Highland Sojourn ~ Findhorn Altyre Day 2 & 3
Friday
Met David at the hut at 8:00 this morning. Overcast, breezy, and about 57 degrees—fine weather for fishing the Findhorn.
We worked the lower beat today. Started at Garden Pool, then moved upstream to Clarks before wandering back down to Garden again. At Clarks there was a steady little hatch of mayflies coming off and the trout were up rising to them now and again, just dimpling the surface.
Plenty of mallards along the riverbanks this morning, preening feathers and carrying on as they prepare for the spring mating season. The river had that quiet, early-season feel to it—cool air, soft light, and the sense that things are just beginning to wake up.
Another good morning to be casting for salmon.
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A Note from Ian today.
“Just to let you know that Jen's son Malte caught his first Atlantic Spring
salmon yesterday evening from the Soldier's Hole, with proud Dad on hand to land the fish for him. I do not know the size yet, just waiting to hear back from Jens! “
Finished out the afternoon working the upper beat. No fish came to hand today, but it was another fine day on the river all the same. Sometimes that’s the way of it—good water, a few fish showing here and there, and plenty of casts sent swinging through hopeful water.
By early evening we called it a day and I made my way back to the hotel, ready for a dinner and a bit of rest after a full day on the Findhorn.
Saturday
Back at the Roe Hillock hut this morning at 7:30. The river had come up a bit overnight and was running just about perfect—good color and a healthy push of water through the pools.
We spent the morning working the upper beat, fishing Roe Hillock and Soldiers up until the lunch break. Met up with the rest of the fishing party at midday for a bite to eat and a few good laughs before heading back out.
David and I finished the afternoon on the lower beat. The water looked right and the conditions were promising, the fish were not there or showing themselves. Around 4:30 PM, the rain came and we rolled up our gear for the day.
Afterward I drove out to Lossiemouth and checked into the Stotfield Hotel. Calling it a day now and settling in for the night.
