The search for the first springer of the 2024 season finally came to an end on Monday morning. One of our own ghillies Eddie Bremner was the man in the right spot at the right time, the sea liced springer came from the tail of the Weedy pool on beat 13 and weighed 9 pounds. This is the second time in six years Eddie has managed to catch the first fish of the season.

The weather improved as the week progressed, the cold easterly wind and low cloud that has been hanging around for over a week finally made way for something a little milder.

A further two springers were caught  during the week, this time it was fishing companions John Snell and Bruce Clayton. Having fished the river for 40 years during the summer they decided 3 years ago to also fish during March and their dedication finally paid off.

After a titanic battle with both fish  and the bridge on beat 13 Bruce Clayton landed a 12 pounder from the upper bridge pool. 

John Snell's springer will without doubt be one if his most memorable fish, caught from the pool on beat 9 named after his late friend and Ghillie James Macdonald. Well done to both John and Bruce. 

The early part of next week remains settled although a threat of rain is in the forecast towards the end of the week. With the nights finally stretching and the sound of the curlew calling out on the beats it finally feels winter is behind us. 

Tight Lines