2008,March,Trout and Salmon River Spey Report,Speycaster.

River Spey Report March 2008

The proverbial lion roared its way from the beginning all the way to the end of March, with little or no sign of any Lambs! Water temperatures seldom got any warmer than 40oF, with water heights running on average between 1 and 2 feet above summer level. With the exception of water, conditions were not the best for spring fishing, with strong northerly winds blowing for most of the month.

The influence of both rain and the occasional snow melt have meant that the water table itself is higher than normal, giving fish a good chance to run the full length of the river. It would also seem that although water temperature has been low, it has not stopped fish running right to the top of the system.

A scattering of fish have been caught from the Brae Water, right up to Abernethy, with most beat catching fish, albeit in relatively smaller numbers. One interesting point is that, just as it was last year, a higher number of 3SW fish are showing up, with a number of fish between 18 and almost 30lbs being caught. Indeed, as he had done in February, and what seems to be an almost common occurrence now, Mr John Band managed another such fish, landing a lovely 18.5lb fish whilst fishing Delfur, again caught on his favourite Holographic Cascade. This deadly fly works well, not only in the spring, but also during the summer when lightly dressed on a smaller hook.

Mrs Veronica Sinclair was another lucky fisher during March. Fishing at Delagile during the second week of the month, Mrs Sinclair, form Elgin, out fished her husband landing two fish on consecutive days, both sea liced, caught in the Gean Tree pool. This took the years tally in Delagile to three. Having been fished by various rods throughout February, it took a female angler to show the guy's the way, well done Veronica, some people say pheromones play their part, my own view, having observed many in the past, is that it's "pure skill", hold your head up high, the men most definitely would!!

The first week of the month proved good for my father. Upper Arndilly was the venue. Having fished most of the week with him, he showed me the way with three fish to my zero. Alastair Gordon has fished the river for more than 60 years, and over the years, has caught many fish and is very consistent. My money would be on him every time. I looked closely at how he fished throughout the week and there were two secrets to his success. Firstly, even at 75years old, irrespective of weather, he spends a good portion of his day in the water. Secondly, and most importantly, he reads the water and conditions very well. Fishing the fly at the correct speed and depth, through the part of the pool he expects fish to be lying in. So many people, in the spring, think they should through the line as far as they can; a big mistake for the most of the time. Good river craft and understanding where fish are likely to stop will always produce more fish than a reckless long line.

Mr Malcolm Newbould started the spate of 20lb+ fish with a fantastic specimen whilst fishing Phones during the first week. Not to be outdone, Malcolm's fishing partner, Mr Alan Williams, on the same day, hooked a similar specimen, and it has to be said, returned it with greater expertise. With the fish at the net, and played out, Mr Williams, chairman of the Spey Fishery Board, released the fish without touching it, slackening off the line and letting the hook fall out, a manoeuvre more commonly known in the fishing world, as the "Oh ---- Manoeuvre".

The best fish of the month fell to the rod of Mr Donald Sutherland, a fantastic 29lb sea liced cracker. Mr Sutherland, who runs the fishing tackle shop in Helmsdale and a well known fly-tier, was fishing on the Middle Spey between Rothes and Craigellachie when he landed the specimen fish.

May Prospects -
With fish now being caught throughout the river system, and the river running at a very good height, it should mean that anglers will find fish in most pools when they arrive in May. Sea Trout, which last year, were scarce to say the least, have also been seen in the lower half of the river. I for one will be keeping my fingers crossed for a good run of these this year. All will be revealed through May.

Ian Gordon
Speycaster

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