Another…

… week with no rain to speak of, both rivers are at their lowest that they have been all year. Last week was the best we have had for a long time in sunshine hours, not get for fishing but I am sure that all the farmers have been grateful for the spell of good weather, inspite of that it a few fish have been caught, mainly on the North Esk.The South Esk continues to be very quiet with only a salmon from Finavon Castle Water and a sea trout from Kinnaird Upper reported to have been caught. On the bright side a fresh run of salmon came into the South Esk on Friday night or the early hours of Saturday. All gleaming bars of silver having stopped at Inshewan. It is very interesting that they have come in without a lift in the river levels. Over on the North Esk the fishing was a lot better with still a far few sea trout being caught. A big fish last week was caught at Balmakewan by Kirk Lyon a fabulous 22lb salmon. The same party also had a wonderful sea trout of 5lbs. Apart from the usual big salmon that one gets at this time of year, there seem to be very large number of smaller salmon which are still entering the system. Most salmon and sea trout last week were caught on micro-Hauger’s and micro-Sunray’s all on full floaters. I have not heard much from above the Loups on the North Esk, but I should think with the lack of water fishing will be tough in that part of the river. The salmon have most likely gone “Doggo” and waiting for same rain to freshen up the river. Hopefully new week I will have some news for you.

The Week Ahead.

The water levels are still very low, though there is rain forecast coming in from the North if it comes to anything we will have to wait, and see? If the rain does not come to much the rivers will still be dropping, which means that the salmon will be stacking up in the pools. So, with the above in mind the risk of foul hooking fish will be greatly increased, it can happen with fly or spinner, so please be aware of this. Heavy spinning tackle has no place in such low water as we have now, so it is HIGHLY recommended that the spinning rods are put away for now and wait for the water levels to rise to a sensible height before spinning again. Floating lines with small flies and a long leader, flies should be barbless to aid the quick release of the fish. Remember that the salmon and sea trout welfare comes first and foremost.

Tight Lines.

North Esk

Kinnber. 3 salmon to 5lbs.

Morphie. 1 sea trout 2lbs.

Canterland. 6 salmon to 6lbs, 2 sea trout to 2lbs.

Gallery. 4 salmon to 12lbs, 2 sea trout to 3lbs.

Balmakewan. 19 salmon 22 lbs, 19 sea trout 5lbs.

Pert. 15 salmon to 17lbs, 11 sea trout 4lbs.

Stracathro. 5 salmon to 14lbs.

Total:  51 salmon, 35 sea trout

South Esk.

Kinnaird Middle. 1 sea trout to 2lbs.

Finavon Castle Water. 1 salmon 6lbs.

Total: 1 salmon, 1 sea trout.

 Total 52  Salmon , 36 Sea Trout.

GRAND TOTAL 86 . 

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)

The Loups, North Esk.

Beck, Kirk and Blaine Lyon with a 22lb salmon from Balmakewan, caught by Kirk.

Charles Kinsey with his salmon from Gallery, North Esk. .

Lastly I should say thank you to the gillies and guests who send the photographs to me, with out them the report would not be complete and certainly not as colourful!!