The first three weeks of the season have passed and the search for the first salmon of 2026 will continue into February.

In truth, January offered few angling opportunities with only the occasional line cast. The river for the most part remained unsettled rarely dropping below two feet. Combined with a harsh east wind and frequent showers of rain and hail even the most dedicated of anglers refrained from facing such raw weather.

February has traditionally been the favoured  month for catching the first salmon of the year, although in recent seasons this has occasionally happened in March. To have a chance this month both river and weather will have to settle.

Tight lines.