A Red Herring and a Monkey!
The first week of the fishing season saw settled conditions with near perfect water depth, although water temperature was very low (less than 5°C/41F). Water levels rose over the weekend largely due to snow melt in the head waters.
The first catch of the season was a bit of a red herring; a 4.5 lbs salmon, carrying sea lice, was caught on the Laurencekirk & District Angling Association water, on the Wakefield beat on the Luther Water. The consensus of those in the know, is that this fish had escaped a salmon farm – note the number of spots on the gill cover, that the upper mandible extends to the end of the eye, and it’s not the typical shape of a salmon. We won’t be including this salmon in the tally.
Two fish were caught on Thursday; an 8 lbs springer at Canterland and a 5 lbs springer was caught by Jason Walls in Minister’s Pool at Pert, which was caught on a monkey.
Two fish were caught on Friday; Hugh Campbell-Adamson landed a 12 lbs springer on Stracathro beat and Mr S Ingles from Renfrewshire caught a 10 lbs springer on a posh tosh from Dovecot Pool on Pert.
The final fish of the week was a 10lb springer caught by Peter Ducan on Saturday in the Cruik pool on Stracathro.
The Colin Gibb Trophy
Many of you will have known Colin Gibb, the proprietor at Inshewan until he passed away on 20 April 2023. Colin was a well-respected fisherman who, back in March 1980, caught seventeen salmon in the Arn Pool at Kinnaird Dyke, each one averaging 10 lbs! A trophy has been donated in Colin’s name and will be awarded to the largest sea trout caught at Inshewan.
The Week Ahead (23rd to 28th February 2026)
The weather is to remain fairly settled with temperatures high for the time of year (maximum of 11-12°/52-54F) which is likely to result in further snow melt and a further rise in water levels. Light rain is forecast throughout the week however nothing biblical is due!
North Esk
Canterland – 1
Gallery – 1
Pert – 1
Stracatchro – 2
South Esk
No reports yet
Total for the week: Salmon 5
Grand Total: Salmon 5
If anyone has caught a salmon or sea trout on the Rivers North or South Esk and would like to share please get in touch.
Photographs: (top down)
Goile Pool on Canterland beat © Ann-Marie MacMaster
Jason Walls delighted with his 5lb springer from Gallery
Hugh Campbell Adamson with 10lbs springer from Stracathro
John Gibb Trophy © John Mitchell
4.5lbs salmon from Wakefield beat on the Luther Water
Many thanks to proprietors, ghillies and guests for the photos and catch details.
