Ian Gordon, Spey, Speycasting, Scottish Rivers, Blog

Density Dependent - True or False??

2012-01-11T16:15:00.000Z

Hypothesis such as – Every fish returned equates to 5000 more eggs being deposited, so 10,000 fish returned to the river equate to blah de blah de blah!! Then, in the next paper, explaining that salmon populations within river systems are in fact “Density Dependent”, which in layman’s terms means, Due to environmental factors /limitations e.g. –10,000 fish will produce the same number [maximum output for that given river] of smolts to that 50,000. So, no matter how many juvenile fish are produced, the river can only feed/sustain “X” number in it at any one time. The remainder are always excess/surplus to requirement and will die or be eaten! Any population is much the same. Again, in laymen’s terms, Ethiopia and Somalia, although extreme, are good examples of this. So, what does this mean? Well, if the above is in fact true; with regard managing our “recreational fisheries”, finding and understanding the minimum/maximum number of spawning adults in “your particular” river will be extremely important, because, if the population falls below the figure of e.g. 10,000, which, somewhat contradictory to the above, we are told is not the case here in Scotland, but would appear to be the case elsewhere, then the population could very quickly move into terminal decline.
Concluding and thinking rationally about the above, it would appear to me that – If, as we have always been told is the case, our rivers are producing their maximum number of Smolts, and they are in fact “Density Dependent”, then dramatic reductions in the population of Atlantic Salmon cannot be related or attributed to anything going on in fresh water, or, for that matter, the number of adult fish returning to spawn, but must be related to changes going on in the ocean, I.e. the increase from 5 to 200 thousand Grey seals around the UK coast over the past 100 years? Naturally changing weather patterns creating more intense low pressure systems moving across the Atlantic, which in turn cause changes in sea surface temperature in different parts of the ocean affecting timing of Plankton bloom in that area may also be a cause and due to the MSW salmons long migration will undoubtedly influence natural peaks and troughs seen in populations of returning adult salmon, but the catalyst for long term decline ultimately lies with Drift-netting with monofilament and increase in numbers of natural predators. Stop those two things; keep the water they swim in clean and bingo, no need for any more stupid and expensive projects to keep us all bamboozled and going round in circles achieving nothing fast.

Stewart Mackay

2011-12-29T22:13:00.000Z

The untimely death yesterday, of my friend and great friend of the River Spey, Mr Stewart Mackay, of Home Farm Aberlour, leaves me saddened, as, at 58 years, he was far too young.

I had known Mackay Family since around the age of 14, when I shot pigeons on one of their farms near Elgin, but not until I moved to Knockando and begun to shoot pigeons on Stewart’s farm at Aberlour did I get to know him properly.

As with a lot of us, lack of time in his early years meant Stewart had little or no interest in either shooting or fishing, however, this all changed around the late 1980s when he decided to take up both, and I have to say, never have I been in the company of anyone, new to fishing or shooting, who embraced each sport for all the right reasons, and I know for a fact there will not be a ghillie or keeper in the whole of Scotland who would dispute my sentiment. Although a hard businessman, Stewart was a people person, more than anything, he loved company during any days sport, and would never dream of shooting or fishing alone. To him, it was never about the bag, but always about the company.

I can recall many wonderful days on the Spey, both at Knockando and on the Brae Water, where we caught a great many fish, but, of the many fun days we had, the one we had earlier this year, for me, epitomised everything he liked best about a day’s sport. Good company, good fishing, a good large long lunch, and most of all, a good laugh; and on this day, the laugh was to be on me!

Having taken all rods on beats 1 and 2 of the Brea Water he found himself one rod short and, instead of ghillieing, I was asked to join the fishing group. As was normal, lots were drawn and we all slipped away to our respective pools, me landing the Flats, a nice glide just above the Rock on Beat 2, knowing I would then drop down to the left bank of the Rock, I fancied my chances, however, as is quite normal in salmon fishing, the gods had penned a script, slightly different to that going on in my head!! As lunchtime approached and I had fished over a great many fish but caught nothing; knowing what this party was like, an ominous sense of foreboding begun to envelop me. The fact I had seen at least 5 fish being taken by the others, left me almost panic stricken in the midst of this mischievous party. Slowly each of the team arrived back at the fishing hut, and although still fishing more than 100 meters away, on surveying the scene, I could see the grins getting wider and more cheesy, none more so the Stewart himself! Eventually, at around ten past one, which it has to be said, only made matters worse, I begun the slow walk with head hanging, toward the now extremely happy group sitting on the lunch table outside the fishing hut. With each step I saw bigger grins and more teeth! “How many then Ian”, roared Stewart, ensuring all within ten miles could hear, whilst at the same time finding it hard to contain himself. Knowing what was about to come, I answered, Not a pull Stewart! What!!!!!! An expert fishing behind a load of beginners and catching nothing!!! “We’ll have less of the beginners”, came from the lunch table, and from that moment on, lunch got louder and funnier, my fishing prowess, or lack of it, at the heart of each, less than complimentary remark.

So, on this particular day it was me, on many others it was Stewart himself, whilst on others it was one of his many sporting friends. Every day I ever spent on the river with Stewart Mackay ended with words to this effect – Well thanks for another fantastic day Ian, “By Christ we had a lot O fun” and abody enjoyed themsells”! Just Great!! But, in essence, it was himself who made the day fun.

I for one, and I know many others, will miss his humour and fantastic appreciation, not only of the river but also those living and working on it.

My First Salmon on Fly part 2

2011-12-29T00:35:00.001Z

Please read part one "my first salmon on the fly" before reading this, all will make better sense!

My initial thought when the fish took was – My fly must have almost been on the bank! Although the water was deep directly below my feet, the fly could not have been 30cm from the bank when the fish took. I was recall this many times in the future when fishing pools with similar character, making sure I fished the fly right to the edge and many times, taking off a sinking to so as I could fish the fly even closer to the shore without snagging the bottom. How many times this tactic worked during my time on the river? Countless!!

Anyway, back to the story. The fish pulled hard and in an enormous first run of more than 100 meters, almost vacated, not only the pool I had hooked him/her in, but the one below that also. I knew I had to try and keep the fish from running into the Stable flats as access to this was difficult and meant a dangerous wade around a deep rock ridge, fortunately however, the fish must have felt safe in the depths of Banff Rock and decided to stop. A war of attrition ensued, with me standing precariously on the 40cm wide walkway, pulling as hard as I dare with my home made 12’6” Glass fibre rod. My main problem was, having not had any fish on fly, how hard could I pull? Fortunately for me, my father, who had heard my Shakespeare reel singing during that first hard run, had made his way to the high bank behind me and begun to give guidance. I shall never forget being amazed at just how much pressure he asked me to apply! Again, this valuable lesson would come back to me many times in the future to help a great many others who found themselves in that similar situation. With new found confidence I begun to apply even greater pressure, bending the strong rod in a manner I would not have dreamed of prior to my father’s advice, and soon, and for the first time, I saw the colour of my 15lb Maxima and around two fathoms below, the first glimpse of my silver prize. Shocked at the length of the fish I eased up, releasing some pressure, only to hear from behind me the authoritative voice of my father say, “no”, “don’t let him dictate”, “keep the pressure on and when he gives you an inch, take a mile, as he/she will do the same”! With those words ringing in my ear, again, I tightened on the fish, which after four or five hard runs which took me into my backing, was now becoming a little less active, yielding more ground with each turn of my reel. After some 20 minutes and an incredibly aching arm, both my father I could see the wonderful silver specimen rolling on its side, but agonisingly, just out of reach in the lifeless water on the far side of the stream. He/she was not yet mine. I was now beginning to feel my rod was just not big and strong enough to deal with such a fish, my underlying excitement was slowly giving way to a sense of frustration, which, again fortunately for me, was also detected by my father who calmly told me to “get below my fish” and use the current to my advantage whilst applying side strain to the fish.
Again, how many times I would use this later in life.
With side-strain now being firmly applied and my rod now pointing upstream and bent double over the narrow walkway, my father, seeing the fish was ready to be nettwd, slid down the high bank and confidently slipped the net under the beast, which, because of the angle I now had my rod, was now coming through the fast current close to me like a torpedo on the surface, its giant [to me] head almost out of the water; at last the battle was over and the 19lb sea liced hen fish was mine. The small fly, lodged firmly in the lower jaw, would never have came out. I had my first salmon on the fly; and what a fish!!

Interestingly, It feels every bit as good relaying the story right now as the moment I caught the fish. It may be a long time ago but salmon fishing in the company of friends provides us with the most fantastic memories.

My First Salmon on Fly

2011-12-28T01:11:00.000Z

As a boy I was fortunate to have access to some of the finest salmon fishing in the country, The Forglen beat of the river Deveron was 2.5 miles of double bank fishing, which at that time, could only be fished by invitation of the owner. My father and I were privileged to know the owner and had almost an open invitation to fish here any time we wanted, and, more often than not, were the only two people fishing the water! Very lucky for any boy!!

My first fish came on a Saturday morning in early September 1977, although I had caught a few fish on worm and bait, I had yet to score with the fly, and wow, when it came it was certainly worth the wait.

The day was calm and overcast, the river low and clear but with lots of fish present in almost every pool. Mid way through the morning, my father and I arrived at a pool called Banff Stream, a slow deep holding pool with very narrow, but fast flowing run of no more than 15 feet wide which flowed tight to the walkway under our feet on the left bank. The far side of this run was dead water with no current, stretching a further 25 feet before reaching the tall reeds of the far bank. The pool was shaded by overhanging oak and ash trees on this, the left bank, all of which had been there for at least 150 years. Looking downstream this stream run into the deep holding pool which was Banff Rock, itself giving way gave way to The Stable flats, a shallow, but at that time, as I was about to find out, very productive pool with all fish lying tucked under the far bank and requiring a good fishing technique to catch them. At the end of this 100 meter long pool and nestling on the top of the hill was a house, an imposing building, the type of which I had only ever seen in film. A stately home fit for a king and with much character and history. Although empty most of the time, when fishing here I felt people watching as we fished, those were not people from the present, but from the past, keeping an ever watchful eye on their river, enjoying the fact nothing much had changed in the 100 years or so of fly-fishing there. As a boy, I found this place rather eerie and a little frightening, and certainly like to have my father close by when fishing there.

On that particular September morning I recall looking downstream and watching my father take four fish from the Stable Flats. A fact which was a little frustrating as he had told me to go there in the first place, but feeling there was a better chance where more fish were showing, I chose to stay in Banff Stream. Feeling somewhat dejected at my lack of success, which on reflection, was because I was constantly stuck in the trees behind me, I sat down to reflect [always a good thing to do when things are not working whilst fishing for salmon]. After a short piece of advice from my father, I shortened my line, made a roll cast of no more than 25 feet and watched my number 8 silver shrimp, slowly at first, before picking up pace at it swung through the fast current, eventually come to a stop around a foot from the bank, I slowly retrieved the line and begun to raise my rod, a movement which must have been too much for the fish to resist, for just at this point, I felt the resistance, not of a rock or weed, but of a strong pull from the opposite direction. Instinct told me to let go of the slack line which I had previously retrieved, the rod tip bent and I was in contact with something heavy, much heavier than I had felt before, not just the tip, but the whole rod begun to bend, I felt the rod blank flex through my upper hand and knew something very sizable indeed had taken hold.....

"T" and "S" rods from Hardy & Greys - The Concept Explained

2011-11-16T20:56:00.001Z

As the full range of both Hardy and Greys rods reach the market, I’d like to offer those who may not be familiar with this concept exactly what it’s about.

Having seen the success of previous rods and having a good idea of where the market was going, back in 2009, we decided on a more “Holistic” approach to the design of both rod and line. Basically, ensuring we have something to fit all. That is – All fishing and casting scenarios and even delving into the murky waters of casting technique. Although it has its sceptics, this approach will, I believe set the precedence moving forward.

Across both brands, so the new Hardy Marksman and Greys XF2 Ranges of double handed rods will support either, “S” = Scandi, and “T” Traditional. So in each range we have two separate rods with very different actions and cosmetics, providing the angler with something which best fit’s their personal approach to both fishing and casting. It is also designed provide those giving casting and fishing tuition an easier platform to help customers make the correct decisions when purchasing a rod.

Generally speaking, “S” Series rods are slightly softer in the butt, but much stiffer than their “T” cousins in the tip. Handles, both upper and lower, are shorter on “S” rods than those of the “T”. Specifically designed to encourage casters to hold, not the cork, but the ball at the end of the handle, “S” series rods will have a familiar feel to most people familiar with the underhand technique. Those more used to longer, more traditional casting strokes will feel much more at home with the longer handles found on the “T” series rods. The action of each has also been designed with what I know to be the most popular/common casting techniques in mind. Of course this leads to murky waters and grey areas, but for the most, I know this will prove to be positive, rather than a negative step.

Extensive testing with High speed cameras working at 200 fps, also provided us with what were optimal ring spacing’s on each series. Most “S” series rods have 11 rings whilst for the “T” series this is 13.

Whilst at the heart of the concept is my own perception of what are the most common casting and fishing styles, the addition of the optimum weight of fly-lines present us with system where, no matter what line type the customer asks for, the shop owner will know instantly what is optimum for that particular rod. This of course is where we find those “grey areas”, however, when I use the word “Optimum”, I’m of course talking about how the rod will perform when using the most common casting techniques.

