Yesterday (5 March 2011) we caught our first salmon of 2011 in Melgund Pool (Indies Beat). This fish was estimated to weigh about 11lbs, although it was difficult to be accurate because we were careful to keep the fish in the water before releasing it.
There have been quite a few kelts caught and a good number seen over the last three weeks. Water levels have been ideal to encourage fish to get over the Kinnaird Dyke downstream of Brechin, although water temperature has been on the low side, hovering at about 40.F.
Melgund is a tremendous pool for a spring salmon because of its depth and consistent current, particularly in the neck of the pool. These features make it an ideal lie for a spring salmon to conserve energy in cold water temperatures.