2023
Season is finally upon us and it feels like a long wait as the Esks are one of the last to open. It only seems like yesterday that 2022 season finished, alot has happened to the rivers between then and now most noteable where the big floods. Being some what bigger than storm Frank consideable damage was done inpartuilar on the bottom of the North Esk,I am sure that some of the holding pools will have changed, time will tell. The openning day was held at Balmakewan by kind permission of Symon Jacobsen and the team there did a grand job in getting Balmakewan ready for the 16th February. The 16th turned out to be a fine day for fishing ie overcast with a steady river, the feeling was that a springer would be caught but by who? With the day all ready to go a fine few words by Craig Somerville from castabroad.co.uk, a toast made with Fettercain Whisky to the sound of the pipes played by Norman Fiddes the Esks where open for business.
The first springer to come from the North Esk was at Kinnaber by Ron Gray before lunch then shortly after lunch at Balmakewan by Euan Ines. Both springers where peas in pod tipping the scales at about the 7/8lbs mark. Next in line for a springer was James Arnot at Stracathro on the 17th at 10lbs. Again at Stracathro on the Saturday Bill Findley had one at 13lbs and Gary Chambers at 7lbs. Nothing to report from the South Esk as yet though anglers have been out trying their luck.The South Esk for its size does get some very large fish coming in as Inshewan found out last spring with a 29lber, so best of luck to the South Esk. It looks like the Esks are off to a good start lets hope this continues, looking forward to next week report already….
Note: If any of the angling clubs or anyone else that has anything to report on the North or South Esk please get in touch via email with your catches and stories. The more we can show what is being caught on our rivers paints a good picture.
Thank you.
Week Ahead
With a lift in water on the Sunday evening (19th) this week should bring some rewards, by all accouts it all ready has. The rivers are not particlarly big at the moment with levels running at about 4-6″ depending on where you are. No need for the fast sinking tips and large flies, stick to slower sink tips and even and intermediate tip. Flies for this time of year the good black and yellow colour combo works well, the Dee Monkey, Tosh, Posh Tosh. Also the the classic Willie Gunn. Do not be affraid to go big it’s a good way to vary the depth of the fly as well if the rivers are low. The other key to spring fishing and probably the most important is patience and more patience, keep at it, keep it simple, keep moving.
Tigh Lines.
North Esk
Kinnaber. 1 Salmon 8lbs
Balmakewan. 1 Salmon 7.5lbs
Stracathro. 3 Salmon 13lbs, 10lbs, 7lbs
South Esk
Nothing to report yet, hopefully in the not to distant future.
Total 64
3 Salmon
Photographs (top to bottom)
The Whisky kindly donated by Fettercain.
Norman Fiddes pipes on the opening day at Balmakewan.
Murray Stewart casts a line. (He also makes some very fine salmon reels)
Euan Ines with the second springer 7.5lbs of the North Esk at Balmakewan. Caught on a Willie Gunn Flamethrower.
Ready for the off?
Lastly I should say thank you to the ghillies and guests who send the photographs to me, with out them the report would not be complete and certainly not as colourful!!
