This was the scene on the River Ayr last week.

However, now that the big thaw has arrived it is very interesting to hear reports of a lot of salmon spawning activity today. Large numbers of fish have been seen at some of the usual spawning locations. The 20th January is quite late for so much spawning activity, which is usually over by the New Year in Ayrshire, I can only assume that the long prolonged freeze  held the fish back.

It just shows how adaptable salmon are. The hens must have delayed ovulation until conditions were suitable. Will there be some late emerging fry this year, or will the spring be nice and warm allowing nature to catch up?