Releasing a sealiced hen salmon
The last week has not been good for fly fishermen at Finavon. With the water cold and clear, and both water and air temperature lower than average for mid May, conditions were much better for inspecting the bed of the river to see the changes brought by winter spates than fly fishing for salmon. Moray, FCW’s ghillie, saw a nice fresh salmon show in the dub of Tollmuir Pool, just off the huge rock on the left bank. He estimated this fresh spring salmon at 13lbs. But, very much against the odds, Andrew Bett took and returned a glorious 12lbs salmon from Melgund. Fishing the clear water in bright conditions he described the salmon taking his fly as it emerged from the deep water at the head of the pool. A beautiful fish in difficult circumstances. Well done Andrew!
On Sunday I found a dead salmon in Craigo Stream. The fish had extensive fungal growth all over its body. It had been a beautiful fresh springer of about 11bs. A very sad sight.
News from downriver is that sea trout are now being caught. These first sea trout are always a good size – usually 4lbs or more. They should be at Finavon next week.
TA