The high water of Autumn 2007 which prevented us access to the river in November to strip fish to take ova back to the Braal Hatchery, continued in to the Spring of 2008 and had the effect of allowing our early running fish access straight through the system and in to Loch More. Because of these fast running fish our first of the season was not taken until February 22nd and the second a couple of days later and both of these fish were caught on the top beat.
The river levels continued to be on the high side for much of March and the first half of April and catches were slightly above average with very few fish taken under ten pounds. The rain stopped in mid-April and was replaced with bright brassy sunshine and cold easterly winds, which after eight weeks, saw Loch More down to summer levels. There was a brief respite at the end of June with a slight rise within Loch More and this produced a couple of weeks of excellent sport but, I am afraid, the drought returned and lasted until October 1st when the rains did arrive---with a vengeance. In the interim we were “rescued” somewhat with small rises from the
Little River on the top of beat nine which, rather than bring fish up from the Estuary, seemed to relocate the fish already in the system and encouraged them to take again.
It is good to be able to report a “well above average” smolt migration which tended not to start until the end of April but continued through until the beginning of June.
Once again the Grilse seemed to be late in arriving but, on the positive side, we had only one fish reported with Anisakis Simplex (Red Vent) although there were reports from other rivers of it being more widespread.
I am also pleased to report that there has been no incidence of Pollution nor of any Disease.
As has already been stated, the rain only arrived on October 1st which did not leave us much time (fishing wise) to assess the run. I can tell you that we took 66 fish on the last day of the season and six of those were silver, sea-liced fish.
IMPROVEMENTS: We have completed the new access in to Lower beat 5 which takes us down to the river at the Trawl Pool. We have also created a new (already much loved) access on Upper beat 2 which takes the Angler to within striking distance of the Well Pool. A new Luncheon Hut has also been erected on Beat 3.
Access to Lower beat 2 is at the planning stage and should be completed early next year.
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