Fishing News for Rivers Dee, Findhorn, Spey, and Avon - Season 2009
Latest Report
Fishing News Update, 6th June, 2009
It is hard to believe that we are already half way through the fishing season in this part of the Highlands. We have enjoyed some great Spring sport through late April and May. Conditions have not been generally very favourable and with very little rainfall, river levels on the Findhorn have not often been ideal. However, despite all of this, we have been picking away and unlike many other rivers in Scotland, there has been no scarcity of salmon in the pools.
For the week
commencing April 27th, I was hosting the first of our regular Spring weeks
at Dallas Lodge on the Dallas Estate. It has been fifteen years since
we first started our thoroughly enjoyable get togethers and after all
this time, the group and atmosphere at Dallas Lodge remains fantastic.
We
are privileged to enjoy the fishings on some of the best of the middle
Findhorn beats, including Glenferness, Coulmony and Logie Estates. As
the last of the snow melt had dissipated, we were now going to be somewhat
dependent on rainfall to encourage a run of fish to move upstream and
take the fly eagerly.
On the Monday
the river was reading just 4" on the Forres river level gauge and
at least the weather had turned a little more unsettled, with rain showers
and feeling much cooler. We were delighted to welcome back the return
of past regulars, Keith and Ros Clarke from Guernsey. It was Ros who was
first to score with a cracking fresh fish of around 10 lbs., hooked in
the Churchyard on Church Beat. She was fishing a size 8 Cascade on an
intermediate line and she was delighted. 
A
little later on and Keith Clarke briefly hooked another fish in the same
pool, which soon came unhooked. After lunch it was David Clark's turn
to hook a fish of around 12 lbs. in the Lairds on Mini Daltra, Glenferness
on a pot belly pig fly.
By Tuesday,
April 28th, the river had risen a little and was reading 10" on the
Forres gauge. The weather remained very unsettled and cold. Again it felt
like a good fishing day and hopes were high. Colin Brook was fishing on
the Altnahara Beat in the morning and first time down the Black Pool,
hooked a good fish on size 8 green Highlander, which took off down the
pool and came unstuck! A little later on in the morning and he hooked
a second fish in the Deadman's Pool on a small Munro brass tube and this
too soon threw the hooks. What bad luck to have hooked two "Springers"
and lost both of them in these conditions. 
After
lunch, Peter James hooked and landed a lovely fresh fish of around 8 lbs.
in the Slate Pool on a ¾" Red Flame brass tube fly, tied by
Ronnie Sneddon. Next it was the turn of Peter Angus, who hooked and landed
a fresh fish of around 10 lbs. in the Black Pool, on size 8 Cascade.
On Wednesday, April 29th, the weather had changed becoming brighter and warmer and the river was falling away to 5" on the Forres gauge and fishing was pretty slow.
Then on Thursday,
April 30th, the weather became more unsettled with cloudy skies, drizzle
and cooler. The river was still falling away to 4". Peter Grimwade
from Ipswich hooked and landed a really lovely deep fish of around 9 lbs.
on the Scum pool, Relugas Beat on Logie Estate. 
The
fish was hooked on a size 8 Jungle Bunny fished on a full floating line.
By Friday, May 1st, the river was still holding steady at 5" on the Forres gauge. The weather remained fairly unsettled with strong winds and by late afternoon the river was rising again by a few inches. Keith Clarke managed a lovely fresh fish of around 10 lbs. from the Scum Pool on Daltullich, fishing a full floating line and a size 8 Cascade. Graham Bruce-Gardner from Llandogo hooked and lost a fish in the Churchyard Pool on Church Beat, on a Sunray Shadow fished across the surface.
On Saturday
2nd, May the river was still holding steady at 5" and the weather
became a little brighter with occasional showers coming in from the West
after lunch. In the morning David Clark from Worthing hooked and landed
a really cracking fish of around 14 lbs. from the Pulpit Pool on Altnahara
Beat on Glenferness. The fish was hooked on a full floating line and on
a size 8 Cascade double. 
Ronnie
Sneddon from Clackmannanshire hooked a lovely fresh fish of around 7 lbs.
in the Daltullich Bridge Pool on Relugas, Logie Estate. The fish was hooked
on a ½" Templedog tube fly and fished on a full floating line.
A little later on in the afternoon and Colin Brook was finally rewarded
with a fresh fish of around 5 lbs. from the neck of the Slate Pool on
Relugas Beat, Logie Estate. Despite the lower water conditions throughout
the week the fish were still keen to come and look at a fly. On the Saturday
afternoon I was standing right beside Graham Bruce-Gardner on the Pulpit
Pool, Altnahara Beat on Glenferness. We witnessed a large fish move up
from the depths of the pool and watched as it moved for the fly three
times without even touching it. We left the pool for a while and returned
a little later on then tried for the fish again with a Sunray Shadow,
but yet again it came out of the deep and turned away from the fly at
the last minute. It was very frustrating for Graham and I, but really
quite amazing to see this spectacle, as the fish continued to move at
the fly without taking it. I wonder how many times this occurrence happens
and we are most probably blissfully unaware of any interest from down
below.
