A Week of Unsettled Conditions
Unsettled conditions prevailed throughout much of the week, with river levels failing to properly stabilise until later on.
The first four fish of the week came on Monday, with three from Pert and one from Canterland. On Pert, G Wyllie caught a 10 lb salmon from the Lower Bridge Pool; M Cowell landed a 10 lb fish from the Boat Pool; and L Bell also took a 10 lb salmon from the Boat Pool. On Canterland, Graham Southham landed an 8 lb salmon.
On Tuesday, Mr C McKerry added another fish, landing a 9 lb salmon from the Boat Pool run-off on Pert.
The sixth fish of the week was caught on Thursday by Jouni Rauha, who landed a 9 lb salmon from the Cruik Pool on Stracathro (see photo). Friday 13th proved lucky for Sauli Liukkonen, who also caught an 8 lb salmon from the Cruik Pool (see photo).
The final fish of the week came late on, with JJ Harris landing a 10 lb salmon from the Luther Pool on Pert; G Luke catching a sea-liced 10 lb fish from the Boat Pool on Pert; and Jamie McCulloch landing a 7 lb salmon from Canterland (see photo).
The Week Ahead (16th – 21st March 2026)
The week begins unsettled, with wind and scattered rain showers. Tuesday turns milder and is expected to be the warmest day, although breezy conditions will persist.
High pressure is forecast to move in from Thursday, bringing calmer and drier conditions, although temperatures will drop slightly for the remainder of the week compared to Tuesday.
Daytime temperatures are expected to reach highs of 8–12°C (46–53°F), with overnight lows of 3–7°C (37–44°F).
Catch Summary
River North Esk
- Stracathro – 2 salmon
- Pert – 6 salmon
- Canterland – 2 salmon
Total salmon for the week: 10
Running total for the season: 30
Total sea trout for the week: 0
Running total for the season: 1
River South Esk
No reports yet.
I’m pleased to report that spring salmon are now running the middle river. Early-season conditions are proving more favourable than in recent years, with milder weather patterns contributing to improved water levels and temperatures. This is encouraging earlier salmon movement and provides a strong start to the season.
Now is an excellent time for anglers to get out on the banks. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to head to the river, this is it.
Finavon Castle Water would normally open for salmon bookings around this time of year. However, due to significant damage caused by the January floods, bookings are currently suspended. An update will be provided as soon as the situation changes and the beat is ready to welcome anglers again.
If you have caught a salmon or sea trout on the River North Esk, River South Esk or the Bervie Water and would like to share your catch, please get in touch.
Images
(top to bottom)
- Jouni Rauha’s 9 lb salmon from Stracathro
- Sauli Liukkonen with his 8 lb salmon from Stracathro
- Jamie McCulloch with his 7 lb salmon from Canterland
- The Garden Pool on Inshewan Beat, River South Esk © Ann-Marie MacMaster
Many thanks to the proprietors, ghillies and guests for sharing their photographs and catch details.
