‘Poorest season in 40 years’: September of no salmon for association anglers in Thurso
The 2025 salmon season on the Thurso Angling Association beat has been described by secretary Stan Ogrodnik as the poorest in more than four decades.
In an end-of-season update, secretary Stan Ogrodnik said that although plenty of salmon had been seen throughout the association’s waters, “they just didn’t seem interested in any fly offerings cast their way.”
“September usually produces plenty of salmon but this year not one was caught,” he added. “Despite this, there were plenty of salmon seen throughout the association water.”
The comments came as the official salmon season drew to a close, though fishing continues on association waters for sea trout and other species into the autumn.
The poor returns followed months of low water levels and long dry spells, which severely limited angling opportunities.
Earlier in the year, Mr Ogrodnik reported that the river had dropped to its lowest level in many years during May, with drought conditions persisting through much of the summer.
Despite the challenges, the association continued to invest in maintaining and improving the beat.
More than 600 feet of walkway between the Salmon Pool and Mack Pool were replaced, and major riverbank repairs were carried out at Geise Stream Pool.
Mr Ogrodnik thanked members Eain Sutherland, Bobo Sutherland, Vince Smith, Jamie McCarthy and Norman Arrowsmith for their efforts in carrying out the work.
“Many thanks to our members and visiting anglers who fished this year under very trying and difficult conditions,” he said. “Hope to see all of you return in the coming season.”
The 2026 salmon season on the Thurso Angling Association beat is scheduled to open on January 11.