Fishing The Fly Scotland
Index => Rivers & Lochs => Topic started by: Liam Stephen on 16/02/2012 at 11:35
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Guys,
Is there gonna be a new thread made for this season, like there has been the past two? The new season has started you know :wink :wink
Liam
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Guys,
Is there gonna be a new thread made for this season, like there has been the past two? The new season has started you know :wink :wink
Liam
I guess you just started the River Don 2012 thread Liam :z16
Great stuff :cool:
Best wishes
Mike
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Well that's me had a kelt from Inverurie :z5
Has anyone heard of any confirmed springers yet? :z8
Iain
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Nice one Iain :z16 any pics? :z15
Liam
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Ya that's you off the mark anyway :z16 Surely there's video not that I will be able to view it :mad
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Noel Salmon don't count :wink :wink
Come on the Trout :z15 :z15
Liam
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No kelt pictures Liam -into the side, forcepts out & away with those boys.
No video either Noel, It was all I could do to sneak the neccessities out first thing this morning without waking the one who sleeps with one eye open.
I need to deliver your parcel tomorrow Findus, let me know what suits.
Iain
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Findus?
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Have been discussing this with my work mate spiderman and we are both keen to hear opinions on how you think the don will fish this early season?
Unless we get a late artic blast it's looking like not much snow in them thar hills to melt and keep our river flowing strong and cold.
Anyone remember a winter like this before?
Personally I'm expecting an excellent April, with the trout into confident established feeding routines. But I'm an optimist :z4
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Has anyone had anything as yet other than Iain, been out a couple of times and have only seen 2 fish never mind get into anything.
I'm new to fishing at this time of year but the water seems to be as low as it was at the height of summer (if you can call it that) last year. I take it that's not the best for fresh Salmon comming through.
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Andy,
there are reports of fresh fish having been taken from ADAA waters, how near the sea I don't know. Doubt if I'll get out tomorrow, wasn't out last Saturday :mad flippin' kids parties!
here's hoping someone lands a springer soon. :z15
Iain
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Andy
Inverurie beat
I lost a decent fresh fish on Thursday........ easy teens, on for about 20mins then fell off when the hook straightened. Strong deep fish with blue sheen flashing up its flank as it was trying to shake the hook. I`ll dream about that fish for years to come. It all went sour when i was just getting the camera ready :z6. Straight back in and picked up a decent lively kelt, felt a little better after that. Saw one other fresh fish that day and numerous kelts, been out 4 other times this season and its been dead bar the odd kelt being caught and even then nothing really showing. Reckon rise in temps stirred things up that day and even the trout were poking their noses out for a short time. Right place at the right time this time of year.................
Good Health & Luck for all on the forum and those fishing the Don 2012
TS
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Unlucky TS, losing a spring fish rates high when reviewing a seasons highs and lows, still it's early yet. :z16
Iain
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Well i finally got round to picking up my ADAA membership on sunday and i am planning a few early mornings of fishing this week before work.
Probably be heading to lower parkhill beat then heading down to seaton park/grandholme area late in the week.
Being my first days fishing this season and also my first days salmon fishing ever, i can't wait. :grin
Will hopefully get a report up here by end of the week and hopefully some nice pictures.
Not expecting much but you never know, there has been reports of some fish being taken so fingers crossed.
Have any of you guys got any words of advice for a novice?
Dan
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Hi Dan
I was there on sunday as well, so was Rob, where were you sitting? i was down at the front by the guy giving the speel.
I'd have introduced myself if i'd known you were going.
After the meeting Rob and i were having a bit of a chinwag outside, just in case you happened to pass us by
Looking forward to getting out for a cast :z16
Sandy
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Hi Sandy,
I was at the other end of the table, probably looking like death warmed up as i have been laid up with the cold all last week. Think i was a couple of seats from Rob, would have chatted after but most people i have been round have come down with the cold too so don't think anyone would have thanked me for that. :X1
Would have been good to meet a few of the guys from here though, sure we will probably see each other this season on the don or at Haddo once it opens again.
Cheers,
Dan
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Well i managed out for a couple of hours today before work, was a lovely day to be on the river, hardly any wind and i have to say i don't think i have seen it this warm in Feberuary.
Didn't land or see any fish, but was good to get out and wet a line and also to put into practice what i have been shown.
I was fishing on the Cruvies beat on the Don, was hoping to fish trough Snuffies Pool on this beat as i am lead to believe that this pool is know to hold quite a few fish at certain times. Unfortunately there was 4 anglers continually fishing through it and as i like my fishing a little quieter i decided to go down river to the next two pool Benzies and Scraper.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2z4bmdu.jpg)
Snuffies Pool
(http://i44.tinypic.com/ou7iu1.jpg)
Benzies up to Snuffies
Will also be out tomorrow, probably head further down the river or head up river to upper Parkhill.
Dan
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Nice report Dan. Keep the pics coming.
en
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Dan
Your pictures show the North bank at Snuffies. Hope you were not fishing there as we can only fish the South bank at Snuffies & Benzies. You have to go down to Downiehill before we enjoy double bank fishing. Suggest you check your maps if in doubt.
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Don't worry fisher had packed up by then and was walking that bank while having my lunch to see if I could spot anything.
Dan
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Really wished I was out today even if only to wander the bank.
Good luck tomorrow Driver Dan :z16 keep the photo's coming
Iain
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Cheers Iain,
You never know my next lot of photos might even have fish in them....i doubt it though.
Dan
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Unfortunately there was 4 anglers continually fishing through it......
:z4 Heard that about this particular pool.
Remember, your permit cost the same as theirs - just queue until the lowest angler fishes the pool out and get in. Remember to cast then take a pace and keep doing this - maybe remind those in front to do this as well :wink
Can be a few 'pool hogs' at Parkhill too unfortunately, though most of the ADAA guys have the etiquette and know the rules !
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When does the season open for Brownies on the Don?
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Hi Peter :z16
The brown trout season runs from the 1st of April to the 30th of September on the Don.
Cheers
Mike
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Anyone know a beat that sells day tickets for sunday trout fishing? ADAA do but only to visiting anglers outwith 25mile radius of Aberdeen ???
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Hi An Chuieog,
as far as I know only the River Urie, I haven't seen any Sunday fishing on the Don...
Cheers,
Phil
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Anyone know a beat that sells day tickets for sunday trout fishing? ADAA do but only to visiting anglers outwith 25mile radius of Aberdeen ???
you've still got time to join ADAA for the season... a whole season's worth of sunday trouting
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you've still got time to join ADAA for the season... a whole season's worth of sunday trouting
is there a cut off by when you must join each year? I'm on the brink this year.
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you've still got time to join ADAA for the season... a whole season's worth of sunday trouting
Not for me Iain, dont plan on being here next year so the one off joining fee puts me off. I have been saying that for a few years now I know but the plan is still to move when the right opportunity comes around.
Also its only because the first of April is a Sunday that I'm interested. Sunday is normally play with the missus day.
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Well another short outing today at lower Fintray and upper parkhill.
Lovely day for fishing again, just a shame i had to cut it short to go to work, was considering pulling a sickie.
There were a number of fish seen (probably about 8, but they may have been the same fish a few times) and most were quite a good size, none willing to play the game and allow me to catch them though. :z7
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2093b00.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/5fnp74.jpg)
Dan
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I had my first trip out today, With the Don at summer levels but rather cold water it made for very pretty if not ideal conditions.
So with a pocket full of good advice, a fly i tied last night, my new rod, line and net I proceeded to christen all my new gear with a rather bonny well mended kelt out of the Kemnay beat :z16
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/IMG_4535.jpg)
I have forgotten just how hard these fish can pull, great fun, now bring on the springers.
Its great to be Home :z18
Sandy
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is there a cut off by when you must join each year? I'm on the brink this year.
there's a cut-off of this weekend for existing member to re-new their fees.
there *was* a cut-off last year for new members, but I'm not sure if that's still the case. I couldn't see anything definite on the adaa pages, sorry. You could email sales@adaa.org and ask?
noel.... you'll be saying the same thing in 5 years and kicking yerself!
