UP TO WEEK 26

UP TO WEEK 26.

As everyone is aware the last few weeks have been very dry with a Met Office amber warning issued for extreme heat with the mercury hitting 36 C locally resulting in severely low river levels and water temperatures exceeding 20 C. During this continuing spell the responsible behaviour of Federation anglers refraining from daytime fishing has been commendable. Those anglers who did venture out in the early mornings, evenings and rare wet spells were rewarded with several sea trout along with the recently reported salmon catches.

Congratulations go to Rob Edminson who, after much keen effort landed his first migratory fish, a fine sea trout of about 4 lbs and to visitor Ross McFarlane who managed a salmon of 9 lbs 6 oz and two sea trout on his day's outing on the Coquet with good friend and Federation angler Mark Reed who also landed two sea trout.

On the Tyne, after a slight lift this weekend, Federation Bailiff George Sneddon landed another great salmon weighing in at 14 lbs and on our River Till beat Nicholas Polunin managed two sea trout.

Back on the Coquet, it was reported a visiting angler caught a superb brown trout of around the 7 lbs mark on the fly. The fish was witnessed but not verified as it was safely and immediately returned.

A special mention must again go to Thomas Phillips and Josh Angus, both new to salmon fishing and who both immediately landed their first fish. That'll take some beating but, with a good head of fish in our rivers, for anyone thinking of purchasing a permit now would be a good time as once we do get that much needed water the sport should be more than good.

Tight lines to all Federation anglers.