For our second Dallas Lodge week, we welcomed the return of the boys from the Emerald Isle, who have become regular visitors to the Findhorn in the Spring.
On Monday, May 4th the river had fallen to 7" on the Forres gauge and the weather had once again become unsettled, cloudy, cool and windy. Although I was hopeful of a fish being caught, the day was blank and very few fish were seen.
By
Tuesday, May 5th, the river had fallen to 5" on the Forres gauge
and with the promise of some forthcoming rain everyone's spirits were
high and hopeful of success. In the morning Brendan O'Connor was unlucky
to hook and lose a lovely fresh fish in the Pool of Peck on the Dounduff
Beat at Logie, on a size 8 gold shrimp pattern fished on a floating line.
Later on in the afternoon, Gerry Dooley finally connected with a salmon
of around 9 lbs. in the Lang Tail pool on Levrattich Beat, Glenferness
Estate. He had seen a fish showing in the pool and had fished through
it a couple of times with regular fly patterns. Just before he decided
to leave, he thought that it would be worth trying the good old 1 1/2"
Sunray Shadow and within a couple of casts he hooked this cracking fish
and he was absolutely delighted. As the afternoon progressed, the heavens
finally opened up and heavy rain began to fall.
By Wednesday, May 6th, the river had risen reading 5" on the Shenachie gauge and 11" on the Forres gauge. Despite the water looking in excellent condition and fish being seen on all beats, only one fish was hooked, but lost by Gerry Dooley in the neck of the Island Pool. The weather remained unsettled, cloudy and cool with more heavy rain showers.
Thursday,
May 7th, the river had indeed risen somewhat to 11" on the Shenachie
gauge and 8" at Forres and the weather was still cloudy, cool and
with gale force winds blowing. The river looked in excellent condition
and we were all hopeful of connecting with a fish or two. In the morning
it was Ashley Matthews from Connemara, who was first to score with an
absolutely cracking fish of around 14 lbs., which was hooked in the Levrattich
Pool, Glenferness Estate on a size 6 Cascade, fished on a sink tip line.
After lunch, Simon Forsyth hooked his first Findhorn salmon of around
10 lbs. in the Maharajah Pool on a size 6 Yellow Cascade fished on an
intermediate line. This was his second ever salmon and the smile on his
face said it all as the fish was carefully released. A little later on
in the evening, Ash Matthews hooked and lost another fish in Secret Spot.
On
Friday, May 8th and after further heavy rain, the river had risen even
further, reading 1'4" at Shenachie and 11" on the Forres gauge.
The weather remained cloudy, windy, and cold with heavy showers and the
occasional hail stone pinging off our hats. If anything, the river was
a little on the high side for us in the morning and as the river began
to fall, after lunch Ash Matthews hooked and landed another lovely fresh
fish of around 10 lbs. in the Maharajah Pool, Mini Daltra on a size 6
Copper Shrimp, fished on a sink tip line. A little later on, Simon Forsyth
hooked his second fish of around 7lbs. in the Lady's Pool on Mini Daltra,
Glenferness on a size 6 Cascade fished on an intermediate line. Ash Matthews
hooked and lost another fish in the Old Bridge Pool on Church Beat and
pulled another fish in Factor's Burn on Church Beat.
By Saturday,
May 9th, the river was still in full spate, reading at 1'3" at Shenachie
and 2'6" on the Forres gauge. Yet again, the morning was a little
slow due to the very high water and the weather remained very windy, cloudy
and cold. We certainly saw fish in the tail of the Lady's Pool in the
morning, but could not get an offer from a fish. After lunch, it was Malachy
O'Callaghan from Dublin, who hooked a lovely fresh fish of 7 lbs. in the
Churchyard Pool on a ½" Brass Orjok tube, fished on an intermediate
line.
He also hooked and lost another couple of fish, one in the Chain Pool
and the other in the tail of the Church Bridge Pool. Toby Strauss also
hooked and lost a fish in the tail of Secret Spot.
On Monday May 11th the river had fallen quite dramatically to 5" on Shenachie and 11" on the Forres gauge. The weather had also taken a change to becoming brighter, hotter and very dry. I was joined by regulars, Des Dunlop and Jim Bishop from Bristol, fishing on the Daltullich/Dounduff beats for three days. Fishing through the day time became impossible and although we were seeing fish showing in Scum and Daltullich Bridge pool, they were not going to be tempted. Later on in the evening, Jim Bishop finally hooked and landed a fresh fish of around 12 lbs. in the Scum pool at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday,
May 12th, the river had fallen again reading 3" at Shenachie and
6" at Forres. High pressure had taken control over the country and
as the heat wave set in; fishing through the daytime became fairly hopeless.
