2012 Salmon Summary

The weathermen say that 2012 was an unusually wet year so it is no surprise that the pattern of salmon runs was also somewhat different to what we used to call a “normal” year. We don’t seem to get these nowadays! Following on from strong run of 2SW fish in 2011 the mostly 3SW early running fish during March produced good fishing and some lovely “teenage” sized salmon. Following a dry spell during April catches were below par and there were worries about the number of 2SW fish. Then the weather changed and May provided good catches. The average weight of salmon caught up to the end of May was over 12lb; largest fish caught included a couple of around 20lbs. During the remainder of the season the average size was below 7lbs with smallest fish weighing a mere 2lbs. Catches dropped again for a time during June then came runs of fish that caught everyone by surprise in July. As usual bookings for the Dam beats were light during the latter half of June and during July until the word got out that the beats were holding lots of salmon and grilse then a few more permits were sold and catches improved further. Who would have bet that July would out fish April? After the bulk of the July stock ascended Pitlochry Dam things got quieter there however despite many of the fish having moved into Ruan Ruarie on the River Garry few people bothered to fish this beat which was a shame and a wasted opportunity. The Sawmill beat which is reserved for Pitlochry Angling Club members and their guests shared in the excellent July fishing.

	Dam	Sawmill	Ruan Ruarie
Febuary	4	2	0
March	29	5	0
April	23	4	0
May	51	6	1
June	11	8	0
July	36	14	2
August	3	2	3
September	3	3	7
October	0	0	1
Totals	160	44	14

Fly fishing was by far the most successful method on the River Tummel, 121 fly caught fish from the Dam and 32 from the Sawmill. Most successful fly by a big margin was the Cascade, Willie Gunn was the second favourite. Flying C was the most successful spinning lure with the Toby spoon accounting for a good number of fish below the Dam in second place. Spinning caught all the fish at Ruan Ruarie. Almost 90% of the salmon and grilse caught on Club waters were released alive in 2012, comparable with most recent seasons.
Arrangements for fishing the Club waters will be published in December and the booking facility for visitors wishing to purchase permits for the Dam beats will be opened in January. Those who have registered on our system and want to be informed will receive an email in advance of sales opening giving all relevant details. Details will also be published here in the News section.