Esks - Informes

We desperately need rain in both the North and South Esk, the rivers have never been this low before at this time of year. Salmon are holding up in the deeper pools just waiting for the rain, consequently fishing has been on the slow side.  Most of the salmon have been caught on smaller micro flies of some description, whereas the usual sizes have been put to the back of the fly box for the mean time. On the North Esk the lower and middle beats where the ones that were catching last week with most being from the 12lb mark and below. As you can imagine most have coloured up well by now. The South Esk had a very quiet week last week to put it mildly, with one sea trout caught down at Kinnaird Middle. These last few weeks are generally the week that the South Esk has its busy time, unless the rain appears to shake things up it will be a quiet back end on the South Esk. My apologies for the short report this week. The silver lining is I suppose is that there are plenty of salmon, grilse and sea trout in the North Esk ready to spawn, in the South Esk plenty of sea trout a few less salmon and a few grilse ready to spawn. My point being that the fish are there to do what they need to do.

The Week Ahead.

With out sounding like the proverbial broken record, be aware, very aware that in this low water your chance of foul hooking salmon is greatly increasing. With no rain forecast for the foreseeable future extra care is going to be needed. Again, I strongly recommend that the spinning rods are put away for now, as are weighted flies and sinking lines.  A full floating line is all that should be needed in these low water conditions. Small flies or micro patterns such as Sunrays, Red Francis, and a Red Allys Shrimp with a copper body. All hooks should be barbless or have the barbs crushed. Photographs be kept to a minimum, for example a quick snap in the net at the very most then released as fast as possible. Use heavy nylon, play and release the fish as quickly as possible, always keeping the fish in the water.

Tight Lines.

Helpful Information:

Tackle Shops and Outfitters

Guides and Instructions 

Where To Stay  

Where To Eat .

Fishing Permits for the North and South Esks

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