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Well done sandy, here is to many more this season. :z18
Dan
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Well done sandy you haven't lost it.
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:X6, get yersel in the ADAA.
Dan, keep at it and the pictures coming - surprised there wasn't anyone else at that pool.
Sandy,
There doesn't even seem to be a lot of kelts so far so at least the rod got bent. :z16
One thing, Noel has a pair of slippers identical to your wading boots, do you guys play poker at work per chance?
Here's hoping for rain and an afternoon on the river tomorrow 'cos it looks like Saturday is out.
Iain
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Bloody hell what's this the adaa recruitment forum?
How do you know what my slippers look like. I do have a pair that live permanently under my bed... I'm really starting to worry now :shock
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Anyone know a beat that sells day tickets for sunday trout fishing? ADAA do but only to visiting anglers outwith 25mile radius of Aberdeen ???
This is the case for salmon but not for trout Noel. Due to the PO, trout tickets are available and I fairly sure that they can be booked online but not all of their beats are open on Sundays. Fetternear also allows Sunday trout fishing on a C&R only basis, if you get stuck, drop me a PM.
Cheers
Ben
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Hallelujah finally an answer to my actual question. Cheers Ben :z16 Do you not think I should join the adaa? :z4
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Hallelujah finally an answer to my actual question. Cheers Ben :z16 Do you not think I should join the adaa? :z4
Yes Noel,
You probably should join. Considering the amount of fishing you do, where you live, and where you work then it would make sense really. On the Don alone with the council roving and ADAA tickets you can fish almost all the way from Kemnay to the estuary and ADAA have a fair bit of other decent water close by.
Cheers
Ben
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I had my first trip out today, With the Don at summer levels but rather cold water it made for very pretty if not ideal conditions.
So with a pocket full of good advice, a fly i tied last night, my new rod, line and net I proceeded to christen all my new gear with a rather bonny well mended kelt out of the Kemnay beat :z16
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/IMG_4535.jpg)
I have forgotten just how hard these fish can pull, great fun, now bring on the springers.
Its great to be Home :z18
Sandy
Pleased to see you got some action Sandy, next time you're in Banchory I'll sort you out with a new fishing hat dude :z4
Ben
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I didn't want to comment on the cap after slandering the slingbacks but Ben didn't you used to sport a similar titfer?
My, oh my! after the years of chav abuse I've taken this season is really shaping up :X2
Iain
Noel, my mum just phoned and recommends that you join the ADAA
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Still have my hat, nowhere near as grandad as Mr Nelsons :z4
Noel, my gran just emailed to recommend you join ADAA and my Nigerian banker friend also thinks it is a good plan, wire him the money and he promises to get you a discount.
Ben
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I didn't want to comment on the cap after slandering the slingbacks but Ben didn't you used to sport a similar titfer?
My, oh my! after the years of chav abuse I've taken this season is really shaping up :X2
Iain
Noel, my mum just phoned and recommends that you join the ADAA
Your mum.....ok now you knowing my slippers makes sense. Tell her hi and to please stop ringing me.
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You guys are summin else!! :z7 :z7
Liam
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Nice fish Sandy :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Still have my hat, nowhere near as grandad as Mr Nelsons :z4
Thats because it was my Grandad's hat and i love it, so fek off.
I've loads of hats, but i love my Bunnet, so don't need anything, besides it has caught me
loads of fish over the years and still hasn't lost its touch :z7
As for the slippers, they are new and were rather good today, pity the old waders haven't liked being stored though :z10
Guess i may have to go to Banchory again :cry
Sandy
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Your hat catches fish!!!! now this I must see. Video please, could be a YouTube sensation!
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Have you never watched "Ratatouille" :wink
Sandy
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Have you never watched "Ratatouille" :wink
Sandy
Watched it no, but I have eaten it. Makes you fart
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Nice Fish and Nice hat Sandy. I've got a very similar bunnet also belonging to my grandfather, it will be worn instead of the baseball cap this season. Can anybody answer my question about the ADAA?
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No!,
pm Fisher or e-mail Paul Toseland, I think this might get you to him... Adaa1@tiscali.co.uk or info@adaasales.co.uk
Iain
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Filled out the online membership request form this afternoon. Will just need to come to a suitable deal with Mrs MDH now!
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Link to Don trout permits.
http://www.adaasales.co.uk/shop/basket.asp?hdnCtrlPageNum=2&manukey=-1&deptkey=-1&srch=&slct=manu&sort=1&anchor=0&pagename=shop.asp
Remember, the Brown trout season does not start until April the 1st for ADAA
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Still waiting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNo5yFKJN9c&list=UUfiQyoA3_SpbLHhd0z0LqmQ&index=1&feature=plcp
Iain
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Well done that man :z16
:z18
Jim
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Well done Iain. :z16
Cheers,
Dan
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good stuff
how deep were you fishing?, i was using the same floating head with a intermediate tip and 22mm brass slimline tube :z16
Sandy
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Nice one Iain,
Shame the springers weren't playing.
Has anybody noted the water temperatures at all when they were out and about? Sandy you strike me as the kind of man that would love those sort of details!
Cheers
Matt
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Thats great Iain well done.
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Sandy,
3.9 in/sec 7' versileader with 1 1/4" Cu slipstream tube.
Been all over the place with fly weights and leader densities lately.
As for water temperature, I did buy a thermometer a couple of seasons ago but leave it in the car now so I don't know.
Iain
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So here is a question from a novice, to get my fly deeper i have been using a larger tube (copper/brass 1.5") on a floating versileader set up with 12-14ft of tapered leader. It has been getting down quite deep but was wondering, would it be better for me to use a slow sink or intermediate versileader with a lighter fly?
Would this give me more control of the depth?
Cheers,
Dan
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In a nutshell . Yes :z16
Lighter flies swim better, so by using sinking leaders you get the depth and present the fly better :z16
Sandy
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Cheers Sandy,
Good to know, although now I think about it I should have known.
Guess my flees have been just sinking and not swimming much.
Cheers,
Dan
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Hi Guys
Just thought i would share the pic of my very first salmon caught at Kintore this afternoon after some helpfull tips from a fellow angler on the river bank, after 3 days of getting tangled up with the spey cast ive finally managed to get the fly out (some times) but still the odd tangle this was the result..
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Hi Billy,
Firstly, I'll bet it was nice to feel your first ever Salmon on the fly rod.
Little bit of advice, I always try to look for a wet reedy area to 'beach' a fish that has to be returned, it seems to be subdued there and unhooking and photographing is easily done.
Keep at it, although the next better not be a springer :X2 :grin
Iain
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Well done Billy,
Great to see other people getting fish, just need to get one myself now. :z4
Cheers,
Dan
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In a nutshell . Yes :z16
Lighter flies swim better, so by using sinking leaders you get the depth and present the fly better :z16
Sandy
I'm not sure I agree with that Sandy, bit too much of a generalisation. A light fly will move more in the water but there are times like right now where you may not want the fly moving about too much. A lot of people use a weighted fly to get down on a floating line, this will give a slow moving fly fairly high in the column.
For me, the weight of the fly is about speed of swing and presence in the water more than it is about depth. In a cold water I want a heavy fly, in a big water I want a heavy fly, in these situations a light fly will often not cut it even on a fast tip as it swims too quick. Obviously if fishing in very low cold water then the fly would be lighter as a certain flow is required to make a fly of a certain weight swim.
Does that make any sense?
Cheers
Ben
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Still waiting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNo5yFKJN9c&list=UUfiQyoA3_SpbLHhd0z0LqmQ&index=1&feature=plcp
Iain
Love the fact that the lense distorts the rod so it looks like it is bending right through to the handle :)
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Hi Billy,
Firstly, I'll bet it was nice to feel your first ever Salmon on the fly rod.
Little bit of advice, I always try to look for a wet reedy area to 'beach' a fish that has to be returned, it seems to be subdued there and unhooking and photographing is easily done.