There are many of us who, because we fish a great deal, can adapt our technique to suit almost any weight of line on any rod, but for those walking into a shop and asking for a rod and line set up for a particular size of river, our “optimum line weight and length” [OWL], will prove invaluable to both them and the people in the shop.

Both “S” and “T” series rods have the “OWL” marked discreetly on the underside of the blank just above the cork. Each rod has marked similar to this -

e.g. - SH 32g, SS 38g, MS 44g LB 54g, showing the range of weights optimum for that rod. This also points out, although designed for a short or mid head line the “T” series rod, will also perform with a Short or Long Line depending on the ability of the caster.

SH =[Short Head], SS =[Short Spey], MS = [Mid Spey] and LB = [Long Belly]

Of course there will be those who like to pick holes in this concept, it’s the nature of the beast, but for whom it is aimed at, “Mr Average”, I know it will make things a whole lot easier than they are right now….

Salmon on the Brink!!!!

2011-11-14T13:39:00.000Z

The eruption of an Icelandic volcano around 80 years ago provides us with the final piece of the jigsaw when searching for answers to how salmon numbers are affected by changes to the environment on which they have both adapted to depend! The affect of this particular event was enormous, as, the deposition of millions of tonnes of ash rendered 95% of the rivers spawning capacity sterile and unfit for purpose. This event saw the rivers capacity to produce salmon drop, interestingly, by around 95%, with natural recovery, over the short term [2 – 400 years] impossible, due to the lack of suitable spawning habitat and the time this natural process would take.

This event shows very clearly what can happen to the population of salmon in one specific river if nature flexes her muscles and throws something else into the mix.
Clearly the size of the population above was linked to the extent of suitable spawning habitat. Take this away and the population goes into free fall and collapses.

Looking at our own rivers, although we don’t have great “long term” records, we do know that, in the past, populations of salmon were infinitely greater than those levels seen today. What are thought by many people to be good levels, realistically, could only be described as a drop in the ocean if compared to those seen in the past. Salmon populations are monitored exclusively by those involved with salmon angling, a pastime which benefits from, but is non reliant on large numbers of salmon being present. "Very good" salmon fishing is nothing more than a “by-product” of an abundance of fish present. Of course, we know levels of salmon in our rivers have dropped significantly over the past 100 or so years, but why?
Their population dynamics, although very much influenced by weather and its affect on food in the ocean, never the less, remained at relatively high levels between the 15th and 19th centuries. Given this obvious abundance, why now, do we find ourselves protecting the last of this once bountiful and extremely healthy food source with such punitive and draconian measures? As one of Scotland’s most iconic creatures, surely we have an obligation to afford them the best chance to restore populations back to where they were in the past.

Firstly however, we must ask ourselves, what is the target? What really is a healthy salmon population? What is an acceptable level? Well, if the goal is to provide just enough to provide anglers with pleasure, then those punitive and draconian measures already in place would be more than enough to satisfy this multi million pound part of the tourist industry.

However, if the goal is to manage the salmon as it was in the past, as a “Sustainable food source” for the greater public, with angling being a mere by-product, then we must begin to look properly at the variety of problems, many of which we know we have created ourselves, and actually do something about them.
Statistics relating to salmon populations and their abundance prior to the 18th century are sketchy to say the least. However, we do know that, as early as the 14th century, large numbers were pickled and exported to England, France and the Baltic region, suggesting, at this time, good numbers of Salmon. Information relating to Scotland as having abundance can clearly be gleaned from the observations and accounts of early travellers who thankfully knew the long term value of putting pen to paper. Although In these days of proving everything beyond doubt, this may not be accepted, never the less, it provides us with the only accounts so must be taken seriously.

The 18th and 19th Centuries provide us with such information. Cromwellian Trooper, Captain Franks, writes of an abundance of this fish in every part of Scotland. Of the Forth he writes – “The Forth relieves the country with her great plenty of salmon”, so plentiful they are they here that, no Master shall compel servants or their apprentices to eat them more than thrice weekly! Their value is no more than a sixpence. Amazingly now, 99.99% of the public will never now taste a wild salmon in their entire lives! A hundred years later, English Engineer Officer, Captain Burt, writing from Inverness, says that the price of salmon there was a penny a-pound, and that the “meanest servants who are not on board wages will not make a meal upon salmon if they can get anything else to eat”. Around the same time, on reaching Aberdeen, Defoe writes – “The rivers Dee and Don afford salmon in the greatest plenty that can be imagined, to that degree that in some of the summer months the servants won't eat them but twice a-week, they are so fat and ful-some; it 's almost incredible how they spread”. Another “gentleman” traveller writes around the same time – “The salmon fishery is particularly the delight and the boast of the Scots”! They talk about salmon being barrelled up in great quantities before being exported abroad for considerable profit. These, and other statements provide us with good evidence of large numbers of fish present in all Scottish rivers on an annual basis, and also of a very considerable export of the fish in a salted state.

Around the beginning of the last century it became apparent, for various, well documented reasons, with the exception of only a few rivers, numbers of salmon in all rivers begun to decline, a decline seen by those few who understood, as an “extermination” of the species. The main reasons for this decline were known to be the increase of land drainage, obstructions and pollutions as a consequence of a rise of population and industry on the banks of rivers, the killing of spawning fish, the brevity or mistiming of the close-season, and over-fishing.

Looking closely at the above, it becomes apparent that the same problems sighted over 100 years ago still plague salmon today, namely, apathy and greed! Although, as stated above, most reasons for the decline were well known 100 and more years ago, this did not stop, 50 years later, those same “Vehicles of extermination” to be developed, only this time on a much grander scale. The period between 1950s - 8s,saw a massive programme of drainage for forestry across Scotland, accounting for an increase from 2% -18% of Scotland's landmass being drained, and with it a destruction of the fragile ecology of our river systems. Alongside this, the 40s and 50s saw the building of dams for Hydro power, something which, similarly to land drainage for forestry, those in power knew full well would have a lasting environmental impact on our rivers. Although to a lesser extent than those above, drainage for farming has played its part also in changing the hydrology and geomorphology of our rivers and their beds, thus also played its part the “extermination” of our salmon in quantities which could be recognised by those travellers of the past.

Sold to the Scottish people as socio-economic progress, something Scots will benefit from in the form of jobs from Forestry, Farming and Water, in actual fact, our land, environment and salmon have been systematically destroyed by this hypocrisy. Relative to the environmental damage caused, there has been no net gain, only the loss of 90% of this Iconic species and with it a healthy and sustainable food source which should be feeding the people of Scotland.

So, what if we took stock of the above and decided to try and restore populations to those seen in the past. If our aim today was feeding the population with salmon whilst ensuring spawning targets are met, is there anything we can do?
Well, after playing politics with both our environment and indirectly, our salmon for the past 100 years, finally we have now in place, certainly on our major rivers, people who understand and who’s sincere wish it is to do something to reverse the affects of the above. Various projects are underway across Scotland to this end. However, If salmon are to once again be a cheap and viable food source for the nation, the nation must first get behind the salmon.

Whilst we marvel in awe at the migration of the wildebeest across the vast Serengeti, or Emperor Penguins in Antarctica, compared to the migration of our own Salmon, both represent a mere walk in the park.

It’s sad to think of one of Scotland’s most Iconic creatures now so fragile, their populations near the brink. Although salmon angling across Scotland may be healthy, as a species and potential food source, the same cannot be said of our “Iconic” “King of Fish”!

On potential extinction of Species – Scientists say - “We must do what we can to protect habitat”! A quote made more than 100 years ago and still being used today!

Clean Water, Clean Gravel and Protection. Provision of those three will once again see those Iconic creatures thrive.

Try before you buy!

2011-11-08T21:46:00.003Z

Why not try before you buy, was my advice to the guy who called earlier in the season. Personally I think it’s a no brainer, when spending hard earned cash on what is an expensive piece of equipment, not to at least have a feel of it in some water prior to purchase.

Having supreme confidence in the range of rods of both Marksman and Zenith rods we have recently designed for Hardy, and XF2 rods for Greys, knowing full well the range has something for all, I spent a couple of hours this morning fitting one of those to the technique of a customer who was surprised at the difference in actions of all those rods and also the difference the particular line made. The end of the session left the client in no doubt that the Zenith 15’1” with the new Hardy multi tip line was what he will be fishing with next season. Almost every person who has tried this combination wants one! Although he really liked the Marksman 14’8” with the same line, the Zenith rod, constructed with our groundbreaking “Sintrix” material, suited his individual technique that bit better.

There is no doubt that casting the rod on water gives you a much better idea of what it is you are buying. This is just another in the long line of customers who save money by buying the correct tackle. The new range of rods has something for everyone, from traditional [long and slow], to super fast [Scandi] style, we have something to fit every casting technique, any fishing scenario, and importantly, at every price point. Contact me over this winter for further details of - “Try before you buy”.

Salmon and Sea Birds

2011-11-03T11:17:00.000Z

I’m sure we all learn so much from conversation with those who possess a great deal of practical knowledge and as a listener, I learned a lot from conversation with my Grandfather, a man who, with the exception of a spell with the Merchant Navy during the war, spent his whole life fishing the Moray Firth and sometimes the West Coast, from his small 45’ seine-netter.

One of the main things I remember and it rings true with what is happening today, was the fact he always maintained the sea has the power to feed the world and everything in it ten times over if properly managed, with failure to do so ending in a collapse, the first signs of which being a drop in numbers of sea birds reliant on sand eels and Herring sprats, also a reduction in numbers of salmon and Trout migrating back to our rivers! He maintained – if the first 3 miles of the sea around the coastline was healthy, not over fished, the balance of predators kept in check and the water’s not overly polluted, then all will be fine with both sea birds and migratory fish. However, failure to understand properly the impact of – over-fishing, pollution or predators would lead to all sorts of problems, the obvious sign of which would be a reduction in both birds and migratory fish.

Interestingly, yesterday I heard on the news that the RSPB were “Seriously Concerned” about the “Internationally Important” Sea bird colonies around our coast, many of which have halved in size over the past 30 years. Also interestingly, they put most of this down to “Global Warming” and the effect of warmer sea surface temperatures [SST] on Plankton and so the beginning of the food chain. I would think there is something in this theory, indeed, fluctuating SSTs have been common knowledge for the past 80 or more years, with those living with it, adapting to an ever changing ocean.

If we look rationally at the above we see that SST have increased, something which both we and our forefathers knew about but physically, other than adapt, can do nothing about. However, if we look at other possible reasons for the demise of the Birds, like most of those things, it might just be a combination of factors causing the rot! So what do we categorically know? And, more than this, can we do anything about it?

We know – Seal Populations have risen from 5000 – 250,000 in the 100 years between 1900 and 2000. Fact! Mind you, we, the tax payer, are still paying people to ascertain whether or not those actually eat salmon! No action to take place until we find out. More research needed!

We Know – The Danes and others have hovered up Sand Eels by the millions of tonnes over the past 30 years, decimating the feeding and breeding grounds of Herring and other key species on which salmon, sea trout as well as Sea Birds depend. Mind you, although 99.99, we’re not 100% sure about this either, Sand eels are a Dynamic and incredibly complex species – More research needed!

We Know – Because of over fishing inside the 3 mile limit, species dynamics changed. A once abundance of Cod, Haddock, Herring gave way to Prawns and Mackerel, now under pressure themselves; and all the time the warning signs are staring us all in the face – Diminishing numbers Sea Birds are a sure sign something is wrong, and to a lesser extent salmon and sea trout which have the insurance policy of their offspring spending more time in the river prior to migrating to the sea thus increasing their chances of survival in the ever changing ocean. Not complicated at all, in fact, very simple!

At one time 99.99% would have been enough to introduce some preventative measures, but, like all else today, we now must be 100% sure!

What has happened to our once inventive nation of forward thinkers who prized common sense above the nonsense we surround ourselves with today? Oh MY, The King has no clothes on, again!

Salmon never swim through the fishing hut!!

2011-11-02T08:39:00.003Z

Reflecting on a very different week fishing with my usual group of friends on the Deveron leaves me pondering over the enigma that is salmon fishing, a sport it would seem, when the chips are down, belief, as well as perseverance, play a huge part in success or failure.

No matter what conditions, there are those who always catch fish and others who only ever seem to catch when more fish are clearly in the mood.

On most rivers this year, autumn fish have just not played the game. Although there in good numbers only the people above have actually managed to hook and land them, but why? Last year, was different, at this time on the Tweed for example, catching fish was so easy I could have tied a fishing rod to my dog and he would have caught one, but this year the salmon are having the last laugh.

Looking at the week just passed, there is no doubt in my mind that the answer to this lies in a mix of “Belief and perseverance”! Of the four fish landed, all could be attributed to this. One was caught when the weather was so bad; no one else was on the water, a mixture of the above was the vital ingredient. The second I could put down to the same; having fished the pool down 3 times with the fly for nothing, to then see it fished twice with the spinner, also for nothing, wouldn’t fill most people with enthusiasm to fish it again. However, as I said – “Sitting here won’t get you a fish”! “I’ve never known the salmon to swim through the fishing hut”! The sixth time down and with a small fly, perseverance paid off and a fine 10lb fish was landed. The two other fish of the week were landed during what seemed much better conditions, only, no one had told the fish that and although there, were only ever going to be caught by those people who really believed they would!

