Girvan and Stinchar updates

I arranged to meet the Fish Health Inspector at the Girvan today and then go on to the Stinchar. As he was coming from Aberdeen, we attempted to catch 5 dying fish for him to sample to determine whether or not these fish mortalities were as a result of natural stress...

Water temperatures dangerously high

We are facing a catastrophe on two Ayrshire rivers at the moment and there’s nothing we can do about it. The Stinchar and the Girvan are both affected by extremely high water temperatures of around 23ºC, and fish are dying in the lower reaches. The Kirkhill beat...

Catrine update

Although there hasn’t been much to report recently, that doesn’t mean things have ground to a halt. Yesterday the contractors poured a huge mortar slab which was setting up nicely today. The base to the fish pass extension was poured last week and today,...

Anderson’s Weir completed

As earlier intimated, the Anderson’s Weir was duly opened for salmon migration today. The full river is being allowed to pass through the fish pass and over the new weir crest at Anderson’s. Things looked good to me when I visited after work this evening...

Ponesk

I walked the Ponesk today to see how full the void was looking. The burn itself was looking quite good but the lower 400m was showing signs of enrichment. This is due to nutrient rich (probably iron mainly) water upwelling from the ground as the water table rebounds....

Catrine update

I received a call from an angler today informing me that there were 4 dead salmon in the Voes at Catrine. I was sceptical as adult salmon can’t access the goes but I went to check anyway. There were no dead salmon in the Voes or the river. I arrived as the...