FISH GODS, WEATHER GODS

The Fish Gods giveth and the Weather Gods taketh away! Frustrating doesn’t quite describe 1-5 August. We know the runs are building and the river is full of fish, and most notably they are really nicely spread throughout the beats – from above the Fiska junction to Holsa (lower East Ranga below beat 1).

However, huge rain landing on the upper system two nights running overwhelmed the river’s ability to stay in shape, rising from 19m3 to close to 30m3 and going very dirty. For five full sessions (and the evenings in between!) the rods kept their hope and humour, and eventually the river improved allowing a consoling busy session or two. In fact there were some excellent numbers as the beats gradually cleared and some real specimens too, which was great for some of the young fishers three of whom landed their first salmon.

Of course when the fishing is tough all the pressure sits on the lodge team, led by our lodge managers Matha and Julita, and they were at their attentive best ensuring the guests had the best possible experience despite the terrible weather.