Guiding

Ian has been working professionally as a guide and casting instructor since 1980 when he owned his own fishing lodge on the West coast of Scotland on the Isle Of Mull. Ian has extensive knowledge of all aspects of salmon, sea trout and trout fishing, from the smaller spate rivers and lochs of the West Coast to the larger flowing rivers of the East of Scotland where he has organised annual fishing parties on the River Dee, River Findhorn, and River Spey.

Ian was head guide on the Ponoi River on the Kola peninsula in Russia for five years. The Ponoi River is arguably the best Atlantic Salmon fishing river in the world. Ian was also head guide on the Rio Grande, in Tierra Del Fuego, which is home to some of the finest Sea Trout fishing in the world.

Ian has met and guided many famous celebrities throughout his career from far and wide, including American writer and conservationist, the late Jack Hemingway, U.S. newscaster, Tom Brokaw, British comedian and actor, Paul Whitehouse to name a few.

However, one of his highlights in 2009 was a day on Loch of Boath on the Cawdor Estate looking after and introducing members of "Take That" to the art of fly fishing.

On a bright and beautiful frosty day in early November, Ian enjoyed the company of Gary Barlow and Howard Donald, while trying to entice the elusive trout, which were keeping their heads down in the depths of the loch and not for the taking of Take That!

Actor, Jason Flemyng was also in the company of the celebrity party. After the fishing had been concluded for the day, Jason had decided on a bracing dip into the freezing waters of the Loch, much to the amusement and amazement of the other party members.

The reason for this grand occasion was that Mark Owen married his fiancée, Emma Ferguson, in the delightful Cawdor Church during a romantic candlelit ceremony on November 5th. It was a most memorable day.

Ian offers a full and comprehensive guiding service from complete beginners to experienced casters whether it's single handed rod casting for trout to single and double speycasting with the larger double handed rods.

Ian's intimate knowledge of his many and varied beats throughout the Dee, Findhorn, Spey, and Avon Rivers make him the perfect guide - dedicating time to the needs of his clients on a one to one basis over the period of a full working day offering advice and tips on improving casting technique.

You will also learn the many aspects of river craft and reading water throughout the many changing conditions of a fishing season from early Spring to late Autumn.

For further information on Speycasting instruction please contact Ian Neale at ian@speycaster.net

~ Current Availabilities ~

We really have some first class fishing on offer for 2012:

We are now taking enquiries and bookings for the 2012 season, which will open on February 1st on the River Dee and February 11th on the River Findhorn and River Spey.

We have some early availability on Altyre Estate, River Findhorn through March and April, 2012. We also have availability on Glenferness Estate, River Findhorn in early May, 2012 for up to 4 rods. March through May is always prime Spring salmon fishing on the River Findhorn and can produce some fabulous fishing.

We also have fishing available on several other Lower and Middle Findhorn beats including Drynachan, Glenferness, and Altyre through June to September, 2012.

We shall also have prime fishing availabilities on the River Dee at Park Estate throughout the season for up to five rods.

Should you be interested in booking up some excellent guided fishing on prime beats of the River Dee (Aberdeenshire), River Findhorn, or River Spey for the 2012 season, please contact ian@speycaster.net for further information and dates.

Accommodation can be arranged with Ian and Barbara at Bradbush House for all fishing availabilities on the River Findhorn.

Speycasting instruction, whether it be for one day or two; three or more, may also be a unique way of presenting your loved one or special friend with a surprise gift; or as a token of appreciation to your top performers.

To discuss individual guiding, speycasting instruction or joining one of our Lodge parties please contact Ian Neale. During the 2010 season, late availability will also be announced on our Fishing News page.