Anglers on the River Spey are going into the new salmon season with fresh optimism after last year’s start was the best in more than 50 years.
A bottle of whisky will be ceremonially poured into the river next month to bring good luck as well as a prayer to bless the water as part of a traditional ceremony.
Anglers are encouraged the catches will be as good as they have been for a long time based on last year’s statistics.
In 2016 3,940 salmon were caught between February and June – a rise of more than 1,200 from the previous year and the best start to the season since 1955.
A high return rate of 94% of catches being put back in the water, and a steady flow in the river have been pinpointed as reasons behind the rise.
Roger Knight, director of the Spey Fishery Board, revealed there have already been signs for another bumper haul.
He said: “When I’ve been talking to the ghillies they have mentioned there are likely to be some big fish around this season – which is particularly good to look forward to.
“It makes a big difference because we have anglers travelling from all over the UK, Europe and America. It’s great to have that optimism ahead of them arriving.
“There are almost 55,000 angling days a year, with everyone eager to catch a spring salmon on the classic salmon river.”
The ceremony to officially open the salmon fishing season on the River Spey will take place on Saturday, February 11 at 9am at Penny Bridge in Alice Littler Park, Aberlour.