Keep at it, although the next better not be a springer :X2 :grin
Iain
Hi Iain,
I was a great feeling to catch my first Salmon, Thanks for the advise i will look for a better spot when i catch my first springer :z4
Billy
Hi Iain
It was a great feeling to catch and land my first Salmon. Thanks for the advice i will try and get a better spot when i land my first springer :z4
Billy
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Well done Billy,
Great to see other people getting fish, just need to get one myself now. :z4
Cheers,
Dan
Cheers Dan,
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Hi Iain,
I was a great feeling to catch my first Salmon, Thanks for the advise i will look for a better spot when i catch my first springer
Billy
Hi Iain
It was a great feeling to catch and land my first Salmon. Thanks for the advice i will try and get a better spot when i land my first springer
Billy
Good Stuff Billy. :z16
Iain
Good Stuff Billy. :z16
Iain
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bit too much of a generalisation.
Fair comment :z14 And your wee speel made me think, i hadn't really considered the speed as regards weight, but i guess it is obvious as well :X1 i was a bit hung up on materials for speed, ie faster water stiffer fibres and so on and the overall density of the fly, although i had figured this might have more to do with the clarity of the water. :z8
All the fun of tying the flies
Sandy
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Fair comment :z14 And your wee speel made me think, i hadn't really considered the speed as regards weight, but i guess it is obvious as well :X1 i was a bit hung up on materials for speed, ie faster water stiffer fibres and so on and the overall density of the fly, although i had figured this might have more to do with the clarity of the water. :z8
All the fun of tying the flies
Sandy
You guys think too much! Its simple. Big float deep, fast water, little float shallow water...the prawn on the end holds it in place ;)
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Any joy today Iain?
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Hi Matt,
I made the decision last night to fish a pool that I last fished 3 seasons ago and it was a big dissapointment, despite altering fly and leader densities all I could do was remove all of the mossy weed from the tops of the numerous boulders :z8
So I jumped in the car and headed for spot #2, after that long walk I had a half dozen casts before receiving a call from one of those big metally structures in the sea and it was game abandoned. I did stop off, on the long walk back, to fish a section of deep slow water which was not created for the fly & managed to hook a lively brownie of about 2lb. He wasn't on for long which is good as those are meant to be caught on shorter wooden rods. Nice timely reminder though :z12
Iain
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Iain :z16
What sort of fly did the brownie take? Is it a common thing to hook one while salmon fishing? :shock
Liam
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Hi Liam,
It's not uncommon to hook Brownies on Salmon flies. I'm sure I've encountered them every season & had them from around 3/4 lb to about 4lb.
I hate it for a few reasons, primarily I don't like pricking large doubles into them, secondly when Salmon fishing you want every pull or hook up to be with the intended quarry & thirdly you can fish all season for Brownies, matching hatches, being as technical as you can and never get as big a fish.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/aonw5l.jpg)
not my flies, but for all intents & purposes this is what he took.
Won't be long now.
Iain
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UaRuX_2kWM&list=UUfiQyoA3_SpbLHhd0z0LqmQ&index=1&feature=plcp
Another Go Pro delight?
Iain
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Looking forward to seeing these clips once i get off this rig!
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Top stuff Iain. :z16 You must have thought for a bit it was springer after that first run? :cool:
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Cracking clip Iain, heres hoping your next one is a springer.
Cheers
Dan
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Looks like fun Iain. We're you trying to teach it to fly there bit before you landed it?
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Fished the Don on at Inverurie on Saturday alas no fish, no water and the wind was a pest. There were a good few people fishing no one had caught, there were a few Kelts moving and one good sized trout coming up on on a regular basis. The Bailiff made an appearance and said a few fresh fish had been taken off the lower beats.
Still it was better than decorating.
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one good sized trout coming up on on a regular basis.
Now that's what I like to hear :grin
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Me too Trig :z16
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Me three guys :z4 :z4
Can't wait for the season to begin :z2
Liam
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Only 16 more sleeps to go :z14
As the start of the new season falls on Sunday the 1st of April, fishing the Don is ruled out :cry. So as I'm desperate to get out on the 1st I was thinking on giving the little River Ury a go. A new river for me, I have had a few guys share some info and tactics :z16 but I'm still a little unsure. Just wondered if anyone fancies showing me the ropes on this stretch of water or just exploring a new bit of water too? :z2
Cheers
Liam
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Was down the River today trying my luck at a bit of Salmon fishing :X1. I've only tried it once before so... You can imagine :X2. Had what I think was a rattle and that was it :cry
At about 11.25 a few flies started to come off, followed by a few more and a few more. From what I could tell they were defo Large Dark Olives and March Browns. The MBs were huge :shock :shock. I sat around for a while before wandering down to my favourite pool and the fish were rising :z14 some big boys too by the looks of things. Hatch lasted for around 30mins.
Great to watch, gives me hope for the new season. I'm counting down the days now :z16
Liam
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Good stuff Liam. Hurry on April!
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Been down the river the past couple of days, its in great shape, perhaps a tiny bit low :z8 but the clarity of the water is immense!! I was able to spot the trout nymphing and track them as they came to the surface today. Lots of fly life to report LDO and MBs in great numbers along with the occasional ginormous Stonefly. The Brownies have been going bonkers, loads of fish showing including some big ones! :z16
I can't wait till Monday :z18
Liam
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Sounds good Liam, will be glad once it's sunday.
Was out today with the Salmon rod for a few hours before work, back to a popular pool out Dyce way. Wasn't going to bother but glad i did now.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/331ernd.jpg)
Not a springer but my first Salmon, so as you can imagine i am well chuffed.
Managed to beach it but was hard to find a suitable area as the river is so low.
As i keep my phone in a water proof pouch attached to my vest i managed to take a quick photo before i released it. Guessing it was 23"-25", dunno what that would be in lbs?
And to make things even sweeter it was caught on a fly i tied up myself.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/s6hhj6.jpg)
Have to say a big thanks to Ben for the casting lesson (will be back up to see you again) and for answering all and any questions i had.
Also Rob and Sandy for advice on Tying up some tube flies that look good in the flow.
Cheers, :z16
Dan
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Dan the man!
Congratulations Dan on hooking into your first Salmon, pity it was a kelt but that's where the pity ends.
A bend in the double hander and on a self tied fly. :z16
Well done
Iain
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Nice start :z16
H :z3
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Nice one Dan!
That will stay with you for a long time. :grin
:z1
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That's great Dan :z16 you will never forget that one.
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Cheers guys,
Will certainly keep me smiling for a few weeks. :grin
Dan
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Superb Dan :z16
Ben
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:z16
Sweet looking tube! Very similer to some I tied up for a wee trip out tomorrow. Thats my confidence now sky high that they will work.
Congrats.
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Was down the Kintore stretch of the Don today. Arrived at my favourite stretch for 11.55 and waited. About 10 mins later a few MBs started trickling past with some LDOs and small Olives (b.w.o) :z8
The hatch never really happened though , well not like it previously had on Mon and Tues anyways. A few fish were sporadically showing but again nothing special. There was a fair wind today, perhaps that put them off? I just hope we haven't missed the best of the hatches :z16
Two days to go!! :z15 :z14
Liam
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Aye it's been blowy the last two days.
Spent 15 min's at the river yesterday afternoon and there were a few MB's and LDO's but not many and no fish showing, but as said I only had a snapshot of what was going on.
I took some footage & stills of a MB which seemed to have a gammy leg but on seeing the pictures it was obvious that the beast was still undergoing a metamorphosis.
Will post it once it's uploaded.
Iain
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Ynglr39SQ&list=UUfiQyoA3_SpbLHhd0z0LqmQ&index=1&feature=plcp
footage not the best but it was quite windy.
Iain
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Awesome Iain, videos like that have loads of potential :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Man I still can't get over the size of these beasts!! :shock :shock
Roll on Sunday.
Liam
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Nice wee video clip iain!
