Where are the Ness
heavy springers?
THE Ness system had a rather unexciting week. The River Ness itself was running at a lowish level, but still not low enough to prevent salmon from going like the clappers for the loch.The only successful beat was Dochfour, where the gauge was reading minus five inches towards the end of the week. Three salmon, all with long-tailed sea-lice, were landed. On Monday Bill Blackhall grassed an 8lb salmon on a Toby in Berrie's Wall. On Wednesday Mrs Gibbs had a fish of 9lb from the Tail of the Island on a Kenny's Killer. Finally, on the Friday, Mrs Haddock-Wright banked a 13lb springer, also from the Tail of the Island, with a Munro Killer. Those who know Dochfour will have noted that all three fish came off the bottom beat a most unusual occurrence. Indeed head gillie Grant Sutherland said that he was 'gob-smacked', as at this time of the season running fish do not normally stop until they reach the Weir on the top beat. One theory doing the rounds is that there are still a few kelts left in the bottom beat, which may have encouraged fresh fish to pause. The Weir itself was fished hard, but nothing was seen.
UP ON the Moriston, anglers were hampered by a lack of water for long periods, but nonetheless five fish made the
book. John 'Feathers' MacDonald netted a 10lb springer on a Toby. THE Oich was desperately low once again, for the fourth week in succession, and no-one can explain why the water, that should be released, never seems to arrive. The consequence is that fish have been building up at the mouth at Fort Augustus, where they are vulnerable to the criminal fraternity. ONE notable feature of this spring on the Ness system is the apparent scarcity of heavy salmon. There have been only two reported above 15lb - both weighed in at 17lb. Where are the big fellows in the 18lb to 23lb (or more) class that we normally expect?
THE Findhorn club water is still having a wretched time, even though water conditions were ideal. | UP ON the Helmsdale, low water was a handicap on the beats, but close to 30 were landed. The club water's remarkable spring season is still going strong with another 16 netted by local anglers last week. Sadly no visitor tickets are being issued as yet, because of foot and mouth precautions.
THE Thurso has been fishing very consistently, despite generally unfavourable conditions, with 18 logged last week and few rods going home empty-handed. Their total for April was 75, compared to 52 in 2000.
AT GEDDES the J Graham's Trophy (sponsored by J Graham and Co) was competed for on Sunday April 29, with 21 anglers taking part.
THE Blue Loch is fishing particularly well at present, with the blue trout providing great sport, with all being returned. THE next open competition at Geddes is on May 20. To book contact Robbie MacClennan.
THE Federation of Highland Angling Clubs' annual brown trout competition, which was scheduled for May 26 at Loch Watten, is being postponed due to foot and mouth precautions.
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