Reports 2016
Season Summary
The final return for Season 2016 was 313 salmon and grilse at an average weight of 5 lbs. 94 fish (30%) were caught on the lochs. 277 fish (88%) of the catch was returned voluntarily.
An estimated 35 salmon were recorded, (11% of the rod catch), all of which were returned. 9 fish were caught pre-main season. The two biggest fish of the season were: 1st September, an 18 lb. hen fish, caught and returned by Giles Curtis, Loch One and 27th September a 17 lb. hen fish, caught and returned by Peter Riley, from Pople’s.
Additionally there were 150 Sea trout and 766 Brown trout.
A really encouraging first half of the season with the best return for June since 2005; the best return for July for five years, and plenty of decent shoals visible in the sea lochs.
However, the second half of the season was very disappointing. Water levels were good throughout, (reaching 4’ 3” in early August) so by mid July many fish were starting to run through to Loch Langabhat. Thereafter, whilst some fish will have dropped back down the system, those that did run through were seemingly reluctant to take. Although fresh fish were encountered into October there did not appear to be a significant top-up of fish in the latter part of season.
Sea trout numbers were disappointing, however, the unusual water levels may have been a factor in catches.
September & October Summary
57 salmon and grilse were recorded in September and October.
Additionally, 28 Sea trout, 6 Finnock, and 102 Brown trout were recorded.
Notable fish (all released), included:
1st September, Giles Curtis, 18 lb. Hen fish from Loch Faoghail an Tuim, taken on a Green Butt.
10th September, William Lester, 12 lb. cock from Loch Faoghail an Tuim, Blue Elver.
16th September, David Falconer, 12 lb. cock from Loch Faoghail an Tuim, Blue Elver.
21st September, Will Garrett, 12 lb. cock from Birkie Hue, on a Gledswood Blue.
27th September, Peter Riley, 17 lb. hen from Pople’s taken on a Riley Tiger.
8th October, R Faber, 9 lb. cock fish from Loch Airigh na h-Airde on a Willie Gunn.
Richard Hold with William Lester’s 12 lb fresh run cock fish, Loch Faighail an Tuim, Saturday 10th September
AUGUST SUMMARY
56 salmon and grilse were recorded in August.
Additionally, 38 Sea trout, 8 Finnock, and 204 Brown trout were recorded.
Notable fish (all released), included:
Stephen Hodges, 8 lb. cock fish from the Bridge Pool on a Cascade Shrimp.
Marcus Richards, 7 lb. hen from the First Stream on a Black Francis.
Charlie Pinsent, 6½ lb. cock fish from Loch Faighail an Tuim, on a Blue Elver.
Overall a disappointing return after the excellent run of fish in June and July. This is largely down to unprecedented water levels for August. We started the month with 2’ 8 ½” on the gauge, a good height for the time of year. However heavy rain pushed levels to over 4’ by the middle of the month, so many fish will have run through to Loch Langavat. Levels dropped thereafter but fish were reluctant to take.
However the good news is that fresh fish are being seen in the river and an excellent fresh run salmon of 12 lb. was taken from Loch Faighail an Tuim in early September.
July Summary
148 salmon and grilse were recorded in July, this the best return for five years. Additionally, 33 Sea trout, 8 Finnock, and 279 Brown trout were recorded.
Notable fish (all released), included:
6th July. Donal Macdonald, 9 lb. cock fish from the First Stream on a Silver Stoat, and an 11 ½ lb. fish from Loch Faoghail an Tuim (Loch One) on a Blue Elver.
21st July. Toby Kempster, 10 lb. cock fish, First Stream, Teal Blue & Silver.
27th July. William Martin, 10 lb. cock fish, First Stream, Blue Elver.
We started the month with 2’ 2” showing on the Charrasan gauge, an ideal height for this time of the season. Showers throughout the period, and heavy rain over the weekend of the 10th pushed levels to 3’ 6” by the 22nd. This encouraged fish to move up the system and some good catches have been reported from Loch Langabhat.
Thereafter levels have gradually dropped and at the time of writing (1st August) are at 2’ 8”.
Above: Tom Silk, Fraser Bird's Pool, Cascade Shrimp, 25th July
Below: Billy Mantle with 6lb cock Fish from Long Pool on a Cascade, Tuesday 5th July
Wednesday 6th July:
Ghillie Jonas Degn with Donal Macdonald's 11.5lb fish before release Loch Faighail an Tuim (Loch One) taken on a Blue Elver
JUNE SUMMARY
48 salmon and grilse were recorded in June, this the best return for the month since 2005. Additionally, 40 Sea trout, 40 Finnock, and 136 Brown trout were recorded.
Notable fish (all released), included:
1st June. First grilse of the season. 4 lb. hen fish for ghillie Peter Ratcliffe. Bridge Pool, Hairy Mary.
16th June. First fish from the lochs, a 3 lb. hen for Dr Fraser Lawrie. Loch Faighail Chiorabhal (Loch Three).
21st June. Dr Ken Strachan, a 10 lb. hen from Loch Faighail an Tuim (Loch One).
30th June. A first salmon for Billy Mantle, a 4 ½ lb. hen from the Bridge Pool, on a Cascade Shrimp.
At the time of writing (2nd July) the Loch Charrason gauge is showing 2’ 3”, an ideal height for the time of season. Plenty of fish are showing in the sea, running the lower river, and beginning to show on the lochs.
2016 PRE SEASON SUMMARY
The first Grimersta fish of the season was caught on 18th April by Angus Matheson. A 10 ¼ lb. hen fish (released), from the Bridge Pool, taken on a Park Shrimp.
Two fish were recorded in May, both of 12 lbs., both released.
Left bank Battery Pool
Previous Season's Reports
