe, the Lune really can provide some excellent sport at this time of year. – ANDY HURST.

RIBBLE AND HODDER THE WETTEST part of the winter came with Storm Doris at the end of February and early March. Over seven days we received 78 mm of rain and on three of these days the river peaked at over 2 m at Waddow. This amount of water would have been enough to move any springers up the river and I’m certain that there will be the odd one about, but finding these very early fish is down to pure luck. In fact a big silver fish was seen one afternoon at Edisford as it jumped clear of the water. Whether it was a fresh springer or a well-mended kelt we will never know. One afternoon in late February, on a falling water, ten rods were spotted all in a line, spinning; had these anglers heard or seen something, or was it just a social gathering to rejoice and celebrate a new season? I now have the final fishcounts through Waddow for December and January and the

Ribble rods to remain on two-fish limit this season total for last year. December counts through Waddow were 87 counted up with 23 fish counted down; 40 fish were under 4 lb and 47 over 4 lb. These fish bring the year’s total to 3,710 fish up and 249 down. Of the up-counts we had 2,198 under 4 lb and 1,294 over 4 lb. We have had four fish counted up this January, with two under 4 lb and two over 4 lb. This past winter was declared to be one of the driest and mildest since records began. The nice winter days were perfect for a bit of grayling fishing on the upper river. The best catch I heard about was made by Ashley Cook, who fished that lovely beat at Arnford owned and controlled by Settle Anglers. Fishing weighted nymphs over a twohour period he landed 39 lovely grayling to 2 lb. On another afternoon Gavin Platts, fishing this same beat, also landed a few, and I know that other keen grayling rods accounted for some nice fish as well, from both the Ribble and the Hodder. In a few days’ time the trout season will begin and the best time of the day to tempt one or two will be around midday if the air temperature rises enough to

bring on a small hatch of flies. Our trout are wilier now than in the past, when bucketloads of greedy stockies were introduced on most beats, making catching them so easy that many anglers fishing a team of three flies found they could hook three fish at the same time. Now it’s more challenging to catch our trout but so much more satisfying to pit your wits against our rivers’ now wilder brownies. At a recent RFCA council meeting an e-mail from two of the four estuary netsmen was read out. The gist of it was that these two lads were asking if the RFCA would once again, as was done a few seasons ago, be prepared to buy off their netting licences for this season. After a prolonged debate the decision by the council members was to wait and see what, if any, new bylaws will be imposed before any decision is made. The best option for anglers would be to see all the four estuary nets removed altogether, but, due to politics and the lack of determination by the powers-that-be it’s highly unlikely this will happen. I was about to submit my report for publication when I received an e-mail stating that the new net-limitation order proposal being submitted by the EA to DEFRA is for the rods to remain on the two-fish limit, as it is at present, and the four netsmen limited to 12 fish each, which must be tagged, and those tags are not transferrable. The EA would like to keep one netsman on the estuary just for the purpose of monitoring what is going on down there. With no fishery officers these days watching the estuary, it is thought that it could well leave the estuary more open to being poached. If DEFRA agree these proposals they should come into effect this season, but we know that in 2018 there could well be imposed new bylaws at national level which would supersede the ones for this season. We live in changing and more challenging times. – FRED HIGHAM.

RUTLAND MILD WEATHER encouraged a good turnout on opening day. More than 100 anglers fished the bank and some 20 boats were on the water. The water level is now very high but the water is clear. The first 60 returns showed that 484 fish, of which 332 were returned, had been caught. This gave an average of eight fish per return. The best bank spots were East Creek, the harbour wall, and the whole of Normanton Bank

from the church to Fantasy Island. Numerous fish were seen taking buzzers off the surface. There was a hatch throughout the day. Most methods were successful, from Minkies to mini lures to nymphs, fished mainly on floating or slow-sinking lines. I know of two anglers who for a time were catching fish on dry-flies. Last season was notable for the number, size and quality of the brown trout. The first few days of the new season saw a good number of these fish still being caught. A fish of over 5 lb was caught in the harbour and several boats encountered some, too. A large number of coarse-fish fry were evident and fish were seen taking floating fry from the surface. At this time of year the boats usually want to be near the shoreline but this year a good number of fish were caught 150 yards from the shore in 30 ft of water. The best fish of the day was a rainbow of 4 lb 9 oz caught by Sistino Rao. Several fish just shy of 4 lb were also recorded. A number of larger brown trout were also returned and did not count towards the opening-day trophy, as they are out of season. PROSPECTS Since February 1, 14,000 fish have been stocked. These include over 1,000 brown trout. These browns were all stocked at the end of the arms to take advantage of the winter restrictions, but a number of them were caught from the bank on opening day, off Fantasy Island! (Probably four miles away as the crow flies). With the quantity of fish in the water, sport should be excellent over the coming weeks. Many anglers will be looking forward to the consistent buzzer fishing the water always provides. – PETER HARTLEY.

SEIONT, GWYRFAI AND LLYFNI THE NEW season was welcomed in on March 3 with strong winds and heavy rain. Rivers were bankhigh and to top it all it was frightfully cold. But never mind – it was the long-awaited dawn after such a dreary winter. Two of us ventured out on the Seiont; I fished down the Finiog (Crawia) as far as Glanrafon, while Clifford Thomas stuck to Llyn Tywod, but we had nothing to show for our efforts. The first fish came on March 6 – a beautifully conditioned 3 lb rainbow to the fly of Brian Thomas, Bethel, from the pool immediately below Crawia

Bridge. Where this fish came from is a mystery as there have been no rainbows in our hatchery for a few years. There could be some silent benefactor somewhere in the upper catchment stocking a private pond that had somehow leaked its contents into the river! We have engaged the services of a local agricultural contractor to carry out extensive bankclearing, which is is long overdue. On the Llyfni, the popular beat leading to the sea pool has been cleared. On the Seiont, depending on the weather, work is scheduled at Llyn Garnage and the Glanrafon Bach area. The hatchery volunteers have been extremely busy and are highly commended for their brown trout programme, in which brownies caught from the Seiont have been kept in the hatchery. The hatchery is right on the banks of the Seiont at Crawia and brownies caught from the hatchery grounds are put straight into the holding tanks, having travelled only some three yards. The result is that ova taken in December 2015 and hatched in February 2016 are now at some 8 in long. Fry from ova taken in December 2016 are feeding well, with minimal losses. One thing which has been noticed by all is the improved water quality: in previous years we have been plagued with brown sediment washed from Padarn, but this year things have been a lot better. On March 20 all the wild lakes open. I'm looking forward to giving Padarn a go. This will be the first time in quite a few years due to a broken heart caused by the problems which have been well outlined here over the past eight years. But now, as things are on the mend, I’ll let you know how I get on, weather permitting of course! – HUW P. HUGHES.

SOUTH-WEST WALES AS WE have mentioned in previous reports, the spawning season seems to have been favourable. Until recently, we received no large-scale flooding from September through to late February. It’s evident that we have considerable work to complete before the season really gets going. There are still many trees and other obstructions that will prove a hindrance to anglers, particularly those who fish by night. Other than that, the rivers look in fine fettle and have avoided the terrible erosion problems that the floods of recent years have caused. Nonetheless, it is advisable that

all anglers, both new and old, walk the river before venturing out, to at least familiarise themselves with the everchanging riverbed. Permit prices are to remain the same as last year for Llanilar Angling members, and there is a slight increase in the price of Aberystwyth Angling tickets. These are available at both tackle-shops in the town. Both systems produce good early

Upper Teifi produces good trout on opening day sport for trout, particularly if we enjoy a mild spring to encourage fly hatches. The Rheidol in recent times has been known to produce some large specimen trout, up to 4 lb. Steffan Jones of the Teifi reports that there is no new information on the pollution incident that occurred back in December. We put our trust in NRW and Fish Legal for now, and hope for some positive outcome through those channels in the near future. March 3 marks the start of the brown trout fishing season on the Teifi, confined to waters upstream of Lampeter Bridge. It was pleasing to note that some beautiful, well-conditioned trout were encountered on opening day in the Cellan area, which does emphasise what was reported: the pollution was confined to a small area and life and future sport does remain outside this. Hatches have been increasing on the river over the past few years, and the spring usually heralds a fantastic grannom hatch on the Teifi and the first real banquet for the trout – something that should not be missed, as the trout certainly won’t miss it. The winter has been kind to the river and tributaries in terms of levels and weather, which should equate to a vintage spawning winter. For those looking forward to the season to start in earnest on April 1 now is the time to support those clubs that support the river and its future. There are myriad clubs along the river, but Tregaron Angling (www.tregaronangling. com) on the upper reaches and Teifi Pools, then Llandysul Angling (www.fishing-in-wales. com) on the middle and lower river are good places to start. David Sweet of the Nevern

reports that with more than 90 per cent of catch returns now received for last season we have a fairly accurate account of fish caught. Twenty-seven salmon were reported (20 returned) and 521 sewin (259 returned). So, last year seems to have been fairly average – not great but not too bad. These figures are roughly half what they were when the club ran its own sewin restocking programme some 20 years ago. Indigenous broodstock were taken to the hatchery and the fry stocked each spring. The programme ran for five years, ending in 2003. That season, 1,125 sewin were reported. Some years later we wanted to restart the programme but could not receive support from the EA, now NRW. We end this report by encouraging all anglers to report any potential pollution incidents you may come across. You are the eyes and ears of our waterways, and pollution will not be eradicated without us. – NATHAN PURSALL and MARK SEDGWICK.

TEES ONLY ONE fish was counted through the barrage from the turn of the year to the end of February. It will be March 22, when brown trout fishing gets under way, that we will see anglers out in any numbers. The Tees has for many years been renowned for its good wild brown trout fishing and of course its natural beauty. Northern Spider patterns and weighted nymphs are likely fishtakers for the early months. Dry-fly enthusiasts will be out this month with fish likely to be in most of the good runs. The Darlington Fly Fishers’ Club may have some vacancies. This well-respected club has some good fishing on the Tees and its tributary, the Greta. For further details visit www. darlingtonflyfishers.com Northumbrian Water

Reservoirs re-opened on March 11 after a large pre-season stocking of 12,000 prime trout in each reservoir. Grassholme, Scaling Dam and fly-only Hury offer excellent sport throughout the season. Lures produce the bulk of the early sport, fished slowly. Bushy traditional fly patterns such as Bibio, Black Pennell, Zulu, Black and Peacock Spider and Kate McLaren all work well fished on the dropper with a lure on the point. On March 22 the wild reservoirs at Cow Green, Balderhead and Selset open. Traditional wet-flies are very effective patterns. – DAVID CARRICK.

TILL SPORT GOT under way on Ford and Etal Estates beats in early March. Dave Higginbotham caught very fresh sea-trout of 4 lb and 3 lb on spinner from the Redscar beat. He caught his fish in the Hotspot and Pennies Policies. One other fish was caught by Brian Richardson – a 4 lb sea-trout, also from the Hotspot. Very few rods have been out. The best fish I heard about was a lovely sea-trout of 6 lb caught on Felling Fly Fishers’ water. This fish was caught in mid-February. By the time this report is read there should be a reasonable head of spring sea-trout in the river. The Ford and Etal Estate beats should produce some good May sport with Redscar, Upper and Lower Tindal House likely spots. The Flodden Syndicate may have a few vacancies for this season. This beat offers good daytime and some fine night spots for sea-trout. Salmon are also caught. Phone 01668 216 223. Recommended flies include Teal, Blue and Silver, Silver Stoat’s Tail, Rowland’s Fancy, Black Pennell, Dunkeld and Peter Ross. Sizes to use range from 8 in trout sizes down to 14 depending on river levels and temperature.

