Dormant period

[collordon]

I'm new to salmon fishing. Recently, after a fruitless evening on the river, a well respected club member told me that mid summer i.e. late June was a dormant period for the fish. That I should not expect too much before the autumn runs. My question is - Where are all those spring run salmon during mid summer, and are they really impervious to this anglers best efforts?

[wilbert]

Which river are you fishing? From the information that I have gathered over the last few years about spring salmon it suggests that they run to the top of the river system relatively quickly. The longer a fish has been in fresh water the less likely they are to take, so even if you can find their hiding holes it may be difficult to tempt them to take your fly. I would imagine that you would get some sort a grilse run, even if its only a small one it could still provide some sport. Summer fishing can be difficult due to high water temperatures and low water but fish are still taken in these conditions so its not impossible. Stick at it and you luck will change sooner or later and if your not catching fish its good casting practice.

[Fruin]

Sound advice from both Graham and Wilbert. I would add that rivers, no matter how close geographically, often have different timings of the main runs of fish. From the second week in June to the start of July is a bit of a quiet time on many rivers, but some rivers get an early run of grilse or summer salmon. Also, salmon are fickle creatures; I have witnessed large grilse runs entering river systems early or late. When this happens you often have large stretches of the river to yourself and can have great sport, when many of the more experienced() anglers are away from the river missing the action
If your local river does not get a summer run worth fishing for, then I would agree with Graham's advice about trying to get on another river with a better summer run, if that suits you. Otherwise, carry on fishing your own river, you will certainly not catch anything if your fly isn't in the water

[rennie]

These fish are not impervious to your efforts,you just have to try harder and in a different way.Assuming you are not getting fresh water to bring in fresh fish and the flow is starting to drop off,the day time temperature is also on the up.Best time to fish is first/last light,now is the time to be very careful with your approach and wading,flies need to be smaller and darker too fished off a lighter fly line instead of the 10/11 used in spring/autumn, a lighter cast (within reason) will help your fly move and look alive,you could try a clear floating poly-tip to distance your fly line from your fly.Casting technique needs to be as good as you can get it,nice and neat first time don't mend!
My favorite outfit comprises a 16ft rod with 8/9 floater clear poly-tip 10lb cast and flies in12/14s such as Stoats Tail,Cascade,Executioner and Pearly stoat, or even micro tubes too,if things get really tough I will drop down to a 7 line and 15ft rod.Presentation and stealth are the key words.A fish caught now feels a lot better than one taken more easily in spring/autumn. Pedro.

[JAD]

Good thread this.

I'm new to Salmon fly fishing too and I fish on the Welsh Dee. In fact I fished to day and the river is low. I didn't get a touch or see any fish and I was on the river for about 6 hours But as you say if your fly is not in the water you won't catch any fish.

If you see a fish it boosts your confidence and if you get a touch it at least tell's you your doing something right

JAD

[collordon]

Thanks to you all. Your answers to my question are very helpful.