The fishing…
..continues to be very good, while not as busy as the previous week still very respectable with plenty of water and salmon. Both rivers had a rise the North Esk on the 27th to about 8” the South Esk a little more at 2ft on the 28th. So, this was a welcome rise in the middle of the week, the rivers were by no means low, it is always good to have a top up now and again. The grilse on the South Esk are still few and far between while on the North Esk even though they are late, they are there and in good numbers. The beats above the Sheilhill Bridge on the South Esk are picking away with some lovely salmon coming from Kinnordy, Cortachy and the Kirriemuir Angling Club water. The biggest salmon last week to come off the South Esk was a 17lber from Finavon Castle Water. I think that its twin was caught at Kinnaber on the North Esk as that was the biggest to come from that river last week. Two firsts last week both from Balmakewan, Mark Birchmore and Mark Sanderson both had their first salmon in near perfect conditions, two more anglers head down the wonderful rabbit hole that is Atlantic Salmon fishing. There are still a few sea trout coming to the fly all in very good shape. The largest this week and possibly this season (I am happy to be corrected) was a 7lber from Inshewan on the South Esk by John Mitchell. Further up river at the Kirremuir Angling Club water, Ivor Duffus had an early morning fish and managed a lovely salmon on a Copper D fly. So, over all a very good week and plenty of positivity coming back from the rivers.
The Week Ahead.
Well, we had more rain yesterday (Monday) so another good start to the week so no excuses! Has Autumn started yet? I think not let’s give summer another month, the harvest is not even finished! As far as fishing we should be in for a very good week. The weather is settled with cooler evenings and very pleasant during the day. The water will be peaty so flies with some colour and a little flash. The usual suspects Cascade, Allys Shrimp, Flamethrowers. When the colour and levels drop, drop down in size. Slow sink tips or an intermediate, fish a good straight line and get that fly fishing as soon as it hits the water, and fish it fast. Salmon are predators after all and if they want your fly they will take it, well hopefully they will!
Tight Lines.
North Esk
Kinnaber. 5 salmon/grilse to 17lbs.
Morphie. 6 salmon/grilse to 10lbs.
Canterland. 9 salmon/grilse to 16lbs, 4 sea trout 3lbs.
Gallery. 7 salmon/grilse to 8lbs, 4 sea trout to 2lbs.
Balmakewan. 8 salmon/grilse 12lbs, 5 sea trout 3.5lbs.
Pert. 26 salmon/grilse to 15lbs, 7 sea trout to 2.5lbs.
Stracathro. 7 salmon/grilse to 14lbs, 2 sea trout to 4lbs.
Total: 68 salmon/grilse, 22 sea trout
South Esk.
Finavon Castle Water. 9 salmon/grilse to 17lbs, 1 sea trout 2lbs.
Inshewan. 4 salmon/grilse to 10lbs, 4 sea trout to 7lbs.
Kinnordy. 1 salmon 8lbs, 3 sea trout to 3lbs.
Cortachy. 6 sea trout to 4lbs.
Kirriemuir Angling Club. 1 salmon.
Total: 15 salmon, 14 sea trout.
Total 83 Salmon/Grilse , 36 Sea Trout.
GRAND TOTAL 119.
If anyone has caught a salmon or Sea Trout within the North or South Esk and would like to share please get in touch.
Photographs (top to bottom)
It happens to us all! Inshewan, South Esk.
Mark Birchwood with his first salmon at Balmakewan, North Esk.
Mark Sanderson with his first salmon at Balmakewan, North Esk.
Photographs 4&5 a few salmon from Gallery North Esk.
Ivor Duffus salmon from the K.A.C water on the South Esk.
Lastly I should say thank you to the gillies and guests who send the photographs to me, with out them the report would not be complete and certainly not as colourful!!
