Temperatures finally started to climb from Wednesday 20th with the sun making an appearance for many of us a few days later. Last week we saw some glorious, sunny weather and very little rainfall…
As I wandered through a woodland last week, subconsciously listing all the birds I could hear singing, and noticing how strong the wild garlic was, the breeze picked up and suddenly it was ‘raining’ beech catkins! I took a moment to stop and take it all in with a massive smile across my face…. This is hands down, my favourite time of year.
River North Esk
It was a quiet fortnight for catches on the Esks; the river levels were at the lowest we have seen this year. Starting at the top of the North Esk catchment, Edzell reported one salmon caught in Gannochy Pool, as well as with a sea trout. A 13 lb salmon and two sea trout, weighing 3.5 lb and 2.5 lbs respectively, were landed on Stracathro Beat and downstream at Gallery Beat, an 11 lb salmon was caught in Minister’s Pool on a Park Shrimp fly.
River South Esk
The Kirriemuir Angling Club Waters saw their first salmon of the season caught in Caravan Pool by Louis Sandground (see photo). Downstream on Finavon Caste Water Beat, a 9 lb salmon was caught in Indies Pool.
The week ahead (1 – 6 June 2026)
This week sees the beginning of the meteorological summer and given that we are in Scotland, it seems quite fitting that the occasion should be marked by a period of unsettled weather! Low pressure systems will move across the UK throughout the week resulting in sunshine and some much-needed rain in the form of thundery downpours. Temperatures are lower than average for the time of year. Daytime air temperatures are expected to reach highs of 17 – 20 °C (62 – 68 °F), with overnight lows of 7 – 12 °C (44 – 53 °F).
North Esk
Edzell – 1 x salmon, 1 x sea trout
Stracathro – 1 x salmon, 2 x sea trout
Gallery – 1 x salmon
Total salmon for the fortnight: 3
Running total for the season: 124
Total sea trout for the fortnight: 3
Running total for the season: 11
South Esk
Kirriemuir Angling Club Water – 1 x salmon (see photo)
Finavon Castle Water – 1 x salmon
Total salmon for the fortnight: 2
Running total for the season: 20
Total sea trout for the fortnight: 0
Running total for the season: 3
If anyone has caught a salmon or sea trout on the River North Esk, River South Esk or the Bervie Water, and would like to share, please get in touch.
Photographs: (top down)
Fresh oak leaves © Ann-Marie MacMaster
8 lb salmon from Caravan Pool, Kirriemuir Angling Club Waters © Louis Sandground
Beech catkins blanket tree trunks and the forest floor © Ann-Marie MacMaster
Many thanks to the proprietors, ghillies and guests for sharing their photos and catch details.
