Second day of the season and what a change;  water falling and clearing and the sun shining.  We were fishing Cargill beat and the mood was expectant.

On arrival, with David’s enthusiasm and encouragement, the mood was high. The party prepared with fly and spinning tackle we headed for the right bank to start our day. Simon, using a heavy toby, hooked into a fish almost immediately – a very well mended kelt, safely netted by our head ghillie, David Godfrey, and returned.  The morning continued with more 2014 vintage fish to our rods.

Suitably refreshed we returned to continue our battle in the afternoon.

One of the party fished the bridge stream with anticipation and expectation after a guest had seen a running fish in this area. Armed with a 15ft John Norris fly rod and an integrated sink 2/3 line with a Tyne Toucan tube (2″ brass) he set forth, despite requiring casting practice, down the pool. The long stream, which is ideal for fly fishing, can be fished in most heights of water as there is deep water close-in along this stretch and it is easy to fish. At the end of the pool our intrepid angler managed to get out one of his rare good casts – the line straightened and the rod bent, the ghillie shouted – “Let it run”. After a hard fight David lifted the net and announced that it was a fish of 2014 vintage.

Even though 2015 springers had managed to avoid us, we still had a great day, thanks to our head ghillie David Godfrey and owner Simon Clarke. The potential of the river is great especially when we saw running fish.

Our final day on the river is Saturday. After two fantastic days the party is looking forward to another days fishing and the chance to fish for a mighty Tay Springer.

If you would like to book a days fishing on Cargill please follow the link 

The anglers are staying at the Murrayshall Country House Hotel   and enjoying the special anglers promotion for January of £60 DBB.