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FISHING REPORTS | Scotland

F I SH I NG R E P ORTS A BEAT TO TRY THIS SPRING

WEAR ACCORDING TO the Environment Agency fish-counts for January, 68 migratory fish moved through at Framwellgate. In February a further 47 ran upstream. The Wear Rivers Trust has been involved with habitat improvement on various parts of the Wear catchment. Trout fishing will attract more rods on to the river during late March and April. By the time May arrives there is a realistic chance of catching sea-trout and the odd salmon in the middle reaches. – DAVID CARRICK.

WESSEX WATERS

Lower Tindal, River Till

Lower Tindal runs for two miles through a wooded gorge with numerous streams and deep pools. This is a beat for the able-bodied and well worth the effort as fresh fish can be encountered during most months of the season. Most anglers do not manage to cover all 20 pools or get to the bottom of the beat, which is only seven miles from the main Tweed. It is well worth considering if the Tweed is in flood. Anglers wishing to fish the beat at night should familiarise themselves with the beat during the day. Day-tickets for salmon cost from £25. Contact Tom Carter, FishPal. Tel: 01573 470 612. Buy tickets online at www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Tweed/LowerTindal

Bladed spinners remain the most effective method during daytime in the spring, especially when there is extra water or wild and windy conditions. Anglers new to the river should make themselves familiar with the Tweed Angling codes and guidance with regard to methods and restrictions. Visit www.fishtweed.co.uk or visit www.rtc.org.uk. Access for anglers is via Ford and Etal Estates on 01668 216 223 or Tiptoe Farm on 01890 823 060 (daytime), 01890 882 177 evenings, and 07974 416 692. – DAVID CARRICK.

TYNE THE TYNE has had more than its fair share of water so far this season. Heavy rain has brought the river away on a number of occasions, washing out sport for days on end. Fish-counter information showed that only eight fish ran through at Riding Mill in January and a further ten in February. These figures are an improvement on the previous five years, when the average for the two months combined was less than four fish. Mild weather coupled with periods when Kielder releases are limited is what is required to get spring fish into the whole main Tyne system. Fish may well

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remain below Riding Mill fishpass for longer periods until the turbulence subsides and temperatures rise. Bywell leads the way on catches, with four salmon to date. T. O’Neill landed the first one – 8 lb on a Willie Gunn in Fish Pass. S. Hollicks caught a 14 lb fish on a Cascade from the same area. S. Sims landed a 15 lb springer on a Willie Gunn in the Bridge pool. Co Durham angler John Laybourne landed a 10 lb sealiced salmon on a Monkey. Liam Larkin’s 25 lb salmon was the first of the season caught near Hexham. This excellent fish was followed by another 20 lb-plus springer caught by Malcolm Patterson from the same part of the main river. On the Northumbrian Anglers’ Federation waters Joe Clark had a 15-pounder in late February at the Wires on a Willie Gunn. Levels have really been too high for lower beats and very little has been seen. It is hoped that by the time this report is read salmon are in the Tyne’s main tributaries with the popular North Tyne beats such as Chesters, Chollerton, Haughton Castle and Chipchase enjoying some sport. The lower South Tyne beats should have some early fish in May. – DAVID CARRICK.

USK THE DAY before the start of the trout season a few March browns were seen at Usk. However, the opening day of the trout and salmon seasons on March 3 was greeted by heavy rain. Indeed, several further downpours during the first week kept the river high and dirty. There were no reports of salmon or trout caught during the opening week. It has been confirmed that there will be no changes to the salmon bylaws for 2017. Proposals likely to be put forward for a 12-week consultation period include complete catch-andrelease for salmon, a ban on bait-fishing for salmon and the prohibition of treble hooks. Anglers with strong views on these matters are urged to respond to the consultation, which is likely to take place later this year. The ever-present threat of goosanders and cormorants to salmon smolts and other small fish persists during the spring. Smolts have a better chance of migrating to the sea if there is a reasonable flow in the river. PROSPECTS For salmon it remains fly only and compulsory catch-andrelease. For trout, try Ginger Quill, Blue Dun, Alder and Pheasant Tail. – JEAN WILLIAMS.

THE COUNCIL at Eastleigh has the Itchen in its sights. It plans to build more than 6,000 homes next to a couple of ancient woods and serve the houses with a by-pass that ends up needing a newer, bigger bridge across the river. And this within yards of the floodplain. The council’s alternative? Another equally damaging development further downstream. And both options are in a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC). But at least we have allies. The Angling Trust has complained to the council saying it’s likely the development will lead to more fine silt smothering invertebrates and salmon redds, of which there are usually many in the Bishopstoke area. It adds that the EA is worried about the health of the river “which, in the eyes of anglers worldwide, is a national treasure.” The AT is worried that the Bishopstoke Angling Club “which has spent decades caring for the river, could suffer quite needlessly and its very existence could be called into question. We should never forget that given its place in angling history the river has, until now, set a standard almost unmatched anywhere else and any damage would brand the council as ecological vandals.” But at least there’s some good news for the river. The EA in Hampshire has now teamed up with the S&TUK to start a unique scheme establishing targets for river-fly monitoring. And that could later on be rolled out over 18 other rivers. One of the S&TUK’s foot soldiers, Phil Ellis, reports low flows on the Ebble, Avon and Upper Itchen and in passing reports that so addicted is the current government to housebuilding that in Worthing they’re now planning skyscrapers. Meanwhile, John Aplin on the Frome reports on a host of

habitat improvement there. He spotted “spawning fish adjacent to some recent works and an angler on the Frome having a 3 lb-plus grayling from a new pool.” – GRAHAM MOLE.

WYE HAVING SAID in last month’s report that anything could happen before opening day, of course it did. We left behind the dryish conditions with a normal river to a couple of weeks of relentless rain which raised levels to unfishable heights for the days preceding opening day and the few days since. Needless to say, not a fish has been caught so far. As I write, with the fifth day of the season now upon us, the water is still high but clearing well on the upper beats. There would be a chance tomorrow except for the fact that considerable rain is forecast again for tonight so it looks as though a few more idle days are ahead. The river rose by several feet at one stage and water flowing over the Elan Valley dams was an impressive sight. Most of the water came from the upper catchment, with the tributaries Ithon and Irfon adding their share of water and colour as usual. So there are no fish to report so far and prospects for the first fish now switch to the middle and upper river with lower beats unlikely to operate for some time. Cormorants and goosanders are still giving cause for concern, with considerable gatherings in some areas. At a recent meeting in Hereford, anglers were urged to gather what information they could, via photographic evidence, regarding number and location of birds and incidents of damaged fish in an attempt to try to increase the number of birds that can be shot under licence, so please do what you can in this respect. Chris James of Hereford AA agreed to coordinate this evidence and I am sure he would be interested to hear from you regarding this. Various meetings with NRW has indicated that there is still concern regarding the apparent lack of fry and parr in some catchments, including the Wye, giving great concern for the status of future stocks. At a recent meeting NRW’s Peter Gough, for many years in control of the EA hatchery at Abercynrig and juvenile stocking was asked if NRW regretted the closing down of Welsh hatcheries and the answer was apparently that it had no regrets because of the evidence they do more harm than good. Just what that evidence is,

or how sound it is, we don’t, of course, know. A voice for anglers and owners on the Wye will hopefully be the Wye Salmon Association, which continues to expand its membership with many new initiatives, including some free fishing, fishing exchanges, tackle insurance etc which you might find helpful. View the website at www.wyesalmon.com and if you wish to join – and who not why not for the sake of £10? – contact the membership secretary, Tony Shaftain, at tonymultiprint@ btconnect.com or download the membership form or pay by Pay Pal at www.wyesalmon.com/ join-us. – Late report: Shortly after I had submitted my report I heard of three springers – 26 lb, 28 lb and 31.8 lb – caught between Whitney and just above Glasbury. Two were on spinner and one on fly. The biggest fish was caught by 88-year-old Ernie Coleman on a spinner. – GEOFF FRANKS.

Scotland ABERDEENSHIRE DEE ACCORDING TO all the weather forecasts, meteorological spring has arrived, but since writing my last report, we’ve had snow and rain, sunshine and frost. The day after I submitted my last report – just before I was due to leave for Speyside – we had heavy snow. That, and the following night frost, made me question my planned route over to Aberlour. I have for years favoured the Cabrach – the infamous Rhynie to Dufftown road – but seriously doubted the wisdom of even attempting that. I drove across country from Banchory, planning to go on the main road from Kintore. To my amazement there wasn’t a flake of snow to be found as I crossed on to Donside so I reverted to my original plan and enjoyed a cloudless, trouble-free journey over the aforementioned Cabrach. By the time I returned from my very pleasant visit to the Spey, Deeside’s snow had disappeared from all but the highest hills. Then, on Feb 23, I had an appointment in Aberdeen but it snowed so heavily overnight and was still snowing so heavily at 7 am that I postponed my visit – certain that there would be chaos in the city thanks to conditions – only to learn subsequently that there was no snow east of Banchory. These incidents of very localised weather seem to have

characterised this winter/spring. That said, it takes more than a bit of snow to deter the band of brave anglers devoted to Deeside – and many of them have been duly rewarded for their efforts. No one could boast that the Dee has returned to its former glory but it is “plugging away” fairly consistently – and, I suspect, catches serve as much to reflect the amount of effort being expended as the number of fish running the system. The first full week of the season produced 34 salmon and, rather surprisingly, two sea-trout reported to the FishDee website. Fifteen-pounders were landed at both Cairnton & Middle Blackhall and Invery & Tilquhillie while Ballogie emerged as top beat, with eight salmon for the week. The lower river accounted for 11 fish, while middle beats took 23, suggesting those entering the system weren’t lingering as they forged their way upstream. The week ending Feb 18 saw the number of salmon recorded increase by just three to 37 – and pretty much the same spread of catches between the lower river and middle beats. Lower Crathes and West Durris not only had most fish for the week (six) but also accounted for the week’s biggest specimens – 20 lb springers on the Tuesday – taken by Ian Cormack and Andy Sutherland. Coincidentally, I was fishing the Spey’s Wester Elchies with Andy’s brother, Ron, who was “tickled pink” to tell us of Andy’s success – and, to rub salt in the wounds of a Deesider, suggest we were on the wrong river! Another fisher worthy of mention is Ronnie Fraser, who had three cracking fish to 12 lb from Woodend on the last day of the week – three fly-caught springers in one day should certainly be celebrated! The last full week of the month saw catches drop back to a couple of dozen – due in no small part to the conditions during the first half of the week, at least. We were bombarded by strong, swirling winds which, I confess, would have seen me retreat to a cosy hut rather than be out on the river had I been scheduled to be fishing. Nothing startlingly exciting, in either size or number of fish, happened on any particular beat – but I do believe the lack of rods on the river was reflected in these rather disappointing results. The week bridging February and March saw only a slight improvement in catches, which crept up to 28, with four seatrout. Lower beats continued to struggle, taking nine fish for the week, while the middle river

