I have a few days on the Stracathro beat of the North Esk in 1st week of October. Can anyone recommend a few flies that I should take with me for that beat at that time of year?

Hiya TT,

I have been fishing on the West Water (a major tributary of the North Esk) for the past season. Black, orange and gold seems to work well, maybe with a touch of yellow when the water is really dirty, according to my experience and the advice that I have been given from the local 'old hands'. A gold-bodied Willie Gunn is my fave! Black and silver (like a Stoat's Tail) for the sea trout for whom a Silver Invicta or Allrounder also seem to be favourites.

This local fly seems to be the biz for the grilse:

Tail: orange (bucktail/squirrel);
Body and rib: Gold;
Wing: Black with flanking JC;
Head hackle: Orange.

Some UV hank enhancer or probably anything with a bit of sparkle is tied along the top of the tail and beyond for a bit of flash. Pert Shrimp is what it is called but Cascades, Allies and all the usual suspects seem to be popular.

If I can find it later, there is a brilliant Field and Stream article on the Esks that I shall stick up a link to when get home . . . .

Hope that is some help,

A

That's brilliant Mr MacBog, thanks!

I forgot to ask what size you would recommend as well?

TT

Take some small flies size 14,16 and maybe 18 in case of low water. The river runs as clear as tap water so small is good. Otherwise size 8 to 12 or small tubes.

If it is running at about 12-18 inches make an offering to the Gods.

Good luck.

As Tenet says! MGenerally though, most people do seem to go for around a size 12 double as standard, when conditions are good (just clearing after a wee spate).

And this is a great article with heaps of information and food for thought . . . .

Enjoy yourself when you get up here. Its a lovely evening just now and I am off to the river . . . . ..

Andy

Just back from walking the dog at kinnaber, some very fresh seatrout showing the water is up but running quite clear . should be fish right up the system now. jim

Wow, size 18 for salmon - what tippet do you use; if I were trouting with an 18 I'd be on 6x tippet, maybe something like 3lb breaking strain, to get turnover?

Lets hope they hang around until 1st week in October!!

Jammy £$%"*

Maybe size 18 is extreme but you can get them in Partridge 02 Wilson doubles. If you are into low water you will not want to swing a 10/11 15footer around. I would pack a single hander or short double hander to cover those situations and fish fine and far off. Very small whispy flies with say good quality 8 or 10lb fluoro will suffice and turn over the fly - trust me

They filled their boots at Stracathro yesterday.

Cheers

Tenet

Generally only go down to 16s, usually 14s but quite often have a dropper about 30" up the leader, if fishing with a single hander then maybe 8lb tippet but up to 10lb if on double hander.
As to patterns, Pert Shrimp for certain ( originally called The Blue Licer ! ) Cascades and Micro tubes and flies.

What hooks and sizes do you use with the micro tubes?

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