Last week we caught 21 sea trout, amongst which were three nearer 5lbs than 4lbs. These fish are fresh-run and in the pink of condition. In fact, as an experienced sea trout night fisher myself, I can say that these sea trout are as good as I have ever seen them in the South Esk. That tells me that they are well fed, and that clearly there is no shortage of zoo plankton, sand eels and the other marine prey species so important to coastal zone-feeding sea trout. It is hugely important to the South Esk, by repute in the top three of Scotland’s sea trout rivers, that good stocks of sea trout can provide an alternative target species for anglers concerned about the declining abundance of Atlantic salmon.
Just after midnight on Saturday I called in at Indies to see Alastair Young and his companion before they left the River to return home in East Lothian. Alastair was delighted to have caught two sea trout in the Steps, downstream of Tollmuir Pool and just above Marcus House Pool. The first was a nice fresh sea trout of close to 2lbs, but the next one was a real cracker at 4lbs 8oz. Alastair told me that the second fish was in prime condition and “fought like a ten pound salmon”. Both fish were returned alive to continue their upstream migration.
MARTIN SMITH FISHED A GUEST ROD ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND SENT ME THE FOLLOWING REPORT;
“Just the one fish landed last night – a sea trout of 2lbs. Took a few yards down and off the big stones sticking out into the Bridge pool. #10 S. Stoat variant. Dour fish, little aerial intent and a lot of boring down; all the same didn’t give up in a hurry. Landed Fish was not released – had tried to swallow hook, took a lot of removing and I couldn’t get hook out in the water. Fish badly distressed, knock on the head seemed kindest. I’ve seen fresher but no sign of colouring. Lost a 2nd more acrobatic one of similar size further down Bridge, perhaps fresher – from its behaviour. Further confirms you’ve got fish top-to-bottom.
About 30 mins after you left I wandered down to Boat leaving Willows undisturbed. Wasn’t sure where to go into Willows now – and was a bit too tired to go adventuring in the dark. I was a silly boy not stopping to see where you were beginning down there. Some huge splashes in Willows while passing – was tempting, but you can catch them tonight. Fished upper boat from some yards above Volcano and then down through Lower Boat – as Mike showed me. Good few tugs down the stretch and one lost somewhere just above Volcano itself. Splashes down that stretch was smaller than in Willows – I’m working out that the latter is THE pool to fish for ST!
Having left Murray some nice flies in tree on far side of Lower Boat, I decided this meant it was probably bed-time! Forgot to say earlier – I had one decent tug around bottom of first concrete wall of Red Braes as well as the good number of splashes I noted earlier”.
TA.