The 2023 season came to an end on Thursday, and with 102 fish over four days it was great to finish on a high. Monday started with a settled river after a substantial rise the previous week. Heavy showers throughout Tuesday and Wednesday lifted the river a further six inches, but perhaps more important was the river temperature dropped below 50' Fahrenheit for the first time since late April. This really switched the fish on helping our anglers land 68 over the final two days.

A few familiar faces had plenty of action, Vikki Jagger and Francis Sandison had four between them, renowned fly tier Ross Macdonald had seven, Randal Wilson also had seven, John and Jan Drummond shared 16 including twelve on the final day from beat 9, Andrew Rettie and his son-in-law James Burke had two each, Callum Imray enjoyed his first experience of the Thurso catching five, Hugh Younger, Richard MacNicol and Nigel Griffiths all putting multiple fish in the book.

Dr Mike Leach and his team of Thurso stalwarts caught a total of 34 between them. Those anglers were Freddy Sutherland, Liam Millikin, Ronnie Sneddon, Denis Lyons, David Elder, Peter Duncan and his son young Pete. And a final mention to Mike Leach who had 15 to his own rod including a 25-pounder from the fence pool on beat 11 which was the heaviest fish of the season, and to top it off Mike had a fresh run salmon on the final day from beat 4. What a way to finish the season!

As the sun set on the final day rods where still out catching, giving us a final tally of 1,004 salmon and grilse for the 2023 season, well above the 5-year average. 

And now for a special mention to the ghillies who are such an important part of making the Thurso an enjoyable place to come and fish. They deserve a well-earned rest. Also Jess and her hard working team at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, and finally to all the guests, both regular and new who make the trip to this quiet little corner of the country. We look forward to seeing you for the 2024 season, only 95 days to go.