‘Spring ain’t warm yet’
Last week was another chilly week with some ninja showers. River levels were low, rising slightly towards the end of the week.
Most of our trees are in full leaf now except of course, for the oak, which is always last to join the party. By producing leaves mid to late May, this tree species avoids the late spring frosts and the damage these can cause to new shoots and leaves. The woodland floor is a carpet of bluebells and wild garlic now. The small, white, star-shaped flowers of the latter, are arranged in ‘pom poms’ are easily recognisable – in case you don’t recognise the smell first!
I’ve been hearing about fishers watching red squirrel kits as they explore and a resident otter feeding on a recently hatched brood of ducklings. The river really is a great place to see wildlife go about its business, particularly at this time of year when their focus is very much on finding food for the insatiable appetites of the youngsters.
River North Esk
There were 12 catches on the North Esk last week. The first was from the Dam Pool on Stracathro Beat; an 18 lb springer, caught on a Sunray Shadow fly.
Seven salmon weighing between 6 and 12 lbs were caught on Pert Beat in pools including the Luther, Bridges and Boat, on flies such as the Stinchar Stoat, the Monkey and the Altyre Dog.
A 10 lb salmon was caught on the Hatton Bend at Gallery on a Ghillie fly.
Finally, there were three springers and three sea trout caught on Canterland Beat (see photo).
A Brechin Angling Club member had an enjoyable day’s fishing on Loch Saugh last week, catching and returning 2 brown trout (see photo).
River South Esk
It was a quiet week on the South Esk, with just one springer caught on Inshewan Beat (see photo). The 14 lb fish was caught in the Lang Stream Pool on a size 14 gold stoats tail fly.
Saprolegnia
I previously noted we typically start to see Saprolegnia in spring salmon in April. If you have seen Saprolegnia in salmon that you have seen in the water or handled, please ensure to file a report through the Fisheries Management Scotland website – which also includes further information on how to identify the disease: https://fms.scot/disease-parasites-invasives/
The week ahead (18 – 23 May 2026)
A tale of two halves for this week’s weather – in terms of air temperature at least. During the first half of the week, we’ll see sunny spells, showers and a maximum air temperature of ~ 12 °c. Wednesday will be breezy as the southerly moves in, bringing a welcome increase in temperature. The second half of the week will feel a lot milder although we will likely still see the odd shower. Daytime air temperatures are expected to reach highs of 12 – 19 °C (53 – 66 °F), with overnight lows of 7 – 11 °C (44 – 51 °F). Friday could be the hottest day of the year so far….
North Esk
Stracathro – 1
Pert – 7
Gallery – 1
Canterland – 3
Total salmon for the week: 12
Running total for the season: 121
Total sea trout for the week: 3
Running total for the season: 8
South Esk
Inshewan – 1
Total salmon for the week: 1
Running total for the season: 18
Total sea trout for the week: 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)
One of the three springers caught on Canterland © Vala
11 lb salmon caught in the Lang Stream, Inshewan Beat © John Mitchell
Loch Saugh trout © Toby, Brechin Angling Club
Loch Saugh © Toby, Brechin Angling Club
Wild garlic © Ann-Marie MacMaster
Oak wood © Ann-Marie MacMaster
Many thanks to the proprietors, ghillies and guests for sharing their photos and catch details.
