Fishing News for week commencing April 23rd, 2017
As we moved into the last week of April, the weather became decidedly much colder … more like the end of December than April!
River levels were falling away and reading just five inches on the Forres gauge by April 24th.
Once again, the cold weather returned with gale force winds, snow, sleet and feeling somewhat Baltic!
My guests fishing for the first three days were regular clients, David Tisdale and Des Dunlop, along with Marshall Garrett and Andrew Fuller, who were fishing the River Findhorn for the first time.
On Tuesday, April 25th, river levels had risen and reading eight inches on the Forres gauge. It was still feeling like the middle of winter and the biting North East winds were making casting a challenge! Later on in the day Marshall Garrett hooked and released a fresh sea trout of around 4 lbs. from Palamore Pool on a small Purple Cascade tube.
Wednesday, April 26th, was still bitterly cold and with heavy rain falling later in the day. Marshall Garrett , managed to hook another sea trout of around 4 lbs. in the Roehillock Pool on the Upper Beat.
On Thursday, April 27th, I was joined by a party of anglers from Norway, who were also fishing the River Findhorn for the first time. The party consisted of Johan Peter Oren, Morten Taule, and Vermund Jostein. River levels had risen after the heavy overnight rain, reading 1 ft. 10” on the Forres gauge and still rising. It was another pretty damp morning, but feeling somewhat milder and less windy, becoming dryer by lunchtime and water clarity was also perfect. Johan Peter was the first to score with a cracking 9 lb. Spring salmon on a small Black and Yellow tube fly from Palamore Pool. A great start to their trip!
River levels continued to rise overnight and as we moved into April 28th, levels were reading 2’ 8” on the Forres gauge. Several fish were seen running in Palamore Island and Roan Pools. The fish were a little disinterested in taking the fly and unfortunately Morten hooked and lost a big fish in the Soldiers’ Hole Pool later in the day.
By Saturday, April 29th, River levels had fallen back and reading 1’10” on the Forres gauge. Morton Taule was finally rewarded with a fresh fish of around 10 lbs. from the top of the Roan Pool. Vermund Jostein also hooked another fish in the top of Roan Pool, which took off at great speed upstream before finally throwing the hooks!
I shall be updating my reports throughout the season as always. I also write up a regular weekly report, which can be seen on: www.fishfindhorn.co.uk.
We have some great fishing opportunities available through the season, so please do contact me, [email protected], to discuss your requirements and our availabilities.
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Ian Neale, known as the Speycaster, is a seasoned fishing guide with extensive experience in renowned global fishing locations like the Ponoi River in Russia and the Rio Grande in Tierra Del Fuego. A published author, he has written extensively on salmon and sea trout fishing, with his first book, “Shadows in the Stream,” released in 2000. Ian has also appeared on various TV programs, demonstrating his expertise in Speycasting and discussing the importance of wild Atlantic salmon stocks to local economies. His passion for fishing and respect for nature are evident in all his endeavors.
