A busy..
..Week on the North Esk last week, not much happening on the South Esk with few fish being caught on the private beats. The weather and water were spot on with a very small lift mid-week, perfect spring salmon fishing weather. Canterland had a good week with Paul Strawson, Peter Duncan, Ollie Braithwait, and Charlie Crane with 5 springers between them. I am sure one or two very big springers that fell off or got away, they always do the big ones! Just upriver at Balmakewan had 3 springers, two into double figures. Gallery which sits in-between Canterland and Balmakewan had one very pretty springer at 6lbs. Stracathro regulars Gary Chambers and Gordon Smith had 2 springers 14lbs and 15lbs. The spring salmon are in fine fettle, I could be wrong, but the average weight seems a little higher as well. Why this is, well I am sure we all have our theories as to why. More feed, less over fishing a good smolt run a few years back. What every it is we must look after these wonderful spring run salmon as everyone is very rare indeed, and we are all very lucky to have the chance and privilege be able to fish for them.
The Week Ahead.
Whatever you are all doing, carry on! for the mean time at least. The weather is due to get wetter by next week, this will most likely bring upriver levels and hopefully a few more fish. If this is the case pop on a larger fly than previous weeks, may be one with a bit of colour and brightness about it as the rivers may well have a bit more colour about them. So, flies to swing for springers, the Willie Gunn (gold body), Cascade, Posh Tosh, Ice Maiden. Tubes, doubles all dependant on the river conditions when you arrive.
Tight Lines.
North Esk
Canterland 5 salmon up to 14lbs.
Gallery. 1 salmon 6 lbs.
Balmakewan. 3 salmon.
Pert. 3 salmon up to 13lbs.
Stracathro. 2 salmon up to 15lbs
South Esk
Nothing to report, as of yet.
Total: Salmon 14
Grand Total 14
If anyone has caught a salmon or Sea Trout within the North or South Esk and would like to share please get in touch.
Photographs (top to bottom)
Close up of a springer.
A big smile for an angler at Balmakewan.
A 6lb springer from Gallery .
Stracathro regular Gordon Smith with his 15lb springer.
Charlie Crane all smiles with his springer from Canterland.
Photos 6 & 7, Ollie Braithwait with a 14lb springer (6) plus a smaller one at Canterland.
Photos 8 & 9, Dean Bell with 2 fantasic springers from Balmakewn.
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!!
