A Tough
Week last week with no rise in the river and the weather a little stagnat and still. Do not get me wrong there was some beauitful but the time for lovely weather is up, there is a big silver lining though more on that later. I think even the fish where getting a little fed up by the lack of water, Still those that put the effort in did catch a few fish. Balmakewan had 5 salmom and 5 sea trout for thier week all smaller flies and by all accounts fished deep. Their neighbours at Gallery managed two for the week and alot of effort was put in, the same down at Kinnaber. Kinnaird on the South Esk is still catching a few with 6 in total, being at the bottom of the river and low water helps this beat. There is some lovely fly water down there and shaded pools that help in the sunnier times of day. Inshewan and Finavaon Castle water still managed to winkle of few out for their week. With the change seasons it does seem to slow things down alittle not helped by lack of water. A tough week for all but next week is shaping up to be a good one? Anyway now on to the good stuff!
Week Ahead
I have been looking forward to this. Last weekend it rain and it rain properly bringing the South Esk up to 3ft6″ and the North Esk somewhere between 7-8ft this gave both rivers a good flush out. Monday morning the river was as good order and there where plenty of happy anglers out casting a line. Freash fish are still coming in and the residents are moving up and hopefully those above the Loups , North Esk will be able to cast a line as plenty of fish were seem ascending the falls. With the water temperture now running a little cooler 10c-12c depending on where you are, flies will be a little larger and brighter than last week. So flies for this week all in a size 8 or 10, some you you might prefer 1 inch tubes. Shrimp patterens Park, Clavin and Pert, Also a Cascade and one that is definitely worth a swim is the Red Francis. Fish these with a sink tip, density depending on depth and flow of the water of where you are fishing. Rain is forecast for the rest of the which can only be a good thing to keep the rivers topped up, and lets not forget the hills ,lochs,and burns also need thier share as all have been lacking. Well I hope you all have a good week and enjoy the rain, I not sure I will be saying that in February!
Tigh Lines.
North Esk
Kinnaber. 2 Salmon to 6lbs.
Gallery. 2 Salmon to 7lbs.
Balmakewan. 5 Salmon, 5 Sea Trout
Pert. 7 Salmon, 3 Sea Trout
South Esk
Kinnaird Middle, 3 Salmon to 6lbs, 1 Sea Trout 3lbs.
Kinnaird Upper, 3 Salmon to 6lbs.
Finavon Castle Water, 1 Salmon to 6lbs, 1 Sea Trout 3lbs.
Inshewan, 1 Salmon 6lbs, 2 Sea Trout 6lbs.
Total
26 Salmon.
11 Sea Trout.
Photographs (top to bottom)
Casting a line out across the Stobb at Balmakewan, North Esk.
Inveriscandye, North Esk.
Fishing at Justinhaugh, Soth Esk.
Gannochy Bridge, North Esk.
Two differient dress codes, Ocean liverie and Highland dress. Balmakewan, North Esk.
Fly Size chart.
Lastly I should say thank you to the ghillies and guests who send the photographs to me, with out them the report would not be complete and certainly not as colourful!!
