So, now we are at the end of May, should we still be calling for mandatory catch and release? Have Salmon numbers dropped so low that every fish is needed to re-stock the river?   Or, do the people charged with managing Scottish Rivers feel things are heading in that direction? 

Generally speaking the river has remained low throughout May with the mean level below that normally seen at this time of the year.   Conditions such as these tend to favour beats in the lower part of the river, but as anyone who has watched salmon trying to ascend obstacles such as a steep waterfalls will recognise, the incredible desire of this fish to reach a particular part of the river will not be limited by lower than average water conditions, or even by placing a large stone in their path!   Fishing at Castle Grant was testimony to this during May, with respectable catches of fish, and a good percentage of those, covered with sea-lice. 

It would appear strange; given what must have been a fair run of fish that beats directly below Castle Grant have generally struggled, with Tulchan, Knockando and Carron all down on last year and anglers fishing hard for their rewards.   However, one thing is true, if fish do not want to stop in a particular area, nothing will make them.   Salmon are driven back to their natal river by instinct, and this is so strong it is really difficult for us to comprehend, although our instinct to protect our children might come close to this!   So why, having returned to the river, do they seem to prefer a specific area?   The River Spey has beats which always perform, come hell or high water, they always have, and always will do well, whilst for others, this will only happen periodically.   The reasons for this, although well known, are seldom talked about.   

Without going too far, because that would need a book!   At various stages in their life, salmon enjoy safety in numbers and this instinct also plays a major part in why certain areas, naturally do better than others, anyone with a basic understanding of salmon biology could give a simple explanation.   Whilst a growing number of others will endeavour to answer the question with yet another series of questions!!

The lower part has fished very well indeed, with lots of quality fish of over 20lbs being caught. Almost every beat on the river can boast having caught 3 SW fish this season, from Spey Bay right through to Grantown.   These 3 sea winter fish, common place in the 1950s and 60s really epitomise what fly-fishing on the Spey is all about - Strong fighting fish in a strong current!   The last time I saw this number of big fish in the river was 1986, when not only on the Spey, but all over Northern Europe rivers reported and caught many more 3SW fish.   It begs the question - Is there any pattern to this? Well, yes, but again too long for this report.

During his trip to Rothes, Mr Nigel Houldsworth, was one of the very lucky anglers who can boast of catching two spring fish of over 20lbs in one day, a mean feat by any standard. Another person in the 20lb club this month was Lower Pitchroy Ghillie, Mr Bill Drury, with a lovely fish estimated at 25lb.   Lower Pitchroy is a beat which from time to time produces very big fish and is said by many to be one of the prettiest beats on the river.   It also bucked the trend in this area during May, by out fishing all the more famous beats around it.  The best of the month saw the party of Mr Andy Majures catch 10 fish for a single days fishing; exceptional, considering adjacent beats at the same time caught nothing.   Again, the last time I saw this type of pattern – 1986.

As a 14 times gold medal winner at Chelsea Horticultural Show, Mrs Rosie Hardy, for once had to settle for silver! Her first ever salmon was caught with the assistance of Head Ghillie Mr Colin Reid.   The 10lb fish was caught on a No 8 Cascade, Upper Dipple Pool on Beat Five. Fishing on Beat 2 has been extremely good, with some very nice fish indeed.   I was fortunate enough to have a week with some friends which produced 10 fish landed and a further dozen lost.   The best of these was a fish of around 20lbs, caught by Mr Sandy Lawton on the rock pool.   

Another was a first Spey Fish for Mr James Robbins, a nice 10 pounder caught on the Upper Ewe Pool. Mr Paul Davidson also did well during this week, landing 3 fish, the best a fish of 16.5lb, over two days fishing.

Fishing on the Castle Water also picked up toward the end of the month, with Ghillie, Mr Ewan Reid, reporting lots of contacts as well as plenty fish holding in various pools.   With very few people fishing, there was a chance for both Ewan to introduce New Beat 1 Ghillie, Mr Blair Banks, to the Castle Beat.   What followed were a terrific couple of hours in the Bridge Pool, with Blair landing two fish in the teens, and losing another slightly bigger fish.   The pair ended up with 6 fish caught in as many hours fishing, then, as the beat was not let, I’m afraid for the boys, it was back to the strimmer!   As I have hinted at before, the habits of salmon change. 15 – 20 years ago would have seen few April and May fish caught in this area, now we are seeing similar catches to that of the famous beats up-stream, and, it has to be said, with very little fishing effort.

Most Ghillies I have spoken to have reported “visually”, an increase in the number of Sea Trout. This “visual” evidence will ultimately result in a larger number caught by rods during June and July.   It has to be said that Ghillies are by far the best fish counters, what they see, i.e. a lot, Average or Few, is always a good reflection of what is actually there and costs nothing.   Whilst working on the river, it never ceased to amaze me how little attention was given to this method of counting fish, which I have to say, is just as accurate any technical method!   On discussing the limitations of the mechanical fish counter one evening, I asked my 8 year old daughter her thoughts.   Her response was - Why not use the information from both sets of counters? Too simple I suppose! 

Kinermony has also fished well during May with the third week in particular producing over 20 fish.   Ghillie, Mr Jock Royan, was delighted by the effort of his French party and considering this beat fishes only three rods, they had a truly wonderful spring week. 

July Prospects
Water will hold the key to success during July.   The river is very low at the moment and although grilse in particular don’t need too much water to run.   Salmon seem to sense a warm summer, opting to stay at sea.   Right from the beginning of the season all the signs have pointed to a year of low water.   All over Scotland we have seen less than average numbers of fish enter our rivers.   The drought of 1976 was a good example of the pattern I’m talking about here, with only a very small number of one and two sea winter fish actually running that year.

This was followed, in 1977 and 78, by two of the best seasons on record.   The productivity of a river should never be judged over one, or for that matter, even two seasons.   If the river is indeed low, then anglers should look at light tackle, small flies and fishing evenings rather than after lunch.   The better run of Sea Trout should also provide fair sport.

Finally – It is with much sadness that I have to write about the passing of one of my closest fishing buddies. A passionate Salmon Fisherman, Mr John Band had graced many beats on the river with his infectious humour, love of people and salmon fishing.   He considered himself very fortunate to have fished most of the top Spey beats.   Always well prepared, he would call, asking about tackle and finding out as much as he could prior to going to a new beat.   Some years ago I gave him a piece of advice, I said, “Listen to the Ghillie”, because those who don’t tend to miss the real important information.   I lost count of how many times, after catching a fish, he would quote this.   Although he had a great love of the Spey, brought up in Scone, his home river was the Tay, a river on which he had many close friends.   Seldom would he mention the beat by name.   He would say, “I had a nice Springer with Gary and George yesterday”! Or, “my Dad had another one with wee Tony last night”, “He’s a Jammy Bugger”! Good company was always the main ingredient to his enjoyment of Salmon Fishing.   As well as being an expert angler and fly-tier, John was very much a family man, at all times putting himself second to those around him.   Anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him could not help to have been inspired by a true gentleman, blessed with a great wit and intellect.   All of John’s many fishing friends will miss him greatly, none more than myself.

John will continue to be remembered on rivers throughout Scotland through the unique patterns flies he tied, all of which helped him be one of the most successful salmon fishers I know.  A special memory for a very special person!

Ian Gordon
Speycaster