However,
fish were seen in the Duillan Pool and the boys moved a couple of fish
to the fly later on in the evening. Des Dunlop hooked and caught a sea
trout of around 2 lbs. in the Pool of Peck on a Sunray Shadow.
By Wednesday, May 13th, the river was just 2" at Shenachie and 5" at Forres and yet again, the heat wave continued. Des and Jim made a very early start in the morning before the sun got onto the pools and certainly saw plenty of fish in both Scum and Daltullich Bridge Pools, but could not tempt anything to take.
Thursday, May 14th, I was joined by two of my regulars, Ian Vann from Edinburgh and Bill Hannan from Cheshire. The heat wave prevailed and the river continued to fall and very few fish were seen through the day.
By Friday,
May 15th, the weather had at last changed, becoming overcast, cloudy and
drizzly and feeling decidedly cooler. The river was reading just 1"
on the Shenachie gauge and 3" at Forres, but fishing conditions were
looking more promising. 
First
time down through the Scum Pool in the morning and Ian Vann was rewarded
with his first Findhorn Spring salmon of around 9 lbs. hooked on a size
8 Cascade fished on a full floating line.
Throughout the next week, fishing conditions remained generally a little slow although, it appeared that there was certainly no shortage of fish to be seen in the Findhorn and without a rise in river levels, fishing conditions would remain difficult.
For
the week commencing May 25th, I was back on the Daltullich/Dounduff Beats
for a few days offering speycasting instruction to Ian Anderson from Aberdeen.
The river was just 1" on the Forres gauge and 3" at Shenachie.
However, at last the signs were looking a little more promising as a persistent
heavy drizzle began to fall. Yet again, we saw good numbers of fish showing
in the Scum Pool throughout the morning and Ian soon mastered the art
of the Spey cast. He was unlucky not to connect with a fish. A little
later on in the afternoon, I.N. briefly hooked and lost a fish in the
Daltullich Bridge Pool on a small 1" plastic Sunray Shadow tube fly.
On Wednesday,
May 27th, I was delighted to welcome George Booth from Canada to the River
Findhorn. He was touring Scotland with a group of friends, primarily on
a golfing holiday. However being a keen fly fisher, he had decided not
to miss an opportunity to come and fish for Atlantic salmon, whilst staying
in Scotland. 
The
river had also risen a little reading 3" at Shenachie and 4"
on the Forres gauge and looking in excellent condition. As soon as we
arrived on the Daltullich Beat, we started to see fish moving in the Scum
Pool. George and I were both excited to see such good numbers of fish
and some very big fish showing and I felt certain we would connect with
a salmon at some point in the day. Weather conditions were good, a little
cloudy and overcast and feeling warmer. We fished hard throughout the
day and saw fish in both the Daltullich Bridge Pool and Scum Pool. At
just around 4:00 p.m., George was finally rewarded with a cracking 8 lb.
sea-liced salmon in the Scum Pool, hooked on a 1" Sunray Shadow.
This was one of the hardest fighting fish that I had seen for many a day.
First of all, it took off down the pool and then turned around and headed
upstream, out of the pool and into the rapids above before being finally
coaxed back into the pool where it was netted, photographed and quickly
released. George was truly delighted with his Scottish fishing experience
and vows to return at another time in the future.
"CURRENT AVAILABILITIES"
On the River Findhorn....
For the week commencing July 27th-August 1st, 2009 we have fishing available for up to three rods on Drynachan Beats, Cawdor Estate. This is one of the best middle Findhorn Beats and in 2008, Drynachan recorded some 661 salmon/grilse for the season. If you are interested in booking up these any of these availabilities, please contact Ian@speycaster.net.
We have fishing available for up to four rods on Altyre Estate, River Findhorn July 9th-11th, 2009. There are two rods available from August 6th-8th, 2009. There is also availability for up to four rods from August 17th-22nd, 2009. If you are interested in booking up these any of these availabilities, please contact Ian@speycaster.net.
For the week commencing September 14th-19th, 2009, we have availability for two rods on Glenferness Estate. We also have availability on Altyre Estate for September 21st-23rd, 2009 for up to four rods. If you are interested in booking up these any of these availabilities, please contact Ian@speycaster.net.
On the River Dee....
For the week commencing August 24th-26th, we have 2 rods available on Park Estate, South Bank. There is one rod available on Park North from October 1st-3rd, 2009. If you are interested in booking up these any of these availabilities, please contact Ian@speycaster.net.