Tam Broon with his fish caught sixth time down the pool, testimony to persistence, belief and the fact that, irrespective of how much we talk about them there, “Salmon never swim through the fishing hut”!

Linked to this, I had a friend who, this year travelled to the Varzuga river and was told by one very experienced rod – The only fly to use here was a large Green Highlander tube, a fly which although he had confidence, in those conditions [low clear and warm], he felt was not the correct choice. Leaving them to fish with their “Green Canaries”, he changed to a small, lightly dressed fly, tied on a Salar hook. Net result – Small fly – 59 salmon, experts fishing “Green Canaries” – 7! The bottom line here was very simple, a little like women, salmon like confidence, and confidence in what you are fishing with [flies and lines], coupled with perseverance and belief, even when the chips are down, will always produce the goods.

Double Handed Course in Austria

2011-10-18T20:15:00.007+01:00

Really pretty lake to do the beginners course.

My first Grayling

Another wee cracker

Reflecting on 10 fantastic days of teaching fly fishing with the double handed rod in Austria, mixing some fishing with teaching provides the best of both worlds, like having my cake and eating it! The past week, spent in the company of Armin Piajwitz and his family comes right out of the top drawer in both respects. Seldom have I come across people with so much passion for what they do. All three courses were brilliantly organised, a mixture of real progress and lots of fun. Both the trout and Grayling fishing were also exceptional, and whilst we all dream about the perfect destination, I was blown away by the stunning scenery around me whilst both fishing and teaching. I will really look forward to returning here for some follow up courses next year. A truly exceptional 10 days which saw me teaching 18 people, catching my first Grayling and, most important of all, making a lot of new friends.

The Fishing School in action on the lake.

John Norris open Weekend

2011-10-06T13:10:00.002+01:00

Another great weekend down at John Norris of Penrith. Lots of interest in the new Zenith and other new Hardy Products. They are due to be with us around the begining of Decemeber, so hopfully everyone will have them in time for Christmas! Lines are also on the way, I will be testing some second samples for both Hardy and Greys products on my return. Maybe even get a fish or two on the Deveron.

A quality shop for salmon fishing products with knowledgable and first class staff.

Thankfully they don't sell musical instruments!!

The Survival of Salmon

2011-10-03T13:13:00.001+01:00

The Atlantic Salmon - Is a highly adaptive, but also, a less complex species than some would like to believe. As with most other wild fish, Salmo Salar is driven by two strong primeval instincts - To eat and to reproduce! Nothing else! The same could be said some humans I know, but that’s another story!
If we remember these two simple points, it becomes easier to understand
What remains constant in their world? Light – Moon – Stars – Tide and Threats!
Threats to salmon come in many forms, the biggest by far being that of human activity. But if we take that out of the equation for now, it will enable us to focus on the salmon in a natural sense.
We shall start at the beginning, the moment of fertilization.
Our egg will be one of many, and I use the word many because although scientific data can provide us with rough estimations, it cannot provide us with exact data regarding how many of the females eggs are actually fertilised. As would be obvious to anyone, this figure will change dramatically if spawning were taking place in ideal or adverse conditions. The effects of a large spate at this time would dramatically decrease the number of eggs fertilised. From this we can deduce – Weather, a natural element, is playing a part right at the beginning. But, as with all fish, the salmon has an insurance policy – Large numbers of eggs.
A large number of fertile eggs are now buried in the gravel. Slowly Developing! The important word here is SLOWLY! Salmon eggs take longer to develop and hatch during colder than average winters. During extremely mild winters and higher water temperatures, eggs may begin to hatch in the month of February, with alevins emerging from the gravel during March, a time at which the river does not produce an abundance of natural food. If, on the other hand, the winter is extremely cold and we have a “proper winter”, this will not take place until April, a time the river will obviously produce more natural food, leading to the survival of more fish to the fry stage. As spring fish tend to spawn slightly earlier than both their summer and autumn cousins, the effects of a colder winter would have obvious benefits to that particular cohort. On the other hand, couple earlier spawning with a mild winter and you have a high number of offspring from this cohort hatching far too early in the year. Prolonged frost can also have an adverse effect on our developing eggs. Streams used by spring fish tend to be small and higher up the river system. In extreme cases these will dry up, leaving eggs starved of oxygen. Thankfully this does not often happen, and when it does, salmon always have their insurance policy of safety in numbers. However, add water abstraction schemes and land drainage and over a period of time you create potential for disaster to that particular cohort. Mind you, when we are talking about huge numbers of eggs, their loss will be someone else’s gain. Offspring from both summer and autumn salmon, because they tend to spawn in the main river, will have less than normal competition for food! Not really complicated at all.

Scottish Salmon growing bigger! Or are they??

2011-10-02T20:05:00.004+01:00

As salmon fishermen we all have our own theories about the King of Fish and their mysterious habits. After all, the fact we don’t know for sure is what leads to all the fishing hut and dinner table discussion, with each of us taking the lead from whatever theory appears to be most logical. The enigma of the salmon both stimulates and frustrates, our natural quest for answers to all questions
An recent article in our local paper, the Press and Journal, brought a wry smile – To a salmon fisherman, the headline – “Scottish Salmon Growing Bigger”, is always going to raise an eyebrow. The article, published on the 26th September, focused on the fact that there appeared to be many more large fish in Scottish rivers this year; a fact which anyone fishing Scottish rivers with any regularity over the past few years could not have failed to notice. There is no doubt there are more fish which have spent 2 or more winters at sea, something which in the past was so common in most large rivers, it would not have raised as much as an eyebrow. So, after many years of grilse being the dominant stock component on almost every large river, now, as in the past, it would appear weather and climate conditions are now favouring fish which have spent 2 or more years at sea; so, nothing new here!
Enter the comedy act – People who call themselves fisheries biologists, or should I say statisticians or politicians! I’m not really sure they know what they are themselves! In the article one is saying, salmon are growing bigger due to the “Changing temperature of the North Sea caused by Climate Change”! Ah yes, good old Global Warming. When in doubt blame it on Climate Change, two words frequently used by the scientific community to spread fear and panic, and normally a precursor to more pointless research. Whilst in the same article, another scientist, obviously with a slightly different agenda, is saying, “Statistically”, salmon are actually getting smaller! I thought; how interesting, two professors with completely polarised views. I wonder which one of those “experts” will be right?
Well, apparently, the answer is the one with the beard and sandals, who miraculously, was the surviving recipient of the first ever head transplant, unfortunately however, a surgical error ended with the professor being given the head of a border collie, a mistake which the surgeon stressed would not pose too much of a problem as the collie is an intelligent dog! Amazingly he has been proved right, as not 3 weeks after the operation his beard had grown sufficiently enough for him to secure a job in a laboratory in Tayside. Although there are those who are questioning some of his new habits, most see his uncontrollable urge to get up the arse of senior colleagues as completely normal!!

Yiv gotta ti laugh!!

River Dee & Beauly

2011-09-26T22:14:00.006+01:00

Harry Bennett with a cock fish about to put the fear of death into its neighbours.

Having just drawn breath after looking after clients on very successful trips to both of the above rivers, I found it interesting that, during September, fish, even the old ones, on each of the above, were a whole lot more willing to take a fly than anywhere here on the Spey! The only difference I could note was – The River cleared much quicker on both rivers above, whilst here on the Spey, due to the many rises in water this year, it stayed black as ink for so much longer. Interestingly, this black water clears much quicker in the early spring and early summer, with only the late summer and autumn being badly affected.

None the less, we have had some very good fishing this year, so cannot complain. The fishing at Lower Invercauld on the Dee was simply fantastic; a wonderful beat with so much variation for fishing the fly. Mr John Scott for one was a happy bunny when his first salmon was followed by 6 more.

Nice Beauly Fish about to swim off.

And another about to be landed.

Meanwhile, on the lovely Beauly river, persistence paid off for the host, Mr Leith Robertson, when, after watching most of his friends catch a fish, it would seem, all he needed to do was drop his fly in the water and, another fish would grab it.

What I enjoyed most about both trips above, was the fun had by all fishing. Friends enjoying their time fishing together and with the exception of anyone who had yet to catch one, little or no emphasis on “HOW MANY” were caught. In fact on the Beauly, I have yet to hear how many were caught, as the main interest by the host and group was ensuring all in the party were successful. NICE! REALLY NICE!!

Speaking words of Wisdom

2011-09-02T19:15:00.001+01:00

A recent trip helped remind me of a valuable lesson I learned very early in my guiding career – Although we all like casting the rod and fishing, as ghillies and guides, the reason we are there in the first place are our clients and too ensure “their personal” enjoyment of their weeks fishing! After all, it is they who pay the cheque!
The enjoyment of salmon fishing can be measured in many ways, but ultimately, the first objective for most clients or guests is to catch a fish. To this end, it is the job of the host or organiser, to provide their guests with the relevant information about – The water they will be fishing and what they are likely to expect by way of – Size and flow of river, numbers of fish to expect at this specific time of the year, suitability for elderly or young people, how much fishing is expected to be done over one day, what type of lure/lines are most successful at that time, single or double bank, etc, etc. After this is it the job of the ghillie or guide to ensure all of the above is carried out to the best of his or her ability in a physical sense.
I was fortunate to have been trained by the best in the business. In the late Sir David Wills, I saw the perfect host, a man of vast fly-fishing experience, who’s goal when hosting a fishing party was, not to prove how good a fisher he personally was, but to ensure, fish or not, all his friends had a really good time, leaving the river at the end of the week, with something more, be it fish, knowledge, deeper friendships or, as was the case most of the time in his company, a mix of all of those! His head ghillie/guide, at that time, had more than 40 years working for both him and the previous owner, and, like many such people, had a wealth of experience, not only in Salmon and how to catch them, but much more importantly, to provide guests with information, encouragement as well as physical assistance in their realising their goal. A combination of the experience of those wise people helped shape my approach to entertaining and guiding clients, and provides the backbone of historic salmon fishing culture in Scotland.
As a young ghillie I looked forward immensely to Saturday evening, when, after the departure of Sir David’s friends, he would invite his ghillies to have a cast with him. How fortunate I was to be fishing some of the finest waters, at the best time, and in the company of a man with such wisdom. All I could do was learn, and not only about fishing, but importantly with regard to guiding, about people! It took me some time to realise why, even if his fishing guests were thin on the ground, Sir David would very seldom have Ghillies or guides fish whilst they were there. Only as my understanding of the profession developed did the penny drop, and I finally realised, in this setting, it was so important for those clients with less casting/fishing ability not to be out shone by the ghillie or guide. Although as a young man, I could not quite grasp this, over time, it became apparent to me that, in fact, superior knowledge/ability, if used in the wrong way, leads only to others feeling inadequate and is the tact of guides, not with a poor experience of fishing, but of people! The realisation of this so early in my guiding career led me to take a different course, one not of keeping my knowledge and from time to time, showing how clever I can be, but at every opportunity, of passing this knowledge on to my clients, friends and acquaintances, and also, other guides; thus ensuring their long term development in the sport of salmon fishing and guiding and keeping strong our long history and culture in sport fishing. Hopefully it will continue in this way!?

2011-08-21T11:25:00.007+01:00

Good Fisherman!

Sea Lice Problem!!

Into another!

The last few weeks have been eventful and tiring to say the least. The particularly busy spell started with the CLA Gamefair where interest in Double Handed Sintrix and Marksman rods was incredible. Matching the line to the specific action of those rods was seen as a huge hit for all who tried them. Both Sintrix and Marksman will be available for Christmas and I know will be the hot product for 2011.
After the CLA it was off to the movies for me, and for all who feel being a porn star would be a great job, let me tell you, after 10 days of Dawn till Dusk, it gets more than a little tiring! Filming the movie, which OK, was more about fishing and casting was a lot of fun though and very typically our fantastic Scottish Rivers produced the goods with a few nice fish caught, one or two on my old Greenheart rod. This was so much fun to fish and I really can’t wait to see the bars of silver being landed on this. Some of the places visited in the film are stunning, truly breathtaking scenery as well as some of the finest fly fishing in Europe.
I have just dropped another very satisfied customer to the airport this morning, his trip to the Spey ending with 9 fish landed including eight caught in 4 days fishing on the Gordon Castle Water, which I have to say, when on song, nothing can touch at this time of the year. Quality hard fighting sea liced fish of – 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16 and 17, the reminder of the party also did well with Ann Taylor landing a brace 10 and 12 and her husband Peter with a nice 15lb fish. Apart from losing his line [snapped at the backing] after playing a fish for more than 20 minutes, his two days fishing still produced nice brace of 12 and 15lb for Frenchman, Mr Albert Pujol. This on top of the other fish he landed at Tulchan earlier in the week ensured he went home happy. The final member of this group was Mr Tony Craig, who landed 4 fish in his four days. All in all a very nice four days sport amongst nothing but fresh sea liced fish.
With the exception of a few of the smaller fish, all those above were caught on the “Red Capper” http://www.speyonline.com/salmon_flies.htm which confirms the theory of John Ashley Cooper, “It doesn’t matter what colour the fly is, as long as its black”!!

They dont come better than those.

