There has been no significant rainfall in the Esk District over the last fortnight. Both the North and the South Esk rose by a couple of inches towards the end of August however it’s got a long way to go before river conditions improve for salmon and therefore salmon fishing. As of 3 September, the Water Scarcity situation in the Esk District was once again downgraded to ‘Alert’ – for further information see https://beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/previous-reports/03-september-2026/
River North Esk
It’s been a very quiet fortnight across the Esk District.
On Stracathro Beat an 8 lb salmon was caught in the Upper Junction Pool on a Gledswood fly; a 6 lb grilse was caught in the same pool on a Cascade 8 fly and a brown trout weighing 2 lbs was also caught in Upper Junction Pool.
Four salmon were landed on Gallery Beat; the best weighing in at 8 lbs, was caught on Kursk fly.
On Canterland Beat 14 salmon and several sea trout and finnock were caught.
Finally, at Kinnaber Beat (see main photo) a guest fishing with a hitch and dropper ‘landed’ a 5 lb grilse and a finnock off the same cast – bet he was glad he tied good knots!
River South Esk
At Inshewan Beat two well coloured sea trout weighing approximately 2 lb were caught.
The week ahead (14 – 19 September 2026)
Due to the weather fronts moving in from the northwest, next week will be changeable with sunshine and showers constantly moving in and out. Daytime air temperatures are expected to reach highs of 16 – 19 °C (60 – 66 °F), with overnight lows of 9 – 12 °C (48 – 53 °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)
Grilse and Finnock at Kinnaber © Andrew McCaig (main photo)
Salmon 1 at Gallery Beat © Neil Anderson
Salmon 2 at Gallery Beat © Neil Anderson
Gallery Beat © Neil Anderson
Many thanks to the proprietors, ghillies and guests for sharing their photos and catch details.