accounted for 19. Yet it was a lower beat – Lower Crathes & West Durris – where most fish were taken. Their total of five is hardly earth-shattering, but it does suggest how much better lower beats could do if they were being fully fished. I had an e-mail from Lower Blackhall & Kinneskie owner Lawrence Ross to tell me of some exciting sport there on the penultimate day of February. Lawrence was excited to report a 28 lb fish caught on the beat by Tom Ferguson. His e-mail tells me that Tom “had had it on for a while when gillie, Colin Simpson, appeared. The fish just hunkered down in the fast water – a trial of strength rather than a lot of dashing about is usually a sign that you have something chunky on the line – and it was some 20 minutes before Colin saw it surface. Eddie Allan who was fishing with Tom generally carries a net on his back but he had left it at the hut so Colin called me in my office and asked if I could grab a net and head up to Brown’s pool. Given the fast water and the high bank Tom could never have landed the fish on his own. Roughly one hour after hooking it, the fish (a cock) was in the net, quickly measured and returned to the river. The fish had probably been in the river a few weeks. Fishers down at Lower Crathes had seen a big fish moving through at the weekend. I have thanked Robert Harper for permitting it to travel further upriver!” One of the gillies on the other beat in which Mr Ross has an interest, Karl Revel, called to see me with the Invery & Tilquhillie results for the period since my last report. While he didn’t have anything like a 28-pounder to report, he was equally delighted to tell me of that beat’s biggest – a 15-pounder. The fish, taken in the Glide, fell to the rod of Dee regular 85-year-old David Dearman from Peakirk in Cambridgeshire. Well done, Mr Dearman – I hope I’m still casting a fly when I reach 85! I also had a phone call from Ian Murray, who looks after beats around and above Ballater. Ian hasn’t started fishing yet but was happy to report that fish have been showing in that area. He and his sons, Ian and David, along with a band of enthusiastic helpers have been concentrating on preparing the beats – devastated by Storm Frank – for guests. He tells me that the banks at Lower Invercauld are gradually settling back with every rise of water. Much work has been done to release some new runs and the bigger pools that were formed are looking quite attractive. All in

all, Ian believes the river is “coming on fine” and that another season of weathering will make a difference. I have, too, received an e-mail from Park’s William Foster, who tells me that the beat’s bookings over the past two weeks have ranged from half full to fully rodded. Some kelts continue to be landed and a first sea-trout was caught on March 3, with another, of 2 lb, taken, from Durris Stream, on March 7 by Heli Hangisto’s partner. William continues to be concerned by common seal incursions into Park during February. These creatures, he tells me, can move quickly so will be in and out of a beat before they are seen. I know there is a seal-scarer embedded at Leggart and that the river staff regularly patrol with mobile scarers and head for the appropriate area if/ when a seal is reported. Mr Foster, while acknowledging all this hard work, suggests that the best way to improve the lower river’s fortunes is for Marine Scotland to grant a licence to cull any rogue common seal which is no longer in its natural habitat and destroying the fishery. As I write (March 9) 29 fish have already been recorded for this week – 13 on Monday, ten on Tuesday and six yesterday. I visited friends at Dess yesterday and was pleased to see the river in such good order – running at a very fishable height and gin clear so I’m sure there will be more fish taken as the week progresses. I see Waterside & Ferrar has got off the mark during its first few days – I’m sure other upper beats will soon follow suit. Those of you planning a visit to the Dee might like to know that Willie Gunns continue to account for a proportion of fish being caught – variants of the Tosh have also been proving popular, as have Sunrays. Interestingly, several fishers to whom I’ve spoken recently have started to fish with single-hook flies once again. Perhaps I should dig out my limited supply of those before

my next outing on the river – at the end of April as things stand. Incidentally I should report that my friends and I took 66 kelts on the Spey – only three of which fell to my fly. This certainly bodes well for that river. PROSPECTS I am hopeful that, with warmer and longer days, fishing effort will increase and with it catches will begin to rise significantly. I would, again, suggest that readers look at the FishDee website for availability – and get yourselves to the Dee as soon as humanly possible. I’ll be delighted to record your successes in future columns! Folk lucky enough to be fishing on the Dee can, like me, fish in expectation rather than hope! – POLMONIER.

ABERDEENSHIRE DON FEBRUARY AND early March were quiet overall, but there have been one or two fresh fish landed. On the lower river, the ADAA beats at Parkhill have had at least three to 16 lb. Upstream at Manar two were landed in early March. Dave Stewart had an 8 lb fish on a spinner and Don Board member Fred Hay a 7 lb fish on a Black/Yellow fly. Three springers for February is the same as the score in 2016. Speaking to my colleague Martin Webster, there have been more sightings of fresh fish and he is hopeful for a better March and April. Rod effort has remained low throughout – many beats have not seen a rod on them yet. Once we get a few more rods out as the weather improves, I’m sure catches will improve accordingly. A few salmon anglers have been landing out-of-season brown trout to 4 lb on large tubeflies. A few Don beats open for trout fishing on March 15 – Kildrummy, Kintore AC and Fetternear – but most wait until April 1. Martin has seen the odd March brown coming off the river. – ROSS MACDONALD.

May 2017 | 115

FISHING REPORTS | Scotland A FLY TO TRY THIS SPRING

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BEAULY NO SPRING salmon were reported up to March 11. There were fair numbers of kelts. The first salmon tenants were due later in the month. The early sea-trout fishing on the Downie beat has been excellent. Prolific numbers were reported of both finnock and seatrout up to 2 lb. This bodes very well for sea-trout prospects for the season ahead and it is already clear that the stunning catches experienced last year were no flash in the pan. It is probably fair to say that sea-trout numbers are now on a par with those of 25 years ago. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

BORGIE

THE FIRST tenant of the season for the Borgie enjoyed success, landing two springers in the week of February 20. The following week was unlet and blank. In the first five days of the week of March 6 (also unlet) one rod (fishing the occasional hour) picked up four salmon (none liced). There seemed to be fish up and down the river. Water levels from February 20 to March 10 fluctuated wildly – between 1 ft 4 in and 3 ft. – ANDREW GRAHAMSTEWART.

CARRON BY ALL accounts there was a good run (coinciding with the first spate in many weeks) into the Carron in late February; the evidence for this is the fact that fish were caught between Carron Bridge and Moral, despite the almost complete absence of tenants – indeed fishing effort was mostly limited to the odd hour here and there. Kelts

116 |

May 2017

were notable by their absence. Gledfield got off the mark on Feb 23 when Peter Weems banked a 10 lb springer in the McGregor on a Collie Dog. He had another (9 lb, liced, in the Gledfield also on a Collie Dog) on the 27th. Calum Beattie, who had lost four previously, landed an 11 lb salmon in the Bridge on a Cascade on March 8. At Cornhill Allan Donaldson had the first for the river (indeed the first for any of the Kyle rivers, trumping the Oykel’s first by a couple of hours). On February 21, with 1 ft 5 in on the beat’s gauge (after big water the previous day), he caught an 8 lb fish (lice just off) in the Raven. Three days later (1 ft 1 in) he picked up a sea-liced 14 lb salmon with “very deep shoulders” in almost the same spot. He lost another at his feet on the 27th. Allan had another three in consecutive days between March 7 and March 9: 9 lb in the Clump (1 ft 1 in), 9 lb in the Gledfield (3 ft 8 in), losing another, and 8 lb in the Raven (2 ft). At Dounie on February 24 Michael Banks landed a “stocky” 8 lb salmon in the Marge. At Gruinards Jim Gilmour had a brace at 12 lb and 10 lb within 15 minutes in Moral on February 22 with 2 ft on the gauge. On March 7 Don MacKay had one at 10 lb in Kennel Run. Braelangwell’s first (7 lb, no lice) was banked by Finlay McCulloch in Moral on March 8 with the water at 2 ft. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

CASSLEY AS OF March 9 the Lower Cassley was still waiting for its first fish of the season. Fishing effort was very light. The first tenants were due on the 13th. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

CLYDE DESPITE FAIRLY foul weather, the ceremony to mark the opening of the salmon season was well attended and thought to have been the best one hosted by the United Clyde Angling Protective Association so far. At least 200 people attended. Stallholders included one from the Clyde River Foundation, who explained their “Clyde in the Classroom” project, several flytying groups demonstrated how to tie everything from traditional Clydestyle flies to modern salmon patterns, Daiwa Sports was well represented, especially by Hywel Morgan, who ran a casting accuracy competition for the children. Gardiners of Lesmahagow gave out samples of their fudge. The Popinjay Hotel provided the use of their large hall free of charge and supplied bacon rolls and coffee. After the various speeches and the raffle draw, two pipers led the anglers to nearby Mauldslie Estate, where the Association’s oldest director, George Thompson, cast the first fly of the season. Once the event was over, one of the attending anglers could not resist the temptation to have a few casts himself and caught a small kelt. By the middle of February, all of the kelts in the

Clyde’s seasonticket holders get three tags this season river should have been a lot further downstream but a lack of water might have delayed their departure. Conditions soon changed with heavy snow followed by the rain brought in by Storm Doris. The rain melted the snow, sending the river into a spate that kept grayling anglers away from the water for several days. When conditions settled down, relatively few grayling were caught. At the UCAPA annual general meeting one member mentioned that grayling had gone off the feed, in the lower reaches, at Christmas. However, they continued to be caught in other parts of the river. The specimens of up to 2 lb, which were being caught a month earlier, had apparently disappeared to be replaced with fish of no more than half that size. The last week or so has been

spoiled by more heavy rain, which has kept the water high and coloured. Fishing has been virtually impossible. Of course, the grayling will now be preparing for spawning. PROSPECTS May should see good numbers of salmon entering Mid Clyde Angling Association water. Now that they have Category 2 classification, the associations along the Clyde and its tributaries have the right to determine whether they will allow their anglers to take some fish for the pot and, if so, how many. Mid Clyde and the United Clyde Angling Protective Association independently decided to issue three tags with their season permits this year. This means that each angler may take three salmon during the season. Upstream of Motherwell, trout anglers will still have the Clyde virtually to themselves. The improving weather will see flies hatching in better numbers. – TOM McGREGOR.

took a fresh 8 lb salmon on fly from Thorny Loop on the Clugston beat. On the Cree, the first fish of the season came from Galloway Estate on March 6. With his first cast, Peter Woodfield caught a beautiful 13 lb sea-liced salmon from Learie’s on a Cascade. He also reported seeing several fish entering the pool. A few well-mended kelts have been caught from both rivers. As we go through March, numbers of fish should steadily increase in both rivers. Mild weather, plenty of rain and higher water levels should encourage new fish coming in with the spring tides. If these conditions prevail, some early fish should be expected as far upstream as the Minnoch. – DAB. CORRECTION: In last month’s Cree and Bladnoch report we highlighted the government’s ruling that this season the Bladnoch is a Category 3 river. It is, in fact, Category 2. Our apologies for the confusion. – Ed.

CONON

DEVERON

IT IS decades since the Conon was a reliable producer of early salmon; in all probability this reflects the wholesale harnessing of the system for hydroelectricity in the 1950s. As of March 11 (the time of writing) there were no reports of any spring salmon. Water levels were often “perfect” but catches by occasional rods were limited to the odd kelt. As elsewhere in the North, kelts seem to be very scarce this year. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

OPENING DAY (Feb 11) fell on a Saturday and some 90 people turned up for the opening ceremony, despite wintry showers and a temperature of 1 Deg C. Colin Hendry, ex Scotland and Blackburn Rovers footballer, who was brought up locally in Keith, presented the Morison Trophy to Mr Craig for catching and returning the heaviest fish, 34 lb, on fly last season. Mr Craig was presented with an exclusive engraved fly-box and a Vision Mag rod by sponsors Henderson’s Country Sports. Mr Shields, chairman of the Trust, opened the river with a blessing and some Glen Deveron whisky, before Mr Craig made the first cast. The river was just under 1 ft below normal on opening day and ran a few inches either side of that for the next 12 days.

