Conon 8th April

[zeolite]

Up to the heelans amongst the Ordies for the weekend. Mrs Z is from the Muir. So it was off to the Conon chasing springers again.
The water was high and cold and we had a bit of snow to brighten up the day. the hills up strathconon were bright and snow covered.



Started off at the Colonel's pool but no luck in the high, fast and very cold water. The downstream wind was giving us probs with the sunk line 15's and even toby and floating devons weren't doing the trick.
Went downstream about half a mile to the next beat and this is what we saw.




No joy there so we nipped into Dingwall to Mrs Z's favourite chipper for lunch and up to the Boat, Bridge and Junction pools for the rest of the day.
I stayed on the water until 19:00 as I started catching fish! I tried hard with the fly and I thought my double spey sunk line techniqe really improved. I don't even have a sore shoulder today. However the Toby was the way to go.



Got a very gentle take and lost it before I realised anything was on. 2 casts later and I got this.



Wasn't sure at the time whether it was a kelt or not. bright silver and it put up a good fight but I reckon from the pic that it was a well mended kelt. I put it back anyway

Lost another fish (probably a kelt) before bringing in this.


Remember my theory about using big lures for trout early on? well here is the evidence except it was under half a pound!
Had another definite kelt before calling it a night as the rain and wind closed in and it started becoming quite unpleasant.

No springers but I still had a good day on a river I am beginning to know. Pity it starts becoming booked up from now on.

[exerod]

It looks like you had a lovely, if somewhat chilly, day for it. At least you had a few moments of hope with the kelts. How many fish have they had so far?

Tight lines

Andy

[zeolite]

Andy...I think they have had 4 springers up to Saturday and 1 was caught on a lower beat this morning. the river has been dropped considerably and I would expect a fish or two this week.
Those kelts were in spanking condition. I caught a couple last year and they were lumps on the end of the line. These ones were lively and clean. No maggots or blemishes.
I was told that there are a few rods available in June and September if you are interested. I have been informed that the pike fishing is excellent

[fishingd0]

Yep, last week fairburn ended up with 6, with one this morning. I also heard the middle Brahn had 8 last week. This is very encouraging for the Conon so early on.