Unlucky Michael
lets one get away
| Large springer
escapes after 20 minutes on the hook at Ness Castle
A WET thaw rendered most of Ness system
rivers virtually unfishable, but there were rods out and about on the better
days.
THERE was a report of a 171b salmon being taken from Loch Ness off the Moriston Estuary but I’ve no confirmation or further detail on it. A COLLEAGUE of mine on SANA’s migratory fish committee, chairman Ian Calcott. rubbed my nose in it taking a January salmon on the Tay last Monday. Harling a yellow belly Kynock Killer at Benchil, he accounted for a super 12.5 lb Springer covered in long-tailed sea lice. Will I ever hear the end of it? |
THE River Moriston
had a couple of rods out, although it was mostly too high to fish properly.
However salmon were seen at its entrance into the loch. These were reported
as fresh fish, although who is to say for sure. Catch and release is being
encouraged by the estate, but it’s still the individual’s choice to make
that decision. However after landing a salmon one might give consideration
to releasing further fish hooked on the day. Much has been said and written
on this subject and I’m sure that everyone has their own thoughts on the
catch and release scenario.
Reduced numbers of early running or spring salmon are a real cause for concern on many rivers. Those of the upper Ness system are no different, so it’s time for everyone to sit back and take stock of the situation. Rod costs: January 15-February 20, £15. February 22-March 27, £25. March 29-May 1,~40. May 3-May 29,~35. May 31-June 26, £25 and £15 for the remainder of the season. Contact Annie Girvan on (01320) 351300. THE River Garry had
a couple of rods out in the early part of the week before the river became
just too big. There was nothing to report but it can’t belong before one
is taken, as they do run early there.
|
 A
COUPLE of kelts on the River Oich prior to the river becoming
‘wall to wall’ was all the action there. There was a misprint last week
in the phone number for Glendoe Estate and sorry for any inconvenience
caused. The number for George Watson should read (01320) 366234.
FURTHER north, the Helmsdale
fished well for a couple of days with the river holding steady and looking
good. Only a few kelts kept up the interest, but a stable river will produce
that elusive first fish
THE Halladale, also a bit
erratic, settled back by Saturday and three rods fished over a couple of
beats. Keeper Mike MacKenzie saw the only action, hooking a couple of kelts
in Munro ‘s on Beat 3.
THE Thurso proved difficult
with frost at night holding the river back and by day releasing its grip
and letting the river rise.
AS I hear it, there have been no reports of any salmon taken from any of the other far north rivers either. |
These reports are written and compiled byKenny Macdonald and published every Thursday by,
the Highland News Group, Henderson Road, Inverness IV1 1SP,
in the Highland News, the North Star and the Lochaber News.