Ardoe & Murtle | River Dee | Scotland | August 2022 | Adventures of a Novice Salmon Fly Fisherman
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- Today I braved a bee sting😊, a rapidly rising river following a drought, the end of a heatwave and a massive fish on the end of my line. I fished Ardoe & Murtle on the Lower Dee.
Situated just three and a half miles outside Aberdeen, this fishery consists of about 1.5 miles of double bank, and contains 15 named pools, many of which are very long and can comfortably accommodate more than one angler. With salmon running throughout the season, and sea trout and finnock joining them from April onwards, this could be deemed a fisherman's paradise!
The Ardoe and Murtle beats are on the Lower Dee where most of the fish caught are fresh and sea-liced.
They are renowned for an excellent Autumn run, and when the Spring fishing returns to its former glory, both the Ardoe and Murtle should be amongst the first beats to benefit.
The record Dee fish of 56lb was caught on Ardoe water by the ghillie in the Autumn of 1886.
In the recent past the fishery was run as a timeshare and very little fishing had taken place in spring and summer, and only light fishing throughout the year, so catch statistics are not truly representative of the potential catches. Night sea trout fishing can be good in May to July.
My channel is called Cornish Chris the Fish. I am a Cornishman venturing out beyond the Duchy to experience life on the road full time touring in my Caravan Dalleth Arta, fly fishing and vlogging my adventure. I am a novice Salmon Fisherman so join me as I experience the topsy turvey world of Salmon Fishing. I am charting my fishing adventures and will profile each fishery that I attend. I may even catch a few fish 😀
#flyfishing #salmon #seatrout #pike #browntrout #caravanlife
#fishing #catchandrelease #trout #troutfishing #flyfishingaddict #fish #flyfishingjunkie #fishinglife #flyfishinglife #caravanlife #fulltimetouring
My channel is called Cornish Chris the Fish. I am a Cornishman venturing out beyond the Duchy to experience life on the road full time touring in my Caravan Dalleth Arta, fly fishing and vlogging my adventure. I am a novice Salmon Fisherman so join me as I experience the topsy turvey world of Salmon Fishing. I am charting my fishing adventures and will profile each fishery that I attend. I may even catch a few fish 😀
#flyfishing #salmon #seatrout #pike #browntrout #caravanlife
#fishing #catchandrelease #trout #troutfishing #flyfishingaddict #fish #flyfishingjunkie #fishinglife #flyfishinglife #caravanlife #fulltimetouring
00:00 Walk To The River
01:42 Welcome Back
08:51 Bee Sting
09:59 Rope Slide
12:12 Lower Pools
15:12 Back From Lunch
20:46 Fish On !!
26:48 That's it folks 
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I thought you did well Chris and my heart sank when it came off. Really gutted for you and don’t think you did much wrong. Focus on the positives, you are fishing like a hero, putting in the hours and all will come good - I’m sure of it.
Cheers Bollo, I really appreciate the encouragement and the support! Chris
thank you for depicting the strugling of novice salmon fisher. it shows exactley what ive been trough the past 2 seasons in norway also. but now ive found my home river (Gaula in Norway).
i can relate so much to your strugles. finding rivers and beats. but not afraid to try anything. and making up your own mind.
season over here is short and starts late. So im thinking of trying this spot your on in this video in march 2024. so i can get my itch scratched while i wait for my home river to open.
thank you for making these videos and letting us viewers join you on your epic journy in search of the elusive salmon.
Hi thank you so much for writing to me and letting me know! It can be terribly frustrating not catching anything and can really test your patience. If you are going to visit the Dee next year I would recommend that you visit Tilbouries at least once, the Ghille is called Nicol and he is both a great ghillie and guide and he helped me tremendously when I went. Also, look at Wood End and Kincardine, both great fisheries on the Dee. If you do come over, please do get in touch as we may be in the same area and could meet up. All the best, Chris.
Well done for latching on to one, I thought that was going to be the first one right there, and i know your heart would have been racing 🥃🥃.
