Anglers visiting the river on the opening day were greeted by a level fall of between 12 and 18 inches of snow, making access on many beats difficult to say the least.   Another victim of the snow was the opening ceremony itself. Organisers quite rightly, were conscious of the safety issue, which frankly, for most, would have meant nothing more than applying a little common sense.   But in these days of pampering the minority I think the decision was a wise one!

The opening day itself saw temperatures in the Spey Valley drop as low as -18oC, the coldest for many years.   This also meant that ice and gru were to play a big part in the proceedings of the day. Very low river levels also meant the river, in some places, was frozen from side to side, something which has not been seen for 18 years.   This said, by lunchtime the flow of gru begun to dry up and anglers were at last finding somewhere to swim a fly, albeit in a small channel between two banks of hard packed ice.   Kelts only were the order of the day and for the first time in many years there were no fresh fish on opening day.

The week ended with higher temperatures followed by a good thaw, and given the amount of snow, this could only mean one thing.   Yes, low water was replaced by a 5 foot flood; again, conditions were anything but good for fishing.   However, as the week went on the river begun to drop and anglers were soon catching Kelts in greater than normal numbers.

A mention must go to Mr Jim Fisher, who, after catching a fish on the first day on both the Dee and Tummel, fancied his chances of completing the very unique “McNab” on the Spey.   Unfortunately for Jim, conditions were against him, and although the very experienced Mr Fisher did not make the McNab, he did account for more than 20 Kelts during his visit.   Such is his reputation, I think it’s the first time I have ever heard him referred to as “Unlucky” Jim!

As I write this [3rd March] the river has accounted for around 30 fresh fish, most of which have been caught in the Lower part of the river.   Kinermony, which is just above Aberlour, is as far up the system I have heard of a fresh fish being taken, and although river levels since the thaw have been good, the water temperature has remained very cold. 

There have also been reports of unusually high numbers of Baggots [Fish which entered the river last year and did not spawn] being caught.   This is slightly disturbing and could be directly related to a lack of water in the upper catchment at spawning time.   There is no question that a large number of our highly valued “spring salmon” spawn high up the system and that many of their traditional “home” burns have already been affected by different forms of “water abstraction”.   Cold winters, such as the one we have just experienced lead to very low water conditions in these burns.   This will be compounded by yet more extraction.

Whist I can associate with Scottish Waters concerns over potential environmental damage with regard to “fixing” existing pipelines.   However, I would like to point out – Any form of damage to the River Spey and its Salmon population will have not only an environmental, but also a socio economic impact. I would urge Scottish Water to - Take heed of their past mistakes, forget the cheap politics and look closely at what they are doing in this area.    I would reiterate what I said in the December report – The River Spey, its Salmon and Spawning Areas are afforded very high level protection under the European Habitats Directive! 
April.

Anglers should now be looking for fish in slightly higher numbers, not just the odd one.   Tackle used at this time of the year will be sinking or intermediate lines, with Multi Tip offering good control of depth.   Whilst water remains cold, fish remain lethargic and do not move too far for the fly.   Placing the fly right on the nose of the fish, at this time is of the utmost importance.

Also, think about this whilst fishing different parts of a pool. Very seldom are fish found at the same depth throughout the length of a pool.

Ian Gordon
Speycaster