Air temperatures have dropped and the weather has been more changeable over the last few weeks with some localised rainfall. Whilst the River South Esk rose and fell a couple of times by approx. 6 inches, the River North Esk levels barely moved an inch. The rivers, and therefore salmon, are desperate for decent rainfall now.
In terms of Water Scarcity, the River North Esk has been further downgraded to ‘Significant Water Scarcity’ and the River South Esk downgraded to ‘Moderate Water Scarcity’ as of 17 September. Further information can be found here: https://beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/previous-reports/17-september-2026/
Theres an undeniable autumnal feel about the place, with lower air temperatures, falling leaves and darker evenings. Many swallows and martins have left the area with only a few stragglers hanging on, likely juveniles who aren’t quite ready to make the epic 6,000 mile migration yet. Sad as I am to see the swallows go, I have appreciated the resident robins recommencing their dawn chorus, in anticipation of their Scandinavian cousins’ arrival. The ospreys should similarly be on their journey south although there’s still one visiting the mid-South Esk!
River North Esk
It has been a quiet fortnight for the River North Esk, following very little rainfall.
On Stracathro Beat five salmon were caught, weighing between 5 and 8 lbs, the majority of which from Upper Junction Pool. One grilse was caught in Lower Junction Pool on a Sunray fly and two sea trout were landed, also from Lower Junction Pool.
Downstream at Gallery, Hatton Pool and Main Pool produced three salmon weighing between 4 and 7 lbs, and five sea trout weighing 2 – 3 lbs. All fish were caught on either a Hauger or Stoats Tail – see images.
Canterland saw approx. 10 salmon caught in the past fortnight as well as a sea-run steelhead rainbow trout – see image.
River South Esk
A lift in water levels and the cooler conditions seemed to have made all the difference on the River South Esk, with salmon showing throughout the system.
On Cortachy Beat four salmon, weighing between 9 lb and 10.5lbs; one grilse weighing 5 lbs; and 1 seatrout weighing 2.5lb were caught.
An 8 lb salmon was caught in the Graveyard Pool, Kinnordy Beat – see image.
On Inshewan Beat, Fen Oakley took advantage of the improved conditions by landing his first ever salmon, a cracker of a fish measuring 36 inches and weighing approximately 18 lb from the Lushet. Fen went on to catch a further two salmon; the first from the Lushet and the second from the Wood Stream. In addition to Fen’s catches, a further four salmon were caught on Inshewan Beat weighing between 7 and 12 lbs, from the Blue Rock, Esk, Lang Stream and Two Croys pools. Sea trout also featured in the catches for Inshewan, with three fish weighing 2.5 lb, 3lb and 4lb from the Two Croys Pool and Back of the Island Pool – see images.
Downstream at Finavon Castle Water, six salmon and four sea trout were caught. Ian noted that although the small rise in water levels moved some fish around and brought them on the take for a few hours, there wasn’t enough water, nor was it up for long enough, to bring any new fish in.
Finally, on SouthEsk Estate at Kinnaird Beat two salmon weighing approx. 7 lbs were caught on the Upper Beat and nine salmon weighing up to 16 lbs were caught on the Middle Beat – see image.
The week ahead (21 – 26 September 2026)
An area of high pressure sitting over us at the beginning of the week will bring warm sunshine, humid conditions and a maximum of 20°C. Overnight into Wednesday the high pressure leaves us and a cold front moves in, bringing some welcome rain – the only significant rainfall forecast this week. The remainder of the week will be dry with sunny spells with Thursday also seeing some quite blustery conditions. Daytime air temperatures are expected to reach highs of 16 – 20 °C (60 – 68 °F), with overnight lows of 4 – 12 °C (39 – 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)
Salmon from Wood Stream Pool, Inshewan Beat © F Oakley (main photo)
5 lb salmon from Gallery Beat © J Heppell
7lb salmon from Gallery Beat © J Rose
3 lb sea trout from Gallery Beat © J Rose
Sea-run rainbow trout from Canterland Beat © S Paton
Salmon from Kinnordy Beat © T Sampson
Fen Oakley with first salmon, Inshewan Beat © F Oakley
Salmon from Two Croys Pool, Inshewan Beat © S Bird
Sea Trout from Two Croys Pool, Inshewan Beat © J Mitchell
16 lb salmon © L Collier
Many thanks to the proprietors, ghillies and guests for sharing their photos and catch details.
