Anglers will be able to chase spring salmon on their favourite Scottish river in the not too distant future!

We are now into March and in the next few weeks, we enter what is the prime spring salmon fishing time on many of Scotland’s rivers. Traditionally April and May are when most of Scotland’s spring fish are caught. This is usually when the numbers of spring salmon entering Scotland’s rivers start to build. Of course, this is not like any other spring. Salmon fishing in Scotland has been severely restricted this season so far due to the travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it is hoped that on the 26^th of April if the data allows restrictions will ease and holiday accommodation will reopen. This will mean that once again anglers will be able to wet a line on their favourite Scottish river.

Some of those who have been lucky enough to fish have enjoyed some good sport already this season. For much of February, the weather across Scotland was inclement to put it mildly with heavy snowfalls and biting cold easterly winds. Thankfully the weather has improved over the past few weeks and finally, it seems the bitterly cold winter is now behind us. Indeed, in recent days with the sun shining it has felt positively spring like around some parts of the country.

There have already been some lovely spring salmon caught from Scotland’s rivers. It has been good to see fresh fish caught from the Thurso river in the Scottish Highlands down to the River Tweed in the Borders. The quality of some of the spring salmon caught have been second to none and over the past few days, it has been good to see some larger fish landed.

The likes of the Helmsdale, Carron, and Findhorn have all produced some lovely spring salmon in the past couple of weeks. There have also been some stunning salmon caught from the River Spey. Indeed, one female angler landed four spring salmon to her own rod including three in a day last week. That is great salmon fishing in anyone’s book. It just goes to show what is possible with a bit of perseverance.

Another river that has fished well in recent days has been the North Esk. The North Esk has produced some cracking springers with most of the fish being caught on the fly. Indeed, a ghillie on the river commented that he has never seen so many spring fish so early in the season. This can only bode well for the remainder of the spring.

Anglers on the River Tay have enjoyed some good sport in recent days. There has been some nice fish caught on the Tay system. One angler landed four salmon in a day on Loch Tay last week and there have also been nice fish caught from the River Tummel and Isla. Salmon have also been caught on the main river with several salmon landed well into the teens of pounds. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come.

It does appear that there is a reasonable head of spring salmon in many of Scotland’s salmon rivers. Hopefully, this will continue as we move through March and into April. If restrictions do ease at the end of next month then many anglers will be able to enjoy some good spring fishing in May. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that this is the case!