Mr Harvey’s party stayed at Chesthill House from 23rd – 30th August 2015.  The continuing wet summer didn’t benefit their sun tans but did benefit their fortunes on the river, with seven salmon and a trout caught, by three generations!  It was a memorable and enjoyable week.

The river was running at a good level early in the week, with the gauge at the suspension bridge at 1ft 6.  After a slow start, on Wednesday their luck changed. Granny, Mrs MacInnes, landed a fresh 5lb grilse on an ally (returned), and Matilda (far left) landed a fine brown trout.

Thursday was when it really hotted up.  The freshet combined with heavy rain during the night meant the river was “off the gauge” and running coloured. All was not lost however, as Bridge Pool fishes well at this height. Hamish was deployed along with the youngsters to see what they could do, and given the conditions, it was thought best to spin the pool.

First to have success as the river cleared was 13 year old Archie (middle), catching his first salmon, a 10lb cock fish. Unfortunately the salmon was bleeding badly and could not be returned. Half an hour later it was the turn of 11 year old Wilfred (right), catching a very lively 6lb grilse, also his first salmon.

A couple of hours later, 8 year old Hector also caught his first ever salmon – a 6lber.

Friday saw the party heading to the hill in search of grouse. Despite the poor breeding season, more grouse we seen than expected. Strong winds made the grouse very difficult to hit. Due to hail showers at lunch time, and the river being in good condition, the decision was made to shorten the day and head back to the river. The party split, some heading back to the lodge, and others walking back to the vehicles with a brace and a half of grouse in the bag (pictured overlooking Loch Tay).

Before the guns returned to the lodge, Mrs Harvey, fresh from the grouse party, caught a fresh 5lb grilse (photographed and returned) on a large cascade. After getting dried off, Mr Harvey headed up to the Island Pool where he landed and returned a 7lb salmon using an ally.

It was then Mr Gemmell’s turn to round off the day with an 8lb salmon, again caught and returned on an ally.

A very enjoyable week, with all three generations catching salmon.  Congratulations to the party for their well-deserved success!

For more information and future availability, please contact Alice.