CREE AND BLADNOCH IT WAS very encouraging to hear that the first opening-day Bladnoch fish for many years was taken on Feb 11 when Jock Rennie caught a 7 lb sea-liced springer well upriver at Barhoise Dam. Then on March 3 Chris Hockley

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FISHING REPORTS | Scotland A BEAT TO TRY THIS SPRING

Lower Dryburgh, River Tweed The beat runs from the highly productive Hotel Steps pool at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel for about one mile downstream to the end of the Long Stream above Mertoun Bridge. The fishing boasts excellent fly water and a host of attractive streams and pools, most of which offer easy wading and hold fish throughout the season. The spacious hut with veranda overlooks the Brockies Hole and Gullet Stream pools and is equipped with running water, WC and electricity. The gillie at Lower Dryburgh, George Inglis, is a Tweed icon and is sure to make your visit an enjoyable and productive one. Day-tickets for salmon start from £65 plus vat. Contact Tom Carter, FishPal. Tel: 01573 470 612. Buy tickets online at www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Tweed/ DryburghLower On Feb 26 levels rose to 2 ft. The carcase of a long-tailed sea-liced fish was found on the bank at Huntly around Feb 25 so we knew some fish were in the system. With levels dropping back to around 1 ft, the first fish came off Lower Netherdale to Graeme Alexander at 7 lb. He repeated the feat with another fish of 15 lb on March 1. Lower Netherdale then produced a fish estimated at 22 lb to G. Simpson on March 4. Heavy rain then pushed levels to 4 ft but by March 6 the river was down to around 2 ft. D. Wiseman landed a fish of about 7 lb on Avochie, and another clean fish was lost at Castle Water. The following day R. Miller popped out at lunchtime for a cast and caught his first Deveron springer – 8 lb off Avochie. On March 8 R. Breakell had an eight-pounder from Ardmiddle. All the fish so far have been caught on fly and some are in fantastic condition. Some have been in the system for a while and others only a few days. We hope the catches will continue into April, which can be our best spring month, given water. Trout anglers have their opening-day beats booked well in advance. Given suitable conditions, the brown trout fishing can be fantastic. As reported last month, our new rivers operation manager, Marcus Walters, is settling in and

familiarising himself with the various beats and being brought up to speed on the local characters. He is responsible for bailiff duties and you may meet him on the riverbank. May saw a big improvement in fish numbers last year and by the middle of the month numbers of sea-trout were in the system as well. In fact May, June and July were the best months for fish numbers last year and most of the beats have spaces available, which would not have been the case a few years ago. PROSPECTS Salmon are in now (March) so May should see a reasonable chance of a fish. Sea-trout will also be appearing and the brown trout will be at their peak. Dry-flies will do well for trout but wet-flies tied on wee doubles and fished on 6 lb-8 lb nylon will tempt all three species. – F. R. H.

FINDHORN DURING THE first four weeks following opening day the lower Findhorn produced fresh-run fish fairly consistently, including some fine specimens: Darnaway had three over 20 lb, the best at 25 lb. On the Forres AA water the first fish was caught by George Munro on the last day of February – an 11 lb springer in the Dump. Altyre reported two in the book – the first (9 lb in the Roan) to Tom Brown on March 2 and the

second (11 lb, also in the Roan) to David Tisdale on March 4. In the main the water has been cold and low – fair conditions for the lower beats. I am sad to report the passing of one of Forres AA’s longestserving honorary members, Sandy MacLachlan. His death occurred while he was sitting in the hut at one of his favourite pools – the Stoney. Sandy was well known to all members (he was highly successful on the river, as these columns recorded over the years) and very popular with visiting anglers. He always had time for people requiring information or assistance. He will be greatly missed; indeed, he was a mainstay of the club who will be long remembered. Forres AA members wish to convey their sincere condolences to Florence and David for their sad loss. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

FORSS OPENING DAY took place, as usual, on February 11 in traditional style with John MaCrae piping more than 20 attendees over the Forss road bridge and down to the Falls pool. The weather was fine and, after a few words from me, Gavin Anderson toasted the river in the customary manner with whisky provided by our sponsor, Old Pulteney Distillery. This was followed by Morven Coghill making the first cast, and thereafter everyone adjourned to the Forss House Hotel. Since the opening there has been plenty of rain and as a result very little fishing has taken place, although one of our local timeshare owners, Dave Martin, who has spent the odd day on the river, lost a fresh fish in the Falls pool on Feb 21. As I write (March 7) my river superintendent has phoned to tell me that the first fish of the season, estimated at 10 lb, has been returned by Alastair Jappy. Alastair receives a bottle of Old Pulteney whisky for his achievement. Hopefully in my next report I will be able to advise readers of more fish caught. – MICHAEL WYCHERLEY.

reportedly seen at Girvan dykes in early March, though there was no news of any catches. These are good omens for the rest of the season. – DALMAKERRAN.

HALLADALE THE RIVER remained blank up to the time of writing (March 11). Conditions on the latter date were ideal, mild and 1 ft 3 in on the gauge, but there was still no sign of a springer. Overall fishing effort (by the occasional rod) has been very light. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

HELMSDALE

BY MARCH 10 the tally for the season to date was close to 20 – not a bad start by recent standards. Most fish were caught in the weeks of Feb 27 (seven) and March 6 (nine by the Friday). Most unusually, very few fish have been landed on Beat 6, which tends to have a build-up before the water temperature is high enough for them to run the Falls. Water levels in February and early March were generally up and down, between 10 in and 1 ft 6 in. There was one Febraury spate but overall the winter has been very dry indeed; this bodes well for the redds – wash-out will not have been an issue. It is sad to report that Jeremy Clay of Kildonan Estate, one of the last of the old-school proprietors, died on February 18. He was a superb and dedicated angler (he also owned a beat on the Wye). He tried new things on pools, usually going to different angles to offer different-looking flies. On the Helmsdale he often fished bits that no one else bothered with. He caught the biggest haul in one day on the Helmsdale – an astonishing 37 fish in 1992 on Beat 1 below. His legacy includes the fishcounter on the Helmsdale, which was installed entirely at his own expense. It is an invaluable management tool. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

LOMOND AND LEVEN THE LOCH Lomond Angling Improvement Association (LLAIA) held its AGM in Glasgow in February. There was a very good turnout with almost 150 members in attendance. The upgrading of the fishery to Category 2 for the 2017 season was welcomed and when members pay their permit fees they will be allocated three salmon tags for this season. By the time this report is published, word of the first fish to come off the system may have already been confirmed. This will create frenetic activity as Lomond boat anglers scramble to get their crafts in the water for the spring fishing. The River Leven will see increased angling effort, particularly on the stretches towards the top of the river. The Leven is only six and a half miles long and the upper-river holding pools begin just three and a half miles above the hightide marks in the estuary. This relatively short distance enables fish to reach these pools soon after leaving saltwater. And fresh silver beauties they are, too, with our April springers often in the 15 lb-25 lb class. There are 24 named pools on the upper river and any one of these may deliver the first fish. However, last season the first spring salmon reported ran straight through the river off the high tide and was promptly caught in Loch Lomond by James Kinnear, fishing out from Balmaha. In recent weeks the Leven has been high after prolonged rainfall in Loch Lomond’s massive catchment area. But when the river settles to its optimum flow, with the water temperature currently hovering around 42 deg F, cautious optimism will be appropriate. Other good news is that the LLAIA have announced they are suspending the £30 joining fee until April 30. – DICK DICKSON.

GIRVAN THE WINTER is now over, and compared to previous years there have not been too many major floods. Hopefully the lack of big floods will have a positive effect on the 2016 spawning. The first confirmed spring fish of the year was caught on March 4 at Kilkerran by a syndicate member. The eight-pounder was taken on a small tube-fly and released. Several fish were

May 2017 | 119

FISHING REPORTS | Scotland A FLY TO TRY THIS SPRING

Loop Wing Dun Hook Size 12-18 dry-fly Thread Olive Tail Summer duck flank or substitute Body Butts of the tail fibres wound from about mid shank down to the tail and ribbed back up with the tying thread Thorax Light olive dubbing with spiky guard hairs Loop Two or three CDC feathers tied in behind the thorax and pulled over to form a loop

NAIRN BY EARLY March three spates had put the river in good fishing order and a few anglers tried their luck, but only well-mended kelts were caught. The bailiff has spotted some spring fish running, so hopes are high (at the time of writing – March 10) that Nairn Angling Association members will soon contact some of these early fish, which are often in the 15 lb-20 lb class. At the River Board meeting on March 6 Bob Laughton, director of the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust, gave a presentation on the current state of the river and reported it to be in excellent condition with firstrate smolt production. Unfortunately, however, there is a question-mark over the future of the programme to control and eliminate signal crayfish in the Geddes Burn, which has been operating for several years; funding appears to have dried up.

The bailiff had a successful 2016 season and reported that the covert motion-triggered cameras had proved very useful. These send stills to his mobile phone, enabling a rapid response to suspicious activity. Probably the most important project now on the river is the restoration of the Cawdor Burn fish-pass. Until this is carried out back-end fish will continue to pile up below the weir, deprived of access to the extensive spawning habitat upstream. The old fishpass is defunct, but, even when it was intact, it was never very successful due to poor design. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

NESS BECAUSE THE hydro authorities have been working on the dam (resulting in minimal flow), the Moriston has started slowly this season. The end of February saw some improvement at last – with three fish landed in the river on

fly: 7 lb on Feb 23 to Lawrence Deans, 17 lb on the 27th to Graham Gault and an unrecorded weight on the 27th to Aiden Macdonald. Angus Mackenzie (who had success on the loch at the start of February) also had another at 12 lb off the mouth of the river. As previously mentioned, the first salmon (23 lb) of the year for the north Highlands was landed on the River Garry on Jan 16. Another fine fish was caught in the Garry on Jan 31, when Andy Burton landed a 21 lb springer. A scale sample indicated that it was a previous spawner (a fish returning to spawn for a second time). It had hatched in spring 2011. The fish spent two years as a parr in the river, before becoming a smolt and migrating to sea in spring 2013. The fish returned to the river in spring 2015, after two years’ feeding in the sea. It first spawned in winter 2015. The first salmon of the year on Inverness Angling Club’s Town Water of the River Ness was caught on March 1 by Derek Proctor. He hooked the sea-liced 17 lb fish on a Devon in the Weir, finally landing it in Mill Stream; accordingly he had to follow it under the new three-span bridge, which is part of the West Link scheme from the Holm roundabout on the Dores Road to the A82 at Glenurquhart. There was a pleasing flurry of early activity at Dochfour – 9 lb to Grant Sutherland in Burnmouth on March 6, 13 lb to Eric Craig in Netting Water on March 7, and 14 lb (three-seawinter) to Grant Sutherland in Andrews on March 8; the level during this period was hovering around the 6 in mark. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

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May 2017

NITH PROVOST TED Thompson braved the bad weather and gave a toast to the river on opening day at the Burns Centre, with Jim Henderson, (Fishery Board manager), Alex Saville (Burgh Fishing chairman) and a number of anglers in attendance. The day was met with wild, wet weather and a raging river. It did not start to abate until well into March and then did not encourage many anglers to fish. By the 7th it was in good condition but rain followed and put it up nearly 2 ft overnight. As I write (March 10) I have heard of no salmon being caught, but only a few hardy souls have ventured out on the lower reaches. – ED BAXTER.

Inverness AC’s Town Water gives up first fish on March 1 NORTH ESK THE RIVER has been up and down throughout February and early March as snow on the Grampians melted and this coincided with periods of very heavy rain. The river has fished well, though on the tide Upper Kinnaber was late getting off the mark, but are now reporting fish. Canterland has done quite well with salmon to 20 lb and fishing consistently when levels have been good. Gallery has enjoyed a very good start, with fish every week, including a stunning 21-pounder to the rod of Montrose man Ron Gray. Pert showed a slight improvement in their returns compared to this time last year, and they have also seen one or two very good sea-trout (when they should still be in the sea.) Stan Guild from Ayrshire had a 4 lb sea-trout. The Luther pool has done very well, Calum Imrie taking an 18 lb fish and John Murray from Dundonald a fine 14-pounder. There have been no exceptional days: the best period of two days yielded four fish. Stracathro have done very well, getting a few fish for the first few weeks and then in early March had a day of seven and one sea-trout. I would guess this is their best start for a number of years.

From my and the bailiff’s observations there appears to be a good stock of springers in the river and they are well spread over the lower and mid-river beats. – WESTIE.

