Only during the final week of the month did we see reasonable water levels and fishing conditions.   Fortunately, it is always this week that sees the first real run of fish enter the river. In this respect, this year would appear no different from any other.   However, like many other rivers, it would seem that this “early” spring run would appear weaker than normal.

The loss of so many fishing days throughout the month could easily fool us into thinking, this is the only reason for poorer than normal catches.   However, history tells us this is not altogether true.   The fact of the matter is - This has been one of the worst starts for many years, around 30 fish for the month, is both pathetic, as well as shocking, to say the least.   The bottom line is - Fewer early spring salmon have appeared throughout the whole of Scotland.   Interestingly, those that have appeared have been larger than normal, with Pro Rata, a higher number of 3SW fish being caught by rod and line. 

For many years, from those who have spent a great deal of time on the river, this has been looked on, not as a good, but in fact a bad omen. In any normal year [if such a thing exists], 2SW fish should out number 3SW by around 10 – 1.   Over the past few years, during this early period, this figure has been nearer 5 – 1, with this year nearer 4 – 1.   Because the numbers of 3SW fish do not appear to be increasing, what we can deduce is – The number of early 2SW fish are declining, or possibly even entering the river later in the season?

Typically, this time of the year, a 2SW fish will weigh around 7- 9lbs, with any fish of over 14lbs mark falling into the 3SW category.   Obviously this changes as the season progresses.   

With better conditions and it would seem a slightly improved run of fish, the final week saw fish caught throughout the full length of the river.   On the upper part of the river - Grantown Association, Castle Grant and Tulchan had fish, whilst on the middle river - Lower Pitchroy, Laggan, Wester Elchies, Kinermony, Aberlour Association and Craigellachie all had fish.   As seems customary, most fish came from the Lower end of the river, this part accounting for around 65% of fish caught. 

Mr Stewart Mackay from Aberlour deserves a special mention as he is the only person thus far to catch 3 fish during his weeks fishing and has the bragging rights to 10% of the entire Spey catch during March.   Also very deserving of a mention in this column are Mr & Mrs Neil Cameron.   Mrs Anne Cameron was envy of the party when fishing Delfur on the 2nd of the month, landed a lovely 17lb fish from Beaufort.   This remained the largest fish until on the 3rd April, her husband, Neil, landed a sparkling 25lb fish from Sourden.   

On what had been a fairly quiet week, Mr Cameron thought he may be heading for a blank when at 3.40 pm on Saturday, his line tightened and battle with the fish commenced.   The fish, which was caught on a Junction Shrimp Tube, was duly netted, weighed and returned by Ghillie, Mr Davie Mackintosh [Photo] who along with Mr Cameron and the remainder of the party, were delighted with such a fantastic fish. 

One of the great delights of salmon fishing is – It takes only one such fish to lift the spirits of everyone.   Well, that is unless you are someone who measures success purely on numbers of fish caught.   In the river Spey, I believe we have the worlds finest fly fishing river, to fish here for salmon, irrespective of the number of fish, should be treated by everyone fortunate enough to do it, as one of life’s true privileges.