A good spate is needed on Tyne.

Byline: By David Carrick

The hot weather and low flows have had anglers worrying about the incoming salmon on the Tyne.

The danger signs are there should the present weather continue, but a good spate would certainly help things as there is likely to be many fish waiting to run the River Tyne at present.

Kielder Water is still brim-full, so there should be plenty of water available should problems occur in the upper estuary.

Catches have been patchy although some fine fish have been landed from the main Tyne.

Fishing NERAC waters, Dick Stoneleigh landed a 14lb salmon on a No 3 Mepps, while Gary Johnson from Bishop Auckland took a 13lb salmon on fly.

Up river at Bywell, Jonathan Lee from Darlington caught a newly-run fish of 11lb 8oz on fly.

Steve Hicks fhad one of 13lb, 8oz on fly from Pipeline.

Out on Tyneside Anglers Syndicate waters, Ed Smith had a great visit to the Till, catching three grilse to 6lb 8oz, two sea-trout to 5lb and then a quick visit to the Tyne to catch an 18lb 8oz salmon.

Scott Williams from Redcar landed a 12lb salmon on fly, while John Speers from Teesside caught eight sea-trout to 6lb 8oz over a few visits.

Gareth Black from Ryton landed a bright 3lb sea-trout off the Till.

Reports indicate some good sport on the lower River Wear and some fish in the Durham and Bishop Auckland areas.

Another good spate should get fishing going on all our local rivers.

Heat five of the Shakespeare Esthwaite Open Pairs Competition was fished in difficult conditions on Saturday and the winners on the day were John Armstrong from Whickham and David Carrick from Ryton with three fish for 6lb 11oz.

The runners-up were Ian Lamb and Phil Green from Consett with three fish for 3lb 7oz and both of these pairs qualify for the final in September.

The final heat for this competition will be fished on Saturday, July 9, and interested anglers should contact the fishery for an entry form.