ORKNEY FEBRUARY 25 saw a good number of anglers heading out early for their favourite sea-trout beaches. For many, opening day can be one of the year’s highlights. Good baskets can be expected but it is a case of being in the right place at the right time. Low pressure on the day kept the tide well in and made some of the high-water spots unfishable. A few double-figure baskets were reported, with the best fish I heard about a fine 3 lb 9 oz specimen taken by Ian Robertson from Kirkwall Bay. Later in the week, Sean Brough took a nice 3 lb 4 oz fish. The Orkney Trout Fishing Association held their AGM on Feb 28. A good attendance heard various reports being read out by the secretary, Malcolm Russell. Membership subscriptions for both local and visiting anglers this season remain the same as last year. Brian Thomas, having served as association president for six years, handed the chair over to Alan Craigie. Members expressed rapturous applause to Brian for the great work he undertook in the preservation and improvement of the angling facilities in Orkney. Details of the association’s programme of events, membership and loads of angling advice can be found at www.orkneytroutfishing.co.uk With the trout lochs opening on March 15, anglers will be hoping for a mild and settled early spring. The weather, however, is likely to have a different view on this matter. – M. A. R.

OYKEL THE OYKEL’S first salmon of the year was landed on February 21 with 3 ft on the gauge and an unseasonably high water temperature of 40 deg F. Billy Murdoch, the young new gillie, caught a 10 lb springer (unliced) in the Black Eye on an Alistair tube. The second (8 lb in Tuiteam Bridge on a Temple Dog) came to Mitch Stevenson on the 27th with 2 ft 4 in on the gauge. On March 4 (1 ft 6 in and rising) Bruce Shelley had a 12 lb salmon in Tuiteam Bridge on an Alistair. Two more were recorded on March 8 (3 ft-plus) – 7 lb to Jim Browne in Braeburn on a Kinermony and 10 lb to Nick Smith in the Black Eye on a

Monkey. Another two were lost. By now two beats were let. Long-term Oykel fishers will be very sad to hear that Irene, wife of former head gillie George Ross, has died. They married in 1968. Irene had been a figuremaker at the Wedgwood pottery works in Staffordshire. She later adapted these intricate skills when she became a highly proficient tyer of salmon flies. She invented the Oykel GP after being asked by the late Michael Hilton (one of the great Oykel anglers) to tie him some GPs with extra long tails. Luckily George never did see the flies before they were despatched to Mr Hilton, otherwise it is likely that the OGP would never have evolved! Admittedly the original request was for extremely long tails, but if George had been aware of the end product, then it is probable that the design would have been fatally compromised – to the detriment of an extraordinary fly. Mr Hilton caught over 20 fish in one week with the first OGP and its fame soon spread around the world. George had once tried to interest Irene in fishing – but to no avail. He took her trout fishing for a brief two hours during which she landed several trout. Following this excursion she declared, “Thank you, too easy, not for me” and she never cast a fly on the water again. She became an expert cook (competing on TV’s Masterchef) and horsewoman. Fate struck a cruel blow in 2009 when, soon after George’s retirement, she was the blameless victim of a random serious motor accident. Consequently she was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life; George became her devoted carer. She passed away on February 13. They were a very close couple and I am sure all those who have fished with George will join me in sending him sincerest condolences. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

SHIN AS OF March 11 there was nothing in the book for the Lower Shin. Robbie Elliot lost a fish earlier in the month. Other than that the only excitement was a few kelts. – ANDREW GRAHAM-STEWART.

SOUTH ESK SO FAR only two salmon have been reported to me, both from Upper Kinnaird. A nine-pounder was caught on opening day and another on the lower flats later. Donald Webster saw a fin in a

pool behind the Balbirnie dam and went to inspect it. The “fin” got larger and eventually it became obvious that it was a tail. Carefully approaching it, he was amazed to see a spring salmon “larger than any fish I have seen in the river in my time as riverkeeper”. He did not want to estimate its size but as a guide he says it was well over 35 lb. – WESTIE.

SPEY THE SPEY opened on February 11, so it’s nice to have some real news to report. After all the speeches and whisky-pouring, the anglers were able to make their way to the beats. The water was at a height that suited most beats and, although initially chilly, the sun soon warmed up the day. There were more kelts on the go than in previous years, which is a mixed blessing. It is nice to get a pull, and nice to get a fight, but their teeth can be extremely sharp, even one is using forceps. After a day of unhooking kelts in cold water I was getting a little tired of the pleasure. Two fresh fish were landed on opening day, Mrs Evelyn Glass landed the first from the Junction pool at Rothes. The second, and bigger, was caught from the right bank of the Piles at Arndilly by Arty Mckerron. Both anglers and

Fin-clipped Spey kelt caught at Carron their respective gillies received generous prizes of whisky and shortbread from the sponsors, Aberlour Distillery and Walkers Shortbread. This is the second time Evelyn Glass has been among the prizes on opening day. February’s weather continued to be kind to the anglers on the river, and some days it was even possible to fish without a jacket in the middle of the day. The warm weather caused some snowmelt and river levels fluctuated. On opening week the Spey reported fish from Abernethy to the sea on a well-known internet letting site, though there was certainly a bit scepticism among those working on the river as to whether a fresh fish could get above Grantown so early on. Gordon Castle has been picking up fresh fish most Saturdays. I am convinced that if more anglers were out during the

week fish would be caught on other days as well. There is nothing like rods on the river to put fish in the book. Orton had a quiet start but by the second week of the season were making up for lost time. New gillie Richard Hold managed a 22 lb fish while acquainting himself with water. Fraserburgh angler Jimmy Jack also had a fish estimated at 17 lb from the Cairnty pool. At Delfur, local angler Jan Rigden had two fish in the morning of Feb 13 from Beaufort. Alex Robertson also had an opening-week fish. These two continued to catch fish throughout February and the first days of March. Alex is currently on three and Jan four. I was fishing Delfur on March 6, still not having opened my account for the season, when I heard a commotion from the boat above me and realised that Jan had hooked another fish. I, of course, wished him all the best and continued fishing down the pool, when my kind thoughts persuaded the fishing gods to allow me to hook and land a fine fresh fish of about 11 lb. Having returned it, I looked back upstream and Jan was still playing his fish, so I realised that his might be a little bigger; eventually it was netted and I heard the cry, “25 lb!” Four fish, the best 25 lb, by the first week of March is a great start to his season. At this time of year Rothes is fished by the Gordon Angling Group, a syndicate of local anglers. They started in style with fresh fish on each of the first four days of the season, the best a good 17-pounder to Don Milne from Burnmouth. The group have continued to catch fish every week. Ross Wood had a good day in early March with a couple, and the following day Tony Smith had a brace, one being weighed at 20 lb, and the same day Stan Baird had three, the best 17 lb, making five in a March day for the beat! Arndilly, as expected, continued to catch fish, especially when the water levels lifted. I hear John Mackie’s party had a day of three in early March. Aberlour Angling Association, Kinermony, Wester Elchies, Carron, Laggan, and Knockando also all got their seasons under way in February – slightly earlier than in previous years. Delagyle have had a great start to the season with around half a dozen fish landed, the best estimated at 24 lb. The more astute among you might have noticed the number of big fish landed, something that

is certainly not usual for the Spey, where the early fish usually average around 6 lb. The Spey biologist, Brian Shaw, is looking particularly smug, having predicted that there would be a good number of three-sea-winter fish landed in 2017. There was an interesting kelt landed from Carron in February. As he was about to return it, Neil Borthwick noticed that it was finclipped. Neil did well to notice this, as I must admit I had not been paying that much attention. He estimated the fish to have been in the 6 lb-7 lb class when fresh. The question, of course, is did it originate from the Spey hatchery? It was said that in 2016 any finclipped fish returning would have been grilse. Looking at the Salwrd calculator at www. speyfisheryboard.com/salmonage-calculator and putting in a weight of 7 lb with a date of August 12 there is a very strong likelihood (99.68 per cent) that this fish returned as a grilse. Overall it has been a reasonably good start to the season and I am optimistic that things will continue. I learned last week that the Tweed had declared their catches for 2016, and remains the best river in the UK, beating the Spey by a mere 44 fish. That’s forty-four fish in an extra 72 days of the Tweed season! Perhaps the Spey will be the best this season. On a disappointing note I am saddened by the lack of etiquette displayed on some single-bank beats. In days gone by, an angler would never think of entering a pool in front of another angler fishing the other bank, even if there was no risk of their lines crossing. I was always told to stand and wait to be waved in, and conversely always to wave someone in if they were waiting. These days it appears to be acceptable to walk straight in, pretending not to have seen the other angler. Manners cost nothing! – MALCOLM NEWBOULD.

TAY SINCE MY last report, in midFebruary, the Tay has generally run higher than it did over most of the first month of the season. For most of the time the level has been between about 3 ft 6 in and 5 ft, with something like five rises. However, apart from one to over 8 ft near the end of February, most of these have only amounted to a foot or so of a rise. Conditions have generally been quite good, water-wise, for the time of year. But temperature-wise, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. There has been some snow inland and some frosty nights, but equally these have been interspersed with some unseasonably mild days. Overall, this has meant that, judging by the garden at least, spring seems to be a little ahead of itself this year. Despite the fact that not much of the month was badly affected by poor water, February proved to be a disappointment overall compared to the past few years. The total catch for the month is likely to be a bit under 100 fish, which would make it the poorest February for a few years. And, although February catches were down, my hunch is that the average size will have increased. Many of the fish caught have been well into the teens of pounds, some even higher. This means a catch perhaps dominated by 3SW fish. On the one hand that might at first sound like good news – ie 3SW fish continuing to do better – but it might also be reflective of a poor run of smaller 2SW fish so far. The first few days of March also seemed to start off in the same slow vein, but as I write (March 13) I can say that the last full week was a much better one. Fifty-seven fish were reported on the fishtay website alone, which means last week produced almost as many springers as the whole of February. So we hope this is the start of better things

May 2017 | 121

FISHING REPORTS | Scotland

GALLERY

Congratulations to these anglers who have had great success in the past few months RIGHT Rothes head gillie Mike Ewen returns a Spey springer of about 17 lb, caught by Donald Milne on a Tosh tube.

BELOW Ian Neale with a spring salmon of around 17 lb from Altyre Estate on the River Findhorn. This stunning March fish was caught in the Soldier’s Hole pool on a Purple Cascade copper tube-fly.

LEFT Bob Windsor with an 18 lb springer from the Hampshire Avon’s Royalty Fishery on March 9.

RIGHT John Laybourn from Durham with his 10 lb spring fish taken on a Monkey on the Tyne’s Bywell beat.

ABOVE Liam Larkin with the Tyne’s first salmon of the season – a 25-pounder caught on a tube-fly near Hexham.

ABOVE Malcolm Patterson with a cracking 24 lb salmon caught on a Willie Gunn on the Tyne near Hexham. RIGHT The first springer of the season from Altyre Estate, River Findhorn, this 8 lb sea-liced fish was caught by Tom Brown from the Roan pool on March 3. It took a one-inch Blue Angel tube.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH 122 |

March 2017

ABOVE Veronica Sinclair caught these two lovely springers on the Pol Ma Cree pool at Delagyle on the middle Spey. The bigger, and Veronica’s best to date, was taken on a 20g red-and-silver Toby and weighed 24 lb, while the 12-pounder took a small Tosh tube.

