That old Scottish saying – “never cast a clout till May is out” (which translates to “never put your warms clothes away until May is past) is certainly relevant this year! Who could have predicted that the first full week in May would see more snow on the Cairngorms than back in March – it’s been chilly in the highlands! However, there’s an upside to a late spring. Snow resevoirs in the mountains should help keep the water higher and cooler as we move towards the summer months – which of course makes for better fishing conditions.
River heights – 1ft-2.4ft (+/- 2in)
Water Temps – 41-46F or 4-7C
Air temps – 0-12C
I’m sure many of the fishers out last week would have preferred a little warmth in their day; they had tough conditions at times – cold winds, snow, hail ……and a fluctuating river. But the rewards were still there to be had and some great fish were landed throughout the week, including these cracking sea trout.
Reports from up and down the beats suggest there’s been a good run of big sea trout into the system. As the weather warms up (hopefully soon) and night fishing commences, fish like these will certainly get the adrenaline pumping on a single handed rod in the hours of darkness!
On the salmon front, it would appear the average size is increasing – which is typical for May. Biggest of the week was a cracking 20+lber from Arndilly. Other beats also recording more double figure fish. As with previous weeks, many of these were sealiced or very fresh.
Catch Summary
Upper River – 14 fish reported – Castle Grant, Grantown Ass and Abernethy Ass
Middle River – Over 30 fish reported – Knockando, Laggan Wester Elchies, Delagyle, Kinermony
Lower River – Over 20 fish reported – Gordon Castle, Delfur, Rothes, Arndilly
Average size – up to 12lb. Biggest fish reported 21lbs
It was good to hear from Mark Melville(Delfur head ghillie) that they are finally back on the river and catching fish again. The “doggies” seem happy to be back also!!
With the middle river performing well last week, here’s a few more snaps of happy anglers with beautiful Spey springers.
Looking ahead
My advice – pack your hats, jackets and a fleece – plus some bigger flies and a sinking line; it’s not warming up much! There could be some snow melt plus rain which will keep the river running higher than normal. It’s maybe not the perfect weather, but if the fresh fish keep coming in, then the chances remain good!
Late Availability
Craigellachie – week comm 24th May – 2 rods all week. Contact Dougie Ross on 07767886126
Tightlines to all.