Yes it was, I panicked and shouted for the ghillie far too early. Frankly I have spent so long trying to hook one I couldn't remember what I was supposed to do. Thanks for the support again Dennis! Chris
This the beat I grew up fishing but from the opposite bank. When we were youngsters we practically lived down on the river. We fished a lot (not that we were supposed to obvs - just kids) but no-one ever bothered us. I think it must have been private back then because we never saw anyone fishing. Nice to see the old spots though from the Ardoe bank. Keep at it. Great video as always
Thank Paul! I am set to return there in a couple of weeks - unfinished business - thanks for the support - Chris
@@CornishChrisTheFish I've got unfinished business in a lot of fishing places 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Chris its not just a case of what you did wrong in this particular case. As a novice salmon angler you still have many things you need to learn to catch salmon in any kind of consistent manner. I would suggest you pay someone to teach you a couple of different casts to give options depending on weather and river conditions. Also get a more experienced angler to check your rod\line setup you dont need to spend a fortune, if it doesn't match then it will increase the difficulty for you. River craft is the last one it can take years but these there are a lot of good videos and advice articles on the internet from experienced anglers that can help...in terms of flys you dont need too many as most are designed to catch the angler not the fish. Google the top 5 salmon flys and just stick with them in different styles and sizes. In this case of the fish coming off well that happens to everyone, only small thing i would say is you were playing the fish a wee bit hard for early in the fight better to play hard later in the fight when fish has less energy. Big positive for you is you are determined and that is really important to be a successful salmon fisherman...good luck and tight lines !
Thank you so much for taking the time to give me such great advice! I have been told that I can actually do a pretty good double spey and circle C when I am using the spey rod, but I struggle with a smaller rod, just need to practice and of course being a typical trout fisherman of 20+ years you are right I think I hit the fish hard to early. I still have a lot to learn but I never give up! Thanks for your support! Chris
Time, take it easy :) Good luck next time.
Thank you, I will Viking Norway! - Chris
Another great video Chris, v unlucky but it does happen and felt for you. Maybe try to get line back onto reel asap but in honesty not much else to be done. What would have been fun would be to have a bee sting you and a hook up at the same time! Admire your perseverance as always especially fishing a rising river. Keep em coming. thanks
Thanks it was a great day besides the challenges 🤣👍
Thanks
Wow!! THANK YOU so much for your Super Thanks!! much appreciated!!
Keep going Chris you will get one eventually and you will learn from past experiences. Tight Lines!
Hope so Norman, thanks for the encouragement! Chris
Hi Chris,
Glad you found my comments of some value.
As regards the correct setting for the reel………..some people will have different
Opinions however personally I always set the reel so that I can pull the line off the reel
Whilst feeling some resistance………not overdoing it…….you do not want it too tight……this could cause you to lose the fish.
To me as long as the line pulls off smoothly whilst feeling some resistance then I have found this to be OK…
Do not have it to loose as this could result in the reel overrunning and causing tangles withe line.
As regards your casting…..I watched your last video and you were using the Shakespear Oracle Scandi rod.
I would say you were casting a good line using the Double Spey Cast…..
The main thing was that you were getting the fly to that part of the river where you wanted it to be.
I have the Oracle Scandi 13’9” rated 9 and although Also use a 15’ rod but have found The Oracle Scandi
Just as good for casting the line to where I want it.
In salmon fishing we are always learning…..I know that’s the case with myself…
Keep fishing and you will land that prized salmon……….
Keep the videos coming….
Tight lines and good luck………Harry….👍👍👍
Once again Harry, thanks for detailed advice and for the support!
8 minutes in "Waste of money this F@#$in sport, I don't know why I bother" 22.49 - Fish On! I've followed your adventures from your first video and loved every minute. I get totally absorbed into your films, the emotions and feelings, the anticipation and excitement of those first few casts of the day and the lows and to then after all this time to then loose that fish. I was so elated for you hooking the fish but then the total disappointment when you lost it. Absolutely gutting! Keep it up Chris. It's got to be better than standing in mud up at Stithians Reservoir and catching two 4oz Brownies (as I did at 6am this morning)
Hey Simon (the legend of Stithians) if anyone can pull some trout out of that reservoir it's going to be you - well done! Thanks for the support for all this time I am truly blessed. I really appreciate the feedback on the videos too, I get sick and tired of all these videos where people just catch fish and set out to record the experience of the day, the highs and the lows. Appreciate the support, thanks, Chris
love the self chat at 8 mins, i can heavily relate😂 Looks as though you may have needed to give that fish some line? Maybe a wee bit too much pressure in the heavy current? Somtimes they just come off
Thanks 👍
Been there, done that and worn out the tee shirt. To quote a fine Black Country fisherman who I used to fish with "They'm either on or they'm off. Bugger all you can do about it". I've had, what I've thought were well hooked fish come off for no reason at all. Worst thing is when you think you have them played out and they make a final run and carry on off down the river. I lost four a couple of years back on the Wye, some were on and off within seconds and one was on for about as long as yours was. It was on for about 4 or 5 minutes not doing a lot, I don't think it knew it was hooked but when it did, all hell broke loose. Came out of the water twice and I thought I had it under control but not to be...Bye-bye. At least I saw it, probably 10 or 12lb at a guess. I could write a book on the fish I've lost over the years, I can remember those as well as the ones I have landed. That's salmon fishing for you. Keep at it, you'll get there.