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Well here we go ladies the start of the brownie season at last. Best of luck to all. Hopefully all that are out today get some sport :z16
Noel.
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Superb 1st day of the new season. Fished lower Parkhill with Iain and Noel :z16. Used the Klink and Dink all day, using one of Iain's deadly pheasant tails. Hooked into 3 Sea Trout, lost 2 netted 1 of about 1.5 lbs all took the PT, then I hooked into a decent Brownie of 1.5 lbs lost that too, ended up netting 3 small ones in the end made my day :z14.
Cheers for the great company guys.
Liam
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I've had better starts to the season but I've also had much worse.
The wind wasn't pleasant at times but it was great to be back out again. Lost a Sea-Trout and a Brown of about 1 1/4lb but did manage 2 smaller Browns to the nymph and spider so at least the rod got bent.
Fair amount of Olives and a small amout of MB's but not a whole load of fish rising although there were a few now and again
Glad to see the rain too so all's well etc.
Liam, I've a bone to pick with you!
Iain
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Superb 1st day of the new season. Fished lower Parkhill with Iain and Noel :z16. Used the Klink and Dink all day, using one of Iain's deadly pheasant tails. Hooked into 3 Sea Trout, lost 2 netted 1 of about 1.5 lbs all took the PT, then I hooked into a decent Brownie of 1.5 lbs lost that too, ended up netting 3 small ones in the end made my day :z14.
Cheers for the great company guys.
Liam
You did really well Liam fair play. For the record I blanked :oops
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Dont beat yerself Noel :z7 :z7
Plenty more opportunities. Think it was perhaps begginers luck?? :z12
Liam
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With mr Rob B, I was also foolish enough to brave the howling wind, and foolish enough to fish the unsheltered stretches. Duh!
Caught up with Iain Goolager/Young Gun/Noel, so at least some chat was enjoyed.
In a more sheltered spot, took a wee 1/2lb brownie (target acquired), netted a sea trout of around 1.5lb (though it doesn't really count as it had hooked itself in the back - think it took then broke off and spat out my dropper but got caught on the point), and had a hook straightened out by a twice-leaping seat trout, 2-3lbs. exciting at least.
Bloody hooks - it was either a TMC 103 or a Partridge SLD.... echoing another post on the forum. i tied the same spider pattern on each hook, to see if I could tell the difference... then failed to note which hook was which... duh!
and it rained. ah well, the horses are on the track!
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Dont beat yerself Noel :z7 :z7
Plenty more opportunities. Think it was perhaps begginers luck?? :z12
Liam
Beating myself :shock think you got the wrong site Liam!
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Well done to everyone who managed out today, sadly i couldn't make it out.
Good to hear that some sport was had. And i never thought i would say it but i am glad we have finally had some rain.
Liam, as this is my first proper season of fishing could you tell me how you were fishing the klink n dink?
Up stream, down stream ect?
Hopefully make it out this week for a few evenings fishing.
Cheers,
Dan
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Beating myself :shock think you got the wrong site Liam!
Oh god :z4 :z4 another typo- beat yerself up. Is what it should have said :X1
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Hi Dan
I was using a size 12 SR Klink and size 14 PTN. When prospecting I was casting up stream/ up and across into the riffles. Or when covering rises I would cast more across stream. Hope this helps, there are some great vids by jonfish in YouTube :z16
Liam
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Oh god :z4 :z4 another typo- beat yerself up. Is what it should have said :X1
Back to skool :X1
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Cheers Liam :z16,
Thanks for the tips, seemed to work for you so will hopefully have some fun trying it out this week.
Dan
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Right fellas I'm away to brave these balmy temps and try land a big broon. I'll report back later :z16
Wish me luck.
Liam
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Well I had a crap openning day!..lol.
I ended up being "netsman" for Iain on a bonnie Sea Trout. That man has golden spheres just now!!
Despite getting smashed by a fish, getting rained on and blown inside out and having to watch Iain catch fish, the day was not wasted at all.
I learnt a lot about a section of river I last fished 15 years ago, and I saw a few fish in bits I would not have normally fished, so it was a great education.
I have also learnt that to catch, I need to bin my Zero Gravity and buy something even more expensive! :)
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Hey guys, good to hear that so many fish have been caught yesterday, despite the wind and drop in temperature :z16
I decided to start the trout season on the Urie, below the Recycling plant in Inverurie. Never been there before, but the stretch looks quite nice. I caught a tiny trout on a midge dry fly and lost another one on a wooly bugger. No real hatch was going on, except of the midges...
Unfortunately lots of rubbish in the water and on the bank, I have never seen so many plastic bottles in the river... :z19 also several blackwater pipes coming in below the recycling factory. Really dirty and smelly stuff... I think they have real issues there, probably on windy days most of the plastic bags and bottles get blown away and into the river.... ??? That shouldn't be the purpose of a "Recycling Factory"...
Looking forward to go to the Don this weekend!
Tight lines to all!
Phil
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Right fellas I'm away to brave these balmy temps and try land a big broon. I'll report back later :z16
Wish me luck.
Liam
Come on then we are waiting!
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Rob, Noel you are in good company - I blanked yesterday too ! I did insist on fishing the dry/emerger so possibly my own fault given the poor conditions - there were a few fish rising very sporadically but not enough to cover them with any kind of presentation in that wind. Took a gush over my waders, caught a bush and the pawl on my Streamlite reel gave out so went home dejected.
Today, however, was different matter ! Loads of fish rising when I arrived at Parkhill with many LDO's on the surface and on went size 17 JT Olive. Rose a fish right away and missed it. Hooked one, on briefly and then off. Arggggggh ! Then a Sea Trout at 1.5 lbs landed, another Sea Trout 'jumper' of the same size released himself at my feet in some weeds. Best fish, again on JT Olive, was a 2 plus lb Sea Trout and whilst she was stripping line from the reel the brand new pawl I put on the Streamlite last night gave up ! Somehow managed to palm the rim smoothly enough and wind in on a slack clutch to finally land her, cracking fish bright silver so very fresh.
So, 3 Sea Trout of which two landed and all on dry fly. That is more like it ! Off to Orvis Banchory tomorrow if snow stays off as I am thinking of retiring the unreliable Streamlite (lasted a season :shock) for an Access Mid Arbor II, see what Ben says.
Lindsay
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Whats with all these sea-trout :z8
I'm wondering if the broonies have all been off on their hols in this nice weather and come back without a tan :z14
Sandy
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Sea trout....I want.
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Whats with all these sea-trout :z8
Maybe they think it is May what with all the high temps we have had over the last 2-3 weeks ? The ones I landed were definitely 'fresh' ST's not well mended kelts.
With all the talk of hooks mine were all tied on Tiemco 103BL's, great hooks IMO.
Lindsay
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Fishing the brilliant Klink and Dink again today, using some home tied PTN's.
Lost every one of the eleven fish I hooked today! :cry :cry Half a dozen tiddlers, three of around 3/4 lbs and then a nice Sea-Trout :cry :cry
I'm still trying to forgive my self for losing a decent Brownie of around 2.5 lbs :mad :mad the fish was immense, had a few leaps and a couple of strong runs before finally tiring. Had him within inches of the net then all hell broke loose and it busted me off :cry :cry
I need help!
Liam
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Sounds like an entertaining days fishing though liam. :z16
I was out for few hours this evening, terrible weather, soaked to the skin and hooked then lost 2 brownies that would have been a new personal best in weight, both 2.5-3lbs (anything over a pound would beat last seasons best :X1) both hooked on black and silver spiders.
Pretty gutted but an encouraging start to the season. :z7
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Dan
Sure was just very very very frustrating! :mad
Were you fishing Kintore?
Liam
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No was fishing lower parkhill, will have to have a go further up river this week. Only fished from from upper parkhill downwards before so looking forward to having a go further up river.
Dan
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Aww come on its white outside! :shock Where the hell did that come from? Typical Scottish weather, no better way to mess up the start of the new season :cry
Liam
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http://www.farsondigitalwatercams.com/live-webcams/scotland/Don/Strathdon/
Looks pretty and typical conditions when you get a hatch of march browns!
