Tyndals Pool at dusk
I spoke to the Times Weather reporter, Paul Simons, this morning to discuss the effect of this long dry spell on sea trout runs. He was particularly interested in whether the late sea trout run in Island of Mull rivers may be connected to low water. I said that I thought that low flows may contribute, but that there are other factors at play on the west coast, most notably the unknown impact of salmon farm generated sea lice on run timings of sea trout – and of course climate change and its effects on sea temperature.
On the east coast, and on the South Esk in particular, I note that our sea trout continue to run, albeit in relatively small numbers at present. There is certainly sufficient flow to bring small packets of fish upriver pool by pool, which accounts for the flashes of silver we see in the deep pools throughout these bright sunny days. People tell me that sea trout and grilse will run on wet blotting paper!
There are plenty of fish about, but they are nearly impossible to catch. High water temperature and very low water make life very difficult for the night sea trout fisher, despite the fact that we have more sea trout in our pools than for many years. Fish deep and slow in the darkest moments of these short nights.
Paul Simons (the Times Weather man) told me to expect substantial rain overnight on Thursday and well into Friday, with a good chance of continuing rain all next week. We won’t blame him if he is proved wrong but we do like his optimism!
Tight lines to all our fishers, especially Martin Busk and his guests next weeek who are fishing three beats all week.
I’m off to the Scone Game Fair. Come and see me on the AST stand.
TA