One can only hope by the time this goes to print, that the summer rain will be nothing but a distant memory.   As fishermen/women we tend enjoy our share of water, especially during the summer months as this tends to be a prelude to good fishing. However, this summer, if we can call it that, was quite ridicules. Although not quite the deluge which drowned Dr Foster on his way to Gloucester, similar floods during July saw landslides block the road between Aberlour and Rothes leaving the river below Craigellachie un-fishable for over two days, this conditions set the pattern for the month.

The river running on average 18 inches higher than normal at this time of the year should have led to one thinking that fish would have easy passage to the upper beats, not the case at all! 
July saw the river fish fairly well below Craigellachie, whilst above, with the exception of one or two beats, it fished very poorly indeed. Grilse were again conspicuous by their absence whilst salmon which were in the river seemed to have no desire to run its length.

Again the middle part of the river, centring on the Knockando area, has been almost devoid of any resident fish, a problem which has been talked about by the Ghillies in this area for some time. Their theory, based collectively on more than 100 years of working this part of the river has been voiced many times, but by the volume of feed-back received, would seem not to be considered important enough to fit in to today’s “holistic” approach to managing the river. I once heard someone say, “Fishery Science is not an exact Science”, or in laymen terms, educated guess work, which it would seem, is the same as the theory above. Thankfully we are living in an ever changing world!

Anglers fishing the Brae Water, through the whole month of July have enjoyed very good sport, with beat 5 doing particularly well, averaging more than 20 fish each week. The Fochabers Association Water has also faired well during this period with locals as well as visiting anglers accounting for good catches of, it has to be said, Salmon rather than Grilse. This has been the trend over most of the river throughout the month, Salmon outnumbering Grilse at around three to one.

Another feature of this month has been the number of “Farmed Fish” [FF] which have turned up. It would seem that they most likely came from Shetland where, during rough seas, 56 thousand were lost from cages. Most of them have been around 10 – 13lbs in weight, and have fought very well. In fact to quote one angler, “I widdna worry if it has two heads, three tails and played the Banjo if it fights like that”. An interesting quote, highlighting from their perspective, the important thing is to get a pull. Rods fishing Castle Grant have caught no less than eight of those fish during July, equating to around 10% of their monthly total. Another of these was caught by Mrs Christine Watkinson whilst fishing the Garden Pool on Craigellachie, 8lbs but strong and very well finned. Although it would seem good for the angler, because these fish have been reported as being in great condition and well finned, I’m sure the high number of escapees will send alarm bells ringing through the scientific community, as the feeling is they carry different genes and interbreeding with “natural” Spey Salmon will dilute the gene pool, leading to, god forbid, the original “Spey” species dying out. Charles Darwin if he were around, I’m sure would have answered any questions without much fuss, whilst I feel with a degree of certainty, that further new research will be needed to make sure this adds yet another piece to the ever growing “enigma” of the Salmon.

Whilst the lions share of fish were being taken below Craigellachie that was not to say above here, anglers did not have their moments.

It’s a long drive from Dorset to Speyside, but never the less, the pilgrimage made no less than four times every year by the Morey Clan. For some years now, Mr Steve Morey has holidayed with his family at the very nice, and little talked about facility at Lower Wester Elchies, and this year again it provided another family first. Tash Morey, having tried for some time could not believe her luck when she finally landed her first salmon. The fine 15lb fish made her, momentarily at any rate, the envy of the rest of the team. The fly I hear is one guarded with great secrecy, so much so that the “Cadman Killer”, like the tape in mission impossible, self destructs 5 seconds after any contact with a fish! The party ended with 17 fish for the week making the long trip north well worth the effort.

Another success story in the middle part of the river was that of Mr Martin Love, who, whilst fishing Pitchroy, the lower half of the Ballindalloch water, landed no less than 4 Grilse and 3 Salmon, one of which, a fine specimen of 20lbs was his personal best. Another Pitchroy success what that of Mr David Chasemore, a total beginner, Mr Chasemore hooked and landed two fish weighing 13 and 7lbs.
 
The Long Pool at Knockando was the venue for what I could only describe as one of the hardest fighting fish I have ever seen. Little did he realise it, but when Mr Nicky Henderson felt the line tighten, it was going to be 40 minutes before he landed his fish, 15lbs, but it had to be followed with the boat into the next pool before being landed. Having fished at Knockando for around 40 years, he never had such a fight from a fish. From my own perspective, it is one I shall never forget.

Fishing at Tulchan was also slow but again had its moments. Dr Neil Menzies-Gow, could not believe his luck to find he was the only rod fishing D Beat on the first week of the month, his luck then continued, landing seven nice fish during his stay. It was not all good news for the Doctor however. Of the seven he decided to keep one fish, a nice salmon of around 9lbs which he killed and placed carefully on the bank. Unfortunately for the Doctor another predator with an eye and taste for salmon was lurking in the undergrowth awaiting his opportunity. As the doctor resumed in his quest for another fish his attention was taken by a rustling behind him, he turned round to see his precious catch disappearing into the bushes in the mouth of an otter. And the moral - Of course there’s such a thing as a free lunch!

Fishing at Castle Grant was again patchy but produced another first fish. This time to the rod of Katy Crerer, although this again was a fish of farmed origin it never the less provided great sport and made the week for another new angler. 

September Prospects

With Grilse now arriving in larger quantities I feel certain that September, at least further downstream, will prove to be one of the best months of the year. Mind you, the weather, as it has done all year, will still have the final word. Make sure you cover every eventuality, don’t forget to pack the whole arsenal.

Ian Gordon
Speycaster