(Last Updated: Thursday 21 September)
Two completely different weeks. The first was hot with blazing sun; it must be said it was unseasonably warm with anglers being advised by ghillies to fish in the early morning and evenings. On the plus side it did see much of the harvest in Angus get done save the odd field of spring barley. Rain arrived on the Sunday 10th giving a small lift in water making the start of the following week a little more promising on the Esks. The North had a little more rain on the 14th. Both these small lifts in water will have got the resident fish on the move heading slowly upriver. The weather was kinder to the angler last week with showers and dull skies making fishing almost perfect. Surprisingly there are still quite a few sea trout being caught; these wonderful fish should be close to spawning now. As I alluded to in the last fishing report, there are some big fish in the rivers now. Pert had three such salmon at 40lbs, 30lbs and 22lbs plus a handful in the mid-teens. Canterland had a lovely fish of 12lbs caught Thursday on a cascade and Stracathro had one at 13lbs. Two other good fish were caught on the South Esk, one at Finavon Castle Water at 14lbs and the other at Inshewan coming in at 12lbs. Both of Inshewan’s salmon were caught in the previous hot week on a Pheasant Tail Nymph, the perfect time to try for a salmon on the nymph. The fish are looking in good health bearing in mind how long some of them have been in the system, with the cocks starting to get their distinctive kype ready for the odd scrap or two.
Week Ahead
The days are becoming shorter and hopefully a little cooler and more colourful. With that in mind this can help us with fly choice, or at least I think so. Reds and oranges work wonders at this time especially for aggressive cock salmon; it is something about the red that just makes them see red and gives them the urge to have ago. So Red Allys, Red Francis, Ally Shrimp and Curry’s Red Shrimp. The size will depend largely on the water height and temperature. Up your leader strength as well as salmon are not that leader shy especially at this time of year, the ever-faithful Maxima Chameleon or if you prefer Ultra Green. Both have very good knot strength plus a little bit of give. Play your fish hard and firmly, handle with care and return them as soon as possible.
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