Spring Snow

19 march, and its freezing outside ! - for once the forecast is correct, and the kids are all excited getting their sleds out. Today though I think it is a day for staying in the house, and catching up with paperwork, or perhaps I'll tie up some flies.

The trout season started last week, and wimp that I am, I have takenm one look outside, and decided to wait for better weather. Brian the plumber risked it on thursday though, and walked up the hills to the black lochs. Apparently tadpole flies were the order of the day, and he get a couple about 3/4 pound. He didn't last long however and the winds of up to 60mph + soon sent him running for cover.

The River Aline was however at a perfect height, and having seen one or two salmon earlier in the week, felt that my clients should have a chance of a fish. They arrived full of enthusiasm on Wed, and fished with great effort the lower parts of the river. Unfortunately however the tides were wrong and what fish there were appear to have run through. Thursday brought the chance of fairer weather, and as they started off on the Bend pool we all had high hopes. Nick who has a nice Spey cast gave it all he had, and got in touch with a salmon. Unfortunately however he did what trout fishermen do, and struck into it. Result - no salmon. That was it for the day, and although fish were about, no further luck.

I am looking forward to a good season this year, and have now accepted the invitation to run a Salmon Fly Fishing school on the Spey in July - will it work ? - I dont really know, but I think its worth a try to pass on some of the experience I have gained fishing for Salmon all over the world.

New rods have just arrived for customer use so I'll have to unpack. Clients on the river later this week, so hopefully not too much snow till then.

Muct plan hols for later - anyone out there thinking of a house exchange ( with some fishing available ) ?