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On the upside chaps, if the snowy shit stays on the tops for a while at least there'll be some water in the river for a bit.
Now that has to be a good thing.
H :z3
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I am looking out my kitchen window at around 6-7 inches of snow. I cant get down my track to the road as there is a couple of foot that has drifted against the dyke. I cannot believe I am snowed in in April! This time last week my car outside temp guage was sitting at 27 here at the house and 24 down in Aboyne.
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I also braved the cold/wet weather yesterday. Was really suprised to see fish rising and taking flies off the surface. I wouldn't normally handle and photo the fish below but as he was my first of the season i thought a wee photo was in order! Lower parkhill on a size 14 f'fly. Had a great day...if not a bit cold after a few hours!
(http://i43.tinypic.com/ighm61.jpg)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/33mxvlt.jpg)
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Excellent stuff ..... great photos Tosh :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Agreed nice to see some pics tosh :z16 great to hear fish are being taken despite the artic blast! Better luck today Liam cause I bet you are out!
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Nah Noel not on the Don today, as I'm down in not so sunny Perthshire. Got a trip planned to the River Earn tomorrow :z16
Hopefully I'll get some action, I'll report back tomorrow.
Liam
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Anyone know how the rivers looking after the Snow, was hoping to get out for a few hours tonight but is it a bit coloured?
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Just back from Kemnay beat , up a bit but nowhere near enough. Was coloured early on but seems to be clear again now .
Trout rising but I could not manage one over the pound mark. Smaller ones kept me amused .
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Had a great day at Inverurie - 8 trout (3/4lb - 1 1/2 lbs) & a sea trout @ 2lbs. All on Klinks (good rise between @ 1pm - 3pm) apart from 1 trout on a 14 wet.
All fish were taken in the afternoon - drew a blank nymphing in the riffles (missed a couple though).
First time back fishing for a few years and it's good to be back :grin
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Managed a couple of hours at L. Parkhill today from noon till the back of 2pm when I had to split for work. LDO Duns started appearing about 12.30, intensifying from 1.20pm. The level was up a bit but still running clear. Although there were decent number of Duns there wasn't much rising compared with Monday and any that were were on the North bank !
I did spot one fish sneakily rising to a couple of LDO's on my bank and caught him with the second cast - very satisfying, beginning to feel like a 'real' fly angler with all this dry only mullarkey ! :shock Cracking sub 2lb Brown Trout, quite silver flanked but giveaway butter belly and yellow gill plates unlike the silver beasties from the weekend. Put back alive and well as always. Size 17 JT Olive did the biz again. I actually spent more time watching and looking for rising fish rather than nymph or fish spiders blindly though you guys that like to fish that way would no doubt have done well.
So, not bad for a couple of impromptu hours, though had the feeling it would have improved after 2pm. The new Streamflex 9' #4 has been christened but the new Orvis Hydros II reel Ben sold me on Tuesday is still awaiting a Rio LT (thanks to Ben for the excellent advice with the reel, very helpful :z16).
May have another go tomorrow and certainly Saturday/Sunday, maybe catch some of you out and about - I think I must have been at Parkhill on Sunday when you guys were there.
Cheers,
Lindsay
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Fished upper parkhill today for the first time. Nice water!!! Walked the beat first while waiting for a hatch or any activity. Fair few salmon splashing about, Kelts I suppose.
A few olives started to appear about 1 o clock but no rising trout. This turned into a sustained hatch that was still going strong when I left at 4. The slack water was covered in olives but the rises were few and far between.
Altogether I saw 3 fish feeding properly and managed 2 of them. The other I couldn't cover.
First one turned out to be a well mended sea trout kelt of about 2.5lbs and the second a fit brownie pictured below. Water was up a bit, taking on a bit of colour and some weed coming down. Still very fishable but I hope it doesn't continue to rain!
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2ihxr1t.jpg)
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Great stuff Noel .... nice fish :z16
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Well done Noel. Deveron unfishable today but managed a nice two pounder off Park.
You're right, hope it stops raining, water will clear quickly and fishing could get even better that it was in March.
Wee tally for me finished with 93 for March best 3lb 12oz off Park and 2lb 12oz off the river. Amazingly 12 were between 2lb to 2lb 12oz and just short of 30 between 1lb and 2lb. Three seatroots as well which if kelt were very well mended. Didn't look too hard as big hatches and big rises meant too busy chasin troots.
Four other trophies over three pound also lost but far from spoilin things the brief encounter was very welcome.
I Deveron still out of sorts on Monday might have to look Don way?
Cheers
Allan
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Lol very good Allan and you even mentioned the don in your last sentence :z4
Water up a foot at Alford :cry that prob means river fooked tomorrow and metal chuckers oops salmon fishermen aways.
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Cracking fish Noel you did well under those conditions ! Thanks for the intel on state of the river - I may give tomorrow a miss now as I don't like fishing a rising river. Maybe Sunday or Monday will be better assuming it doesn't pish down. Sounds like the fish were as disinterested in the LDO's as Thursday ? Surely in these cases they must be picking off ascending nymphs in or near the riffles, would be interested to hear what you more experienced guys think ?
A couple of folks have said to me that fresh Sea Trout in the Don is unusual in early April ? I am 100% positive mine from Monday were fresh fish and not kelts, even well mended ones. It would be interesting to hear other's thoughts.
Yep, the dreaded Flying C :z10...............but not on Sunday :grin !
Cheers,
Lindsay
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Yup waters look out of sorts from the various webcams but might still have a wee foray into headwater country.
As long as its not too dirty then fish might be locked into emerging nymphs or other flushed out items below. A box of worms or some gadgers (stonefly nymphs) wouldn't go amiss. Oops sorry I've given all that up long ago when I moved over from the Dark Side. :z4
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Just been up for a look at kintore bridge. Don't think it could be browner :cry so instead of fishing it's gonna be a day of washing cars, painting and other crap activities.
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Nice wee fish there Noel :z16
What sort of height is the River running at? Will it be fishable in a couple of days do you think?
Liam
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Hi Liam, are you getting any fishing on your break?
River up about 2ft. If it doesn't rain more I hope it will be fishable tomorrow. Don't really know though.
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Yeah I have had some great sport I'll post in detail later, I'll try to add a few pics too :z16
Ah well fingers crossed are you heading to association water tomorrow if conditions improve?
Liam
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just reposting a link for Don heights/conditions. it's a summary of a fuller sepa data set (but I prefer this one).
I check this regularly; over time, I can associate the river heights with the bits I fish, and get a feel for it all.
http://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Don/RiverLevels.asp?dom=Don (http://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Don/RiverLevels.asp?dom=Don)
alternatively, I can just go upstairs and lean out of the window for a gander at the water!!!
oh, and for fairly accurate and detailed weather conditions
http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/Aberdeen
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Out for the first time today in my usual haunts on the upper river. The water is high but clear and certainly fishable.
Nothing doing all morning nor for the first half of the afternoon. A good hatch of LDOs started at about 3pm and a few fish started to rise. I had one on briefly but there was too much slack in my leader when it took the fly and I didn't get a decent strike. The bright orange of my new Barrio line certainly didn't put it off. Then the hatch stopped and the trout all went to bed. Typical early season day but it was god to get out again.
Irvine
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Had a try at Inverurie today. Water well up and spent a good part of my day just 'observing'.
Not many trout showing but did see some sea trout moving occassionaly. Also had a chat with an 'old timer' who, when I mentioned that I was surprised to have 2 nice Sea Trout on Tuesday, commented that the Don often has an early run in late March/ early April...
Hopefully we wont get too much more rain and the water will be in good shape for early next week.
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Hi Puddock
The rains off for now fingers crossed it stays that way. Was the water clearing any? I hope to get out tomorrow :z16
Cheers
Liam
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I gave up @3.30 . The level hadn't dropped any but I would say it had started to clear a little from morning.