Whats Happening on the Spey

2011-08-10T13:19:00.003+01:00

For my clients, fishing on the Spey over the past few weeks has been better than good with all catching fish and some very good fish at that. Two clients ended their 3 days on the Middle Spey with 14 salmon, most of which were double figured and sea liced. Another client fishing on the lower river also did well catching 3 fish in a single day. Clients fishing Kinermony also had a nice few days, all of them catching fish. I have also taken advantage of the very good run of fish in the river catching fish on the Lower Gordon Castle Water as well and also the middle river. I had a wonderful hours fishing last night with my Greenheart rod, landing two salmon, one of 12, the other of 11lbs fishing a number 7 “Rosy”, my own variation of the Garry Dog and a deadly fly in Tea Coloured water. To feel and play a salmon on this rod is so different to that of their modern counterparts. The rod weighing a Kilo, coupled with the slow action gives the salmon something substantial to pull against and ensures a swift encounter, perfect in those days of catch and release. Mind you, not for the faint hearted!!
My clients on the Dee have also had good sport with those fishing Invercauld catching 5 and loosing another four in their 2 days fishing. Again, most of those have been good sized MSW fish. For some the inclement Scottish weather may be a frustrating, but for us salmon fishers it’s a major factor in our success or otherwise. I like the rain, especially when the rivers been low for so long, but please remember when to stop, because as soon as the water drops back, there will be so many fish just waiting to be taken. I’m thinking, particularly in the Lower half of the river, the remainder of the Season has the making of being very good indeed. I’m away to the river again. I think this is a “Sintrix” day, the big fish killer!!

THE RIVER FINDHORN IS OPEN

2011-07-12T09:32:00.002+01:00

There is a rumour that, due to Disease, The River Findhorn is close.
Please see statement below from The Spey Fishery Board.

I have received the e-mail below from Alasdair Lang, Chairman of the
Findhorn Board, asking me to help dispel the rumour that the River Findhorn
has been closed due to disease. This is NOT the case; the Findhorn is and
has been open for business as usual. You will see from Alasdair's e-mail
that the Findhorn had had an outbreak of Saprolegnia in the spring, but that
this appears to have cleared-up. There is no question, though, that the
River is or has been closed.

The "jungle drums" on the Spey beat in a way that the BBC World Service
would be proud of. I would be most grateful if you could spread the word
that the River Findhorn is NOT closed and help us to dispel any such rumours
to the contrary. Many thanks indeed for your help.

With kind regards,

Roger

Roger Knight
Director
Spey Fishery Board & Spey Foundation

Something Special Part Deux

2011-06-12T12:58:00.000+01:00

As the old car trundles to a halt, I finally see the river, the pool which has kept me awake half the night thinking about what it may hold for me. Oh, the excitement, not only my hands, but my whole body shakes with anticipation! Finally I’m here. The morning mist rolling from the river reveals a Dipper on a rock, alert to all around him he sees my silhouette before flying quickly upstream to his next hunting perch. He has left the way open for me to test my fledgling fishing skills on the good numbers of Autumn Salmon and Sea Trout resting under the banks and in the riffles! My morning had arrived.
The tension and feeling of expectation builds, and at this time, inexperienced, I have nothing to cloud my appreciation of the day. I don’t yet know what are good and bad conditions, at this moment, the enjoyment of my morning, to a large extent, is in the hands my father [my ghillie], for at this time *I’m reliant on his experience and as was indicative of him, he focuses on the positive [It is so important to have a glass which is half full and not half empty when salmon fishing], he tells me all’s good, water and weather conditions are fantastic and we have no excuse not to catch one or two fish. This serves to raise my expectations even higher, now at almost fever pitch; I cannot wait to get to my lure in the river, the next few hours will pass in a flash with my mind now thinking of nothing but that pull on my line, that heart racing moment when my worms are consumed and the fish runs upstream. I fumble with hands now shaking, my worms, captured in the damp darkness of the previous evening, snap as with trembling hands I try to thread them to my single hook, but eventually I have them secured, “the lure” is now as I want it and my trap about to be set!
*This is my first recollection of the important roll experienced people in Salmon Fishing, particularly for those who don’t yet have that experience and consequently seek reassurance from those who have. This valuable lesson learned from my father on that damp but bright October morning, I would recall many times in the future, each time reinforcing the fact that, experienced Salmon Fishermen have an obligation to those with less experience, to help make their day enjoyable by inspiring confidence, by “tactfully” passing on knowledge, so as to increase that of their fishing colleagues or clients.
Sadly however, many experienced people are not adept enough to understand the importance and significance of the word “Tactfully”, sighting only, their personal haul of fish as something for others to aspire to! In fact, this shallow feature does nothing to inspire others to the wonderful sport which is salmon fishing. What they tend to forget is that salmon are very easily caught; if they are there in good numbers and you have the correct conditions any, for want of a better adjective, “idiot” [can be replaced with any expletive], can catch them. The secret is to make sure you are not always the “idiot” and put others before yourself. Only by doing this will the real joys of salmon fishing become apparent and the shallow part of one’s nature begin to find some depth.
All too often today, the answer to the following question – How did your weeks salmon fishing go? Is answered only with a number and not a statement or description!! A growing culture on our rivers, which I’m pleased to say, is foreign to me!
One of my best customers returned recently from a trip to the River Tweed answered the above question by saying - Thank you for arranging this Ian, we had a fantastic 3 days, the fishing, as you described, was different to the Spey, the ghillies were great, the hotel and staff fantastic, we all had so much fun, really enjoying the fishing and those people who made it special. Could you please arrange this for next year?
I added the above to support the great saying in “Scottish” Salmon Fishing, “There’ a lot more to salmon fishing than catching fish”. Of course it helps but enjoyment is mainly down to yourself and, importantly, the behaviour and professionalism of those around you.

Fishing reports W/C 6th June 2011

2011-06-09T13:40:00.000+01:00

The settled conditions of April and the first 3 weeks of May gave way to really strange weather patterns over the past fortnight; One day 80 degrees, the next barely 50. However, for a few anglers at least, this week got off to a flyer! Fishing Beat 3 on the Brae, Henry Harris and Stephen Lubbock had 6 between them before lunch. Interestingly, Henry, who was fishing one pool below Stephen, had 3 – 7, 10.5 and 16.5lbs, before 11.30, whilst Stephen’s fish of 14, 18 and 20lb were all caught between 11.30 and 1 O Clock; obviously part of the same shoal of fish, thus a good indicator of how fast those particular fish were moving upstream, in this case, unsurprisingly, not overly fast. It also proves that - Once one fish stops, chances are, the others will also. Again, backing up the theory of – your best chance of a second fish is directly after you have landed the first!
On the same day I hear that the party of 6 rods fishing C beat on Tulchan had 16 fish, whilst those fishing Delfur accounted for 22 on Monday and Tuesday.
The weather, although showery and still changeable, is not as changeable as that seen over the past two weeks.

Fishing Reports W/C 30th May

2011-06-09T13:33:00.000+01:00

Having just returned from a fly casting course in Austria where the weather was very warm and clammy, I find conditions here much colder than of late. Much better for salmon fishing, and this proved to be right, possibly with the exception of a few middle beats. Sometimes there is just no reason for why fish don’t stop on a particular stretch of water, but I have seen this so many times, when there appear to be plenty on most beat, others really struggle with fishers and ghillies alike looking through the book for every excuse as to why this should be. The bottom line is, when there are enough fish in the river, all beats fish well. But what is enough? My answer to this would be when all beats are catching plenty. Unfortunately, this phenomenon will only happen about one in every 30 years.
One thing for sure is – If you do have fish stopping in your area, you then need the rods to catch them and whilst a really hot team of rods can “overly inflate” what would be caught by an average team, having good rods on the river at the right time, these days, is essential to keeping the value of the fishing.

Paul Davidson puts a Sintrix Double Handed Rod through its paces - Awesome power to land large Salmon Quickly.

Fishing Reports W/C 25th May

2011-06-09T13:27:00.000+01:00

On Speyside, the weather continued to be very mixed this week with sometimes glorious conditions, breaking down rapidly into something resembling Arctic weather. These changeable conditions are seldom really good for Salmon Fishing, but as is normal with our sport, there’s always something which surprises. We’ve heard this so many times – “The Salmon have not read the books”! And how true this statement! Never say never with Salmon Fishing. Even when conditions look awful and everything’s wrong, one of my great mentors, Sir David Wills, would say, Ian, “There’s always an enchanting moment”! I can’t remember how many times this proved to be true,! It proved to be the case this week when, although not fishing badly, most beats slowed down a little. This slowing was due to conditions rather than numbers of fish.

Mel Macdonald with a nice Spey Springer

Ian, Fly Casting in Austria

2011-06-05T14:39:00.000+01:00

The OEFG is one of the world’s oldest fly fishing clubs in the world, so, having taken part in this event for Hardy over the past couple of years, I was delighted to be personally asked to take part in the annual event which consists of a really nice and well attended fly fishing show, followed by three days of casting tuition.
The club has some of the most talented and knowledgeable fly casters and fishers and a real pleasure to be in their company to learn about the wonderful and varied fly fishing options in Austria.
I particularly like the fact that, both here and in Germany, anyone wishing to fish, or acquire a fishing licence must first pass a national test, thus ensuring their rivers do not become filled with clowns with no idea about etiquette, fish, and nature in general. My feeling is, we could learn from this in the UK.
A relation of the Taimen, the Huchen [Danube Salmon], although less in number than before, never the less are present in some tributaries of the Danube and are much sought after by the hard core element of anglers who brave the winter months to fish for them. This is a species I will write much more about in the future as the passion I feel from anglers is much the same as those chasing large Atlantic salmon or Tarpon. Yes, the Huchen are indeed a real sporty fish, but as with those species mentioned above, and other things in life, the main fun seems to be found in the chase!
The Austrians, and particularly the members of the OEFG take their sport really seriously, and for those who enjoy trout fishing and happen to be visiting, I would suggest you bring your rod.
Now it’s back to the Salmon in Scotland before moving on to Norway on the 15th June to try and catch an elusive Norwegian Salmon. Watch this space!

Spring on the Brae Water Part 2

2011-05-26T16:45:00.000+01:00

Having returned from a series of meetings I now have time to reflect on what was a fantastic weeks fishing o the Brae Water last week.

My Birthday fish from the Upper Ewe

Originally taken for my father and me to fish together, unfortunately, due to his death in 2009 this was sadly not to materialise. However, given this was the beat, as a boy, he begun fishing the river, and his father help out ghillieing, I felt it would be fitting to carry on fishing with both his and my own friends. Our first year in 2009 yielded 14 fish, providing great spring sport for all. Last year, owing to the river taking a deep breath and re-charging her batteries, we had only one.

This year however, produced some fantastic, and it has to be said, exceptional sport, with 27 fish landed and as many lost, many of those after they had been on for some time. The quality of those fish was also second to none, with hard fighting fish of between 9 and 22lbs being caught over the full week. Most fish on the Spey at this time of the year are fine specimens of around 12 -14lbs. I mention hard fighting, because it is well documented that some spring salmon can be almost lethargic in their fight, particularly when the river is cold. However, the river warming to temperatures of nearer 10oC often provides a subtle change in the way they play having taken the fly. I know my father, although possibly not approving of returning 95% of those fish, would certainly have been delighted for all concerned, especially the fact that, 12 of my 14 friends who shared the week caught fish and every one Sea Liced. I was particularly happy with the 13lb fish I had from the Ewe pool on my birthday. A great scrap from a wonderful fish.

Having been on the Deveron for a couple of days, I invited The owners of Glasgow Angling Centre, Paul Deviln and Anglers Choice in Dundee, Robbie Macgregor, to join me on my birthday, an opportunity to fish a couple of hours, and again this fantastic stretch of water was not to disappoint, each catching double figured fish within an hour of starting. Interestingly, throughout the week I would have seen less fish than 2 years ago, but obviously, given what we caught and what were caught upstream, there were a good lot more fish than 2 years ago and certainly a whole lot more than last year. Monday saw my good friend John Fox catch his biggest fish to date and Tuesday saw Rob Oakley with, at 22lbs, the biggest of the week. John Young ended as top rod with 5 for his 3 days and Paul Davidson also had some good fishing. Interestingly, all rods were very good fishers and all lost more fish than they would normally do.Sandy Lawton, Shamish Teauge and Stevie Ried From Bangor Fishery, all had fish, enjoying a great time on the river.

Rob Oakely with a fine 20lb + fish from the Ewe Pool

Best flies of the week were the usual suspects – Cascades, Willie Gunn’s and my own Copper Munro which accounted for most of the fish toward the end of the week.

Paul Davidson with one of his fish from the Rock Pool

All in all it goes to show, you should never gauge your salmon fishing over one, two or even three seasons. The river is a living thing, and like all other living things, needs to rest, it cannot produce fish in the same quantity year after year, but fluctuates naturally. Yes it’s true there are not as many Salmon in the North Atlantic as there once were, but how many more do we need? The answer to that question, last year, would have been lots, whilst this year,for most, there seem enough. The key is to manage what we have well, utilising all information from a wide range of sources, correlate this and use it to best effect. A river like the Spey needs a terrific number of salmon in it to supply every beat with good fishing, I would suggest this has not happened for some time, and, in all probability, only once or twice in my lifetime. As I become older, I seem to be much more easily pleased and not looking for the “miracle” season each year.
However,for new people coming to the sport, we do need enough to keep them interested.
Final thanks go to the two ghillies for their advice and hard work during the week which was very much enjoyed by all.

