As the higher than normal water conditions begun to settle down to more stable, normal levels, numbers of fish entering the river during august seemed to increase.   This in turn led catches on most Spey beats rising significantly.

As one would expect at this time of the year, beats on the lower half of the river have produced the lion’s share of fish, and quality fish at that.  Reports from the Brae Water suggest that more than half of the fish caught during August have been Salmon rather than Grilse.   Rods fortunate enough to be fishing here during this period have been rewarded with a quality of fish more associated with that seen in the spring.   Salmon of between 12 an 18 lbs have been commonplace with Grilse forming only a small percentage of the catch.   One week on Rothes saw a party of rods catching 60 plus fish, of which three only were Grilse.

This theme carried on up the river as far as Craigellachie, above which, as often happens at this time, fish got a little thinner on the ground.

Someone who had witnessed literally hundreds of fish running through the lower beats, asked me the question, one I had been asked many times – If all these fish are running through the lower beats and you are not seeing them in the middle part of the river, where are they all going?   My answer, like all things related to salmon was little more than an educated guess, but never the less one based on around 30 years of observation, was this – The river is so big, the further fish run up stream, then the more they become dispersed.   For every pool on the river to be full of fish requires a staggering amount in the system.   Hypothetically, If 100 fish came into the river and one stopped in every pool, by the time they get to, say Tulchan, there would be none left.   Couple this with the fact that autumn fish don’t run as hard or far up the system, and you have a probable answer.

The river has for many years attracted families who over the years have produced generations of fishermen.   Master Edward Albone will in all probability be the youngest rod this year to catch a salmon.   Aged only 6, Edward represents one of the next generation of Spey Fishermen, his feat, hooking and landing a 10lb fish whilst fishing Craigellachie was overseen by both his mother Karen and Grand-father, Mr Mike Higgins who first fished the river in 1970.   Another of these third generation fishermen to catch their first salmon was Miss Laura Wills.   Fishing Knockando, 11 years old Laura, who first fished the river aged 6, finally got off the mark, much to the pleasure of both her parents and two elder brothers, with a nice 3lb Grilse.

Another feature of this month, as was seen earlier in July has been the very high percentage of fish with inflamed and bleeding vents.   When I say high, amongst Grilse this has been almost 100 and late running Salmon at least 60 percent.   Numbers of Spring Salmon showing this appeared to be more typical at less than ten percent.   Caused by a worm in the gut, scientists remain puzzled as to why such a high percentage of fish this season have picked up the parasite.   One of the worries is that fish with this problem may not spawn successfully. Although no properly substantiated information exists, information based on stripping fish with this problem in Iceland would suggest that a much higher than normal number of eggs die.   I feel sure the spawning of 2007 will be monitored very closely and only time will tell whether or not our fears will be confirmed.  

As the season draws to a close I will be more than surprised if September, on the lower beats especially, does not produce more great sport.   With fish now stacking up in substantial numbers the chances of some big bags are very real.

As this will be my final year as full time Ghillie after 22 years at Knockando, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my employers, the Wills family, for all their support during my tenure. Also, my fishing guests, most of whom over the years have become very good friends.   As I will still be based on Speyside and out-with my consultancy roll with Hardy/Greys, will do free lance work on the river, I will continue to write the monthly report.   Any clients wishing to contact me can do so via this site.

Ian Gordon
Speycaster