If you feel like taking the trip of a lifetime, then we also have availabilities for catching those magnificent Fall run salmon on one of our annual trips to the Ryabaga Camp on the Ponoi River, Kola Penninsula in August or September, 2009.
For the person who has everything, you may like to take advantage of purchasing a bespoke gift voucher. These are available for any fishing opportunities, as well as, for any occasion. Please contact Ian@speycaster.net for further information on dates and prices.
>>To view images of our growing online photo library which covers the prime beats we fish on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, Spey, Avon, and Ponoi, please click here
Fishing News Update, 26th April, 2009
The
week commencing March 23rd, I was back on Altyre Estate, River Findhorn
with the Daryl Ewer party. After another unsettled spell of weather, the
river was running at over 4' and very dirty for the start of the week
and fishing was hopeless. By Tuesday, 24th March, the river was starting
to fall back and reading 2'6" on the Forres gauge. The weather remained
unsettled, windy, and cold. In the morning, Daryl Ewer hooked and lost
a fish in Palamore Island, but fishing was slow going on both beats with
not many fish being seen. By Wednesday, 25th March, the river had risen
a little to 2'10" on the Forres gauge and still the weather remained
cloudy with heavy showers and feeling very cool. In the morning, Graham
Pickering from Yorkshire hooked and landed a lovely sea-liced Spring salmon
of around 9 lbs. in the Roan Pool. He was fishing with an intermediate
line and a 2" Willie Gunn brass tube fly.
By
Thursday, March 26th, I was joined by Jonathan Asquith, Peter Grimwade
and Colin Brook. The river was reading 2'9" on the Forres gauge and
falling a little bit. It remained cloudy, very windy, and with further
heavy showers throughout the day. In the morning, I took Jonathan Asquith
up to Palamore Island on the Upper Beat, which was looking in perfect
order. Within a few minutes, he soon hooked and landed a lovely fresh
fish of around 10 lbs. on a 1" Park Shrimp tube fly, fished on an
intermediate line. We then moved up to Palamore where Jonathan hooked
and landed another fish of around 7 lbs. and covered in long-tailed sea-lice.
A little
later on in the afternoon, it was Colin Brook's turn to catch a fresh
fish of around 7 lbs. in the Roehillock Pool on a 1" Orjok tube fly
fished on an intermediate line. Despite the cooler weather, I took a water
temperature reading and was surprised to see that the temperature was
already at 42°F, therefore, I felt certain that fresh fish would soon
be running over the Poolie Falls at Sluie and into the Middle Beats. 
By
late afternoon, the river was again beginning to rise back up to 2'9".
On Friday, 27th March the river was reading 2'5" and again rising
by late afternoon to 2'10". It was an incredibly miserable day weather
wise, with the onset of further heavy rain, gale force winds, and extremely
cold. Needless to say, the fishing was very quiet with just a few fish
running in the Roan Pool. By Saturday, March 28th, the river was back
up to reading 4' on the Forres gauge and feeling bitterly cold with snow,
sleet, and very windy. As the water fell away later in the afternoon,
we saw fish showing in Palamore Island where Colin Brook got a pull off
a fish, but that was it for the day.
By Monday,
April 6th, I was fishing with Olivier DeVictor, Huston McCullough, Oliver
Watkins and Bill Chard. River levels were looking perfect and reading
1'8" on the Forres gauge. In the morning, I took Huston McCullough
to Palamore Pool where he hooked and landed an absolutely cracking fresh
salmon of around 20 lbs. covered in long-tailed sea-lice. 
The
big fish was hooked in the tail of Palamore, which is often known for
its big fish. It was hooked on a ¾ Orjok tube, fished on a sink
tip line. Just after lunch, Oliver Watkins hooked and landed his first
Findhorn salmon of around 10 lbs. yet again in the Palamore Pool. The
fish was hooked on a Pot Belly Pig tube, fished on a sink tip line. A
little later on, Oli hooked and lost what he described as a very large
salmon in the tail of the Roehillock Pool just off the big rock below
the hut. Over the next couple of days, the river started to fall away
and by Wednesday, April 8th, was reading 1' on the Forres gauge. It was
another day of unsettled weather with heavy rain falling and the river
started to rise, once again. Despite seeing fish on all pools on both
beats, these fish just seemed to be intent on running without taking a
look at any of our offerings.
On Thursday, April 9th, I was joined by Lady Grant from London. The river was back up to 2'8" and falling and the weather was feeling a little milder, but still with strong blustery winds and overcast. Just after lunch, I.N. hooked and landed a lovely deep fish of around 14 lbs. in Roehillock on a ¾" brass tube, fished on a 10' fast sink poly leader sink tip. By Friday, 10th April, the river level was at 1'10" on the Forres gauge and looking in perfect fly fishing order.
