The Season started off remarkably well with two fish being taken during the month of January. The first of the season was taken from beat nine on the January 25th and weighed fifteen pounds whilst the second was taken a couple of days later from beat eight. Although water levels were still quite acceptable during February and most of March, the fish were not present in the system in the numbers that we would normally expect. The lack of Spring running fish continued throughout April and in to May and adding to our woes was a complete lack of any rainfall which meant that Loch More was sitting at low, summer levels. The only positive at this stage was the migration of good numbers of smolts throughout April. The smolt migration this year was approximately ten days earlier than normal and, although the majority of smolts had left the system by late April, we were still witnessing small pockets as late as the end of May. I would suggest that the smolt migration could be classed as “above average”.
Early June saw a rise in water levels and we found good quality fish entering the system and we are confident that these were our April/May salmon. We would normally expect to see the first grilse arrive toward the end of May/ beginning of June. This was not the case this year. We normally expect our grilse run to peak around July 25th and this year I would have to suggest that they only arrived in numbers around that time. Other river were witnessing quite a big number of fish bleeding from the vent (red vent). Our experience was of finding substantial numbers of these fish in late August and early September. However, by mid-September, I did not have one case reported to me. It would appear that, once again, Nature has sorted out her difficulties.
We continued to fish well throughout August and September and ended up with our best total since 1981. In the course of the Season there have been no reports of any incidence of Pollution nor of any Disease.
There are now two new Luncheon Huts on site on beats 12 and 9. The new track on beat nine has had anglers singing the praises of the New Owners and the new Rod Room/Drying/Room/ Freezing Room has brought immense praise.
There are many new plans in the pipeline for the Seasons ahead
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