By the time this goes to press, winter cobwebs will have been dusted off our fishing tackle, and our Christmas stocking fillers will have taken their place in our tackle bags.   As I write this however [Jan 31st], extreme weather has seen the river rise to levels not seen for many years. Although not in the same scale as the “Big Summer Flood” of August 1970, when 4” of rain over 30 hours saw the river rise 16 feet. This one, never the less, was big for a winter flood.   Various Ghillies have estimated it as reaching somewhere between 9 and 11 feet, which, by any stretch of the imagination is very high.

Unlike 1970, there were three factors involved in this one. 48 hours of unusually mild conditions combined with heavy rain, but most importantly, gale force southerly winds, all combining to create a massive and quick snowmelt.

The effect on fish, both juvenile and adult, one would think is likely to be negative. But, as is the case with most things relating to Salmon and Sea Trout, there is always a counter theory! 
One could argue, the inevitable movement of gravel will have caused serious damage to redds, thus leading to a huge reduction of juvenile fish hatching in the spring, impacting on future smolt production.   This would seem quite a plausible theory!

On the other hand, lower numbers of juvenile fish hatching means less competition as they develop, lowering mortality rates during the first year which would lead to a similar number of smolts being produced the following year. 

The flood may also have a negative effect on surviving Kelts! Again there are a few trains of thought – 
Some may argue that a flood of this size will help Kelts on their downstream migration, with a higher than normal proportion reaching the sea, albeit, in all probability, most will be eaten by seals and dolphins before getting more than 2 miles from the estuary. 

But then again, having studied the behaviour of kelts, it would seem that for the most, irrespective of water height, they only migrate from the river when they are ready.   So the spate may not have as big an impact as one would think.   My own feeling is - They are very well equipped to deal with any size of flood!

The River Spey Anglers Association held their AGM and Auction on the 17th January. After the formalities, Director of the Spey Fishery Board, Mr Roger Knight gave a brief summary of 2007 catch for the River Spey, which indicated a slight reduction in salmon numbers to around 10000, with a 71% release rate.

At just over 2100, the Sea Trout catch was well below average, encouraging however, was the increased release rate of 53%.  He went on to explain that the concern for Sea-Trout stocks had brought about the initiative by the Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust to try to find answers and solutions to the problem by instigating a 3 year project.  He explained that the proceeds of the auction would go towards funding the above project.

Prizes in the junior section included the presentation of the Alan Smith Trophy. Junior Section Co-ordinator Mrs Wendy Haywood presented the trophy, which is awarded each year to the junior member who has shown greatest improvement over the season, jointly to Joe Kelman and Brett Mackenzie. Unfortunately Joe Kelman was unable to be present and his replica Quaich will be passed on to him.

Finally, it is with much sadness that I report the passing of Mr Jack Noble. Jack was not only a very good friend, but also, a “Weel Kent” face on the whole of Speyside.  For me, he epitomised the perfect client and host. He loved his fishing, but more importantly loved sharing it!   A self made man of true integrity, he treated everyone as an equal and will be remembered fondly by all his friends for his humour, generosity and the “True Gentleman” he was. 

March Prospects –

Give the amount of snow we have had this winter, I would expect water levels to be very good for spring fishing.   Visiting anglers should come equipped with a full range of sinking lines, from fast to intermediate.   This, along with an assortment of tube flies of between 1.5 and 3” tied on both aluminium and copper tubes, are the norm given these cold-water conditions. Popular fly patterns are – Willie Gunn, Yellow and Black, Cascade, Vivian, Copper Sunset and Jimmy Gray.

Ian Gordon
Speycaster