Carlsberg don’t make Salmon Pools – But, if they did - The Hollybush Delfur River Spey!

So, what is it about women and catching salmon? Well, whatever your views or theory, there is no doubt there is something, pheromones or simply good fortune, or, could it be the fact that salmon fishing remains the sport of gentlemen who prize good etiquette before self greed!? For the most I would say the latter will be the case. Or certainly I’d like to think so!
Having spent Monday fishing what I feel is the best beat in the country, or possibly the world! It came as no surprise this evening to hear of yet another golden moment at Delfur. I talked yesterday about how this beat has so much fishing and fishes the correct number of rods and strangely enough it was this virgin water that made the difference for Mrs Anne Cameron this afternoon. And what and afternoon! Having fished the morning for nothing, it was off to the Hollybush, an incredibly beautiful pool, which, like many pools here, fishes well at all heights of water and at any time of the year.
Head Ghillie Mark, decided to present the fly in a slightly different way, so opted for using the boat, a decision which could be said had a real baring on what was about to unfold. When it comes to Ghillieing or guiding, one of the most important things we look for in an angler is confidence and belief, Anne, a very keen and experienced rod, has always an abundance of both which, I believe, contributes greatly to catching salmon. So, armed with an intermediate line and fishing with a black and Yellow Tube fly, tied by Ghillie Grant Morrison, the scene was set for a fantastic afternoon’s fishing, the boat anchored and the fly fishing is a different part of the pool when the line tightens and the first of four contacts, a lovely fresh 10lb salmon is hooked and promptly landed. This was followed by an arm weakening spell of playing salmon, just like the good old days, at the end of which saw Anne with two fresh fish @ 12.5 and 10lbs, also an 8lb Baggot and, after playing it for some time, loosing another fresh fish. All in all, an afternoon neither she, nor her shoulder muscles will never forget! For those who visit the river in the summer, weak arms is something which is difficult to understand, the difference being, at two feet those huge pools are so fast flowing. Add to this the pure muscle of strong MSW spring fish and you have a serious fight on your hands, very different to that of a small summer grilse!



Anne Cameron about to return one of today's two fresh fish.