Anglers in Speyside are casting their hopes high for a bumper season again this year.
After a bountiful catch last year, fishermen are “full of optimism” as the opening of the salmon season next month approaches.
Members of the Spey Fishery Board said last year’s bumper haul reversed previous trends which showed dwindling numbers.
Last year’s tally of grilse, salmon that have spent only one winter at sea before returning to the river, was the best since 2010.
Figures revealed a 70% rise on catches over the previous year.
A series of ceremonies aimed at prolonging anglers’ luck along the expanse will be performed at its opening day next month.
This year’s event will take place at the Penny Bridge in Aberlour’s Alice Littler Park on Thursday, February 11.
Jimmy Gray MBE, the Superintendent of the Spey from 1978 until his retirement in 2001, will reel back the years when he officially opens the river to the hoards of eager anglers who will descend upon its banks.
Mr Gray will be charged with the traditional task of pouring a bottle of 12-year-old single malt Aberlour whisky into the fast flowing torrents of the Spey, a superstition said to bring fishers good fortune.
Aberlour’s Rev Shuna Dicks will also be on hand the bless the river and bagpiper Alan Sinclair will perform.
Anglers will toast the opening of the season with drams of Speyside malt and plates of locally baked Walkers shortbread.
The Spey Quaich will be awarded to the angler who catches the first salmon on the opening day, while bottles and hampers will also be given to the angler who lands the heaviest salmon.
Fish must be caught by use of fly rod and line only, must be fresh run, and released back into the river.
Any catch must be verified by the ghillie in attendance and reported to the Spey Fishery Board by 5pm on the opening day.
A total of 7,728 salmon and grilse were caught between last February and September, compared to 4,563 during that period in 2014.
The biggest fish caught this year weighed a whopping 32lb, and was landed on a beat near Craigellachie.