2010,January,River Spey Report,Spey Trust,Speycaster Report,River Spey Anglers Association,RSAA

River Spey Report January 2010

In his address to the AGM of the Spey Fishery Board [SFB], Director, Mr Roger Knight, highlighted six main points – Core Paths, Water Abstraction, Catch Returns, Conservation Policy, Hatchery and the work of the Spey Research Trust, which has now changed from this to the “Spey Foundation”, a charitable arm, with a structure similar to that of the Tweed Foundation.

Whist issues with Water Abstraction at the top end of the river rumble on, the board are keen to ensure, within its remit, as good a solution as possible for the proposed project to supply the growing community of Aviemore, as well as the rest of Speyside with drinking water, is found.

The proposal is for water to be taken via boreholes form an area south west of Aviemore. Although this has potentially serious implications for the river, its aquatic, as well as non aquatic life forms, my feeling here is – Economic and social arguments will prevail over that of conservation! In what has been a lengthy process, the SFB have, and continue to explore every avenue, ensuring the best deal possible for the river and fishery.

Conservation Policy – With regard to both Salmon and Sea Trout, it was felt this was working well and Chairman; Mr Alan Williams applauded owners whom had adopted the voluntary policy and their contribution to returning 77% of salmon and 64% of Sea Trout during 2009. With regard to 2010, because of “later run times”, the board are suggesting a slight change, dropping the reference to returning all hen fish to the end of June, instead, encouraging this to be done throughout the season.

Hatchery and Stocking – The Chairman reiterated that the board had no policy to reduce or cease stocking. The policy of the board will continue much as it has over the past few years, that is; the 1.1 million fry taken from both Tulchan and the Sandbank Hatchery will be planted out in the following areas –
1. Parts of the river inaccessible to fish because of man made barriers and dams.
2. Areas in which juvenile survey work suggest salmon stocks are vulnerable.

This gave rise to a question from the floor – Mr Graham Mackenzie [RSAA], asked why the board concentrated its stocking efforts on the top end of the river whilst places like the Fochabers burn seemed to be overlooked. This was answered by Spey Biologist, Mr Bob Laughton, who explained – At one time they did stock this burn and that results were fairly poor, thus moving the emphasis into places which proved to be better. Mr Mackenzie also felt, possibly the board could introduce some fish to the main-stem in this part of the river. Mr Laughton thought that more juvenile survey work in this area would confirm whether this was needed.

The abundance of Minnows in the lower part of the river also gave cause for concern. Mr Mackenzie asked whether these fish, introduced to the river by fishing them live for Trout, were impacting on native Salmon and Trout Fry and Parr.   Mr Laughton seemed a little concerned about this, pointed to increasing evidence that minnows will indeed displace both salmon and sea trout, more particularly the latter, in competition for the same resource. In his forward within the annual report, Chairman, Mr Alan Williams, describes one stocking project carried out by The SFB as being remarkably successful.   The small project on the Dullan Water [tributary of the Fiddich], was prompted after the clearing of a man made obstacle, with the result that fish can now ascend, and indeed colonise, this excellent nursery area.   With “significant reductions” of salmon returning to our rivers, it’s pleasing to hear of projects which can be quantified as being positive with regard to the river producing more smolts.

The election of new members saw two changes to the board.   Stepping down from his position was Mr Grenville Johnson, to be replaced by Mr Peter Graham, also, General Bernard Gordon Lennox, who will be replaced on the board by his son Angus.

General Gordon Lennox or “The General” as he has always been affectionately known by everyone familiar to the river, has sat on the board for many years and, I feel, deserves special mention in this column.

No matter what the organisation, every one need people who are prepared to stand up and be counted, leaders not afraid to talk their mind. General Gordon Lennox falls into this category and his contribution to the progress of the SFB though time cannot be understated.   In an age of political correctness the line between good and bad decision making, in all walks of life, grows wider by the day, with the line itself becoming a haze of meaningless bureaucracy serving no purpose to anyone with the exception of poor grade politicians and their unelected Quangos.   Having someone who actually has the guts to “bang the table”, standing firmly for what they believe, is, in my opinion, seriously important with regard to, rightly or wrongly, clear decision making.   Both myself and I know the SFB will wish The General all the very best in his retirement from office.   The General finished by thanking the present board, which he thought were doing an excellent job under what are difficult and changing times.   This was reciprocated by the Chairman, who thanked the General for his enormous contribution over the years.

The AGM of the River Spey Anglers Association [RSAA] also took place this week. Retiring Chairman James Thomas gave a resume of the activities of the Association over the last 12 months and thanked Tony Smith who was retiring from the Committee as Association webmaster.

Committee Members for the year 2010 will be Mel McDonald Chairman, Graeme Mackenzie Treasurer, Secretary… post currently vacant, Ordinary Committee members, Frank Clark, Bill Lasseter, Derek Smith, Walter Polson, Alex Sinclair, and Denise Bedson.

Incoming Chairman, Mel McDonald, praised the dedicated service and contribution of retiring Chairman James Thomas in directing the Association towards the achievement on many of its challenging aims and objectives since its inception in 2003 and presented him with a gift of Macallan whisky ‘Ghillies Dram’ and a limited edition print of the Spey at Easter Elchies.

He went on to give a presentation showing the successes of the RSAA Junior Section from 2005-2009 with a power-point slide presentation.   He thanked all the Association sponsors for their donations and support which had resulted in a large number of young people In Moray and Speyside being introduced to angling over the period. James Thomas presented the Alan Smith Trophy to the most improved junior member, Ewan Cooper.

As this goes to print, so the new decade in Salmon Fishing will be well underway. January is a fairly drab month and all the snow seemed to make it even longer than normal.   This said the amount of snow on the hills will undoubtedly play a part in how the season unfolds.

Having had, and possibly continuing to have, the worst winter on record, there is much talk of the “Good Old Days” with an emphasis on how good the Spring fishing may be.   A strong link between spring salmon and cold winters would seem to exist.

March Prospects –
Given the cold winter, I would think the river will run at a good level throughout this month. Anglers fishing the river during this time should remember that in these cold conditions salmon will not move far for a fly, getting your lure to the nose of the fish is very important and with higher than normal water levels this will mean a good range of sinking line along with a fly of substance.

Some good Spey Spring patterns can be viewed here on my Gallery and on my blog at the address below.
.
Ian Gordon [Speycaster].

View the Speycaster Blog (opens in new window)

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