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A BEAT TO TRY THIS SPRING

Riverside, Derbyshire Wye

The Riverside fishery comprises one mile of single-bank fishing above the market town of Bakewell in the Peak District. The Derbyshire Wye is one of the best trout rivers in the UK with a large stock of wild browns and rainbows, plus grayling, and it is very lucky to be classed as an “insect- driven” river, which means there is more aquatic food than the fish can possibly eat. Riverside is run as a wild fishery and only dry-fly can be used for trout, but nymphs can be used during the grayling season. The beat fishes a maximum of three rods per day. Day-tickets for trout cost from £40 plus vat. Contact Tom Carter, FishPal. Tel: 01573 470 612. Buy tickets online at www.fishpal.com/England/ChalkStreams/ RiversideWye and I will hold off from speculating any further until we see what now happens. As for beat catches, again as I reported last time things have continued very quiet on the lowest beats of the river. For example, both Lower and Upper Redgorton beats reported only one fish each for February, and nothing since. However, the Lower Redgorton fish was a 16-pounder caught on fly by Mike Bridger. While it is not unusual for the lowest beats to be quiet at this time, some of the best early catches can be made in the Stanley area. However, this year, catches in that area have so far been disappointing. For example, following a single February fish, Upper Scone has had four to March 13: Martyn John had a tenpounder, Lo Lai Hat a nine-pounder, Dave Downie 12 lb and Brian Brown 9 lb. On the other side of the river, the Pitlochrie beat had three for February and two so far for March. There, Mark Hickson had his first fly-caught salmon, a 13-pounder. Danny Fulton also had a 13-pounder on fly and James Holder had a fish, too. Often at this time of year the Catholes beat can be something of a hotspot, but this year it produced only a couple of fish in February with another three to March 13. That is way down on recent expectations. However,

the best of these was an absolutely cracking 25-pounder for Danny Fulton on a Blue Angel tube-fly. Jonathan Dent had two fish of 10 lb and 11 lb on fly and Toby, while Dougie Wangert had an 11-pounder on fly. So far for March, Burnmouth has added another two fish to the couple they had in February. John Dewar and Ed Slaven scored there. Stobhall has done a bit better, ending up with eight for February and another five for early March. These included an 18-pounder for Mark Nevin. Taymount is only slightly behind with a tally of seven and four. However, again, both of these beats are below what we might be hoping for. Ballathie had four in February and has had another two in early March. These included a 14-pounder for Mark Fairley and another 14-pounder for Tony Anderson, his first-ever salmon. Keith Niven also had a fish of 9 lb. On the other side of the river, Cargill had two and four respectively for the same periods. These included a sea-liced 13-pounder for Steve Curnow on a Toby. With seven in February and 13 for early March, the top beat has been Islamouth, although these are pretty average catches for Islamouth at this time of year. Successful anglers included Ian Moulton with a seven-pounder

and Stuart McArthur with two fish to 15 lb. While it is not unusual for this beat to be the best in spring, it doesn’t always do so well relative to other beats so early on. Perhaps the milder weather of late has favoured Islamouth over the Stanley area by encouraging fish to run faster. With fish obviously pushing through the lower river, catches have also picked up on the Isla. For example, while it reported nothing in February, the Coupar Grange beat at the junction of the Isla and Ericht has reported ten to March 13. Fish have also been caught on the lower Ericht. Back on the Tay, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth had three for February and has had another two in early March. These included an eight-pounder for Mr Hood, a 14-pounder for Calum McRoberts and a ten-pounder for Simon Littlejohn. Kercock had one fish in February and one so far in March, a 21-pounder for Jim Harkin. Burnbane had its first and only fish just recently in March, but it was a cracking 17-pounder for Jimmy Lapsey. The Murthly 1 beat reported a couple of fish for February and Glendelvine had one in both February and early March. But, although things appear generally to have been a little slow to get going in that part of the river, more success has been enjoyed on the Murthly 2 beat. While it reported only one salmon in February, it has produced nine to March 13 and the quality has again been great. For example, Ike Martin had two fish to 20 lb and Steven Hogg one of 24 lb. Such a fish might normally be considered the highlight of the report, but even it was eclipsed by a 30 lb 8 oz fish caught by the beat’s gillie, Tony Black. Things were a little quieter on Newtyle, however, which had one fish in February and two to March 13. One of these was a 17-pounder caught by the gillie, Andy Gunn, harling a Payo 110. Dunkeld House had three fish in February plus another four for early March. Some good fish were caught there, too, both Brian Joseph and John Cranston having 19-pounders. Antanus Ciparis also caught his first-ever salmon, a nine-pounder. Dalmarnock had its first fish in early March, an eight-pounder caught by Mark McGillivary on fly. Dalguise, on the other hand, had four in February with another four in early March. These included a 12-pounder for Neil Turner, a sea-liced 15-pounder for Bob Fraser, a 17 lb beauty for Ross Haynes, and a 15-pounder for Moray MacFarlane on a Vision 110. Also on a Vision, Jim

Crawford had a fish of 13 lb and Harry McCombie one of 15 lb. Lower Kinnaird has reported one fish for February, but nothing since, while the upper beat had none in February and one in early March. The Tummel has also has been relatively quiet recently. For example, on Pitlochry Angling Club’s Dam beat, only one fish has been added to the two I reported last time. That was a 12 lb fly-caught fish for Saul Mackay. The first and, as yet only,

Tay’s Murthly 2 produces 30 lb 8 oz fish for Tony Black fish from their Sawmill beat was a cracking 22-pounder, caught by Martin Timmins on a Vision 110. Along the upper Tay, it has been a similar story, of a smattering of fish here and there, some really nice. On Findynate, which has had five fish so far in March, Peter Backhouse and a friend had a fish each of 12 lb and 15 lb. Aberfeldy Angling Club reported their first fish of the season from the Edradynate beat and one fish has been reported from Lower Farleyer. On the Taymouth Castle water Gavin Brown caught two fresh fish weighing 10 lb and 20 lb, both on a copper-and-silver Toby. Finally, as may be expected at this time of year, Loch Tay continued to produce some fish. For example, Grant Tigwell’s Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips reported five for February and two so far in March. These included a 21-pounder, which was a first Loch Tay salmon for William Colquhoun, and a seven-pounder for Graham Milligan. Grant himself had one of 8 lb. I remind all Tay anglers that each month the Tay Ghillies’ Association presents a prize for

the largest fish caught and released in that month. For January the winner was Paul Kelly, who had a 19 lb 8 oz fish from Meikleour and Upper Islamouth, while the February award went to William Kennedy for a 22-pounder from Ballathie. Robert Harvey was also presented with the Redford Trophy for the largest Tay fish caught on opening day – a 19-pounder from Dunkeld House. So, that’s it for another month. As I say, a little disappointing considering the success we’ve had in some of the past few springs. However, there are now signs of improvement. Let’s hope this is the start of the proper runs we’ve been waiting for. I will let you know what happens in my next report. PROSPECTS In recent years April and May have often seen the best of the spring run and that may well be the case again this year, though I have no way of telling how it will compare with other years, of course. However, by then the fish will be inclined to run even faster as the weather warms and they could be well spread out. If there is any water at all, there may even be good sport in some of the tributaries such as the Isla/Ericht, the lower Lyon and of course the Tummel, which can really come into its own at that time. Lower water may favour the main river, including middleriver beats. Loch Tay, of course, should also continue to fish into April, but depending on water gets less reliable as the month goes on. Again, as I said last time, there is still plenty of fishing advertised on www. fishtay.co.uk – BEN LUI.

THURSO OUR FIRST fish of the season was taken on February 25 from Beat 7 by local rod Gerald Davidson and weighed a magnificent 18 lb. The past two seasons have seen the first fish in March, so it is good to get a salmon in February. Also for

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orvis.co.uk 0333 400 4177 May 2017 | 123

FISHING REPORTS | Ireland those interested in statistics it is the third year on the run that the first fish has come from Beat 7. Since that first fish we have continued to pick away. Neil Groat picked up the second fish, 12 lb, from Beat 13. In the week ending March 11 we have picked up a further four fish. These included a lovely 20 lb salmon taken by Pat Nicol on Beat 4, an 11 lb fish from Beat 9 by Eddie Bremner, and another 11 lb fish by Peter Cardosi from Beat 13. These are heavier than our normal spring fish, which are usually 7 lb-10 lb, and it will be interesting to see if this trend continues. Credit must go to all the early rods out at the moment; a lot of effort has gone into catching these early fish. Prospects are looking good. The river is in perfect condition and I would expect a strong finish to March. – TIM HAWES.

TWEED THE WATER was on the big side and dirty, especially below Kelso, at the beginning of the second week of the season. This extra water made over 3 ft below Kelso on Feb 12, which washed off most beats at the beginning of the week. Some rods had a cast or two but it was really no more than a token gesture. Conditions were better on Wednesday, with clearer water and milder weather. Spinning was allowed from this day, the 15th, for those of us who enjoy a change of tactics. David Steele opened Upper North Wark’s season on Wednesday with a fresh sevenpounder. They added another two fish on Friday, one by eightyear-old Hayden Ritchie, son of head boatman Martin, who caught his first salmon while casting by himself. The fish, weighing 7 lb, was netted by his proud dad. Out on Lower Birgham, Luke Taylor-Balls also took his first-ever fish, a lovely bright 13-pounder. Head boatman Tom Davis took a cracking 16-pounder the same day, on Thursday. We had our first two fish of the season on Friday, both taken by Nick Moody. They both took an Ally’s tube and weighed around 8 lb. Twenty-six fish were reported for the week, with the Junction taking seven of them, three on the Wednesday. They shared the week’s best, at 16 lb, with Lower Birgham. The O’Donnell party had all three of the Junction’s fish on Wednesday with the best at 15 lb, and two on Friday to 16 lb. The bottom end, below Coldstream, was struggling with the water height, with little

124 |

May 2017

fishing effort taking place. Up on the middle river, Dryburgh Lower had two fish and Drygrange one. Eight sea-trout were reported for the week, the best a sevenpounder from the Junction. The week of Feb 20 began windy with a bit of rain. This gave us a small rise, and the wind got worse into midweek when Storm Doris arrived to give us rain, snow on the tops and cold winds. Thursday was a horrendous day, with gauges rising quickly through the afternoon, the bottom gauge on the Teviot rising almost 5 ft in four hours. This gauge, and the one at the bottom end at Norham, made almost 7 ft, with Sprouston just less than that. This was dropping through Friday but more rain overnight had all gauges rising early on Saturday. It was windy and wet during the morning, which put the Whiteadder over its banks in places, with the Till also big. This second rise made almost 9 ft at Norham, 8 ft at Sprouston and 7 ft at Roxburgh during early evening. The Teviot, Ettrick and

Settled weather needed for Tweed’s spring fishers upper Tweed were all big with water running off fields in places. Needless to say, not a great number of fish were taken this week, with only eight reported over the first three days. The best, a 22-pounder, was taken on Tuesday on the Junction, with a bigger fish lost only a few yards from the bank. The same day saw a 17-pounder landed on Birgham Dub and, like the Junction fish, it was carrying long-tailed sea-lice. A week to forget for many – but not for those successful rods. The water was still big on Feb 27, the Norham gauge showing almost 9 ft, Sprouston 6 ft-plus and the Roxburgh gauge over 5 ft, after more water through Sunday night. Frosty nights through the first half of the week helped to knock the levels back, but the water held steady for much of the time with snowmelt. There was still colour in the water below Kelso in midweek. Six fish were taken on the Wednesday – all above Kelso on the Tweed – and one at Bluestone on the Whiteadder. Three came from Lower Floors, all to the rod of Nigel Devine on fly. The Junction had two on Thursday – a 16-pounder to Ben

Richardson and a 15-pounder to Colin Chisholm. They had three the following day, all before lunch, with two to the rod of Shunshuke Washiya and one to Willie Wood. Four others were lost. Hendersyde had three to 17 lb – this fish to James Harrison – and two to 14 lb to Andrew Taylor. A number of these fish were sea-liced. Some 20 were reported, with James’s 17-pounder the best. More rain in places during Friday had all gauges rising early on Saturday and into the afternoon. This gave us over 5 ft at Norham and once again the water was very dirty. It was a drier start to the week beginning March 6 with most gauges steady on the Monday. The water was still high for many beats below Kelso but it was clearing. With the odd spell of rain, and the last of the snowmelt, some gauges were unsettled right through the week. Although only small rises, they didn’t help, keeping the water on the high side for many beats, especially on the lower and bottom stretches. We had a couple of mild days, although windy at times, which at least made it a pleasure to be out if you were sheltered. Up to the Thursday evening 20 fish had been reported, the Junction taking six of them and Upper Floors five. The best fish I could find were a couple at 14 lb. Drygrange and Dryburgh Upper had a fish each on the middle river and the lowest taken came from Lower North Wark above Coldstream. The Berwick DAA water had a ten-pounder from the Whiteadder on Monday. A handful of sea-trout were also reported for these four days, the best an eight-pounder from the Junction. So, as I said at the end of my last report, let’s hope we get some settled conditions to give us all a chance of some sport. – BOB HARRISON.

