The Agivey is well known for it's Salmon fishing and there are several methods that are permitted to lure the Salmon to take. Firstly it is unknown why the Salmon take lures in the river system as it is known fact that the Salmon does not feed once in freshwater. It still remains a mystery to why they then snap at flies and other lures. One thought is that it is pure agression or another of just out of habit by feeding so much at sea.One of the most popular amongst anglers on the Agivey is Fly fishing. By far the most popular type of fly are the shrimp patterns. There are so many patterns avaible to the angler these days but these are some of the most popular and all are shrimp patterns. The Bann Special, Wilkinson Shrimp, Red shrimp, Apache, Orange Shrimp, gold Shrimp and of coarse the Agivey Wye-Bug.
Other well known Salmon flies are used such as the Jock Scott, Silver or Black Doctor and the Thunder & lightning amongst others!
During early summer it may be very difficult to induce the Salmon to take, as they tend to stay deep and don't show much interest. Later they become more active and take more readily. Black high water is best for fishing the fly, but many anglers have found success by using a small lightly tied fly in low water.
Spinning is popular in high heavy water as is the worm during a flood and after when the water is still high and dark. One type of spinning lure that has become very popular due to it's success is the 'flying c' These come in red, yellow, black, silver & purple and consist of a long shank covered with rubber flayed at the tail and a spinner at the head. This acts as a small fish. Other spinners like the Copper & Silver spoon, mepps of various sizes and Toby's are also known to attract fish.
Some anglers still use the trusty 'black head' worm as bait and are very successful, especially during a fresh or flood when Salmon take shelter in places out of the heavy current or along the river bank.
It must be noted that fishing with Shrimps or Prawns is strictly prohibited on the Agivey river and stringently enforced by the Agivey anglers association and Bann System bailifs who patrol the river.