Spring on the Brae Water part 1

2011-05-26T15:37:00.000+01:00

Robbie Macgregor with a nice one as the Barbie was heating up. Took a while tho!!

John Young with one that didn't get away!

John Fox with a nice 15lb fish from the turn. Ghillie, Davie looks on.

Now I can cast well, why don’t I catch more fish?

2011-04-24T15:47:00.000+01:00

The simple answer to this little, or large problem, is fairly straightforward – Discipline!!
Be it the physical aspect of casting the fly to present it in the correct manner, or reading the river properly, all facets of fly-fishing for salmon [and I say “fly”, not lure fishing here], are challenging, and require great discipline for any human being. Although we are hunting, we are not hunting to stay alive, our lives are not at risk! However, on the inside, we are all driven by primeval instinct, but interestingly, we are also competitive by nature and find it really difficult to control both, especially in the “extremely unlevel playing field” of salmon fishing;, but why?
Primeval hunting instincts and methods learned from others point us to where the fish are likely to be resting and how best to present our fly in each particular pool. However, our competitive nature blinkers all of us, playing tricks with our mind, clouding our primeval instinct by focusing on how far we can throw the line rather than “hunting” our fish!
There are times when casting a long line will help catch a fish, but I have to say, those are few and far between. Many more fish are missed by fly-fishermen because they fail to read the water properly, focusing on casting as far as they can, covering as much water as possible rather than the manner in which the fly is fishing in a particular part of the pool.
Essentially, our desire to cover more water is stronger than that of thinking where the fish may be and covering that area of the pool accordingly.
Modern rods and lines present casters of mediocre ability to make casts of 35 yards or more, something which in the past could only be achieved by the best of casters. What nearly all fail to take account of is – The influence of the current between the rod point and the fly. The greater this distance the less potential control the angler has on the fly.
Time spent reading the river and observing the effect of the current on your fly, ultimately will provide you with many more takes and salmon landed. Throwing a pointless, ill judged and poorly executed long line, in the unlevel playing field which is salmon fishing, will get you nowhere.
Concluding – Other than salmon being present in the pool you are fishing, I believe, presenting your fly properly to salmon is the most important ingredient in catching them. Trust your instinct, hunt the fish, rather than have you fishing day degenerate into a “Casting” day! Discipline yourself, fish for the fish and not the far bank.

The picture above shows the effect of casting an overly long line at the wrong angle, the fly is now being “Dragged” around near the surface, fine in the summer or in warm water, but not in the spring. In this case and to fish the best part of the pool, the angler needs to wade deeper, use a shorter line, holding the rod tip higher than he would in the summer.

Alpine Trout Part two

2011-04-16T18:46:00.000+01:00

I was lucky to grow up during a period with lots of salmon in Scottish rivers, then worked as a Ghillie though a period where those numbers declined ten-fold. When I was young salmon fishing was about targeting individual fish in the many different lies, fishing over fish and targeting the nice ones. How different this has become; most of the time we fish over empty lies and simply bump into the odd fish on the way past. Anyway, for those who know nothing else, or enjoy this, fine, great, everyone enjoys different things. Even now, with fewer fish, Salmon fishing is still a hunting game, a challenge to catch that illusive fish, or maybe, two or three if you’re lucky.
However, for me, I’ve just found what I’ve been missing, I’ve just found what floats my “fishing” boat! Last year I was fortunate enough to spend a really nice morning fishing Dry Fly in Ireland in the company of a real trout expert, Jason O Riordon. The whole “sight fishing thing took me back to my earlier days fishing for Salmon, the “hunting” instinct was back! Queue Alpine Trout 2011! As big as most salmon, in gin clear water and my personal move to the “dark side” is complete! Like my other passion, pigeon shooting, this is a real game of reconnaissance, targeting and working out which method is best for each fish, wow. Seeing fish of 70cm+ coming at my fly was like turning the clock back thirty years, and fight, those big trout are in this lovely clear water are like Sea Trout on the Spey or Deveron. I shall not write here of tactics as in this game I would classify myself as a real beginner; however, very similar rules apply. The same as salmon fishing and so many other things, for best results, listen to the locals or guides, they, and not some “table expert”, know best.
Many Thanks to Robert and Michaela Stroh, for arranging what for me is real fishing trip. Seeing, planning and anticipating the take, WOW!! Descriptions of each fish and the fishery to follow!!
Having said all this, Salmon fishing on the Spey, Dee, Tweed or Deveron, at the right time can also be fairly special!!!

The water in the pictures above and below, at its deepest is around 8 feet.

Trout around the Alps

2011-04-15T07:08:00.001+01:00

Having wrapped up the fly casting course in Munich, we are now in a “very very secret” location fishing dries and nymphs for huge Trout in somewhere in the Alpine region. The Gin clear waters here are full of Brown and Rainbows weighing anything between 2 and 15lbs. So, after listening carefully and being shown the required tactics by my friends who have fished here for some time, I am now getting into the swing of catching some. The name of the game is Stealth, as well as placing the right fly in exactly the right place, high banks and overhanging bushes mean having an understanding of “Spey Techniques” helps, even with a 4weight rod and dry fly. Oh my god, I’m enjoying this so much...Sight fishing!! Yes...Yes...Yes, this is real hunting, peering through bushes, targeting my fish, assessing the correct tactics, stalking, and then placing the fly. My God, I feel like Brad Pitt [obviously better looking and with a mush superior belly, made even more superior by the wonderful Bavarian hospitality!] in that wonderful film; the river is clear and sparkling, with monster trout asserting their authority over the best lies. The location and fishing are simply stunning, and all this in the company of good friends. After a really busy spell of work, does it get much better than this?
I could write so much more, but hae, it 8am and there’s fish to be caught, My buddies are stirring, the morning rise is imminent, I’m sorry, more later!!!

This one was lying in very fast and undulating current, difficult to get the fly presented just right, but eventually - A nice fish after a great stalk!

Must get fishing more pics later!!!

EWF Fly Fishing Show

2011-04-13T22:36:00.000+01:00

I’ve just drew breath from what is the best fly fishing show, well, certainly in Europe, and perhaps the world! Huge crowds were entertained by some of the world’s best fly casters, including, this year, the world’s best, Steve Rajeff.

Whilst many show focus on many other outdoor sports/pursuits, this one is purely fly fishing and I believe is well worthy of and merits the tag of best of Europe.

As expected the new Hardy Sintrix rod created a huge interest at this show and those coming to test it here were not in any way disappointed, well at least not until they were sold out. The show also gave people a chance to try the new double handed Sintrix rods also, with again, much interest in this state of the art product. I have so many pictures and stories from this event and will post them when I get home next week. The highlight of this is a video of Steve casting an 18 foot rod with a 100 feet of line SINGLE HANDED!! I will post this with Steve’s permission when I return. Quite unbelievable!!

Having finished and tidied up the show on Monday, Michael Mauri, Garry Scott and myself then had a very successful two day casting course with all students making great progress, with one in particular shocking all of us with his rapid movement from beginner to very accomplished caster in a single day.
Fishing for trout somewhere tomorrow, I hope they are as plentiful as the fish we saw and came to our wool during the course!
Great Pics and more stories on their way.

Free Online Casting Lessons

2011-04-05T00:45:00.000+01:00

Here's a neat little idea. For all you who would like to - Brush up on their casting, learn about the double handed rod, need advice on what rod to buy based on your style/technique. I have looked at trying this for some time.
I figured, there are so many people who have access to video now, why not do what all the top sportsmen are doing and have their coach give them a lesson from anywhere in the world!
Yip, a neat idea. So here's the gig - Go to my website and look for Free Online Casting, Now to you who think the word Free and Scotsman cannot be used in the same sentence, look closely, no small print, Free, well at least one lesson! I know you will be impressed and I know it wil be helpful, which is why, I'm sure you'll want to come back for more!
Basically I have travelled around the world watching people making the same, or very similar mistakes, so I thought, what can I do to help.

Check it out at - www.speyonline.com

What Makes a Salmon Take a Fly? Part One

2011-03-31T01:38:00.000+01:00

So, I’m sitting here thinking, what is the best lure I know to catch salmon? After thinking about this, I come to the conclusion – It must be a prawn or shrimp, two lures which we would assume they are drawn to via scent. But having never had any experience of either of those I cannot categorically say this is true. So based on what I personally have seen and learned, I ask myself the same question again. After all, I want to increase the chances of my clients catching a fish. So surely I should use the best and most deadly lure!?
Ask yourself this question, if your life depended on you catching a salmon legally with a rod and line, what would you use to entice Salmo Salar? Personally, based on my own experience, I would choose a Blair Spoon! Now, I know this would not be best in every scenario, but if I could choose only one thing, and going to the river blind, I would choose this. Mind You, I don’t even possess a spinning rod! However, I do know for a fact that salmon and most other fish, via neuromasts in their “lateral Line”, detect vibration caused by movement of pray species, as well as predators, or, as it happens, “man made” obstacles in the water. They are highly sensitive and at all times aware of those things, but here’s the fantastic part; they don’t always react to them in the same manner. There is no doubt however, because of the vibration caused by this lure in the water, fish will very quickly become aware of its presence.
What we must remember however, is, like us, Salmo has more than one sense, and in all probability will use those other senses accordingly, to home in on, investigate further, or steer well clear of my spoon.
My real passion is Sea Trout fishing, a type of fishing which on both the Spey and Deveron, is best when it is pitch dark. But, if I cannot see my hand in front of my face, how can they see the fly? To begin to answer this, I will offer the following –
One very dark evening back in the mid 1980s, I happened to be guiding a party of fishers who, being new to Sea Trout fishing were not accustomed to fishing in the dark. One woman in particular, was very new to fly-fishing in general, so could not understand why, from more than 80 yards away and in the pitch dark, I told her she had lost her fly. After checking the line to find the fly had disappeared she exclaimed “What fantastic eyesight you ghillies must have”! Naturally I milked this one, by saying - Yes madam; we eat lots of carrots up here during the winter! Most of the Scots found this far north are the same, incredible eyesight! This is why, during Napoleonic times we were always picked to go to the “Crow’s Nest“of a ship! That really is amazing she said, how interesting!!
Obviously I could not see, but the crack of the line told me it was gone. I did tell her this, but only after a while. For those who have fished all night, you will recognise that, as the light fades, our eyes become less effective and so less important, our bodies become much more reliant on our other senses. Again, this is why we hear and smell much more at night. The same can be said for fish. Having initially detected the lure through vibration and displacement of water, the next part of the attack, in all probability, will be driven by whichever sense is most suited to that particular scenario.
So what is the best lure? Well, it depends; each particular pool/scenario is different. But GENERALLY SPEAKING, fish like movement in a lure, a static fly will seldom catch a salmon. Some form of movement is good, and the more like a prey species the better.

The Vernal Equinox

2011-03-29T14:37:00.000+01:00

The approach of Vernal Equinox has an effect on every animal in the Northern Hemisphere [including ourselves], knowing winter is done and summer’s on its way adds spring to our step, a natural signal from nature to get up beat and look forward.
Its influence on the return of Salmon, not only here on the Spey, but on most other rivers cannot be understated, another wonder of nature. From a salmon fishing perspective, after this day, my outlook changes, I am now looking, not for an odd fish, but possibly more! My expectations are higher, and rightly so, as this always leads to a marked increase in the numbers of fish entering our river. With higher expectations, for me at least, comes greater enjoyment. Whether or not I actually catch a fish is by the by, irrelevant, as my enjoyment of the sport is linked to anticipation and expectation and imparting this to my clients or friends rather than personally catching great quantities of fish. Whatever float your boat really! This is my first “trig point” of the fishing year; I now know we have six months ahead with more than 12 hours of light in each day.
But why should this be so? What makes Salmon and other creatures, even us, react in this way? After all, to all intent and purpose, it’s just another day. Isn’t it? Well, not, it would seem, to anything with migration on their minds, Birds and Butterflies, Caribou and Penguins, Salmon and Eels, to name but a few in different categories all have their migration triggered by the equinox. Or do they? Why, if MSW salmon are migrating so far, do they always enter the river in greater numbers during this particular week? When the migration of most other creatures is triggered by the equinox, why for those early Atlantic Salmon, does this almost signal its completion? I have my theory, which is very simple and also goes some way to explain the enigma of “Early Spring Running Salmon”! Having been brought up in a fishing house listening to fishermen and fishwives, it would seem that, closer to home; herring provide us with a very definite clue to this!

