Top rod
There were decent numbers of fish caught across Scotland last week for mid-February and it would be fair to say that it has been a promising start to the 2017 Scottish salmon fishing season. Rivers like the Dee, Tay and Tweed all produced fish on a consistent basis and with the Spey having just opened at the weekend; more fish should be caught in the upcoming days.
The River Spey opened at the weekend
Weather conditions were far from ideal last week. Many rivers were dropping after heavy rain from the previous weekend. On Monday night a band of heavy rain coupled with strong winds crossed the country. This led to water levels on many rivers rising once again. There was further rain across many parts on Wednesday before the weather turned wintry. Towards the end of the week, a bitter easterly wind set in, bringing snow flurries to many eastern parts of the country and this has continued over the weekend. Some of this snow has fallen even to lower levels.
There was a wintry flavour to the weather last week
It is set to get milder this week as we develop a more westerly airflow. Monday will see some patchy rain affect eastern parts and it will continue to feel cold. Tuesday will be mainly dry and bright. There will be a few showers on Wednesday but it will begin to feel milder. The mild theme will continue into next weekend.
Water levels in the Highlands were steady at the beginning of last week but heavy rain on Wednesday resulted in many rivers rising. On the Thurso river, water levels came up to three feet on Wednesday. For the rest of the week, the river gradually dropped. The river is now running at a decent height. There were a few kelts and baggots caught last week but the eagerly anticipated fresh fish is still being eagerly anticipated! There are rods available on the river this week and wetting a line could be well worthwhile.
The Thurso’s close neighbour the River Halladale has also produced several kelts last week. Just like the Thurso, the first fish of the season is yet to be grassed. The Halladale does produce fish in February and with rods available next week this could be an option well worth considering.
The Helmsdale produced it's second fish of the season last Friday which was good to see. Hopefully, as we move through February more fish will be caught from the river.
The beautiful River Halladale
The River `Spey opened it banks to anglers at the weekend. The traditional opening ceremony was held at Aberlour and was well attended. The Spey can produce decent numbers of fish in February. Usually, the beats, which produce the most consistent catches at this time of year, are situated just downstream from Craigellachie. Having said that, there are fish regularly caught on the beats between Grantown and Aberlour. Hopefully, after being a relatively mild winter, the fish will be well spread throughout the system, so everyone has the chance of enjoying some decent early season sport. There are rods available on the Phones, Delagyle and Lower Pitchroy beats in the upcoming days. Delagyle is a lovely four-rod beat situated just upstream from Aberlour. The beat fishes well in most heights of water and regularly produces fish in February. Any of these Spey beats could provide some good sport in the upcoming days.
The Delagyle beat on the River Spey
The River Findhorn got off to a storming start to the season at the weekend. A stunning twenty two pounder was caught on opening day. The lucky captor has had a great start to the new season.
A cracker caught from the Findhorn at the weekend
Anglers on the River Dee enjoyed some decent sport last week. There was a promising number of fresh fish caught from the river, which was great to see. Beats on the lower river suffered as there was a big spate on the River Feugh and this introduced a lot of colour to the water through the middle part of the week. However, by the weekend, the river was back in tiptop condition. The majority of fish were caught from the beats situated between Aboyne and Banchory.
A nice fish caught from the River Dee last week
This week there are rods available on the Cairnton & Middle Blackhall, Invery and Crathes Castle beats. Any of these beats could go on to produce that elusive springer!
Catches on the River Tay were up last week on previous weeks. Some of the fish caught were in superb condition. After a slow start, it appears that now there are a few fish in the system. It was interesting to see that the Portnacraig Beat on the River Tummel produced two fish on Thursday. This is a sign of just how mild this winter has been. Last week the majority of fish were caught from the middle and lower river. This week there are rods available on the Dalmarnock, Kercock and Stobhall beats. Any of these beats could be well worth a cast.
A lovely Tay springer
The River Tweed produced a thirty pounder last week from the Lees beat. It is a great achievement to catch a February springer on the fly but for the fish to weight thirty pounds is an unforgettable feat. Just like many rivers in Scotland, the Tweed suffered from unsettled water for much of last week. In spite of this, there were fish caught on most days. The beats between Kelso and Coldstream were the most productive. There are rods available on the Upper Hendersyde and Lower Birgham beats this week. Lower Birgham is a lovely three-rod beat. It has the perfect mix of fast streams and deep holding pools making it a good early season spring beat. The two experienced ghillies look after the three rods and know their beat inside out. Any of these Tweed beats could be well worth a cast in the upcoming days.
The Lower Birgham Beat on the River Tweed
There has definitely been an upturn in catches over the past few days and this has been in spite of conditions being far from ideal. The upcoming weeks are looking promising, so why not wet a line? It only takes one cast to hook into some early season silver!
We will be updating the “Top rod” feature next Sunday. Until then, have a great time, wherever you decide to book a rod this week. Hopefully, you might even end up being top rod!
Tight lines,
Sandy & Sam