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I think I might just give it a bash. You don't know if you dont try :z16
Liam
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Also had a chat with an 'old timer' who, when I mentioned that I was surprised to have 2 nice Sea Trout on Tuesday, commented that the Don often has an early run in late March/ early April...
Cheers, that goes some way in answering my query about early Sea Trout on the Don !
I checked Parkill at 2pm Saturday, lots of fly life and many LDO's coming down but no fish rising. Water was still quite brown when I left around 4 pm but the Sepa gauge shows it is dropping. I will defo give it a try tomorrow - no Salmon spinners about. :grin
Lindsay
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Upper or Lower Park tomorrow? What do you's think?
:z16
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Lindsay the elusive. Do you carry a fishing bag? If so think I have seen but not spoken to you the 2 times I been out.
Liam. Gis a call in the morn.
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Right decision time :roll just checked the levels and it's running steady at 1ft 4 above, hopefully the clarity has improved. Is it still fishable guys?
Liam
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Lindsay the elusive. Do you carry a fishing bag? If so think I have seen but not spoken to you the 2 times I been out.
Hi Noel, no don't carry a fishing bag. I was setting up at the Hen Blackie car park last Sunday and 3 guys ( possibly yourself, Liam and Iain ???) walked past and starting fishing the end of the L. Parkhill beat ? I fished the Stoneywood beat.
River looks like it is rising again upstream and more rain forecast, and all just as I have got a week off ! :mad Will have a look this morning and see if there is a hatch/rise cause tomorrow looks like a write-off if we get the rain that is forecast later today.
Cheers,
Lindsay
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Has anyone been to the river today? I was wondering if the Don cleared up? ???
I fished Alford on Friday and the water was already up and dark, I caught a tinny trout on a hears ear nymph... There has still been snow on the hills and I had the feeling that the water got darker in the afternoon, also a lot of weed and sticks in the water... went to Kintore at 4pm as I though that the melt water reaches the lower beats later, but water was also up...
Been to Kintore yesterday as well, but didn't even make a cast... Really frustrating, feels like the long easter weekend is lost... :z10
Is there a rule of thumb wich beats clear up first, upper middle or lower Don? I mean if there is still snow in the montains it's probably more likely that the water stays up longer in the upper beats and the lower beats are fishable? :z8 just a thought....
Phil
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Cracking fish Noel you did well under those conditions ! Thanks for the intel on state of the river - I may give tomorrow a miss now as I don't like fishing a rising river. Maybe Sunday or Monday will be better assuming it doesn't pish down. Sounds like the fish were as disinterested in the LDO's as Thursday ? Surely in these cases they must be picking off ascending nymphs in or near the riffles, would be interested to hear what you more experienced guys think ?
A couple of folks have said to me that fresh Sea Trout in the Don is unusual in early April ? I am 100% positive mine from Monday were fresh fish and not kelts, even well mended ones. It would be interesting to hear other's thoughts.
Yep, the dreaded Flying C :z10...............but not on Sunday :grin !
Cheers,
Lindsay
The sea trout kelts start feeding again before heading back out to sea. With the unusually early spring this year and large hatches of flies, the kelts will be in much better condition than usual. They will have regained much of their shape, but as they have not returned to sea, they are still technically kelts. Fresh sea trout are much more occasional feeders and this usually only starts after they have been in freshwater for some time. So if you are catching actively feeding sea trout this early in the season, you can virtually guarantee they are kelts.
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Quick question, which ADAA beats are members allowed to fish on a Sunday? Had a look on the website but could only find sunday fishing allowed on lower parkhill.
Cheers,
Dan
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Just back from Kemnay, caught nowt :cry water looked as if it was clearing and there was plenty of LDOs and MBs kicking around but no fish showing. There's always tomorrow :z16
Liam
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Dan, Sunday fishing on all beats except for balbathan and torryburn and lower parkhill north bank.
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Cheers An Chuileog :z16.
Lower parkhill was a bit high and dirty today, saw one fish constantly rising covered it with pretty much everything I had. But no joy. Didn't see much else.
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New to form but like this thread on the Don
Was at Fintray on early Friday morning. Seen a few salmon jumping and then guess what two large black things. Seals chasing the fish up the water. Yes you read correct two seals, one manged to get a salmon.
Carried on fishing for trout but nothing rising. Loads of flys on the water. A few hours later got a small trout.
Can't wait to get back.
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sorry Liam & Noel, but you missed this one...
21" brownie (?about 3.5-4lb??)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/28gxtl3.jpg)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2f0a8hx.jpg)
sorry about taking the fish out of the water for the 2nd pic, got excited! Thankfully my pal Simon R was on hand to net & pic.
fished out of a pool where back casting is impossible; all that single-handed roll casting practice coming in useful!
my best ever Don brownie, well chuffed
iain
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Cracking fish Iain, well done. :z16
Dan
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Ooooh ya bugger!! Well done Iain cracking fish :z16 what flee did he take?
Liam
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liam,
liked the 'new' waders!
no flies showing, and it was raining... so resorted to my fave wee team of wet & spider. took a small invicta. basically about all i ever seem to fish with this season. so far, it's taken salmon & sea trout kelts, and a couple of broons.
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Haha cheers :z7
Funny that Noel had a couple of tiddlers on Invictas. I never really have any faith in wets though :z8
Well done :z16
Liam
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Nice trout Iain .... Excellent stuff :z16
Invicta was always a good fly on the Don for me too, especially the silver version in the evenings :cool:
Cheers
Mike
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Invicta was always a good fly on the Don for me too, especially the silver version in the evenings :cool:
love a wee shiny invicta or two... I've gotten back into wet fly fishing on the rivers a bit now and again, quite relaxing and metronomic, and keeps me active (i'm just too twitchy to sit and await a hatch all the time).
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Back from U. Parkhill. Very Dour, hard going and water higher than last night despite SEPA gauge saying it was dropping. At 2.45pm some fish started rising to LDO's at the tail of Cockers but way to far out to cover. Found one rising two feet out from the bank on the Goval and finally tempted it with JT Olive dry. Nice plump 3/4 pound Brownie that gave a surprisingly good account of itself.
Bumped into Iain (Goolager) just before tempting the fish and had a good chat after !
Forecast for the week looks variable :cry
Lindsay
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The sea trout kelts start feeding again before heading back out to sea. With the unusually early spring this year and large hatches of flies, the kelts will be in much better condition than usual. They will have regained much of their shape, but as they have not returned to sea, they are still technically kelts. Fresh sea trout are much more occasional feeders and this usually only starts after they have been in freshwater for some time. So if you are catching actively feeding sea trout this early in the season, you can virtually guarantee they are kelts.
I understand what you are saying G Richie but I still reckon they were fresh, and based on your criteria how would you tell that they weren't ! ? I would like to think I could recognize a Sea Trout kelt and have caught over wintered Finnock (in April) on the Don that were obvious. I have also caught Sea Trout in lower beats of several rivers where they hadn't been in the system long so not sure I agree. Sorry, I don't want to come across as defensive ! If they were kelts, still in the system in April, then would these these fish return to spawn again this year ?
Cheers,
Lindsay
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I have caught sea trout kelts as late as the first week of May. They will drop back to sea and may only stay there for 2 to 3 months before coming back into the river. I know it is a bit of a grey area, some of the ones which have been feeding hard regain quite a lot of their condition. There can be some overlap with the very first of the fresh sea trout entering the river and the last of the kelts leaving.
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Result Iain :z16 delighted for you. I also enjoy fishing wets on the river and do get quiet a few fish on them but never had anything bigger than say 1.5lbs.
So you didn't see that fish rising then I take it?
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I know it is a bit of a grey area, some of the ones which have been feeding hard regain quite a lot of their condition. There can be some overlap with the very first of the fresh sea trout entering the river and the last of the kelts leaving.
Cheers min. Maybe they just decide to become Brown Trout again ! :wink
I did record them as Sea Trout on the ADAA catch return, and tbh if confronted with fish in that condition I would again. I did read reports of very early sea trout on other east coast rivers this year but with this grey area of such well mended fish who knows what any of them are for sure.