Nice little Film About This Subject

The Beginning of Something Special

2011-03-29T01:33:00.000+01:00

I’ve been asked many times, what is your first memory of fishing? I was so lucky to have grown up in a time where there were so many fish in the river, so as an 8year old, until I was in my teens, I could not have failed to enjoy salmon fishing, at this time [late 1960s through the 70s], given the opportunity, every youngster would have been the same. But my fishing didn’t start with salmon, it started like that of most other lads at this time, with a worm of the end of some nylon I had pinched from my father’s fishing bag. No rod needed just a hook and worm, suspended from a willow branch overhanging a nice shaded spot on the river. Looking back, this was the beginning of a wonderful learning curve which I can only hope is far from complete.
As I write this, I can see the river Ugie, a small river which enters the North Sea at Peterhead on the Buchan coast, in most places no more than 40 feet wide, a slow moving river with fragile, undermined clay banks, meandering through the rolling but fertile Buchan countryside with character similar to that of many small East Coast streams. Like all rivers, the Ugie had its own birdlife. Coots and Moorhen are common here at this time, their families now fully fledged and on the wing. Sand-martins amassing around the thousands of burrows in the clay banks preparing for the long journey south, the noise of tens of thousands of geese just arrived at Strathbeg, a loch which at that time was home to more than 100,000 migratory birds. Oh boy, the excitement of waiting for those in the morning with my father, the anticipation of this as a boy! But that’s another story. As I think of my first proper fishing memory, I can smell the very distinctive autumnal air, damp, but not quite freezing, the smell of the farmyard giving way to that of the cleaner air as we approached the river, a unique and distinctive smell which I now only very occasionally get, but when I do, instantly transport me back to those more than happy times.
Scents are a part of fishing which, although seldom talked about, form a distinctive part of my fishing memories. Anyone who enjoyes fishing through the night until early morning will relate very well to this.
As the old car trundles to a halt, I finally see the river, the pool which has kept me awake half the night thinking about what it may hold for me. Oh, the excitement, my hands are shaking, the feeling of expectation! Finally I’m here, the morning mist, rolling from the river reveals a Dipper, washing himself before flying quickly upstream. He is leaving the way open for me to test my fishing skills on the good numbers of Autumn Salmon and Sea Trout resting under the banks and in the riffles! My morning had arrived!!

Top Tips for finding a resting spring fish on the River Spey

2011-03-23T22:23:00.000Z

Firstly, the most important thing to find out is –

• The depth of water you are fishing.

• How near the surface/bottom fish are lying.

• Look at your pool, think where the fish may be lying and target that area of the pool to find the correct depth.

• Don’t have the fly fishing too deep in that particular area of the pool.

Some people don’t like using fast sinking lines and would rather use sink tips. Both are fine, as long as they have the desired effect, which is to get the fly in front of the fish. Although fresh fish, generally, are good takers, when the water is cold they are also tend to be quite lethargic, they won’t move too far for the fly. Look at your pool and think of yourself as a hunter, think, if you don’t get a fish you’ll go hungry! As long as the fish is at rest in your pool, at this time of the year you have a good chance of catching him/her. Having the fly in the correct area, fished at the correct depth, and at the correct speed are the three main factors. What you need to remember is – You must be right with all three of the above to be successful in the spring. Achieving 2 out of the 3 will cut your odds by at least 50%. This is why you see the same people catching fish when others don’t. If you don’t know the depth of the pool, ask someone who does. The most successful fishermen are always those with most local knowledge. By that I don’t mean Locals, I mean more knowledge of the locality!!

Top tips for catching a running spring fish on the River Spey

• Use a spinner, the more metal the better. Blair spoon is a great lure.

• If fishing with the fly, Fish many times with different flies over known resting spots.

• Don’t waste time in areas of the pool which fish well in the late spring and summer.

• After the fly has fished round, make the initial line retrieval slow and constant.

• Always fish your line out at the neck of a pool. Don’t miss the first 20 yards by stripping 20 yards of line off the reel.

Even if you’re not visiting the river this Spring, if you have one, please feel free to ask a question on the above, or any fishing related subject. If you don’t ask, you may never know!

Canoes Vs Salmon Fishing?

2011-03-19T13:14:00.000Z

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?

Nature can only be a female!

2011-03-18T00:17:00.000Z

Not only have we seen an increase in the number of Baggots and Rawners, but also noticeable has been the number of, what old ghillies described as “Christmas fish”, those are clean fish [due to spawn this year] which have obviously been in fresh water for some time. I was first alerted to those right the beginning of the season when reports from the Dee suggested good numbers of fish on the opening day. On closer inspection of the photos I could see that many a good many were those “Christmas” fish. How significant is this? Well, all the older guys I have spoke to felt this was never such a good sign, whilst other felt it heralded a time of change.
Looking at the two fish in the photos, although obviously both fresh fish, its plainly obvious one has been in the river longer than the other. I always remember my first Knockando fish being one just like that in the photo, slightly coloured, but a really nice new fish. Baggots, Rawners and indeed Christmas fish have always been present in our rivers but not in the numbers seen this year. For me, it’s yet another obvious example of nature having no yardstick. I smile with a sense of wonder as I watch her, like a master playing chess with his apprentice, throw up yet another conundrum for those poor blind philosophers, an enigma, to further torture their mind and souls. For others, such as myself, I look and listen for simple clues, for like the good teacher; she shows us only what we need to understand! What a wonder she is. So its official, nature is of the fairer sex, fact! Why? Only a female can make man with perfect eyesight appear blind!!!

Spring on The River Spey

2011-03-10T17:53:00.000Z

The wonderful Cairnty Pool on Orton, River Spey

Brass Monkeys sprung to mind on Tuesday, when again, I was lucky enough to be invited to fish Delfur. There’s not many beats where, subjected to 70 mile an hour gales, it’s still a pleasure to fish, but I have to say, Delfur is one. Twa Steens [Two Stones], Beaufort the Holly Bush and Sourden, for anyone who have not fished them, are, well, fly-fishing heaven; to swing a fly in those pools is such a real privilege and to be savoured under any conditions. Unfortunately with conditions the way they were, it was fairly obvious from the beginning that contacting a fish would be difficult, just a shame the weather had to change for the worst, mind you, that’s salmon fishing, especially in the spring.

Casting a line over the tail of Sourden, Delfur, River Spey

Water temperatures throughout February had fluctuated between 40 and 44 degrees, but the change in weather on the 7th saw this drop back to 37oF, and the wind swing round from a southerly to a more northerly direction. So how many fish have been caught on the Spey until now? Well, a whole lot more than this time last year. Probably around 40 fish, with at least 90% returned.
Those drops in temperature have never been a good thing for salmon fishing, in fact, of all the really good bags of fish I have ever seen caught in the Spring, none have been caught during those conditions of quick drop in temperature and strong wind. Yes there are odd fish caught during those conditions but personally, I have never seen a “bag”. Come to think of it, all my big days salmon fishing, and by big days I mean between 6 and 12, have under similar conditions with little or no wind. I wonder if any one out there has ever made a proper “Bag” of salmon in the UK during those adverse conditions. I would be really interested to hear?
Rods fishing the Brae have been limited to say the least. It would seem the demand for good salmon fishing is poor at this time, that or we are all getting soft and expecting too much from our fisheries! Irrespective of where you fish and other than a short spell between the 1940s and the 1970s, historically, spring fish have always been a challenge and a wonderful prize for dedicated fishermen. Those fishing the Brae will have noticed much more action this year, fortunately for those few, not many others have cottoned on yet! All those lovely fly pools, with a Ghillie to yourself, for £30 per day. And they say fishing in Scotland is expensive!

The Author - Playing a fish in Pol-Ma-Cree, Wester Elchies, River Spey

Glasgow Angling Centre Open Weekend

2011-03-08T22:50:00.000Z

Glasgow Angling Centre open weekend was again a busy one, and from a Hardy’s perspective much emphasis on, yes, you’ve guessed, SINTRIX! By the end of the weekend the selection of single handed rods were well worn with people trying before buying. I have to say, so many people were amazed by the DVD of our guys playing sharks on those rods, putting them through what could only be described as torture, bending them double whilst playing those monsters. What is becoming more apparent is the fact that this material has indeed provided a benchmark for what is to follow!

Some of the best casting instructors, giving away their tips for free, and very few takers had me thinking - I must be somewhere other than Glasgow!! A freebee and no takers! Naa, Canna be, Nae in Glasgow! ! But then that’s the reality of fly-fishing, a sport where, to give them an edge, people spend so much on tackle, flies, lures, but then don’t seem to worry about whether they can actually place those in front of a fish; which it has to be said, is the best and most important edge they could possibly give themselves! Mind you, we all get something different from our sport and if some may be happy muddling away and seeing others catching all the fish. I mean, whatever floats your boat!

I heard it said over the weekend, you will not catch fish unless you change to the correct fly. Interestingly, a comment made by a fly tier. I also heard it said that a fish will come up, but never down, for a fly! A comment made by a good caster. However, one thing is for sure, if you cannot get your fly to where the fish are, then you are limiting your chances by a lot more than failing in the examples above. Yes, you may take a fish with a silly fly, and yes, you may take a fish when fishing too deep, but you won’t take one if you cannot get your lure to the fish in the first place. Now, I am not saying that only good casters will catch fish, of course that’s not true, but what I am saying is, presenting your lure/fly properly, in the way “you” want it, can only be achieved by good casting. But then again, some people are happy enough relying on pure chance with their fly landing wherever the wind or current takes it. After all, we are all individual and as long as we enjoy our day, the fact that out mate catches more every time shouldn’t matter too much. Should it?

Scotsmen turning down a freebee!? I have to admit, I’m still having a little difficulty with this!!!

So what is it about women and catching salmon!?

2011-03-03T12:09:00.000Z

After 20 years of visiting the river for a single days fishing and suffering all the extremes of salmon fishing, high/low/frozen/dirty water, too windy, bright or cold, etc, etc, etc. Having never had as much as a contact of a fresh salmon, why, when he brings his wife, gives her his rod, should suddenly the river become, serine, low, clear, a perfect temperature for spring fishing. Why should the weather also be perfect? No wind, lovely, mild, with just enough cloud cover, Oh yes, and the fish have decided to start moving! WHY, when you have to give up your rod should this happen!!! What have you done to deserve this? You work hard, look forward to your day, and then this! Well, most of us love it really, because we get a great deal of pleasure from seeing our loved ones happy. NO, HONESTLY, REALLY, WE DO!!!! So what are the causes of this phenomenon? Well, like so much of Salmon fishing, its called luck, whether good or bad will depend on which side of the fence you happen to be on, but one thing for sure luck it is. But then I’ve heard it say, you help make your own luck. This is why so many of the fairer sex do well. Lets face it, salmon fishing is still the sport of gentleman and as such, has unwritten rules, one of which is always to point the lady to the best spot. Like so many other things, it’s much better to share than keep everything to yourself!
So, the decision to come to Wester Elchies for a day with her husband, proved to be a good one for Moira McColgan of Airlie, Kirrimuir. Accompanied by her husband John she headed to the Brock, a pool at the top of the beat, and before any time had passed she hooked and landed a fresh 7.5lb salmon, her first ever. After netting the fish, although instinct was pushing John toward throwing her in, somehow he remained calm, thinking, as we do, how many brownie points is this one worth?
There is something fantastic about being part of the group in which someone catches their first salmon, a special moment for all concerned.
Unfortunately for John, he went on to forfeit some of those points collected when he failed to net properly another fish hooked by Moira after lunch. And the moral of the story is – Brownie points definitely have a use or sell by date!!

Pol-Ma-Cree Wester Elchies River Spey

Moria McColgan with her first Salmon

The Perfect Day of Civilised and Social Salmon Fishing!

2011-03-03T10:51:00.000Z

This is how I’d best describe my day as a guest of Mr Arthur Mckerron on Wester Elchies yesterday. Add to this, nice weather, the river in great order, a fish or two around and things are beginning to sound really good. Include to this someone catching their first Salmon ever, and its going from good to fantastic, add the final ingredient of like minded and fun people, and you have the perfect days Salmon fishing!
After breakfast cooked in the fishing hut by our host, with the river running at 1 foot on the gauge, it was off to “Pol-ma-cree”, which translated from the Gaelic – “Pool of my heart”, a wonderful pool, which on the left bank of the river can be fished wearing only shoes. Armed with an intermediate line with fast sinking tip and my “Swallow” fly tied o a double, it was time to test the new Sintrix 15’1” rod, hopefully with a heavy fish in some heavy current!
Sam, the Ghillie and I had only just been talking about, what would seem an abnormal number of “Rawners” [Cock fish which had not spawned], when the line tightened for the first time, and interestingly, this fish was a perfect example of what we had just been talking about. To the untrained eye, those fish could very easily be mistaken as a fresh fish, perfect fins, tight vent [see picture], with the only tell tale sign, the Kype and a few more spots on the head. Otherwise, it would be very easily mistaken. What people should remember is, at this time of the year, any small 4 – 8lb fish, which is visibly a male is almost certainly a Rawner. I have also heard people say, “Well, I just wasn’t sure” I “think” it was a fresh fish! The word “think” means we know something’s wrong and we are merely kidding ourselves on! Having said all this, is there anything wrong with catching one of those nice little fish? Well of course not, they are great fun. Personally, I would rather have my string pulled with a few of those than have nothing at all. In fact, I have had many a kelt which has played a whole lot better than some of the pitiful fish I see caught in the late Autumn, by which time they are nothing but Kelts with the eggs still in them!

How did the Sintrix rods handle those fish? Well, all I can say is WOW, if you are after a fish of a lifetime and need, as you do, to bully it; or want to play fish quickly, this baby is sent from heaven! Separate blog needed!

