Week Ending 20th June
Conditions were benign overall last week, and we enter this week with the river in good order and overhead conditions remaining agreeable. If there are fish ready to come, then the river is more than ready for them.
The week began with a bang for Joe Robinson, who landed three fish at Lower Crathes, all on an Alastair. Dess also got off the mark early with a beautiful fish for John Foreman. Ghillie Ali McEwan reckoned it was one of the nicest fish he had seen in a long time — fat as a tuna. The day ended with seven reported, including a 10lbr for Mark Blair at Cairnton and Middle Blackhall, and a grilse for Neil Weir at Ballogie.
Neil Weir picked up his second of the week on Tuesday, this time at Carlogie, where Angus Weir also landed a grilse. Cairnton and Middle Blackhall had another two on Tuesday, one of which was the beat’s first grilse of the season, a 4lbr from Rockhead taken on a Crathie. Speaking of Crathie, the beat picked up two fish on Tuesday, one of which came in at 19lbs.
Andy Ashcroft had a 10lbr from Cairnton on Wednesday. There was one other fish landed, at Dinnet, where Andrew Markland had the beat’s first grilse from High Burn on a hitch. Thursday was similarly quiet, with Banchory and Ballogie picking up a grilse apiece, including a second grilse of the week for Angus Weir at Ballogie.
Fish were seen moving through Park, but without incident until Friday, when Michael O’Neil, on his first visit to the beat, landed a nice grilse from the Bridge Pool in the morning. Bert Webster then landed a fresh 8lbr from the Long Pool in the afternoon and also lost a couple.
An overnight rise saw Saturday begin with a foot of extra water and finish with six fish in the book. Graham Ritchie had a 12lbr from Jock Rae at Dess, while Gareth Patterson had Aboyne Water’s fish, an 8lbr from Lummels on a Cascade. Glen Muick also had a fish, and Crathie wrapped things up with another couple, giving us a total of 26 salmon reported to the website.
The sea trout have been noticeable by their absence, with just fifteen reported for the week. The pick of these was a 4lbr from Waterside and Ferrar.
Outlook
The outlook for the week beginning 21 June is for more dry, warm weather, especially inland. Deeside looks likely to remain warmer than the coast, with upper river temperatures pushing into the mid-20s at times. There is a possible risk of thundery showers later in the week, but at this stage the forecast offers more warmth than water.
Early and late fishing, shade, cloud cover and careful water-temperature awareness may be the order of the week.
The ghillies will have their own thoughts on fly choice, but the usual mix of small dressed doubles, Silver Stoats, Crathies, small Cascades, Flamethrowers and similar patterns should cover most eventualities. Full floating lines and a mix of poly leaders remain the basic staple.
As ever, listen to your ghillie!
Ross Macdonald
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