Despite seeing good numbers of fish in all pools, we were unable to connect with a taking fish. Yet again, I got the feeling that with the water temperatures unusually higher than normal for this time in the season, that the fish were running hell for leather. Indeed, I had feeling that it would not be too long before I heard of fish being caught above the falls up on the Middle Beats. By the end of the day, the river had risen, yet again, by over a foot and it went very quiet on all beats. By Saturday, April 11th, the river was reading 1'8" on the Forres gauge, falling and clearing. It was a milder day with a mixture of sunshine and clouds. The river was looking in fabulous condition, but with very few fish seen throughout the day. Later in the day at around 5:00 p.m., I.N. went up to the Soldier's Hole and saw a fish head and tailing. After trying with a conventional fly and no response from a fish, it came to a Sun Ray Shadow, but did not connect. I then went down to the Roehillock Pool where we had seen a fish show earlier in the tail of the pool. After moving a fish to the Sun Ray Shadow and on the very next cast, I hooked and caught a lovely fresh fish of around 11 lbs. which gave great sport and a great end to the day.
On Monday,
April 13th and I was fishing back on Park Estate North Bank, River Dee
with David and Michael Clarke, Charlie Tryon, Mark Whitehead, and Alex
Foshay. The river was looking in perfect order and reading 18" on
the Park gauge when we arrived in the morning. There was a cold sea har
hanging over us which soon lifted and the weather became bright and sunny
throughout the day with a cold east wind blowing upstream. 
There
was certainly no shortage of fish to be seen on all beats, but the bright
and sunny conditions, seemed to make it hopeless through the day with
no offers or takes anywhere. However, just after 6:00 p.m., David Clarke
hooked and landed a cracking sea-liced salmon of around 10 lbs. in Bakebare
Pool on a 1" Cone Head tube fly, fished on a fast sink line. By Tuesday,
April 14th, the river was running clear and reading 16" on the Park
gauge. It was a far better fishing day remaining overcast and cool. In
the morning, Charlie Tryon hooked and landed a fresh fish of 10 lbs. from
Park Inn. Mark Whitehead briefly hooked and lost a fish in the Lower Kirks.
After lunch, David Clarke, hooked and landed his second fish of around
7 lbs. from Greenbanks Pool on a Sun Ray Shadow. A little later on, he
hooked and lost another fish in the same pool, again on a Sun Ray Shadow.
Just after 6:00 p.m., Charlie Tryon hooked and landed his second fish
of the day of around 6 lbs. in the Durris Stream, yet again on the Sun
Ray Shadow. 
Within
five minutes of releasing this fish, he hooked and lost number three,
almost at our feet. It was a bigger and stronger fish of around 10 lbs.
to 12 lbs. A little further downstream on Bakebare, Mark Whitehead lost
another fish, also on a Sun Ray Shadow. By Wednesday, 15th April, the
river was reading just 14" with perfect clarity. It was yet another
overcast day with a cold easterly wind blowing upstream. In the morning,
it was Michael Clarke's turn to hook and land a cracking deep fresh fish
of around 12 lbs. in the House Pool and yet again on the ever deadly Sun
Ray Shadow. The sixth rod, Steve Howarth, who was fishing Park for his
first time, also had a 'Red Letter Day' with a salmon of around 18 lbs.
from the Lower Kirks just before lunch. He then went and caught his second
fish of around 14 lbs. from Bakebare Pool after lunch, both fish hooked
on a Sun Ray Shadow.
>>To view images of our growing online photo library which covers the prime beats we fish on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, Spey, Avon, and Ponoi, please click here
Fishing News Update, 22nd March, 2009
The last two weeks has been a really exciting period for my fishing clients on the Altyre Estate Beats. The early Spring run has really started to move into the Lower Findhorn Beats offering some really superb sport.
On Monday, March 9th, I was fishing on Altyre with Andy Murphy from Chester for three days. The river was reading 2' 2" and falling with good clarity. The weather was a mixture of sunshine, showers, windy, and cold. Despite good fishing conditions, only kelts were caught that day.
By
Tuesday, March 10th, the river had fallen a little and reading 2' 1"
on the Forres gauge and conditions were, once again, looking superb; but
unfortunately only three kelts were hooked. With the big Spring tides
beginning to build through the forthcoming week, I couldn't help but think
that the combination of good river levels and the high tides would surely
start to entice these early "Springers" into the river. The
water temperatures were still cold, reading between 36° to 38°F,
which is ideal for us on Altyre at this time of year.