Our Water of Life is Missing [By Salmo Salar]

2011-03-01T01:08:00.000Z

On travelling south on the train on Sunday to watch the Rugby, I couldn’t help but think, how different this trip into the highlands must have been for those Victorians who made the journey 150 years ago. No conifer plantations; each side of the track wet and boggy, the line itself, well drained and elevated out of the reach of flooding waters, was almost the only thing man made. The upper part of the River Garry thundering through its narrow gorge, was a sight to behold; then the Tromie, an upper tributary of the Spey, its clean sparkling alkaline infused water providing some of the best spawning habitat in Scotland for Salmon. So what has changed?

Well, the Garry could not now be described as thundering and the Tromie has now only half the volume of water it once had! Unlike most other tributaries of the Spey, Tromie has not been overly affected by forestry drainage, which, due to lowering PH levels and causing much faster run off of water, is so damaging to the production of juvenile salmon. No, the main problem for both the Tromie and the Garry is water abstraction. Environmental and ecological change brought about by water being abstracted from both of those rivers, in essence, has starved salmon of the type of habitat necessary to produce large numbers of Juvenile fish from such areas. We can liken the production of Juvenile salmon to the volume of water, in all probability; the river is producing less than half of what it once did. There is no doubt, for different reasons, mainly linked to forestry and farm drainage; similar problems exist, not only in most other Spey tributaries, but those of other rivers too. But should we really see this as a big problem? Or, should we just accept it as a long-term by-product of change in use of both our land and water resource!? Understanding the effects of drainage and water abstraction is one thing, but reversing them is something quite different, extremely costly and no one knows how productive! If it is indeed the case that changing the ecology of the upper part of our rivers has limited or reduced the number of juvenile fish it can produce, then other than long term measures, what can we physically do about it? I'm not too sure we need a Jury to answer this one!?

Catch and Release, little known facts about Handling Salmon

2011-02-24T14:09:00.000Z

Owing to dwindling stocks of Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout, here in the UK Catch and Release [C&R] has recently become much more popular. On recently glancing over a new Leaflet, I noted under the section – Recording your Catch, the statement below.

“Support your fish gently under the belly”!?

Above is fine if fish are fresh, caught early in the season, but coloured or gravid fish caught close to spawning [September on] should not be removed from the water at all. Reason –

Development of eggs is accompanied by a substantial reduction in muscle tissue around the belly of a Hen Salmon, leaving little or no protection to the now fully developed eggs. If held in this manner, eggs are potentially damaged by the effects of gravity; therefore, we should encourage anglers to photograph such fish, only, if being properly supported in the water away from the effects of gravity.

To a certain extent, the above applies to Salmon, irrespective of their condition, but, for the reason above, is much more applicable to fish being caught late in the season. However, there are pro’s and con’s to handling all salmon.

The Scales of Fresh fish are easily damaged by mishandling, whilst scales on autumn fish are much more difficult to damage. However, the mucus film which covers all fish [the one that dogs like to lick off], seems to become more important the longer the fish spends in fresh water. It would seem, the longer the fish spends in freshwater, the more important the the role of this mucus layer.
We have all seen fish, marked by Seals or Dolphins, which incredibly in some cases, heal over very quickly, causing the salmon very little, if any problems. However, the opposite seems to be the case for fish which have spent some time in fresh water, and seem more open to fungal infection if this layer of mucus is damaged. Add to this, many fish in close proximity to one another, as may be witnessed on spawning redds, and the cocktail is there for the spreading of any fungal disease. Thankfully, by this time, and I stress “By this time” [spawning time] the job of the salmon is complete and fungal disease very natural for the salmon, is all part of the process of dying, so providing nutrients for the next generation. If however, we handle, particularly Hen Fish which are close to spawning, in the wrong manner prior to release, then unwittingly, we could be party to, not only the premature death before spawning, but also, the spread of disease in our rivers at an unatural time.

There are some who will sceptical of the above, but this is not theory, I have seen this with my eyes when watching what happened to fish which had been improperly handled whilst being caught up for the hatchery. Fish which had no sign of disease, held in unnaturally high densities prior to stripping, would develop fungal disease, always on the parts of their bodies where they had been handled, and within two days, all fish in the tank had marks on their tails and around their gills. This was put down to disturbance of the mucus layer which protects fish, particularly so in fresh water.
So, I would encourage everyone to think about this when taking photos of older or gravid fish.
If you must take a photo, please leave the fish in the water!!

Tributaries of the Spey – The Dulnain

2011-02-17T21:26:00.000Z

The river Dulnain is the Spey’s second tributary and after the Avon, or A’nn, it is the most productive in terms of numbers of spawning salmon. But The Dulnain has one attribute for whish it is better known to Spey fishermen than any other! Of all the Spey’s tributaries, It is the dirtiest of all. Originating in the Monadhliath Mountains, the Dulnain picks up so much peat draining from bogs in the area to the northwest of Carrbridge. Unlike most other Spey Tributaries, which by comparison run relatively clean, this is almost permanently tea coloured, running clean only after long dry spells. However, the river can be fished, and for those who like the challenge of stalking a salmon or Sea Trout with a single handed rod, much like the Livet, another small tributary, this little river is a hidden gem. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is actually knowing where to fish, but never fear, local knowledge is to be found in Mortimer’s Fishing Shop in Grantown, where permits for 12 miles of this river can also be obtained.

Light tackle with flies fished on the surface make for fantastic fun in places like this. But remember, the river is small and Salmon are wild, don't fall into the trap of making too much noise, fish tend to become uneasy with heavy thumping on the bank, also, keep yourself low and taking care not to become a moving silhouette. Remembering that Salmon are actually wild, I believe has added many a fish to my bag!

The Falls at Dulnain Bridge

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

2011-02-16T21:20:00.000Z

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.

If Carlsberg did fishing beats – Yes, you’ve guessed - Delfur!

2011-02-15T19:33:00.000Z

So, having had the pleasure of fishing many beats on many rivers, I have to say, yes, it’s now official, Delfur is in fact the best in the world.
OK, so people will obviously have their own views on this one, and I’m sure for those not fortunate enough to access Delfur, jumping onto a couple of planes then a Helicopter to eventually arrive at a camp in the middle of the Russian Tundra, will have more appeal. Or, possibly, those fortunate enough to fish Alta in late June and July may also disagree. However, personally, I cannot think of anything quite like this beat on the Spey during the months of May, June, July and August.
My first experience of this place was not fishing, but as an 8 year old boy accompanying my father, watching and learning about salmon fishing. Although this is not where I was to land my first salmon, that being the River Ugie, I never the less often think back to this as being my first memory of a real salmon river, which is why it was so nice yesterday to be back there fishing for salmon. Fishing the Otter off the high left bank was fairly simple, no wind meant, a single Speycast off the left shoulder with around 25 yards of line was more than enough to cover the main part of the pool. Fishing The Broom was slightly more difficult, again, a left hand single spey, but this time from waist deep in the water. Below the Broom I then fished the Collie, A huge pool, but as with all large rivers, we must read the pool and ask ourselves, where are the fish lying? The easiest way to find this out is to use that most ancient of human skills, communication, yes, for as good as you think you may be at reading water, the ghillie, if he or she is local to that beat, will know much more. No matter how experienced you think you are, it never does any harm to ask!
After lunch it was over to Beaufort just about the fishing hut and wow, although lovely to fish at this time, I thought, what must this be like to fish in the summer! An incredible piece of water with the most even of current. What I mean by this is – Over around 300 yards, The pool turns very slowly to the right so the deep water is middle to left. At this height of water the current is evenly spread over the whole width of the pool which means the fly needs no mending , a fly fishers dream. This was a pool I knew I would contact a fish and I was not disappointed, in fact I contacted two, and the Ghillie another.
As is normal under those conditions, I fished a Swallow tied on a size 4 double, this on an intermediate line with fast sinking tip. Nothing much make me change from this fly, my 40 years on the river, tells me what’s right.
The beat fishes five rods over more than 2 miles of double bank fishing, unlike most beats; this allows all pools to be properly rested, so providing fishing guests with an excellent chance of a fish both before and after lunch. Whilst some will say, this will not matter, as is typical in salmon fishing; there are others who will have an opposing view. My question to all would be - Given the choice after lunch, what would you rather fish, virgin water, or a pool that’s been hammered? As is nearly always the case with salmon fishing, the real answer is a no brainer!

Launch of The Spey Foundation Dram

2011-02-13T14:50:00.000Z

The 11th of February 2011 was not only the start of the Spey Salmon Season, but this the 11th, also brought the launch on Speyside of the “Spey Foundation Dram”. The brainchild of keen fly-fisherman and head of brands at White and Mackay, Mr Jim Coates, The “Spey Foundation Dram” is one of a collection of four different whiskies blended by master blenders at The Dalmore Distillery to try to capture and express the unique character of each of the four “Big Rivers” of Scotland and I have to say, “Hats off to all involved”, the collection they have come up with is something very special indeed. The initiative will see £4 from the sale of each bottle donated directly to that particular River Trust, thus ensuring the future of on going research wok on that particular river. So the motto is “Drink heavily and Save our Salmon”! Well not really, but it a nice thought!
The official launch fittingly took place at what is without a doubt the beat and most prolific beat on the river – Delfur. Present were the full Spey Fishery Board team, on hand to guide all around, as well as answer questions about the river and their roll within it. All in all it was a most enjoyable and interesting evening. Also in attendance were Mr Angus Robertson MP and Mr Richard Lochhead SMP. The presence of both of Moray’s MPs I found interesting and heartening, as ultimately, and more than in any other way, the future of our salmon fisheries are affected by decisions made by them.
Turning back to the Whisky, with each being so distinctive, there were a great many people in the room trying to describe, it has to be said, in some detail, the difference between all four. I heard all sorts of adjectives used to describe each, and I have to say, being somewhat of a bullshitter myself, occasionally, it’s nice to listen to a real expert! Strangely enough, the more people drank, the more of an expert they became! This, I thought, fits perfectly into what many of us love about Salmon Fishing. So much bullshit and so much theory, fishing huts are full of this without any whisky, add this wonderful final ingredient and the mixture is perfect for hours and hours of conversation which in essence takes those engaging in it away from their normal lives. Yes, there is so much more to salmon fishing than catching salmon, and The Spey, Tay Tweed and Dee, dram, in each of their own rivers, will hopefully play their part in keeping this wonderful sport, and the many different ways of enjoying it, alive.
I could do my best to describe each but that would take too long, much bullshit, and I wouldn’t do it justice, instead, you can read what the experts say about them here.

A Dram of Speyside’s finest heralds start of new season

2011-02-13T13:36:00.000Z

Mike Clarks Fish from Upper Arndilly.

First Fish of the Season Caught at Orton by Evie Glass

Group of Keen Fishers about to let battle commence on D Beat Tulchan

Elgin Piper Mr Alan Sinclair and The Rev Shuna Dicks.

Alan Sinclair and Ishbel Grant

John Anderson Ghillie A Beat Tulchan.

So, once again with the 11th of February came the Official opening of The River Spey 2011. As has been customary over the past decade, the official event was jointly sponsored by Walkers of Aberlour and Glenfarclas Whisky, the presence of each providing those present with Cake, Shortbread and a dram. A fitting start to the fishing season here in the heart of Speyside.
The river was officially opened by Mr Brian Doran and blessed by the Rev Shuna Dicks, who’s carefully chosen words, as always, perfectly fitted the occasion.
The ceremony was completed by Mrs Ishbel Grant, who, to the cheers of many, but bewilderment of others, marked the occasion by emptying the contents of bottle of finest Glenfarclas into the river. Sacrilege to a few, but a fitting start to the season here on Speyside!

The very fitting "Music of the Spey" was expertly piped by Elgin Piper, Mr Alan Sinclair.
Amazingly, for the second year in succession, the first fish of the season was caught on the same beat and landed by the same Ghillie. The fish, estimated at around 13lbs, was caught by Mrs Evie Glass, the beat was Orton and the Ghillie, Andrew Hall. Although returned, this fish netted Mrs Glass the Spey Quaich, along with a Walkers Luxury Hamper and bottle of very rare Glenfarclas Whisky b. Andrew, was presented with a bottle of 12 year old Glenfarclas.
The second of the three opening day fish was caught on Delagyle by Mr David Smiley. The fish estimated at around 11lbs was carefully released by beat Ghillie Willie Mearns. David was presented with a bottle of 40 year old Glenfarclas whilst Willie the Ghillie, was presented with another bottle of 12 year old. The third and final fish of the day was caught by Mr Mike Clark on a Favourite beat of mine –Upper Arndilly. Mike was presented with a special selection of flies tied by Dee Ghillie Mr Sean Stanton.
So, that’s us underway again. Keep an eye on this and the page of Speyghillie, Mr Jock Royan, for updates on how the river is fishing.

River Spey, Opening

2011-02-12T17:37:00.000Z

Looks like there were three fish caught on opening day 2011.

Here is a link to the opening ceremony.
Also launched yesterday was the Dalmore "Spey Dram" More about all this in a full report tomorrow.