It is all very fascinating for sure.
Lindsay
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Cracking fish Iain, well deserved.
Cheers
Ben
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River looks like it is dropping a bit if you believe the gauge - I may brave it from 2pm ish today and see what it is like.
Thinking more about the Seat Trout kelt issue. I will take scale samples next time and send them to Jamie that way I will know for sure. Either way not a huge issue as all my fish go back alive but if no fresh fish run the system in March early April then maybe the Sea Trout season shouldn't start on 11th Feb ? Given that no Salmon at all are to be retained before 1st June then all the hooha about Salmon kelts is redundant anyway other than for recording ? Seems it would be better to make anglers aware of Sea Trout kelts/over wintererd Finnock and/or no Sea Trout should be retained before 1st June ( and not at all if I had my way !) to avoid problems. Really, we should be moving to 100% C+R for all trout (and Salmon) at all times.
Cheers,
Lindsay
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If the scales don't come off on your hands, then you shouldn't even have to bother :wink
Sandy
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If the scales don't come off on your hands, then you shouldn't even have to bother :wink
Not sure I follow Sandy, but my hands weren't covered in any scales at all after handling the two ST's so were they fresh or kelts ! ? :wink
Lindsay
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Not sure I follow Sandy, but my hands weren't covered in any scales at all after handling the two ST's so were they fresh or kelts ! ? :wink
Kelts. Of course, my fish handling technique is exemplary so none of my fish lose scales ! :wink
L
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In my experience any fish, fresh from saltwater usually deposit scales everywhere.
The net,rod handle and skin always seem to get a few even when you don't handle them :shock.
Not sure how long they need to be in freshwater before this starts to change, i'm not the biologist.
But i would love to know :z16 Jamie :z8
To me the scales are always an obvious indication of a fresh fish , if i don't notice them then i would be less sure i'd got it right even before checking.
Sandy
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Hi all,
just wanted to share the fish of a lifetime for me that i caught at upper parkhill today, guess it to be roughly 4 lb after a quick photo and safe release followed by shaky legs :z4
Also like to thank forum member Goolager to whom i used his SBS to tie the PTN that i caught it on after attempting flytying at xmas for the first time :z16
I would attach an image but it says file is too big and i dont know how to resize :oops
Geoff
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(http://i44.tinypic.com/vervhd.jpg)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/eug4u8.jpg)
Got it. :z18
Geoff
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Welcome to the forum Geoff ........ What a cracking trout :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Hi Geoff,
I saw you land it ! I was the guy opposite and up from you on the south bank patiently (stupidly) waiting for a hatch - very well played and netted expertly, very well done !
That thing has got a heid like a dog and will be even more of a beast when it gets a bit of a belly back on it !
Lindsay
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and a tail like a shovel too. nice one geoff!
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That's a cracker geoff :z16
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In my experience any fish, fresh from saltwater usually deposit scales everywhere...Not sure how long they need to be in freshwater before this starts to change, i'm not the biologist.
Hi Sandy,
I was joking about my exemplary handling of fish, though I do make a big effort :wink The weight of argument from anglers more experienced than myself is that they were most likely ST kelts which I can accept - don't want to come across as a dick on this. However, there are are 'well mended' kelts and then there were these things I caught - to me they looked like any river sea trout I have caught before from late April/early May onwards. Don't know about when they stop shedding scales but I have caught what I considered 'fresh' fish and haven't noticed mass descaling so it must ease up ???
I still wonder why the season is 11th Feb and why it is legal to retain Sea Trout during this period (unlike Salmon).
I have submitted them as 'Sea Trout' in the catch return for ADAA - is this wrong, should they be cancelled ?
Lindsay
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Cracking fish Geoff :z16 Well done :z18
I have submitted them as 'Sea Trout' in the catch return for ADAA - is this wrong, should they be cancelled ?
Can't see why its "Wrong" they could well be fresh fish and all we are talking about are a few records which are fairly subjective anyway, given all the fish are returned.
Like you, I am surprised the rules don't call for the same return rules as for Salmon, perhaps this is something the committees should consider over the season.
I'd like to know more about the scales thing, almost all the sea-trout i've caught have been either in or very close to the sea, so if they get tighter over a period of time in freshwater, then it would be interesting to know how this works.
Sandy
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Ian C,
Cracking fish :z16. IMHO the water height and colour of late has been the perfect conditions for sub surface work and hindsight is a great thing but I've spent the last 3 outings walking up and down the banks searching for something to aim at, two of them resulted in me not wetting a fly in anger. Left work at 1 ish and headed for the river hoping to lift the curse from my new rod.
Two hours and two pricked fish later with very little in the way of any hatch and an ominous chilly breeze I started to sob.
I had been watching a fish showing regularly under the opposite more sheltered bank which brought hope and now and again the suns' warmth could be felt through gaps in the cloud so I didn't give up hope.
The bloke working his way up the opposite bank hooked into a good fish that was airborne a few times before he got it under control and into the net. Well done Geoff :z16. are the hands any steadier yet?
That was during a mini warm spell, even a mini hatch had started and two fish showed steadily at what I'd call at the extremity of casting v's presentation range. Needless to say out went the CDC and after an unbearable wait one sucked down the fly, the rod was bent and the duck was broken. Nowhere near as leviathan as those of the 'big boys' but a plump 1 1/4 lb of pure pleasure.
Wasn't sure about going back to a 5wt after being a dyed in the wool 4 wt'er but the Orvis Access tip flex is a very sensitive and enjoyable tool to play a fish on.
Wind has been harsh of late but I think we were lulled into a false sense of hope during March's out of character Warm spell - now it's back to the norm.
Well done again the those finding fish.
Oh, hello officially Lindsay.
Iain
Sea-Trout from the sea/ brackish have historically, for me, thrown scales at you - almost like Herring, but I've yet to have any from Dyce upwards show this tendency. Yes, how long does it take for freshwater or low salt or whatever to have an effect on scale 'shedding'?
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Nice fish Geoff :z16
Was down at Kintore today, it was another poor day :cry had 3 fish to 1lb all on Iain's PTN fish NZ style. It's deadly!! :z7
Parkhill it'll be tomorrow me thinks :z2 :z15
Liam
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Well done Trigger Jnr. :z16
I hope the wind is kind to you tomorrow and you see a decent rise.
Iain
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Looks like some good quality trout being taken so far this season. Hopefully I will get off the mark at some point. 3 short visits to the river and still no trout....the wait continues. :z6
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Can't get to Parkhill today :cry guess it'll just have to be Kintore again. Fingers crossed there's a good hatch and the fish are hard on the feed :z16
Liam
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Liam, it's pretty 'orrible here in Aberdeen just now so I hope it is better at Kintore. Medal of Honour's for those that venture out today unless conditions improve (which they may) !
Iain (G) good meeting you on Sunday and Monday and thanks for all the tips/advice ! A well deserved bit of action for you after dogged perseverance !
IainC, nice catching up with you again, yes I'm game for some Urban Fishing sometime !
Michael (Wind Knot) nice to meet you, hope you had some sucess ? Great to see so many guys out targetting trout !
Sandy, I thought it was only "2012" fish that were to be recorded in ADAA Catch Return hence my query, but as you say not necessarily wrong. Maybe someone from the Commitee will comment on this and the current status of retaining Sea Trout from 11th Feb in light of such seriously well mended potential kelts - members are recommmended not to retain any ST's at any time, but.......
Cheers,
Lindsay
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In my experience any fish, fresh from saltwater usually deposit scales everywhere.
The net,rod handle and skin always seem to get a few even when you don't handle them :shock.
Not sure how long they need to be in freshwater before this starts to change, i'm not the biologist.
But i would love to know :z16 Jamie :z8
To me the scales are always an obvious indication of a fresh fish , if i don't notice them then i would be less sure i'd got it right even before checking.