On
Wednesday, March 11th, the river had fallen a little to 1' 9" and
was looking absolutely perfect for us. The weather was really as good
as it gets at this time of year with a little cloud cover, mild and hardly
a breath of wind. Just before 11:00 a.m. and after two kelts had been
hooked, Andy hooked into another fish, which after a long hard fight,
turned out to be a fabulous Spring fish of around 15 lbs. The fish was
caught in the Roan Pool on the Lower Beat, fished on an intermediate line
and a 1" Willie Gunn tube fly. This was Andy's first ever Findhorn
salmon and was clearly delighted with his prize. At around 1:30 p.m. Andy
hooked his second fish of the day. This was a cracking 10 lb. sea-liced
salmon hooked in the Soldiers Hole on the Upper Beat and once again on
the 1" Willie Gunn tube. 
After
lunch, we headed off back down to the Lower Beat where I.N. hooked and
landed another fresh "Springer" of around 12 lbs. in the Roan
Pool. The fish was hooked on a ¾" Orjok tube fly, fished on
a 10' poly leader sink tip attached to a floating line. At around 3:30
p.m., Andy hooked into his third fish of the day, another cracking fish
of around 14 lbs. also hooked in the Roan Pool and on the 1" Willie
Gunn tube. This was a fabulous result and I do not think March fishing
can get much better than this with four beautiful Findhorn "Springers".
On Thursday, March 12th, things had taken a turn for the worse and the river had risen to nearly 4' on the Forres gauge and looking very dirty. This overnight rise in river levels had been brought on by a combination of snowmelt water and heavy rainfall up in the head waters of the Findhorn the previous day. I was fishing with the Ian Vann party from Edinburgh for the next three days. Fishing conditions were really hopeless for the day and despite trying to cast a line in Pallamore Island Pool, the water was simply too high and too coloured to offer any chance of success.
On
Friday, March 13th, the river had fallen to 2' 2" on the Forres gauge
and the clarity was improving all the time. The weather was sunny and
feeling very mild. It felt like another good fishing day to come. In the
morning, I took Paul West from Aberdeen to the Pallamore Island Pool where
he soon hooked a lovely small fresh salmon of around 7 lbs. The fish was
hooked on a Black and Yellow tube fly and fished on a wet cel2 sinking
fly line. A little later on and just before lunch, Don Milne from Aberdeen
also hooked a cracking sea-liced fish again of around 7 lbs. in the Roehillock
Pool on the Upper Beat. The fish was hooked on a 2" Willie Gunn tube
fished on an intermediate line. Later on in the afternoon, Bill Hannan
from Cheshire hooked a fabulous salmon of around 16 lbs. in the Roehillock
Pool on a Cascade conehead tube fly. Don Milne hooked and lost another
fish in the Garden Pool on the Lower Beat.
By Saturday, March 14th, the river was reading 2' 2" on the Forres gauge, but was starting to rise steadily throughout the day and becoming a little dirty. The weather was overcast, cloudy and feeling much cooler in the strong northerly winds. Unfortunately, no other fish, apart from kelts were hooked that day. However, it had been a tremendously exciting week and a total of seven fresh "Springers" up to 16 lbs. is certainly not to be sniffed at!
On
Monday, March 16th, the river had begun to settle and was reading 2' 2"
on the Forres gauge, steady and clear. The weather was overcast, drizzly
with some heavier rainfall throughout the day. My two guests fishing on
the Lower Beat were Graham Caton and Nick Armstead from Edinburgh. It
was not long before Graham opened his account with a fine 15 lbs. Spring
salmon in the Roan Pool. The fish was hooked on a Willie Gunn tube fly,
fished on an intermediate line. This was Graham's first Findhorn Spring
salmon and indeed, his first March salmon. 
Nick
Armstead, not to be outdone, also hooked and landed another fresh fish
of around 7 lbs. also hooked in the Roan Pool and on a Willie Gunn tube
fly.
By the following day, Tuesday, March 17th, the river had risen to 2' 4" on the Forres gauge, but still with excellent clarity and looking in perfect order. In the morning, Nick hooked and landed another cracking sea-liced fish of around 14 lbs. in the Roan Pool on a 1½" Willie Gunn tube fly.
On
Thursday, March 19th, I was joined by Algernon Percy from London and Robbie
Douglas-Miller from Edinburgh. The river had fallen dramatically over
the last two days and was reading 1' on the Forres gauge with excellent
clarity. The weather had also taken on something of a change, becoming
sunny, bright and feeling very warm. However, just before lunch, Robbie
Douglas-Miller hooked and landed a lovely fresh fish of around 11 lbs.
in the Roan Pool. The Joe Kidston party also hooked and landed another
fresh Spring salmon of around 11 lbs. in the Soldiers Hole Pool on the
Upper Beat. As the day progressed, the weather became warmer and the fishing
was much slower with very few fish seen for the rest of the day. I also
took another water temperature check and was not surprised to see the
temperature had reached the 42°F mark. Therefore, I feel it will not
be long before the fish begin to move over the Poolie Falls at Sluie and
up into the middle reaches of the river.