Book Salmon Fishing on The River Spey and Dee

2011-02-08T22:39:00.000Z

Fishing Available as of today -

5th - 9th April - Craigellachie River Spey 4 rods

4th - 6th April - Upper Arndilly 2 rods

20th - 22nd June Tillmouth River Tweed - 6 rods

27th June - 2nd July Brae Water River Spey 5 rods

8th - 11th August - Lower Invercauld River Dee 4 rods

12th - 17th September - Lower Invercauld River Dee 4 rods

16th - 17th September - Brae Water River Spey 5 rods

1st - 6th August - Turtory river Deveron 2 rods

For any enquiries please contact me on

Mobile - 07786120436

E mail - speycaster1@gmail.com

Teaching at Forres Angling Club

2011-02-07T21:28:00.000Z

I had a really enjoyable morning yesterday teaching some of the Guys, and Girls, from the Forres Angling Association. The improvement since my first year here in 2000 has been fantastic with many club members now becoming very good casters indeed; which, interestingly is adding fish to their yearly catch. However, this is not just down to me; the club is a really friendly one with members offering help, advice and assistance to all new members. The water itself is much under-rated, with a multitude of interesting and different pools. The club is supported by a good local tackle shop from where visitors can purchase daily as well as weekly tickets.
This year seen the centenary of the club and to mark this they will be running one or two special events, details of which will be appear in the club website – www.forres-angling.net
As well as individual coaching, I also gave a presentation on different styles of Speycasting Tuition, the pro’s and con’s of each. There are many instructors out there who have slightly different ways of teaching the single spey cast, with most opting for the classic method of Lift, Sweep, circle up and Punch, which I must say is the most terrible and confusing way of teaching this and is the main reason I have so many people coming to me years after learning to cast saying the same thing – “I get to around 30 yards of line then cannot go any further”! Yip, and without re learning it you will never get any further, or tighten your loop. The reason, you have been taught the wrong way!!
It’s good to see the progress of both established and new members I’m sure all will enjoy their fishing and casting on this lovely piece of water during 2011.
Keep an eye on this blog and the Club Website for information relating to a day where I will be on hand to show the latest products we are developing at Hardy/Greys. This will take place here sometime in the late spring and will offer everyone a chance of winning some nice fishing equipment. Details will be posted later in the year.
Finally, having given the guys a try of the new Double Handed Sintrix Zenith Rods, across the board, their reaction came as no surprise, Amazing. Incredible!! The 12’6” and 13’6” were singled out by most as being perfect for the river. From a design perspective, what interested me most on watching those guys casting them, was just how versatile even those shorter rods were with both long and short lines. Two people making the same comment, those rods will handle any line! Well, they may not be too far off the mark! Another impartial review of SINTRIX lends weight to all that's being said about this.

Sintrix Zenith on the Findhorn and You Tube

2011-02-05T17:56:00.000Z

Having spent the afternoon putting The New Hardy Zenith 15’1” through its paces with a 9 weight weighing 44 grams - 55 feet long, and a, well, what can only be described as a “seriously” heavy [78g] @ 88 feet long floating line, my thoughts were - Unparalleled Versatility!!

The new technology developed in this “Sintrix” material, because of its strength under load, I believe, has given us the platform to build the first true all rounder. You will see from this YOU TUBE CLIP, the rod performed brilliantly with both lines and I now cannot wait until tomorrow morning when I take this to the Forres Angling Club and set it up for the guys there to use with a really heavy 50g - 46 foot shooting head. This line is the ultimate windcutter but also, particularly in the wrong hands, a rod breaker! Never the less, having seen and been part of this since the beginning of development and no breakages, I am confident the first will not be tomorrow! I will also have my personal favourite from the Zenith Double Handed range, the 13’6” on show, which I know the guys at the club will enjoy casting with and is perfect size for the Findhorn. Also on show will be the new Greys Rods. More pictures and reports tomorrow.

Fantastic Start on the River Dee

2011-02-02T22:24:00.000Z

So with the 2011 season only a couple of days old, rods fishing the River Dee have already accounted for almost 100 fresh salmon, the best a 25lb specimen caught on the Park beat. In those first two days alone some beats have already caught near the average for the month. This cements the rivers reputation as being the World's finest fishery for Spring Salmon, a unique resource unrivalled anywhere in the world.
The beauty and Charm of this river is almost unsurpassed. You will note I say “almost”, the River Spey still does it for me, although when it comes to spring fishing the Dee is in a league of its own. What would the grandfather of floating line fishing, Arthur Wood, make of it all today? I wonder how many fish were caught over the past two days were caught using his preferred method at this time of the year? His beloved Cairnton beat was on the score sheet with 3 fish today and has rods available during February and March [See fishpal]. For any fly fishing enthusiast this is a great place to visit as his rod room is pretty much as he left it in the 1930s, a glimpse into fishing in a bygone age. I have some very old video footage of the great man himself fishing on Cairnton, I will try and post it directly to my You Tube Channel.

Global Warming - OMG its costing us billions!

2011-02-01T19:39:00.000Z

The Washington Post

The Arctic ocean is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot, according to a report to the Commerce Department yesterday from Consulafft, at Bergen, Norway. Reports from fishermen, seal hunters and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of temperatures in the Arctic zone. Exploration expeditions report that scarcely any ice has been met as far north as 81 degrees 29 minutes.Soundings to a depth of 3,100 meters showed the gulf stream still very warm. Great masses of ice have been replaced by moraines of earth and stones, the report continued, while at many points well known glaciers have entirely disappeared.

Very few seals and no white fish are found in the eastern Arctic, while vast shoals of herring and smelts which have never before ventured so far north, are being encountered in the old seal fishing grounds. Within a few years it is predicted by experts that due to ice melt the sea will rise and make most coastal cities uninhabitable.

____________________________________________________
Now, before you all say "OH MY GOD" and think about selling your home by the sea, please don't lose sleep, this report was from November 2, 1922, as reported by the Associated Press and published in the Washington Post - 89 years ago!

Rivers open with Glamour and less Comedy

2011-02-01T13:21:00.000Z

So here we are at the 1st of Feb again, traditionally, the opening day for some Scottish Salmon rivers. Last year, one of the worlds finest “Spring Rivers”, The River Dee, was opened by the King of Comedy Himself, Mr Billy Connolly, who found being by the river very “meditative”! This year the river was opened by BBC presenter Fiona Armstrong, who, in her first few casts also managed a 4lb fish. After going through a very barren period throughout the 1990s, the river has bounced back and has become a favourite destination for, in particular, Scandinavian anglers, who find the challenge of catching a spring salmon irresistible, more especially because their own season does not get properly going until the month of June. Also opening today was the River Teith, which was opened this morning by another TV presenter Neen Mackay. Neen hosted the wonderfully breathtaking series looking at Salmon Rivers and Conservation Turas a’ Bhradain, The Salmon’s Journey is a series well worth a look if repeated.
So, next week we have the opening of the River Spey! Having tried all new Sintrix rods with all sorts of lines, my choice for the opening day will be the 13’6”! I have good reason to use this, shorter than what would be considered to be normal, rod. Firstly, it is my favorite of the range, secondly it’s so light and powerful,and will handle any size of fish, but thirdly, and most importantly, I will concentrate my efforts for a Springer in the correct areas of the pool, and not simply chuck and hope! More information about this unbelievably simple but successful method will be found in my new website which will be live very soon!!

Sintrix 15'1" Rod

2011-01-30T22:52:00.000Z

Had a good time over the weekend plying around with the new Sintrix Double Handed Fly Rods. Wow, those really are the dogs nuts!

I tried the the 15'1" with a prototype 50' head multi tip line. Weighing in at 48g,quite heavy for such a short line, the rod felt like the line wasn't there. This was so easy to cast, and to fish with, I thought my god, heaven! Next I had to try something longer, so I loaded the same rod up with a 10 weight 65 foot Mach 2, which I have to say, although it worked the rod well, after the 50 foot head it felt a tad on the light side. This made me think, why not really load this thing up, get the camera running and put it through its paces. So on went the 85 foot 74 gram line, and the rest, well I'll post the video if anyone would like to see? Holy Gwatamoley! This baby can throw anything from 40 to, I believe, 80 gramms and has an action which is fast, but with the long heavy line, all the way through. I love it!For short or long lines this is really something. Read more about Sintrix on the Hardy Website. The single handed Sintrix Zenith Rods also came first, not by a little, but by a country mile in a recent review of #5 rods in the USE. Unlike many rod reviews I particularly like the format of this one. Read for yourself at - www.theyellowstoneangler.com The full range of rods can be viewed and purchased at here in the UK at The Glasgow Angling Centre.

Flies 1

2011-01-14T14:43:00.000Z

Click link to right for more flies.

E Mail me for prices and more information

Flies and other products will be available for sale from my new web shop in due course. Details will be posted here as well as my www.speycaster.co.uk website.

Flies 3

2011-01-14T14:34:00.000Z

Click links right to view more flies

E Mail me for Prices and more inforamtion

Ian Gordon Flies For Sale

2011-01-14T14:26:00.000Z

More Flies Below, Click on link to right - Flies 1, 2 and 3

E Mail me for prices and more details - See Right

Flies 2

2011-01-14T14:03:00.000Z

Click on flies 1, 2 etc on right.

E mail For prices and more details

You Tube

2011-01-12T16:49:00.000Z

Here's a link to My TV Channel which I will be updating as time goes on. I will also be running this in conjunction with my new website when I complete it in due course.

The Video is of a couple of my friends catching fish on a couple of beats on the Deveron I fish.

Availability Of Salmon Fishing on the River Spey 2011

2011-01-06T11:22:00.000Z

My aim is to provide people with information about and arrange for my clients, single, double rod days, along with full and half weeks fishing. Basically cater fully for the needs of the modern angler visiting Moray. As well as the Spey fishing can also be found on the Deveron and Dee.

Salmon Fishing River Spey 2011

February –

Although, for various reasons, some Estates/Beats will not let their fishing during February, most with an interest in providing a service to the community as a whole will let their fishing.
Out with what are historically best beats directly below Craigellachie and Rothes, fishing can be booked, depending on individual beat for anything between £25 and £60 per rod day. Most beats will provide a Ghillie but in some cases he may be assigned to other duties at this time of the year.
The opening day on the Spey will average around 3 fresh fish, with the remainder of the month accounting for normally, a further 8 – 10. February, although not a prolific month on the Spey, can be a lovely month for fly fishing. Those wishing to have a better chance of catching a fish would be better finding fishing on the River Dee. For details of this and the Spey.

Please call me on 07786120436 or e mail speycaster1@gmail.com for further details.

March –
Much the same as February, fishing is again available throughout the river during this month, with still plenty availability during this month. Prices increase slightly and tend to be between £30 and £70. I have always said, If I were to have 3 weeks on the Spey, my first would always be the last one of March. Although different to that of years gone by, over the past 30 years, the half decent first run of fish always come around the last days of the month. This time represents very good value for money for fishing the Spey and offers everyone a chance to fish. Although it may not appear so, fishing is readily available at this time.

Please call me on 07786120436 or e mail speycaster1@gmail.com for further details.

April –
Tends to be the month where Estates/Beats generally see the first of their long term lets, particularly the final two weeks of the month. People fishing this time of the year tend to return year on year. However, there is always availability, particularly during the first half of the month. Fishing tends to cost between £45 and £90 per day during this time and although slightly more limited than in March, again is available. Another feature of the Spey at this time is its Brown Trout. Like so much else about our river, this is the best kept secret in the UK. I have seen Brownies up to 8.5lbs being targeted by knowledgeable Trout anglers, with many specimens of between 2 and 3lbs. Again, readily available but for the most obscure reasons, hidden from the public gaze.

Please call me on 07786120436 or e mail speycaster1@gmail.com for further details.

May –Seen by many as the best month on the river, by this time most private beats are fully let and unlike those on the Dee, Tweed or Tay where daily rods are available through the fish pal website, on the Spey, beats are generally let for a full week.
I have from single, up to seven rods available for let during various weeks on some of the best Private water’s during May. Also available at this time is very good and reasonable fishing on various association waters, the best at this time being Grantown or Aberlour. Prices for private beats range from between £85 - £150 at this time, with association waters considerably less than that.
Please call me on 07786120436 or e mail speycaster1@gmail.com for further details.
I will also hold a two day casting course at the end of May. This will not only give you a great chance to fish a lovely private beat but also learn about how to catch fish on the River Spey. I have only 4 spaces remaining and I’m afraid those will be filled on a 1st come 1st serve basis. For Further details -

Please call me on 07786120436 or e mail speycaster1@gmail.com for further details.

Summer and Autumn Fishing -I have a good number of June, July, August, September and October weeks available on both the Spey as well as various rivers throughout the North East including the Dee, Deveron and Findhorn throughout the season.

Also available is fishing on Tillmouth Park on the River Tweed. This beat broke all records last season catching almost 1500 fish. I have prime weeks in September for 3 rods which can be split into two lots of 3 days or 3 lots of 2. Also, fishing can be arranged throughout the early part of the year; my guess is, given the huge run of autumn fish last year early fishing could be very good indeed. Prime weeks last year averaged 130 salmon for the week.

Please call me on 07786120436 or e mail speycaster1@gmail.com for further details. Out with my time designing, promoting and demonstrating products for Hardy/Greys, I can personally arrange and am available for individual coaching during all of the months above. Want to really know about all aspects of fishing the Spey, Dee or Deveron. Why not treat yourself to a personally guided day.