Thanks Graham, glad to know that I am not alone and that I still have many more to lose 😬 - thanks for taking the time to comment and for the support - much appreciated😀
@@CornishChrisTheFish I noticed you were using the Shaky Switch. I have two, the 7/8 and the 8/9. I tend to use an Airflo Rage shooting head on the 8/9 as I use it double handed, I use the same set-up on my Scandi 12'9. I sometimes use a Rage on the 7/8 too but I also have the Shakespeare switch line which you can use single handed but goes out like a dream on a spey or snap-t. well it does on mine...some of the time! Might solve your problem with the restricted back casts. Tight lines. G.
It can be a tough old game this salmon fishing lark! Great to see you sticking with it, really enjoying following your journey with these fantastic videos. There's lots and lots of hints and tips people can give you but one of the best bits of advice would be to listen closely to the ghillie, in the vast majority of cases these guys really know their stuff. Can't wait for the next episode 👍
Wow thanks Dave! I really appreciate the support - I am also extremely lucky that like you, so many people are watching, subscribing and ultimately enjoying my videos. I am getting so much great advice, thanks for yours, I listen closely to what the Ghillies say! Thanks Chris
Too bad it went of, on it again 👊
Thanks for the continued support Tommy!
ooooh! I got all excited for you there. Still, at least you know that you're doing it right.
Thanks, my heart was racing. Cheers for the support! Chris
Chin up ive lost 6 this season landed 5 on fly and small meps . Its part of river fishing at least you hooking fish and as summer goes on fish mouths with get harder and possibly hooks will stick bit better but its all buts good luck .
Thanks for the support 👍
Well done for keeping at it Chris & we all know the feeling of disappointment when a fish comes off. Probably not a lot you can do about that ; I had a good friend lose seven fish in a row! I would agree that there's nothing to be lost by not playing a fish so hard early on. In other words let the fish run a few times to start with & perhaps loosen the drag a tad. Don't be over keen to drag the fish into you until it tires a little . It's not a good idea to put your fingers/hand on the line when it runs & you have it on the reel as this can cause the line to 'snatch' if you're unlucky, & pull the hook.It looked a decent fish in fast water & it may have been a 15 minute job to get it in .
The way luck is you will get one to the bank very soon I would guess. Good luck & thanks for the video.
Thanks Paul, as a long time trout fisherman I think I hit the fish far too early and didn't give it enough time. Thanks for taking the time to give me some great advice, Chris
Hi Chris………felt really sorry for you when you lost that fish…….
Just a few words of advice……a Trout rod May been suitable when the water
Levels were low but the Dee is a major river and I felt you should have using a
15’ rod with a decent reel( correctly set….not to loose but not to tight…
At the very least you should try using something like a 13’9’” Shakespeare Oracle Scandi rod is relatively cheap
and casts a good length line……..you did say you were not casting far enough.
A proper Spey Casting rod would not only facilitate extra distance but would enable you to cope far better
With wind changes/different sides of the bank…..not to mention obstacle behind you….
When doing proper Spey casting the fly rarely leaves the water.
Never ever try playing a salmon by handlining it………..leave that to Trout Fishing…….always get it on the reel
ASAP….
I do not think you did much wrong in playing the fish except to say a salmon is not a Trout…
Do not strike and play it gently…….when it wants to go…..let it go….when able then reel it in.
Never been in rush to get it in!!!
If it’s any consolation myself and many others have lost salmon ‘by the net’.
