Although there were one or two downpours, they were short-lived and as such barely affected the river levels. On 20 August the River North Esk (at Logie Mill) rose by two inches however it dropped back down again within a few days. The south Esk (at Brechin) rose by five inches but by the 22 August it was back down again. The photo of Gallery Beat shows just how low the River North Esk is.
The glens are all the quieter now that the waders have returned to the coast, where they will spend winter. The swifts have also begun their migration back to Africa. This 7,000-mile journey can take anywhere between a few days and a few weeks and during this time they never once land; sleeping and feeding on the wing. It’s incredible really, that a wee bird weighing approximately 40 grams is capable of such a distance.
River North Esk
We’ve seen a marked increase in catches over these last two weeks.
Stracathro Beat has seen the most activity in terms of sea trout, with no less than 26 caught! Weighing between 1.25 and 4 lbs the majority came from the Dam and Upper Junction Pools. In addition, a 9.5 lb salmon was caught on 12 August on a Moc’s Cert fly and 3 lb grilse was caught on 22 August in the Upper Junction Pool on a Black Francis.
On Gallery Beat, a salmon was caught in Cobbleheugh Pool (see photo) on a trout fly called Humungous (see the image – I thought this was a joke – apologies Neil!). The same fisher also landed a sea trout on a Hauger fly. A second sea trout was caught (see photo), this time in the Hatton Pool, on an Ally Shrimp fly.
Canterland Beat has been busy with fishers of all ages! Most notable was seven-year-old Arthur Slingsby (see main photo) who caught his first and second salmon, and as such deservedly earned the title of ‘top rod’ for that week – gaun yersel Arthur! One youngster, even younger than Arthur, watched how it was done from the baby carrier (see photo).
Downstream at Kinnaber Beat, following the rain in the first week of August, fish appeared to move into the river and most days a fish or two have been caught. For every fish caught, another seems to be lost. Fourteen salmon were caught across the 2-week period, with the largest weighing 7 lbs. In addition approximately 30 finnock have also been caught!
River South Esk
Things were a bit quieter over on the River South Esk. One sea trout weighing 2 lbs was caught on the Cortachy Beat. Downstream at Inshewan Beat John landed a nice sea trout from the Minister’s Pool on a Rainbow Stoats fly. And finally, two salmon and four sea trout were caught at Finavon Castle Beat. Ian reports encouraging signs of fish starting to move in; several decent-sized shoals have been observed moving into the pools before moving further upstream. One fisher landed a lovely clean grilse and two sea trout on 21 August. One sea trout was lost and several others showed interest.
The week ahead (24 – 29 August 2026)
The week begins with high pressure dominating and as such the first half of the week will be largely dry. Low pressure brings showers for Thursday onwards with the beginning of September looking unsettled. Daytime air temperatures are expected to reach highs of 17 – 18 °C (62 – 64 °F), with overnight lows of 11 – 14 °C (51 – 57 °F).
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)
Arthur Slingsby and his father Tom at Canterland Beat © Tom Slingsby
Canterland salmon © Stuart Paton
Toddler watching dad at Canterland © Stuart Paton
Salmon caught on Canterland Beat © Watty
Salmon caught in Cobbleheugh Pool, Gallery Beat © Ben Bishop
Humungous fly © unknown
Gallery Beat © Neil Anderson
Seat trout caught in Hatton Pool, Gallery Beat © Paul Toseland
Sea trout from Inshewan Beat, River South Esk © John Mitchell
Many thanks to the proprietors, ghillies and guests for sharing their photos and catch details.
