I was delighted to get the opportunity to nip up to the Naver last week for another early season cast, in pursuit of the ultimate prize, the Scottish springer. As you can see from the video, there are a number of different factors that contribute to the slowing down of your progress by car! Simply travelling along these B class roads is an adventure in itself and you never really know what's going to pop out around the next corner. Staying at one of the most remote hotels in Scotland, the 'Garvault', was actually very handy, for it was no more than 8 miles from the beat we were fishing. Result! The hotel itself had all the comforts of home with the added bonus of someone else doing the cooking. Tea and home baked cake upon our return from the river was so nice. Great hotel staff and good company is the perfect recipe for an enjoyable trip. Strath Naver contains all the hallmarks of ancient human habitation, it truly is a special place. David and Craig were the ghillies that were on hand to keep us focussed on the right pools in the prevalent conditions, top blokes who have not only seen it all, they have also done it all. Great craic. The river itself was fairly unsettled with a mixture of heavy snow, rain and hail, all working together to drive the height of the river up and up and up once again. Not to be outdone, the group managed several bent rods with well mended kelts but the elusive Scottish springer lived up to its reputation. A wild and remote place that is not for the faint hearted, especially this early in the season. However, with such a gorgeous river at its heart and Loch Naver at its head, it is a very special venue for salmon fishing and so much more. Happy days :)
