Canoes Vs Salmon Fishing?

Looking back at how this subject has been dealt with over the years leads me to the following conclusion. 10% of salmon fishers and a similar number of canoeists are so obstinate, their loathing of the other’s invasion on their space such that, no matter what, they will never come to mutual agreement. The reason has nothing at all to do with Salmon fishing or canoeing. Those are arrogant, greedy and self-righteous people, but as we see played out in so many different arenas, those antagonists always shout the loudest or are the one holding power over others. It’s unfortunate, but add apathy and to a certain extent, poor management to this ingredient and we have the festering nonsense we have seen over the past 30 or more years.
Would it not be better for those with an interest to actually find out, by way of a film, whether or not, in fact, canoeing does disturb fish? And if it’s found they do, then government can regulate, or based on new evidence, can be lobbied to regulate. If not, then the minds of us fishermen can be put to rest by properly educating us all through various forms of media. One thing is certain, stale mate and polarised views on this subject are caused by a combination of people and poor management and like so many issues facing salmon fishing in Scotland, make it so easy for those politicians to sit on the fence. Like or loath it, like death and taxes, change is inevitable, it’s just such a pity each corner is constantly fought by the 10%.
Fighting and squabbling over might’s, May’s and possibly are exactly what we teach our children not to do. It would be so easy, so when will some river board or canoeing organisation get their heads together and put the argument to bed once and for all? How many signals do those in charge need to make this happen?
As afoot note to this – I have been asked many times – What is it you like best about salmon fishing? Interestingly my answer has changed over the years. As a boy, I liked hooking, playing, landing and showing off my fish but as I grew older in salmon fishing, and as a ghillie, I liked seeing and helping others catch fish. Although as we grow up we all change, one thing, and I suppose the real answer to the question would be – Feeling I/we have a good chance! This feeling of expectation and anticipation, when I’m fishing or guiding, is the one which I value most. In a nutshell, you would get this feeling if you got a letter inviting you to fish the Alta river during prime time. You would also get this, if, before your fishing trip, you got a call saying the river you were about to fish was fishing unbelievably well with each rod having caught 25 fish the previous week. Such situations are fantastic for both the rod and ghillie and have fishers almost wetting themselves before they even cast a fly. Yes, this is what I like best. What can be better than casting the line out knowing the fish is there and there is a 99% chance he will take! I promise you, there is no better feeling than this, knowing this particular cast WILL catch the fish! Building such knowledge of a fishing pool or beat comes from years of experience but leads to the ultimate thrill in salmon fishing. A good experienced guide or ghillie can instil this feeling in his guests or clients and make such a difference to their overall experience on the beat.
However, if for any reason something were to spoil this expectation/belief, then ultimately this would also spoil my enjoyment. So imagine you turn up at a pool, the ghillie has told you, you can’t miss,they had 20 in this place yesterday, you then get to your favourite pool to find it full of canoes and rafts!! Instantly your perception of the situation has changed! However, imagine the same situation, if the day before you watched a DVD of Salmon taking a fly right after canoes have passed by?