By Friday,
March 20th, the river had risen very slightly to 1' 1" on the Forres
gauge. I was fishing with Mike Powell from London. Once again, with high
pressure dominating the country, the weather was sunny and very warm with
air temperature peaking at 15°C. 
The
fish were reluctant to show or even take a fly in these conditions. However,
we waited patiently until the afternoon sun began to dip and we were able
to fish in the shade on the Garden Pool. Just before 5:00 p.m., Mike got
a good solid pull off a fish and after a good long hard fight we netted
a really superb fresh fish of around 15 lbs. The fish was hooked on a
1" Black and Yellow Templedog brass tube and fished on a 10' Poly
leader sink tip line attached to a floating line.
By Saturday, March 21st, the river had fallen yet again, and was reading just 10" on the Forres gauge. After a sunny start, the weather began to change becoming cloudy, windy, and much colder. Fishing conditions were looking much better and there were signs of a few more fish showing. Unfortunately, just before lunch, Mike hooked and lost another fresh fish in the Roan Pool. At 5:00 p.m., we decided to abandon fishing for the day and head off to watch the Grand Finale of the Six Nations Championship. Unfortunately for Mike, he was also robbed of another victory for his beloved Wales as Ireland cleaned up on the "Grand Slam" victory!
>>To view images of our growing online photo library which covers the prime beats we fish on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, Spey, Avon, and Ponoi, please click here
Fishing News Update, 8th March, 2009
Since my last update, I am pleased to report that February has proved to be a record month for many of the River Dee Beats. Little Blackhall reported thirty-two against a five year average of ten, Park reported sixty-three against a five year average of thirty-two, Lower Crathes reported forty-three against a five year average of twenty-one. Ballogie and Invery reported twenty-seven against respective five year averages of sixteen. This is indeed a truly excellent start to the 2009 season and bodes well for the forthcoming Spring months.
I
was back fishing on Park North Bank on 20th February with my very good
friends, Nick Armstead and Geoffrey Mitchell from Edinburgh. The river
was running at 42" on the Park gauge and falling with good clarity.
Weather conditions were somewhat cloudy and overcast with light rain falling
for most of the day. Nick Armstead hooked a lovely fresh sea-liced fish
of around 9 lbs. in Castleton Pool. He was fishing an intermediate line
with a 1½ inch Willie Gunn brass tube fly. This was quite a fine
achievement for Nick, who has now notched up two Springers for February.
I seem to recall he had to wait until the middle of April last year for
his first fish and myself and his other friends are delighted that he
has got off to a good start this year!
Later
on, just after lunch, I.N. hooked his first fish of the season, a fine
fresh fish of around 6 lbs., hooked in the Cellar Pool on a 1" Dee
Fox tube fly. There were another six fresh Spring salmon caught on the
beat for the day giving a total of 8 salmon.
On Saturday, 21st February, I was joined by friends Colin MacDonald and Clive Williamson. Unfortunately, the rain from the previous day had done its worst and the river reading 39" on the gauge started to rise by mid-morning. I.N. hooked and lost another fresh fish in the House Pool, which dropped off at the net. It must have been the Ghillies' fault! After lunch, the river was rising steadily and becoming a little dirty. Despite our best efforts, no other fish were reported, apart from five fish that had been caught in the morning.
On the River Findhorn, I am delighted to report that on 13th February, the first Spring salmon from the Forres Angling Association was hooked and released in the Newton Pool. The fish was caught by Dave Rennie on the fly and measured 34" long and estimated to be around 16 lbs.
I
was fishing on Altyre Estate on the Lower Findhorn for the week commencing
23rd February with various friends and guests. The previous week, the
river had been virtually unfishable due to the mother of all snowmelt
flooding after a sudden mild spell took away a lot of the recent snow
that had fallen. However, fishing conditions began to look more promising
and the river was reading 2'4" on the Forres gauge and steady. Iain
Wood from Kelso hooked and lost a fresh fish in the Roan Pool just before
lunch. Apart from 8 or 9 kelts hooked, there were no other fresh fish
seen or hooked for the day.
By Tuesday,
24th February, the river had risen slightly and reading 2'7" on the
Forres gauge and falling. Weather conditions were ideal with mild air
temperatures and overcast skies. Just before lunch, Iain Wood hooked and
landed a cracking sea-liced Spring salmon of around 14 lbs. in the Roan
Pool. The fish was hooked on a 1" Park Shrimp tube fly, fished on
an intermediate line. It was one of those typical deep Findhorn Springers
and we were all truly delighted to see our first salmon of the season
which was photographed and carefully released. Unfortunately, no other
fresh fish were hooked through the week. 
