THE rain forecast for the end of the week didn’t amount to very much and certainly didn’t enhance water levels on any of the east and north coast rivers. As a result, it was a hard slog almost everywhere but a bit of cloud cover did help ease the situation somewhat.
ON THE River Ness the Dochfour Beat, now at summer level, produced a further five since my last report.
On Saturday May 13, two salmon were landed, Ally MacKinnon taking one of 13.5lb from the Weir on a size 8 Shrimp fly and ghillie Tom Rattray one of 10.5lb from the Gullet on a Toby.
On Tuesday of last week, Mrs Madocks Wright took a salmon of 11Ib on an Ally’s Shrimp from Burnmouth and on Friday Mr D Mime from Aberdeen grassed a cracker of 16lb on a similar fly in the Weir.
He released his second of the day which at 6lb had come to the same fly in the Gullet. All the salmon were straight off the tide and carrying sealice.
Good numbers of smolts were witnessed migrating down stream and a couple of anglers on the inverness Angling Club section actually stopped fishing as those wee silverfish were attacking the flies with a vengeance.
Knowing just how valuable smolts are in this day and age, it was a very wise decision and one that all river anglers should take note of.
They can sometimes be shaken off the hook without actually handling them, but if you must, do it in the water with wet hands as irreparable damage can be done to their very sensitive scales otherwise.

ON THE River Garry Mr Tilly landed a salmon of 7.5lb from the Bridge Pool on a Gold Crystal and Mr Wales one of 6.5 lb on a Rapala, actually in Loch Oich, into which the River Garry flows.

THE River Moriston suffered its first blank in many weeks although there were fish in evidence but were reluctant to take.
Only one fish was hooked
and lost over the period.

THE Helmsdale was still running at about five inches above summer level with water supplement from Badenloch.
Only 10 salmon made the net over the last week and there were not a great number of fresh fish actually seen in the river.
Salmon were evident in the bay but they appeared to be entering the lower river and dropping back out again as the tides rose and fell.

GEDDES Trout Fishery is to hold its qualifying rounds of the North of Scotland Stillwaters Fishery Association (NOSSFA) on Saturday/Sunday 27 and 28 May.
Five anglers will qualify for the final, which will be held on Loch Insch with prizes valuing £2,000 to be competed for.
Prizes for the Geddes venue are being donated by Cortland.
There are still some vacancies
for the competition, so contact
Robert MacLennan on 04031
28631.
There is to be a Fly Fishing
Instruction Day held at Geddes
Fishery with Scottish Anglers
National Association (SANA)
coaching on Sunday June 4.
Application forms should be in Graham’s/Ormiston’s tackle shops in Inverness this week and the cost, though not finalised, should be about £10, which includes ‘one for the pot’.
All anglers are welcome regardless of age and skill levels.

THERE was a time when youngsters started out their angling careers with a spinning rod and reel, as it was probably easier to handle and fairly inexpensive at the time.
With fly fishing the only option on stocked lochs and on many rivers, now is perhaps the time to make the investment in a fly fishing kit.
I do know that starter kits are reasonably priced and of fairly good quality and I’m sure that your local tackle dealer will render a good combination of quality and cost.
Willie Armstrong of Graham’s says that he can set a youngster up for around £30.
Safety is the only real concern with fly fishing, so some tuition on this should be had.
Incidentally, Inverness Angling Club’s casting classes at the Little Isle Pool started on Wednesday May 24 and will continue for another three weeks.

THE prestigious Malloch Trophy, presented annually for the biggest fly-caught salmon in Scottish waters, has been put into abeyance until the stock of wild salmon in Scottish rivers and lochs increases to what is seen as an acceptable level
Back in 1998 Nairn Angling Club withdrew one of their trophies with conservation in mind.
It’s rewarding to note that north angling clubs are leading from the front on conservation.

WITH their season well under way and plenty of trout on the move, Inverness and District Angling League would like to thank the Portland Club for their continued sponsorship.
Recent results were as follows: Portland B beat Legion A with 21b 4.5oz to 1Ib 9.2oz at Loch Luichart. Best trout came to A Coyne at 1.25lb.
On Loch Duntelchaig, Clach Club beat P 0 Letters with 5lbs 2.75oz to 2lb 5oz. D MacDonald had the day’s best trout at 13oz.
The league is to hold a brown trout open singles competition at Loch Shin on June 17.
The fee is £6 and to sign up, phone A Fraser on (01463) 226259 or T Kay on (01463) 233656.
 
 

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