This season is shaping up to be one of the best in many years, and as spring slowly moves into summer, on reflection, the early part of 2011 will be remembered as a period of both quality and quantity.   As fly fishing goes, although somewhat bias, I have to say, nothing I’ve have seen yet is even remotely close to what this river has to offer by way of fly fishing at this time of the year.   The quality of fish during late spring on the Spey and also other Scottish rivers have been second to none, with so many good quality 2 as well as an increased number of 3 sea winter [SW] fish being caught.   The vast majority of fish caught until now, 11th July, have been in the 12 – 14lb class, representing at least 60% of all fish caught on the Spey this year.   As is normal, and other than some fish weighing 7 – 9lbs, caught very early in the season, there have been virtually no small fish at all this season.   From Grantown Association and above, to Spey Bay, those fishing the river during this period can count themselves fortunate indeed, as adding fish of this size to a combination of strong current, shallow pools and perfect temperature, equates fly-fishing heaven! 

Another thing I would mention here is the fact our pools are properly rested and policed. As a guide, ghillie or angler, the most important ingredient to any “Fly” fishery is to have new fish in the pool when you arrive there in the morning! 

As I write about all this good fishing, I must also spare a thought for those unfortunate enough just to hit the river just at the wrong time during this period.   How frustrating it is to come to any river which is fishing well, to find conditions as you arrive there have changed and all those fish you have read about and have excited you have disappeared.   Although really bad luck, this is just salmon fishing and as such we must always gauge personal success over more than two or even three weeks. 

With more than 400 fish so far this season, all caught on fly to five rods, Delfur must rank as one of the world’s finest fly fisheries for Atlantic salmon, this would be followed closely by those neighbouring beats both up and downstream.   Indeed, The Junction Pool on Rothes was the scene for Niki Harding to grasp, not only her first ever salmon, but also, as the winner of Glenfarclas fish of the month, a nice bottle of 105! Both Niki and her ghillie, Robbie Stronach were delighted with the fish, a lovely fresh and sea liced, 10 pounder caught on that old favourite, the Munro Killer. 

Another first, and a real delight for me to hear about, was a first fish for 12 year old Alastair Simmons.   This fish, a 13 pounder, caught in the neck of the Long Pool at Knockando, is particularly pleasing to me as I first introduced Alastair to fly fishing as a five year old. I would like to add here Alastair’s personal description of his fish through the excited eyes and words of an excited 12 year old – “after finally reaching my right amount of line I took three casts and when on my third cast, the line reached the back of the boat and then “whoosh” the fish took and I played the fish until David the ghillie netted the fish.   On finally landing the fish, it weighed 13lb. The fish took a longer than normal to land and took number 8 cascade fished on a sink tip line”. Well done Alastair, no holding you back now, look out fish!   The Simmons party ended the week with 27 quality MSW fish of between 10 and 18lbs, their best week for a few years. 

The otters cave on Brae Beat 3 has been fishing particularly well this season and came up trumps for brothers, Charlie and Henry Bridge.   Like so many pools in this part of the river, The “Cave” has a tremendous current, something which, as described earlier, increases the level of excitement when hooking and playing good sized salmon.   Such was the case for the brothers, with both the 10 and 16lb fish providing very good sport before being returned safely to the river.   Not to out done, their uncle, Mr Peter Steel-Mortimer also had nice fish of around 14lbs on the Grassy bank at the tail of Lord March.   

How fish fought was something I could not help noticing when I first moved from the Deveron to the Spey.   For those who have never the large pools of the lower Spey in the spring, I would suggest adding this to your fishing “wish-list”.

So many fish being caught on the river make it impossible for me to mention all, but please, if you have a story about a particular fish/fly, or anything interesting, please drop me a line via my "Spey on line site"

August/September Prospects
Although the season, until this point, has been particularly good, with all beats, including those in the middle of the river picking up; it would seem however, the Grilse are a little late and the first mutterings of a problem are beginning to circulate.   This may be right, as historically, there are not too many seasons when both Grilse “and” MSW fish are present in large numbers.  

Mind you, when this happens the final three months can be unbelievable.   More than often however, it is a case of one or the other.   Although this is the case, Grilse tend to run the river in bigger numbers and are generally more easy to catch, so even if they are in poorer [than normal] supply, there will still remain enough fish to provide good enough sport for those visiting the river in the summer.   On a positive note also, historically, when we see a poor season followed by a very good one for MSW fish, it heralds the beginning of a change.   My guess is we have are now climbing back out of the trough with regard MSW salmon. I’m sure next year will see an even better run of fish again. 

Ian Gordon
Speycaster