Well its been a crazy old spring hasn’t it? We had frosts of -7C which effectively did for my water pump and caused other problems unfortunately. The new water supply can’t come soon enough and is effectively moving forward after 6 months of Network Rail hoops and a winter where my contractors laid pipes in snow covered land.
In March we had some hot days where some fish were about and one was connected with but got off and then the big freeze came. Cold NE winds no rain made the fishing exceptionally difficult and you really felt that what with Covid and all its challenges the weather could at least be more benign.
In the middle of April at the start of the new easing of restrictions Hugh S and his friends were on the beat with Barry Mitchell on hand to assist. It was a completely new beat for this party and I was fairly hopeful that one or two were about having heard the odd splash whilst putting new steps in with Alan a week earlier.

The team split up on Day 1 with reports of something hitting Damien’s offering in the Hut otherwise it was a day for getting to know the beat and the conditions were pretty good river at a foot and certainly not as cold.

On Day 2 we sensed possibilities as the day was warmer , winds light and sunshine duller. Sure enough Damien had one on in the Hut Pool which gave a fair battle and was netted by Barry at a guess 10-12lb well done Damien. 

This was not the end of it as a few other pulls occurred then a big fish took in Dead Tree! With a group of us watching this one was a long strong Tyne springer in the twenties. Half an hour of battle followed I couldn’t get get it in the net , Barry arrived and this fish was too strong and eventually inches from his net slipped the hook! We were flabbergasted.

The friends of Dave W , Graeme N returned for a go and unfortunately the freeze began again. Deep frosts blue skies unrelenting cold. Any fish just dropped to the bottom and certainly very few were seen moving sadly.

As is the case with salmon fishing suddenly a bit of warmth a flick of a switch and one or two were seen including one that paused long enough and sure enough it took Dave’s fly almost immediately! A serious battle ensued but this one wasn’t going to win this particular fight. Safely returned it belted off.

April continued its unrelenting passage no sign of rains, river low and damn cold. Tim and Chay took their chances and caught every type of smolt sea trout and salmon but no sign of any of their elders. Some brilliant bird life around including a travelling Osprey that fed along the river for a few days and caught some lovely fish.

The morning of their departure Dom F and Elk were keen to get on and despite the conditions the Hut Pool gave an indication that the big tides had eventually moved some fish. After Elk kindly roused the fish Dom popped in after and did battle with a corking one estimated to be around 14lb terrific work! That was their lot for the trip but given the conditions all told they were happy and enjoyed their little holiday even enjoying and Elk barbecue of epic proportions and a stunning locally delivered curry!

Mike S and Arthur hit the beat with similar conditions the odds were not good, some fish were indeed seen only very occasionally but probably in a hurry sadly. They enjoyed the trip but unfortunately luck was not on their side this time.