A salmon is never landed until in the net….
Really like your videos…….You really work hard and have the patience to earn you a salmon.
Keep fishing and success will come…
Lastly as has been previously suggested a few casting lesson from a qualified APGI Instructor
Would help you considerably…….I have been salmon fishing for 35 yrs+ and am always looking to improve my casting.
APGI instructors can be found online……There will some in Cornwall
Tight Lines @ all the very best………..Harry…👍👍👍
Wow, Harry thank you so much for such indepth advice. I only used the 11ft switch rod because the ghillies at Invery, Tilbouries and Park told me too. Being new to this I just stuck with their advice, but you are right for the top pool at Ardoe, I just needed the longer rod, but the switch rod was already set up and I just carried on with that. I actually have a 14'9" Oracle Scandi Rod with matching reel although I have never really known what is too lose or too tight on drag - any suggestions?
You are quite right too about playing the fish by handlining - that's 20+ years of trout fishing which was an instinctive reaction, to be honest I panicked!
When I first started (back in February this year) I took a couple of lessons with an instructor but I think you are right I could definetly do with another one (quite a few people have said this too)🙄👍
Thanks again for the support, I am so pleased you like my videos!
Chris
Hi Chris,bet you didn’t think it was a waste of time and money while you were playing your fish eh ha ha,anyway hard luck pal the Dee was stuffed with fish in August so I fully expect to see you bank a fish 🐟 in your next video. I’m fishing the Teviot soon but still not enough water so maybe later rather than sooner.Stay safe pal and ta for the excellent videos,cheers.
Hi Andrew, thanks yes I must admit for one moment it all seemed worthwhile - but I am not put off, in fact with the support of everyone on my channel I am even more motivated to keep at it. I am pleased you like the videos I get as much enjoyment out of making them as I do fishing - although I am sure I would enjoy landing one from time to time even more. Chris
You were a bit unlucky there Chris.
I don't think that you did much wrong.
Perhaps you could have played it on the reel instead of stripping the line back initially and maybe your drag was a little tight but I think that you were mostly unlucky.
Thanks so much for the suggestions, alot of people are saying the same thing. Alot to learn but thanks for the support - Chris
Very bad luck. Just one of those things. Perhaps play Salmon on the reel as soon as possible to let it run if it needs to. More water in the river looks good for the rest of your trip.
Tight lines.
Thanks Dug, alot of people are saying the same, I just panicked and lost the plot - thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - much appreciated! Chris
I was on Park South at the beginning of August, always a lot of grilse on the go at this time and they are notoriously difficult to hang on to. They have soft mouths and the fine wire hooks tend to pull easily. Opinions are divided on this, but I tend to fish off the reel, with the drag set very light. Don’t be too quick to raise your rod, give them time to hook, then play them easy. Enjoying you journey, I also live in the Duchy so I understand the commitment that a journey to Scotland requires. Tight lines.
A fellow Cornishman eh!? Thanks for the support! Yes, a lot of my subscribers have said the same thing, too eager to lift the rod and not having the drag set up correctly. You can tell I am a trout fisherman of 20+ years, hitting it too hard and playing it like it was on a barbless hook. Thanks for taking the time to subscribe and for the advice - Chris
I feel for you mate I’ve been there a number of times it’s crushing. But at least you know your presenting the fly correctly and you hooked up correctly which is where a lot of people mess up including myself many times. All I would say is you looked like you were being a bit strong with the fish, many give it a bit more slack when it wants to go.
Thanks Liam, yes I need to take more positive from the event for sure! Didn't you fish at Crathes recently? How did you get on?
@@CornishChrisTheFish I did it was crathies. Opposite bank from balmoral. Sadly the water was too low. So no pulls but a beautiful water
Bugger.
Indeed!
