We enjoyed another solid week on the river with the catch reaching double figures. Although we are now midway through May it felt more like winter at times thanks to a particular cold northerly wind, and with frequent showers of rain and hail it left very cold. Fortunately, the salmon did not seem to mind the chilly conditions.

Robert Clerk landed the first of the week from beat 13 weighing 9lb. Jamie MacGregor had a great day on Tuesday with three to his own rod from beat 7, best was 12lb. Rachel Wardell and Stuart Downie also had a fish each from beat 7. John Brownlie, Richard Adam and Evie Glass all adding to the total.

And finally, Matt Will who landed his first Thurso salmon on Thursday from beat 9. He was lucky to land the 8-pounder despite breaking his rod during the fight. The next day Matt must have thought all his numbers came up at once landing a stunning fresh male salmon of 22lb from beat 7 once again, what a way to mark your first ever visit to the Thurso.

This week has demonstrated the importance of these long slow canal stretches as an important sanctuary for holding fish, and given the right conditions can produce the goods as this week proved. Looking ahead to next week the mercury looks set to rise by mid-week, however the weather looks to remain unsettled with periods of rain forecast.

Tight lines next week.