Ireland BANDON JUST AS I was about to submit this report, news came of the first spring salmon caught on the Bandon River. The 9 lb fish was caught on March 8 by Robert O’Flynn Jnr. A black Flying C proved to be the springer’s downfall in an area known locally as “The Bogs” in Bandon. Well done, Robert! Before this bright piece of news, fishing was quiet, as is the norm for February. The Bandon opened on February 15 and anglers were met with beautiful river conditions. Fishermen up

A FLY TO TRY THIS SPRING

Viva Muddler Hook Size 10 Kamasan B175 Thread Black Tail Fluoro green marabou Rib Medium silver tinsel Body Black chenille or black dubbing Wing Black marabou with two strands of gold tinsel each side Head Spun fluoro green deer hair and down the river reported wellmended kelts. Numbers of these were lower than in previous years, mostly due to early spawning in autumn/winter 2016. Pat McCarthy of Dunmanway Trout and Salmon Anglers reported little fishing effort so far, mainly due to weather and water conditions. A few trout have been caught, though, and Pat himself enjoyed great sport with a fish of over 3 lb before they parted company. For day-tickets, contact Patrick McCarthy, Main Street, Dunmanway on +353 86 100 9760 or Finbar Kearney on +353 86 385 8855. Further downstream, Chris Cully of the Manch Fishery, and Tom Fehily of Ballineen and Enniskeane Anglers, have very little to report. Permits can be purchased from Tom for the Ballineen and Enniskeane Anglers Fishery; Tel: +353 86 835 5837. At the Kilcoleman Fishery, David Lamb says persistent northerly winds have been a nuisance and only a kelt has been caught. At times there have been some good rises of brown trout. Once the air begins to warm up, trout fly-fishing should be very productive. For further information on fishing, visit www. flyfishing-ireland.com. On Bandon Angling Association waters, no spring salmon have been landed yet. Some very good sport with trout has been enjoyed on fly by club members, and nymphs and streamers have accounted for the lion’s share of fish. Many small fish have been caught, with the biggest around 1 lb 8 oz. For further information on fishing and permits visit www. bandonangling.com. Prospects for the rest of March and April are very good as this is when the first spring salmon is

usually caught on most fisheries. Salmon flies to have are Green Butt Cascade, Gold-bodied Willie Gunn and Dee Monkey on hooks and tubes to suit water height. Flying Cs in black and yellow are the most effective spinners. Also, worm and shrimp fishing for salmon is permitted in most waters after March 17. Trout will become more active as the water warms up and the usual Spider patterns will begin to pick up fish. At times the Bandon receives an early run of spring sea-trout, and these are worth fishing for as they offer the best chance of fish of 3 lb-4 lb or more. – JASON NASH.

CONN SEAN GOULDING, fishing with his lifelong friend Mick Rutledge, was out on opening day, and Sean caught a fine trout at 11.30 am from along the far tree shore, on a size 10 Bibio. The fish weighed 4 lb 6 oz. Sean is no stranger to catching big fish on Conn: fishing in the same area a few years ago he caught a seven-pounder. Apart from that success, there has been very little angling activity due to strong cold winds and driving rain. – PAUL BOURKE.

CORK BLACKWATER JASON CORCORAN got the Ballyduff Bridge Fishery’s first salmon of the year on Feb 21. Jason released a lovely fish of around 8 lb on a a Banana Cascade on the fishery’s new beat at Ballygarrett. Soon after that, and up to the end of the first week in March, the river was in flood. For fishing contact Connie Corcoran on +353

58 60146 or +353 87 720 5690 or through the website at www. blackwatersalmon.ie On Glenda Powell’s Blackwater Salmon Fishery, the first salmon of the year was landed by Noel Fitzmaurice on Feb 12. Noel’s salmon was a beautiful silver fish, with longtailed sea-lice. It took a Gold-bodied Willie Gunn Franc N Snaelda. Heavy rain then made the river unfishable up to the end of the first week in March. Glenda can be contacted on 00353 (0) 87235 1260 or by e-mail at glenda@glendapowellguiding. com – PAUL BOURKE.

CORRIB KEVIN CROWLEY reports that on opening day (Feb 15) a good number of anglers were out after the long winter break, but truth be told the main point of opening day was to catch up with old friends, usually over lunch and a drop of something strong on one of the islands! In the Oughterard area Stephen Barry enjoyed an excellent start to the season, landing three trout to 8 lb 8 oz, and Richard Kirkham also had three to 2 lb. Gerry Molloy, Kevin Molloy and Emmet McGloin had seven fish to 2 lb 12 oz on opening day, trolling the “brickeen”. Gerry tells us that his fish was well beaten by a cracking fish of 10 lb 2 oz caught by Joe Tierney on the brickeen. In the Cornamona area on opening day Jackie Coyne and John Somerville met six fish to almost 3 lb on Dabbler patterns. Mike Shanks and Kevin Kerrigan got their season off to a pleasant start with fish of 2 lb 8 oz and

Trolled brickeen accounts for 10 lb 2 oz Corrib trout 3 lb 8 oz. Derek Evans from The Irish Times caught a nice fish of 1 lb 8 oz on fly on opening day. Other visitors enjoyed reasonable fishing for the time of year on brickeen, Tasmanian Devils and on fly – mainly Dabbler patterns fished on intermediate lines. At the beginning of March angling activity declined due to inclement weather. Anglers fishing the brickeen fared best, taking some nice trout in the difficult conditions. By the end of the first week in March there was very cold weather and a big

increase in water levels following heavy rain. In the Cornamona area, Paul Geraghty had his first trip of the season with Derek Maguire. Fishing out of Richard Molloy’s at Ballard Boat Hire, they trolled roach for a few hours and Derek had three trout between 4 lb and 7 lb. – PAUL BOURKE.

CURRANE VINCENT APPLEBY reports that on February 14 local gillie Dominic McGillicuddy caught the first fresh salmon of the season – a nine-pounder – while trolling a Rapala lure. Later that day Damien Duff presented the Paddy Carey Memorial Cup to Dominic. A good few kelts were also reported that day. The following week was very windy and only a handful of boats went out, only kelts making the days bearable in poor weather. Coming up to the week ending March 3 Storm Doris struck the Waterville area with a vengeance, keeping anglers off the lough for several days. In the second week of March the weather was still poor and lot colder, too, making angling very difficult and no fresh fish were encountered. At the time of writing (March 8) the weather looks set to improve. – PAUL BOURKE.

DELPHI FISHERY MANAGER David McEvoy reports that a regular client from the USA caught the first salmon of the year on Feb 17 after fishing for a couple of days with no success. His sea-liced fish weighed 8 lb 3 oz and came from the Deadman’s on a cold, sunny day. The fish took a Cascade conehead, fished on a floating line. The low water, combined with low temperatures, probably makes it easier to target fish at this time of year as they tend to move more slowly through the river. For fishing, visit www. delphilodge.ie or Tel: +353 95 42222. – PAUL BOURKE.

DROWES AND MELVIN DESPITE CONTINUING low water throughout much of February, the first salmon of 2017 from the Drowes was taken on Feb 13 by William Rainey of Bangor, who had an 8 lb sea-liced fish from the Mill pool on worm. After that, fishing remained quiet for a few days, although Paul McDonagher released a 6 lb salmon on fly at the Eel Weir on the 17th. I heard of three other fish in February after water levels began finally to

rise: Martin McCarron had a 10 lb salmon on a Rapala from The Grazings, Patrick O’Malley one of 8 lb from the Mill pool again, and Marty King a 9 lb fish on prawn from the Blackwater. As March began, normal service resumed on the Drowes and fish were caught almost daily. Marty O’Hara was, I think, the first man on the river to record a second fish, having had one on a Monday from the Mill pool and another on Friday of the same week from the same pool. Both were on yellow-belly Devons. The Flying C was responsible for the capture of two 10 lb fish – one for Conor Healy and one for Joe Broderick. Simon Harris also had a 9 lb fish on a Devon from the Perch Hole. Water levels are very good on the river at present (March 10) and fish are running. Lough Melvin’s first salmon of the season was caught by Stephen Kennedy, out from Rossinver, on March 8. – DAVY STINSON.

MASK KEVIN CROWLEY reports that there was plenty of activity along the shores of Tourmakeady from very early morning, as the traditional shore anglers anxiously awaited their first trout of the year. Castlebar brothers Tadgh and Wally Flynn finished a cold first day with three trout to 1 lb 12 oz on worm. Unfortunately due to the low water levels, fish that would normally be in feeding on worms on flooded grassland were few and far between. Local anglers Liam Conroy and Peter Gosson ventured out on the lake for a few hours and fished wet-flies in the shallows. The lads finished with a fish each to 1 lb 8 oz and Peter lost a trout of about 3 lb. Peter Byrne and Johnny Moroney also spent a few hours on the lake and also had a fish each of 1 lb 8 oz. Toby Gibbons enjoyed a good start to the season with a lovely fish of 3 lb on wet-fly. Kevin Bettie and fishing partner Ray had two fish to 1 lb 8 oz for their first outing. – PAUL BOURKE.

Other anglers with trout during the first week included fish of 2 lb and 2 lb 8 oz on a Sooty Olive for Thomas Harten, and two trout between 3 lb and 4 lb for Martin McCoy. Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association treasurer Eamon Ross caught a trout of 1 lb 8 oz on a Sooty Olive. The best area that week was the north shore, from Chambers Bay to Crover into Merry point. Many anglers in early season use sunk lines and lures, but there were successes with traditional patterns including Sooty Olive, Black Pennell, weighted Silver Dabbler, Peter Ross Dabbler, Golden-olive Dabbler, March Brown and Bibio. – PAUL BOURKE.

