BOB SMITH: Quiet start to the salmon season on our local rivers

Last Monday saw the start of the salmon season on our local rivers.
The River Coquet well up on Friday.The River Coquet well up on Friday.
The River Coquet well up on Friday.

It was a cold frosty morning on February 1, due to the travelling restrictions, I gather there was only three or four rods at the popular Streamfoot section of the Coquet.

The car park at the lodge was closed as people living there did not want people coming and maybe bringing the virus with them which is completely understandable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The keen anglers had to park at the top of the hill and walk, or leave their cars at Warkworth village and walk along the Mill Walk to where they wanted to fish.

The river was running at a good height, although I was told it was carrying just a bit to much colour. That was not surprising as the previous Wednesday there was a lot of heavy rain.

By Thursday evening the Coquet was between five and six feet above its normal level.I understand the guys fly fishing on that first day did not catch the first spring fish. It’s fly fishing only during the whole of February on the Federation waters, spinning can be used from March 1.

I walked along a stretch of the Coquet near Rothbury on Friday and the river was well up, flowing very fast and carrying loads of colour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There was ample water to help the kelts get back to the sea.

Kelts are fish that have spawned and are making their was back to the sea. They tend to be much thinner than fresh salmon, although they can have the appearance of a bar of silver not unlike fresh fish.

With the very cold nights, and the closures of many still waters, there is very little to report from these venues.

However, it was a lovely surprise to receive my season permit from the Westwater Fly Fishing Club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Westwater members enjoy fly fishing at Hallington Reservoirs where they have two very well stocked two hundred acre lakes.

Members can fish from the bank or from the club boats on both the East and West Lakes.

I look forward to casting a line again on April 1, travel restrictions permitting of course. It will also be good to see the inside of the newly decorated lounge with its new furniture too.Not a great deal to report this week, but hopefully things will improve as more of us are vaccinated against the virus, fingers crossed!