Finally some water came in early June but nothing like the downpours we were anticipating. The first week after the reopening a few anglers were out early to try to intercept the Grilse that were coming in the week before. Unfortunately, not a bonanza as expected with little or no fish caught. Some fish were hooked and lost but even to the end of June, numbers of catches have been particularly low and if my sources are correct, less than half a dozen fish have been caught.
Sea trout have been seen both in the river and in the bay which is a good sign and a few good trout have been caught by an ever growing group of night fishers.
The last two weeks of June has seen large numbers of Grilse entering the river and holding up in the previous years flood altered Sea pool. This pool appears to be the favourite place to fish at the moment and not uncommon to see one or two anglers upstream of the road bridge and a dozen fishing the lower stretches and in particular, the Sea pool.
Thankfully, Saprolegnia is not an issue and clean fish are in most pools and running through to feed the private beats and catches have been more evident there than on the Association waters.
It is disappointing to note that even at this time of the year, 50 plus members have not taken out their permits which is a significant loss of income to the FAA. Hopefully, next month will produce better results in both fish and anglers. FAA are extremely pleased to see visitor numbers holding up and it is nice to hear the comments from them on our waters.