Without the fresh water we really need the odds were against our returning guests. Locally we had rain in the East and at times the estate was hit by serious deluges damaging our tracks and washing parts of the road to the railway away. The issue is the lack of rain from the West which can bring fresh fish in and oxygenate the water.
The early part of august we had some sporadic catches from Guy H guests but nothing like one would hope for given the numbers that were appearing lower in the tidal reaches.
Peter Stott brought his team and they certainly had an enjoyable time a few fish on but not landed and one grilse for Al in the hut pool which I think was his first!
John Mumsey took a letting that had become free and one of their team Tim F had a hectic first day with a decent catch and others lost best 14.5lb another 10lb with a whopper that took him right down the

he last day they had a lovely fresh grilse.
Chay Hedger arrived with his friend Gareth with high hopes I genuinely thought they would do well. As it happened after quite a few years of trying on Day 1 Gareth got his first salmon and was absolutely on cloud nine!

Sadly nothing else but fish were seen but didn’t have the decency to take their offerings.

Keith Johnson and his friend Dave Bartlett took the beat next and stayed in the lodge for the first time. I am happy to report they appreciated the improvements and slept and lived very comfortably for their short stay. They fished very carefully and given the conditions used very fine and far off tactics. I can report that they managed two excellent salmon and an absolute beauty of a sea trout. Well done both.

Roger Naish brought his team of friends and they have been long term clients with many successful visits over the years. I know they had some serious connections but none sadly in the net! nevertheless they enjoyed a peaceful time on the Estate and relaxed in the Lodge.

The last team a group of regulars George Upex, Will Mullholland and James hit the river and had two excellent days of sport with four caught and all in excellent condition and a fair few others were on and off including another big fellow breaking free after a good battle.

Well done everyone and our advice is given the changing world we live in try and stay on the Estate then pick your times if necessary explore beautiful Northumberland on those hopeless dog days? Many years ago my father and i would head off into the highlands enjoying fabulous scenery architecture and a picnic when the daytime prospects were hopeless.