Last night Hugo M took Ian H and Hugh M out for a lesson in
casting for steelhead. They are booked to fish Skeena Salmon Lodge and wanted some
pointers. I was expecting to find a very serious lesson going on but mainly
they were just drinking vodka tonics and learning how to mend the line on a
grand scale.
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| Steelhead lessons |
Yesterday was milder with a lighter wind and the team were
rewarded with some good fishing. Oddly Ian H and Hugh M, who normally lead the
pack, had a tough day but Ian C caught 7 with 4 from Tiffinie’s. Jim R had hold
of monster fish in Spring but sadly it took off down the fast water and they
parted company. Ian S had a strong start considering the night before but did
take a short siesta after lunch before fishing bear and catching a good sized
fish in Generator. The fish had been previously hooked and broken and Ian S
gained a free fly into the bargain. Doug U had some fun sport on Boundary with
a number of fish showing and chasing his fly.
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| No lesson is complete without a V&T |
Lower Varzuga fishing picked up again with 14 fish for the
team. Whilst no signs show a big push of fish the fact Lower and Kitza are
still seeing fresh fish is encouraging for our next weeks. Kitza caught 18 fish
with Paul C catching 4. 3 of these fish came from Gold Mine. For those who know
the Kitza Gold Mine is a stunning wade at the right height. Dylan WB had 3
including 2 from Spey bank. New to fishing, John M caught 3. One of his fish
was a monster 7kgs and caught in Kitchen. Ollie reports that all the fish are
beautifully fresh and strong healthy fish. Pana landed 19 fish for their team.
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| Lovely fish for Ian S |
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| Ian S into another |
Today the river has only dropped a quarter of an inch and is
still sitting at 9 degrees. It’s slightly milder today and the sun has been
sneaking out as I type. There is a much more gentle downstream wind. I’m hoping
the upper river will perform today with a more even spread for the 4 rods than
yesterday. The river up above Clarks corner is truly stunning and whilst the
fishing has been mixed in terms of success it always provides excellent wading
and lovely fly water.
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| Doug U into one on a tricky wade |
Tomorrow is change over day so no blog. I will update on
today and tomorrow’s news on Sunday morning. The key message to those coming
out is “Layers”. The weather has never failed to surprise us these last two weeks.
Jack Selby
