As we approach the middle of summer it’s now more important than ever to change your Salmon / Sea Trout fishing tactics – adapting to the summer weather and river conditions - to give yourself the best chance at catching all summer long. We asked Glen Tanar summer ghillie Phillip Wood for five summer fishing tips … here’s what he told us.
1) Early Bird catches the … fish?! - Fish on the beat early mornings or late into the evening when river temperatures can drop, and the sun is lower and weaker in the sky. Warmer water forces the fish to sink down in the pools looking for cooler water, and glaring sunlight gives your fly lesser chance of being seen.
2) Lighten your kit! – Due to lower water levels, and steadier flow there is no need for large, heavy fishing rods. Lighter, shorter fishing rods in the 11’-13’ ft range are perfect for summer fishing. You may even consider using a trout rod.
3) The smaller the better! – Smaller flies take precedence over the larger, heavier flies used during spring fishing. Phil likes to use a minitube fly, possibly along with a traditional single iron on the dropper. Also, be sure to fish ‘far and fine’ and lengthen your tippet nylon to about 12’-15 ft. However, don’t fish too low a breaking strain of tippet line strength as breakage can occur, if you find a larger livelier fish.
4) Weather warning! - Keep a close eye on the weather. Not only the weather on your beat, but the weather conditions up stream of you. A rise in the water level from rainfall upstream can increase the odds at catching fish during the summer months. Phil likes to fish as rain and rising river levels reach his beat, when fish can sense a change in the river flow because of rain upstream.
5) Pick up the pace! – Fish quicker along the beat to increase your chances of your fly surprising a fish. Gin clear water allows fish to see your fly from a long way off, so moving quicker down the beat reduces the amount of times the fish see your fly before you cover them. However, don’t forget to concentrate in fishing known lies.
If you would like to be among the first to know about all things fishing at Glen Tanar, subscribe to our newsletter below to receive updates and register your interest in Salmon Fishing. We have day lets available on all the beats this summer, so you can enjoy Salmon Fishing on the Dee from just £50 per rod! If you would like to book a rod, or request more information please email info@glentanar.co.uk or call us on 013398 86451