NORTHERN IRELAND I BOUGHT my 2017 licence/ permit yesterday (March 8). Rather than buying it online I went to a local tackle-shop as I prefer to pay cash. Apart from a queue as I waited for someone else to do the same, the site crashed as my details were nearly completed and when I eventually got to the business of paying I was given a slip of flimsy paper measuring just 7.5 in x 3 in. I nearly lost it among other bits of paper before I got to the car. On it were two long numbers and my name and date of birth, together with a start and end date and the licence and permit type. Interestingly along the bottom is written: “Anglers are encouraged to carry proof of identity or indeed to retain this confirmation receipt with them when fishing.” Only Inland Fisheries bailiffs are able to check whether you are licensed or not. Only they are permitted to check records via telephone using your name, date of birth and your licence and permit numbers. This means that no private fisheries or bailiffs will be able to check that you are licensed or, in fact, that you are actually the holder of any supplied number. Anyone of a

similar age to me may have my date of birth, address and number and fish unlicensed – even when checked by an official bailiff. Unless, of course, the bailiff already knows me, though this is very unlikely as in the past five or more seasons not once have I met a protection officer or been asked to provide my licence. The Loughs Agency has also introduced a new online system, though this is different. It has been suggested to me that if one uses both systems in a certain sequence it may be possible to obtain the DEARA licence for the small cost of the endorsement needed to fish both jurisdictions? I have not checked this out so cannot confirm if this is correct. I’m told that a large team spent the best part of a year designing this new DEARA Inland Fisheries system. Why did both managements not take the opportunity to set up a shared system that would operate to deliver all licences and permits, in whatever combination (tick the boxes), and then deliver the revenue earned in proportion to each agency? It might well have even thought of a credit- cardstyle licence with a photograph which would more easily deal with the identity issue. They might even have reduced the costs by asking the Republic of Ireland to join the system. A onestop licence/permit shop for Ireland – at last. The season has had a slow first ten days, with wet weather and brown rivers. However, on Lough Erne, despite the conditions, trout were recorded. Reports tell of reasonable numbers from 1 lb-2 lb and bigger trout of 3 lb all being boated. After my licence/ permit purchase I took the rod for an hour and opened my year with a couple of good brownies to 2 lb! While the rivers were usually too big or brown for the best trouting, rods on many waters managed fish. Our salmon fishing really begins in April, when the Mourne opens with other Foyle tributaries. – MICHAEL SHORTT.

NE W

SHEELIN THE FIRST week of the season started quite well, with fair numbers of trout reported, despite mixed cold weather making conditions challenging at times. Brenda Montgomery reports that it was a lady who recorded the first trout of the season on opening day, March 1. Hungary native Gina Tanczos had the best fish of the week at 8 lb 8 oz.

May 2017 | 125

FISH OF THE MONTH COMPETITION Put safety first with a dependable wading staff.

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SHARPE’S TACKLE Catch a memorable fish and you could win a superb rod and net or wading staff. Send a picture to appear in T&S THE SHARPE’S OF ABERDEEN Fish of the Month competition celebrates your great fishing achievements. If you’ve caught a big fish, you could be one of our monthly winners. But it’s not always the captor of a big fish that triumphs – other factors that may make the catch special are taken into account: the water in which the fish is caught, the method and the circumstances (Perhaps it’s your first fish. Perhaps you’re a young angler). Each entry is carefully judged and the editor’s decision is final. There are two categories – salmon and trout (which includes brown, rainbow and sea). The winners can choose their prize from Sharpe’s superb range of single- or double-handed rods, landing nets and wading staffs. Sharpe’s welcomes the opportunity to discuss the prize choice with each winner. Fish entered in the April competition must be caught between April 1-31. Entries to be received by May 5. Fish entered in the May competition must be caught between May 1-30. Entries to be received by June 6. You must send the form. No photocopies.

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THE TWO CATEGORIES ARE... 1 Salmon 2 Trout (brown, rainbow or sea)

Send the completed form to: Sharpe’s Fish of the Month, Trout & Salmon, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA. E-mail pictures to: troutandsalmon@bauermedia.co.uk

T&S SHARPE’S FISH OF THE MONTH ENTRY FORM NAME OF ANGLER.................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone..................................................................................... Address..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode ......................................................................... E-mail........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Species............................................................................................................................... Date caught ....................................................................... Weight*.................................................... Type of fly/bait....................................................................................................................................................... Length*………………………………… Boat or bank ........................................ Where caught ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... NAME OF WITNESS (One witness is essential) .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone .................................................................................................................... E-mail............................................................................................................................................................. *If you return your fish, please give its measurement from tip of nose to fork of tail. Terms and Conditions The winners will receive the prizes as stated above. If for any reason beyond the promoter’s control it is not possible to provide the stated prize, the promoter reserves the right to award an alternative prize of no lesser value. The promoter’s choice of prize is final. There is no cash alternative available. No entries can be returned and the promoter will enter into no correspondence. Judging for the April competition takes place on May 5 (May competition on June 6) and the winners will be notified within 14 days. We reserve the right to use the winners in any publicity. No employees of Sharpe’s or other companies involved in this promotion are eligible to enter. The Editor’s decision is final. The promoter excludes responsibility for applications that are lost/delayed/incomplete.. For full competition terms and conditions please go to: www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html For our Privacy Policy visit www.bauerdatapromise.co.uk

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Please mention Trout & Salmon when replying to advertisers Fishing For Sale

Products/Services Bait

Conon Fishing Syndicate Dendrobaena Worms

Small to Extra Large - Tough and Lively

Lobworms

The Fishermans Favourite -Fresh & Firm Use discount code TS16 FOR 10% discount.

www.yorkshire-worms.co.uk www.yorkshire-worms.co.uk 07462 474 223

Prime rod for sale (in perpetuity) in unit of 4 rods Wk 26 (24th-29th July in 2017) 5yr av: 64 salmon and 4 sea trout Fishing 3 rotating 4 rod beats over 6.75 miles of which 3.75 miles are double bank Price £55,000 For particulars please contact Roddy Willis rwillis@savills.com / 01356 628600

Fishing For Sale

Fishing Bucks/Beds

POCHARD LAKE TROUT FISHERY Memberships available.

Beautiful and private, well stocked 2 acre lake with club house, set in 23 acres of wooded grounds. Bucks/Beds border. For details please telephone

01525 234112 or 07809 432182 www.pochardlakefishing.co.uk

Fishing to Let

Salmon, Sea Trout & Trout Fly Fishing To let Nr Levens Village, Kendal, Cumbria Season Rod £300 Telephone 015395 63368 Email estateoffice@dallamtower.com

DALLAM TOWER ESTATE

Property For Sale

FOR SALE SHARE IN PRIVATE SALMON FISHERY ON RIVER USK Just over 1 mile of fishing. Mixture of fly and spinning water. Guide Price £31K Enquiries to Alastair Gibson ag@charlcombe.com For Sale

RIVER KENT

01559 371265

Registration number

S4 LAR

On Retention Certificate. Best offer by email to:howard207@btinternet.com

Laithers Estate Fishing

Holidays

FISHING ON THE TAY

www.royaldunkeld.co.uk

THE ROYAL DUNKELD HOTEL

Former coaching inn and now a 3*** STB hotel in picturesque Dunkeld on the banks of the River Tay. Informal atmosphere, good food and hopefully good fishing Bed and breakfast from £40.00 per person per night based on 2 sharing

Tel: 01350 727322

Salmon/Sea Trout Fishing Prime River Deveron Beat 2-4 Rods available Two Self-catering cottages available weekly Enquiries Email:rwillis@savills.com Tel 01365 628621

River Tweed One rod for sale to acquire a 1/7ths share of the salmon and sea trout fishing on the Cardrona Beat. 1.8mls single bank (right/south). For more beat info see link below and to discuss please contact Richard on +447785113888 www.fishpal.com/Scotland/ Tweed/Cardrona/?dom=Tweed

Tackle Wanted

WANTED Hardy fishing tackle, old and modern, also other makes of old tackle.

STRATHMORE FISHInG TACKLE Please telephone

01786 823361 or email

strathmoretackle@gmail.com Waders

Tuition

Robin Elwes Fly Casting Instructor STANIC-REFFIS-AAPGAI Master

Mobile 07973 639 268 Email robin.elwes@yahoo.co.uk Web www.learn2ﬂyﬁsh.com

For all your wader needs – sales & repairs Visit us at

www.gybe.co.uk or call 0161 304 8471

ISSUE 495 ON SALE NOW!

IMPROVE YOUR BUZZER SKILLS Experts reveal their patterns and tips

When fish are wary

How to catch on reservoirs that have been pressured

PLUS

Big river browns

The March brown and large dark olives are hatching

Available for digital download

● Catch stillwater char ● Tips to avoid a blank ● Guide to Chew Valley ● Latest gear reviewed

LAST CAST

OLLY COPPLESTONE

IN THIS TOGETHER Giles Catchpole knows you will understand his predicament

O HERE WE are way up in the Highlands of Scotland. Actually we are beyond the Highlands. Right up at the very edge of this sceptred isle and a very long way from home indeed; and the line has just started to make stately progress away from us in an acutely fishy manner. I say we, much as I say us, in the true spirit of collaboration, readers dear, because we are on the same side, the same team. I know that we may have our differences from time to time where, for example, speed limits intrude into the conversation. Or perhaps when the ethical dimension of the proper use of the worm or the prawn, for that matter, rears either of their ugly heads. But, when you boil it down to grease, we are all part of the glorious genus Piscator and that means that when a line tightens and starts to move steadily away from any one of us, we are all there with you. Or me. As the case might be. And as I lifted into the fish and tightened up the drag on the reel a tad, three things became immediately apparent. The first was that I was considerably over-rodded. This I knew already because this was one of those jolly little spate rivers that was not in spate just at the moment and with my 15 ft double-handed spey rod I could perfectly well have reached across the pool and planted my fly on the opposite bank. However, in the interests of sporting endeavour, not to mention improved presentation of the lure, I had clambered

down into the river itself to get a better angle for my cast and to reduce my broad silhouette on the bank and even broader – and taller – shadow on the water. On the other hand, this surfeit of rod meant I could, as they say in East Anglia, “…get boss of…!” the fish, which was not a very large fish by any means, in relatively short order. At which point I recognised that I was, at the same time, more than somewhat undernetted. Now on grand rivers like the Spey and Tweed there are not only gillies dashing about in all directions but also nets propped up here and there about the bank for the easy procurement and general use of the visiting angler. Failing which there are gravelly beaches and grassy banks where a valiant fish may be briefly beached before being gently returned to its watery domain. Here, though, I had a steepish bank at my back above and below me along the pool, a gillie who, while attentive enough while he was with me, had pushed off a while back to check on the needs of other members of the party some way off and while I did have a net in the car, the car was at the top of the beat whereas I, and the fish, were nearer the bottom. Not to worry, I thought, all I have to do is draw the fish in close enough to grab it by the tail. I was not considering keeping the fish so all that was required was to hold it long enough to retrieve the fly and then we are all happy. At which juncture another disadvantage of the long rod became abundantly apparent. Which is how to get a reluctant fish to within grabbing distance when it is, to all intents and purposes, attached to the far end of a 15 ft pole? “Well, lift the tip, you idiot!” I hear you cry, with all the generosity of spirit that marks the fellow angler. It’s true, lift the tip and the fish does indeed come within range; but even as you reach down to snag him he sees your – my – great looming visage leaning towards him and zooms off out of reach once more. And because the rod is vertical at this point, there is very little you can do to stop him. So we repeated the exercise two or three times until, if I’m honest, I think the fish was as bored of it as I was. I would like to suggest at this point that I switched to a different and ingenious new strategy but I didn’t. The fish, however, did. Instead of allowing me to reel him in almost to within reach and then dashing off again, this time he dashed past me towards the bank and then executed a neat handbrake turn and headed back into midstream. “And that was his crucial mistake, inspector,” as the saying goes. Because instead of ending up in midstream as he had intended, he stopped just about level with my right knee with his tail slapping against my wader. It was therefore the work of an instant to switch the rod from right hand to left, grab the fish by the tail, execute a handbrake turn of my own – or rather a pirouette worthy of Nureyev in his pomp – take three steps towards the bank and plonk fish and rod on to the grass. Fifteen forceps-applying seconds later I was kneeling in the current waiting for my adversary to get his breath back before watching him shove off once more. Your – my – our – first fish on a new river is always a moment of increasingly rare and particular pleasure, one to be savoured. Thus it was that I was sitting on the bank contemplating all the joys of creation and Nature’s bountiful harvest when the gillie hoves into view demanding to know why I am not in the water trying to catch fish and the third problem of the morning struck me: would anyone believe that I had caught a salmon – even a not very big one – all by myself?

“It was the work of an instant to execute a pirouette worthy of Nureyev and plonk fish and rod on to the grass” May 2017 | 130

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