Taking a long term view
IT is such a pleasure to hear anglers on the Esks praising the last two weeks of the spring run to such an extent as to render hope that the good times are returning.
Well that may be a bit of an overstatement, but what it does prove is that the Fisheries Board were right to place restriction on spring fishing, especially on the coastal netting element.
Let's put it bluntly, many of the fish now in our rivers would not be there now without the restrictions.
Secondly, I have spoken to quite a few fishers during the period and heard not one complaint at having to return the fish and they all talk of just how much better things will we in five years time when all these spring fish have bred and the increase in stock is achieved.
Brechin AC anglers trying Loch Saugh at this early part of the year are experiencing fairly meagre sport, but it is to be expected as water temperature at the high level of the loch are very low and fish tend to be lying very deep.
I would expect that we will have to see most of April out before the fish start to rise freely as the evenings lengthen and the sun gets higher in the sky, meantime sinking lines will be the order of the day and dark flies will probably get the best results.
Please remember fish wintering at such a high altitude need longer to put on some condition and that thin fish should be carefully returned to the water.
An intriguing suggestion was put to me a few days ago and after some thought I came to an initial conclusion that there may be some merit in the idea.
The prospect of "Protected Wild Fish Areas" in our rivers is a concept completely new to me but after some reflection it really could be quite a good idea.
Given that the nature of our rivers means that areas already exist due to the natural barriers of forestry and wild places like gorges it could be argued that there is no need for further protection but consider other areas such as spawning areas, holding pools and places of resting and you begin to see some appeal in the prospect.
I would be delighted to hear what you think, please ring me on (01356) 622753 and let me know your thoughts.
Tomorrow evening (Thursday) at 6pm in the Northern Hotel is the venue for the Esk Fisheries Board AGM and public forum.
Do come along if you have something to say or ask, I am sure there is something you will learn or a subject to which you could have a valuable contribution to give.
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Weather for Brechin
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