Chris there is nothing you can do about losing salmon, sometimes they stick ,I lose lots on the fly it just makes me go that little bit more
I know how you feel Adam, I am addicted (or should I say hooked?)😆
Hi Chris - well done and hard luck! I've watched the clip back a few times and a couple of comments / well-intended suggestions. Firstly, it looks like the fish took on the dangle - i.e. the line had pretty much completely swung round and the fly was holding in the current. In these instances it is very common for a fish to come off as they tend to be lightly hooked in the front of the mouth, as opposed to the scissors, which usually occurs when the fish turns away with the fly. Here, it looks like the fish simply kept swimming upstream towards you. Not your fault and very hard to avoid the inevitable outcome! Second point is similar to what others have mentioned - the drag on your reel. The comments suggest your drag was too tight, but I would also have a concern for the quality of the drag on your reel - while you were (briefly!) playing the fish, the reel seemed to lurch and stick a fraction before the line came off the spool. It was the split second when the reel 'stuck' that the line over-stretched and the fish came off. This is an issue with lower priced reels - the drag is never as smooth as on better quality reels that release line with a minimum of initial inertia. I'm not saying a better quality drag system would have guaranteed you that fish, but in particular circumstances such as a fish taking on the dangle, it is amazing how often even the smallest of flaws in your gear will be exposed. Use this albeit painful experience to add to your skillset and hopefully on the next occasion you will succeed in landing your first very well-earned salmon! Cheers Philip
Hi Philip, thanks for taking the time to go into such detail, it really helps!! You might be right about the reel, I can't remember the make right now but I know I didn't pay a lot of money for it. It's tough when you are starting out looking at the cost of everything, I may very well upgrade the switch rod outfit in the future and will remember your advice - thanks again, Chris
Even if you played it perfectly fish still come off, not hooked right, wrapped round a rock, knock the hook out on rocks, broken nylon, knot slips, you name it we all go through it, LOL.
Hi Norman, thanks so much for the great advice - still alot to learn - all the best, Chris
Hey Chris
Way to hook one. I know it can be frustrating for you and all the rest of us as well. We are all rooting for you to get one in hand soon so keep at it and it will happen.
Hi Theo, thanks for that! I will persevere, I never give up! Thanks for the support! Chris
I wouldn’t say you played it too hard but you need to stop hauling in line by hand. The reel exerts a more consistent pressure and is more forgiving of sudden lunges. Nicely hooked too. You gave the take plenty of time to develop. Some of them come off and there’s nothing you can do. Hopefully you will eventually get to the stage where it doesn’t upset you. It will happen , I promise
Hi Dastgaz - thanks, you may have noticed the 20+ years fishing for trout🙄, using the reel is really strange for me. Thanks for taking the time to give me some advice, it all helps and is much appreciated - Chris
Was gutted when that fish got off. Don't think you did anything wrong. For what it's worth, I always let the fish really take the fly before I lift the rod and tend to set the drag quite lightly.
Thanks Colin, frankly I didn't even realise there was a fish on, there wasn't any knock or pull I was just about to lift and cast again. I think being a long time trout fisherman I just instinctively hit it too hard at the start. Thanks for the support! Chris
I think you need to get the rod more vertical and not pull so hard. Fly line has no stretch, so if your rod is too low you have no "shock absorber" and either the hook will pull or something will break. Always check the fly if you lose a fish. You don't want to fish with no point on your hook!
Cheers Old Bloke, thanks for the advice
Sorry to say i think your drag was to tight, better luck next if you cant set it so it can run if it wants to.
Hi Roy, you are quite right, a number of subscribers have said the same, next time....
Played it too hard, when it wants to go let him.Your line was more or less locked when he shook his head.Try playing him off the reel keeps your hands from clamping the line.
Thanks for the advice Norman!! Chris
@@CornishChrisTheFish No problem, give me a shout anytime and I'll try my best to give you an answer.Your certainly putting in the effort, it will happen soon.I caught my first salmon when I was 8 and I still get the same adrenaline rush 64 years later.Keep at it and Stay safe.
Very good advice.
U need let the fish run too much farce on it it seemed
Farce, lol! Yes, you are right I just went too hard on it at first - thanks for commenting
Playing too hard. If the fish is hooked properly leaving him go shouldn't be a problem. Play the fish of the reel keep your hand away from the line. They are a powerful fish and if you try to stop the line something will give and it won't be the fish
Thanks for the advice John, much appreciated
@@CornishChrisTheFish no problem, it's not easy. 3 days fishing the suir here and not a sign of a fish. 🙄
@@johnobrien9971 it has to change eh?😕
@@CornishChrisTheFish nothing will be done too many people with too many opinions and vested interests. It's a shame to see it go the way it's going.
Did not do anything wrong; some stick and some don't.
Cheers Bruino, thanks for the support and encouragement! Chris