It
is still very early days and I am sure we will soon start to see the best
of the Spring run begin to build as we move into mid-March.
I have just heard reports of another large fish of around 16/17 lbs. being caught in the Broom Pool on the Forres AA water earlier this week. I shall be fishing with clients on Altyre Estate over the next three weeks and will be updating the "Fishing News" page later this month with all of the latest happenings.
I would be
most grateful if anglers would drop me a line commenting on their sport
with me at ian@speycaster.net and attach any pictures so that they may
be shared on this site. Tight lines!
>>To view images of our growing online photo library which covers the prime beats we fish on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, Spey, Avon, and Ponoi, please click here
Fishing News Update, 2rd, February, 2009
A new season
dawned on the Aberdeenshire Dee as we awoke to see a scattering of snow
on the ground and hills around us. Unlike the blizzards that brought England
to a standstill, the Northeast of Scotland remained generally clear of
heavy snowfall accumulation. However, the day was feeling raw as strong
easterly wind whipped upstream with occasional flurries of sleet and snow.
My
regular team of guests arrived at the Park Estate hut at around 9:00 a.m.
to be greeted by our always cheerful Head Ghillie, Keith Cromar. Despite
the chilled conditions, the river level was absolutely perfect for fishing
at 22" on the Park gauge. The water temperature was 35ºF and
running gin clear with an air temperature of 36ºF, but feeling much
colder with the wind chill. It was great to be back on this fantastic
beat on the lower Dee and we were all feeling somewhat optimistic of catching
a fine fresh Spring salmon.
After the
usual celebratory "Opening Day" dram, we quickly dispersed to
our allotted beats. I took my good friend, Mike Leach, over to fish on
the South Bank where we were greeted by the ghillie, Charlie Yates, who
as always, was delighted to see us. We had been allocated to fish on beats
four and five in the morning and as Mike had never fished South Bank,
was keen to look at this new water. 
I
started him just above the wires on Durris Stream and instructed him to
fish down through the Jetties. I opted to fish down on Bakebare where
the biting upstream wind made casting interesting! We both managed to
pick away at the customary number of kelts, which even to feel the pull
of a fish on the first day of the season always lifts the heart.
Around 12:30 p.m., Mike hooked into a fish just above the ash tree at the tail of Jetties and was rewarded with a lovely small silver fresh salmon of around 7 lbs. The fish was hooked on a ¾" Macartair brass tube fly, tied by our good friend Ronnie Sneddon and fished on a sink tip line. Mike and I were delighted to see the first fish of the season carefully returned to the river. After lunch, we were soon back fishing on the river, as February days are short and fishing time is valuable. Mike was allocated to fish on Beat five, North Bank for the afternoon.
Meanwhile,
I took Graham Bruce-Gardner over to Bakebare Pool on the South Bank, which
was also new water to him. Graham hooked and released two well-mended
kelts and battled against the wind bravely. Mike then appeared opposite
us and started to fish down behind Graham whilst I could keep an eye on
both of them. Graham got a good pull of a fish and just as he lifted into
the fish, Mike also hooked another fish above him on the opposite bank.
Graham's fish took off down the pool making the reel scream and soon started
splashing on the top. I could see it was a fresh fish as it splashed and
then suddenly threw the hooks and it was gone.
Meanwhile, Mike battled away with his hooked salmon and was soon joined by Keith and the fish was quickly netted. Mike had done it again, this time a cracking fish of around 9 lbs. and covered in long-tailed sea lice. I do believe that this must be quite an achievement and indeed, most probably a first, to catch not only two fresh Spring salmon on the Opening Day, but one off each Bank!
A
little later on in the afternoon, Nick Evans also hooked and landed a
lovely fresh salmon of around 8 lbs. The fish was hooked on an Aaron Cromar
Park Shrimp ¾" brass tube in the House Pool. Despite the biting
cold conditions, we were truly delighted with the days catch! I also see
from the Fish Dee reports that 27 fresh fish up to 21 lbs. were caught
for the Opening Day, which is truly an encouraging start to the season
and bodes well for the forthcoming Spring months.
>>To view images of our growing online photo library which covers the prime beats we fish on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, Spey, Avon, and Ponoi, please click here
Fishing News Update, February, 2009
We are taking enquiries and bookings for the 2009 season and should you be interested in booking up some excellent guided fishing on prime beats of the Rivers Dee (Aberdeenshire), Findhorn, and Spey, please contact Ian@speycaster.net for further information.
>>To view images of our growing online photo library which covers the prime beats we fish on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, Spey, Avon, and Ponoi, please click here
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