The spring of 2011 will be remembered, not for the large numbers of fish caught in the river, but for the almost perfect conditions for fishing.   Noticeable however, has been the lack of rods on the river. But for those fortunate enough to be on the water, finding themselves as the only rod there must have felt like their Birthdays and Christmas had come at the same time.bsp;  

Surrounded by a positive aura, beats such as Delfur, Rothes and Arndilly are generally accepted by most as offering the best chance of an early salmon.   Whilst not disputing this statement, those beats are indeed fantastic, well run, and, like most Spey beats, have very good ghillies.   But I have to say, they are also difficult to access.   I’m not saying impossible, but difficult!   They are fully let from the start of the season.   But why?   Is it purely the numbers of fish they catch?   Well, if we look closely at the numbers of rods fishing, we would see a strike rate, which, pro rata, is not dissimilar to other low/middle river beats, so why, given so much availability at reasonable cost, are so many beats underlet, whilst others are full? 

This is a subject which requires more space that I have here so will publish on my speyonline blog. 

One thing sure, is there is some very reasonable and varied Salmon Fishing to be had here on the Spey!   Starting at the bottom, rods fishing the Brae Water have enjoyed a really good spell of fishing, taking advantage of the more than favourable conditions for fly fishing.   Interesting also, is the fact that rods here have caught fish on floating lines with tips, fishing smaller than normal flies higher in the water table.   Remembering the Spey is a shallow river and, at this time of the year, fish tend to be slowly moving upstream, presenting the fly right in front of the fishes nose is very important. Its worth pointing out also, because of its window of vision, a fish is likely to come up for a fly, but so much down. 

Taking this on board and listening to the advice of his experienced beat ghillie, Ian Tennant, paid dividends for Mr Richard Maplethorpe, landed two spanking fresh fish, one estimated at 16, the other at 13.   Both fish were caught on a number 6 cascade fished on an intermediate sink tip on the Grassy bank, or tail of Lord March on Brae Water Beat 3.   But this was not the only success; Ian was also delighted to net a first fish for Mr Simon Neave, a guest of Beat Regular Mr Foxton.   This fish, a 9 pounder was caught in the Otters Cave, again on a small fly fished near the surface. Not to be outdone by the old master, new Ghillie on Beat 5, Blair Banks also mustered some success for his guests.

Below the bridge at Fochabers, The Castle Water was also producing fresh fish, with a small fish of 7lbs coming from the Birks and, after being played for some time another “BIG” fish, lost in the same pool.   This area, famous for its large salmon, is very different from those beats in the middle and top of the river, where the river is more confined, has generally smaller pools with deeper holes and must be fished using slightly different tactics.   If, like me, you like variation in your fishing, then next spring I will arrange fishing which will allow you fish beats on the upper, middle and bottom part of the river, either over three or six days.   Fishing some of the most famous beats and experiencing the very different character of the Spey.   Again, more details of this, which will be very affordable, will be available via my website – www.speyonline.com

Further upstream, fishing has also been reasonable, with a few notable fish.   The first off Tulchan came on Ghillies Week on A Beat fell to the rod of Mr Tony Foran, the lovely sea liced fish of around 8lbs was caught in the Dhu Pool on a number 6 Vivien.   As luck would have it, or not, as in this case; with the wind swirling, he decided to change to a Green Highlander, and in no time at all, the fly, aided by a strong gust of wind, was soon buried in his thumb.   Fortunately for him the hook was barbless, but even still, it had Tony reaching for the Whisky!   Purely medicinal he explained!  Aye, OK Tony!   Honestly, the lengths to which some people will go!

Speaking of whisky; for those who enjoy the water of life, The Spey Foundation Dram is more than worth a taste, and, with a percentage of the value each bottle sold given to that particular River to help fund various conservation projects, it could be suggested, drinking this particular dram may in fact provide us with a few more fish.   I suggested the following motto, “Drinking Heavily Saves Salmon”!  Apparently, the use of such a slogan was “overly suggestive” and not exactly PC! 

But In all seriousness, more than a few people have now asked – Where can I get this dram in London, for those of you in London it can be purchased at - Friarwood Fine Wine, 26 New Kings Road. 

Finally, the decision to come to Wester Elchies with her husband for a day proved to be a good one for Moira McColgan of Airlie, Kirrimuir.   Accompanied by her husband John, she headed to the uppermost pool of the beat - The Brock, 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??    Unfortunately for John, things turned a little pear shaped when he failed to net properly another fish hooked by Moira after lunch. And, the moral of the story – Brownie points definitely have a sell by date, don’t wait too long to trade them in!!

May Advice/Prospects –
If the river is running at a low level, use a flyline that is not overly heavy and makes too much disturbance on the water, a lighter line, although slightly more difficult to cast, will yield better results when fishing small flies on the surface.  If the river is running high, if you don’t know, remember to ask the ghillie the depth of the pool and fish your fly accordingly. 

Runs of fish should be building, remember, if you have caught one fish, be sure to get yourself, or a friend, straight back in as it is unlikely the fish will be on its own.

Ian Gordon
Speycaster