Prospects

Prospects for coming week

(Last updated: Tuesday 21st May)

Well we are into May and the river is currently at a very good height. Water temperature remains slightly colder than normal, which means that some sub surface tips will be required. The fish will be in excellent condition no matter where on the river you fish. This is very much prime time on the Spey and my personal feeling is that our season will to en extent be judged by catches over the next 3 weeks. That is of course unless the increased smolt numbers predicated last year return in the summer as Grilse. Size 6-7 flies of the normal patterns will work well, fished on floaters with sink tips or hover/intermediate shooting heads.

I'd also like to encourage other beats and ghillies to send me details to speyghillie@hotmail.co.uk

Finally, I'd just like to highlight a few simple points on releasing fish and determining 'bleeding' fish.

When releasing fish

1. Try to maintain a good pressure on the fish and don't prolong the fight.
2. Keep the fish underwater in the net whilst removing the hook.
3. Support the fish in 2 places when lifting.
4. If alone take a photo of the fish in the net. If lucky enough to have a companion, take a quick photo as you lift the fish from the net and into the water.
5. Allow all the air bubbles to exit through the Gills.
6. Do not let the fish go until it is ready! The first kick does not signify this!

Bleeding Fish As far as bleeding fish are concerned, in my 7 years at Kinermony, we have only had to kill 3 fish from almost 1300 caught due to heavy bleeding. All 3 of these fish were hooked deep in the Gill Rakers. In my view, a bleeding tongue or inner mouth is not enough to justify killing the fish and neither is predator damage. If you wish to kill a fish, then do so but please do not distort the facts as some means of false justification.

Thank you to Jock Royan for the River Spey prospects report

FishPal App

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