As September progressed here in Farnley we witnessed a heck of a large run of grilse, this could be good for the seasons spawning as newer theories progress telling the scientists that younger fish produce better progeny. The temperatures added to Kielder releases were certainly not helping easy fishing added to some sweltering days.
Although catches were sporadic we will have had 40+ salmon in September and a few nice sea trout. Some very large fish were seen on the beat I saw a pair coming through the Dead Tree pool that were certainly serious sizes…I’ll not bother with my estimates because no doubt someone will know better even eh ;)! I recall one April spotting an enormous salmon on the bottom far side of Dead Tree it stayed for two weeks, was apparently a Pike, a Log all of the above. Until one day I stood there with an observant rod and it just drifted into clear view needless to say it ignored every offering!
Demand for next season is already hotting up, fairly soon we will be asking about next years lets and slightly changing the conditions of the letting to bring us into line with other beats.
Chris B’s team had a lovely few days on the river with some fish on and off and eventually one stuck well done !
John M’s team had some excellent sport their Monday produced I think 8 fish catches tapered off after this but clearly there were plenty around but nothing of any usual Tyne size more smaller salmon and grilse.

Chris P’s team did well with some good early catches 6 salmon in total landed all 2 ten pound salmon and some clean grilse . Well done !

Dr Phil had a beautiful finnock and one of his guests a 6lb Grilse, the weather was again against the angler most frustrating !

Phil Lasalle and Tim Springham were on and new to the beat Barry Mitchell was on hand. Tim had a lovely day on Day 1 with 2 nice ones and lost something very decent indeed! Latest on Robert W’s team managed a nice Sea Trout well done Peter S and bad luck to Mark B two fish well on in a fast flowing river but neither banked..