Sandy
Hi there guys, thanks to Iain for drawing my attention to this aspect of the post, it's been an interesting read.
I would say that the fish that have been taken for ST are most likely to be well mended kelts, its still early for Don ST yet. Upon recent survey work we have seen Salmon kelts as far upstream as Alford (how do we know they were kelts, well they were tagged fish from the Hatchery work and the tags were visible in the low water) and until this weekend there has been no water to push them down, therefore i suspect the ST have taken that bit longer to get down the system as well as a result. It not unusual to get kelts right through April and into May but they are often in the past few seasons obviously kelts. If they have stayed in then the conditions for them have been very good, plenty of feeding and an open winter will help recondition these trout.
Other rivers such as the Tweed, where they have early ST i.e. Feb/March, scale reading has showed that they have fish heading out for a few months before returning again in early summer and fresh fish coming in at the same time as these are heading out. I must stress that this is main stem sampling and the ST have multiple tributaries from which they may have originated hence the diversity in life history strategies which we do not experience on the same scale here on the Don.
Sandy's point is very good fresh fish will always shed scales, those that are not as fresh will not shed them so readily, as for the exact timeline on which this change happens i'm not sure but i'll endeavour to find out.
The only way to be sure is to collect some scales and have them read, the difference between fresh fish and a kelts is quite marked.
I spoke to a few of the other forum members over the weekend and i would be delighted to have some input from any of you interested in collecting scales from fish. The Trust's scale programme has suffered from a lack of trout scales over the past few seasons and any help on this front will enable the Trust to learn more about the trout stock and therefore recommend management actions to the Board such as those relating to the conservation code, currently discussed in this thread.
Anyone interested please get in touch i hope to be hosting a scale sampling session at the Trust office shortly.
biologist@riverdon.org.uk
FYI
Funding is still being sought for the Invertebrate Programme, we've been unsuccessful with one funder but are still confident that we can source funding, will keep you informed of progress, thanks for your patience on this front.
Cheers Jamie
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Lindsay the weather is crappy in Kintore too :mad Ill just have to brave it though, it's only rain :z16
Liam
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Sitting in my garage waiting for the rain to stop. Come on, hurry up!! :mad
Liam
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Hi Jamie,
Many thanks for that input, very helpful. As I said before am more than happy to accept these fish were 'kelts' given the chronological factors but they were in seriously good condition and beyond "well mended" - full bellied, solid, in proportion, no red vents, gills all ok. Other than the chronology at any other time they would have been good for 'fresh' fish IMHO ! On this basis anglers should not be allowed to retain any ST during this part of the season ? Incase anyone comes late to this discussion the fish were all released alive and well (as all are).
I am definitely interested in taking scale samples, would love to know more aboout the ages etc of fish I catch !
Great news about the invert stuff too.
Cheers,
Lindsay
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Lindsay the weather is crappy in Kintore too :mad Ill just have to brave it though, it's only rain :z1
Same here Liam but just heading out the now. There is little wind in Aberdeen though rain is persistent. However, if the rain stops could be a hatch.......
There was a really decent hatch of LDO's at U.Parkhill on Saturday afternoon and in quite haevy rain, so many that I found a Carrrion Crow leaning over the bank and picking up cripples from an eddy !
Tight Lines,
Lindsay
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Lindsay good meeting you to thanks for the tips :z16.
Not much to report last night no fish rising was pretty bitter got one tiddler on a PTN. Heading out tonight so hopefully have a bit more luck.
Michael
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Just back now. The hatch was better today but... Less fish were showing :z8I think I counted 2-3 the whole time I was there. Fished the Klink and Dink and picked up half a dozen to 1lb on the deadly PTN :z16
Gonna try my best to get to Parkhill tomorrow :z2
Liam
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The hatch was better today but... Less fish were showing :z8I think I counted 2-3 the whole time I was there.
Same at U.Parkhill. Quite a lot of LDO's coming down when I arrived at 1.30 pm but very few fish rising and those that were I would say were small. Quite a few trout guys there today inc. myself, fishing a mix of wets, nymphs and dries and it didn't look like anyone was catching, might be wrong :z8 I stuck with dry, made 4 casts to one fish that was practically impossible. Took a look at L. Parkhill, water quite murky there albeit lower than weekend. Tried an Oppo and a PTN NZ style (desperation for me ?). Nada. Need a day off to regroup I think...
Lindsay
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Out today with no luck also.
Lindsay, good talking to you today, forgot to say, how do you like the 4 wt outfit. I've never fished that light and it sounds appealing for the dry fly. I could be tempted for an obvious necessity :z4
Waiting for the dredded call for going offshore, so grabbing the days on the river while i can.
Geoff
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There were a few fish rising at Parkhill today, didn't manage any big ones (saw a couple though) but managed 3 between 1 and 1 3/4 lbs. First trout of the year so still happy with my day out.
Stuart
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There were a few fish rising at Parkhill today, didn't manage any big ones (saw a couple though) but managed 3 between 1 and 1 3/4 lbs. First trout of the year so still happy with my day out.
Stuart
Great stuff Spencie :z16
Cheers
Mike
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There were a few fish rising at Parkhill today, didn't manage any big ones (saw a couple though) but managed 3 between 1 and 1 3/4 lbs. First trout of the year so still happy with my day out.
Stuart
"Spencie.... Stuart" ???
Cults academy by any chance ? Ron Pirie :wink
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Had a couple hours after work yesterday at Parkhill. After a couple fruitless nights with spiders and nymph turned to the dark side and went streamer fishing. 2nd cast got a 1lber on a purple and black woolly bugger then made the mistake of going back to the car and getting my camera nothing afterwards :cry
Never saw anything moving plenty of small black midge in the air
Michael
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Looks like it could be a promising day today guys :z14 good luck to all that are out :z16
Liam
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"Spencie.... Stuart" ???
Cults academy by any chance ? Ron Pirie :wink
[/quote]
Hi Ron,
Yes that's me, that was a couple of years ago though :z4 :wink
Stuart
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Has anyone been out recently after salmon just wondering if there has been any spring fish making an appearence?
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Has anyone been out recently after salmon just wondering if there has been any spring fish making an appearence?
Haven't seenor heard of any salmon over the last few days.
Stuart
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Lindsay, good talking to you today, forgot to say, how do you like the 4 wt outfit. I've never fished that light and it sounds appealing for the dry fly
Hi Geoff, good talking with you too. To keep it 'on topic' I fished a 10' #4 Streamflex (XF2) on the Don all last season for spiders, nymphs and dries and was a great all rounder and coped easily with 3 pound plus browns and sea trout on 5x tippet. This season I bought the 9' #4 and really like it so far, more controlled and accurate for dries ! I did discuss with Iain (Goolager) on Sunday (in the wind !) that perhaps I should have went with a #5 but I still like the lighter rig as I fish at quite short ranges anyway and I can interchange on the 10' and 9' with the same reels/lines.
Might be best to take the advice of Don vets Goolager and Spiderman on this, but given you have the 9' #5 Streamflex anyway if I were you I'd use that for dries and possibly consider the 10' (or 11' !) in a #3 or #4 for your spiders and nymphing ? The 10' is quite soft though so I prefer a DT line for medium plus casts - Mikes GT90 was great at short range for roll cast etc, but with more line out it loaded that particular 10 foot rod too much IME and really I could have gone for a #3 line on the #4 rod. The Orvis Access Rods look really good too, a bit more expensive than the Grey's.
Regarding my 4/5 Streamlite reel that gave up the ghost mid sea trout, Grey's are replacing all internal plastic parts with metal parts FoC - a very helpful lady called Sarah in customer services is who to ask for if you want to go that route with your one. Mine only had 12 days left on warranty !
Hope this helps,
Lindsay
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There were a few fish rising at Parkhill today, didn't manage any big ones (saw a couple though) but managed 3 between 1 and 1 3/4 lbs.
good stuff stuart! hope you had your camera...
cheers
i
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Thanks for the info and help Lindsay, much appreciated :z18
was out again today for a few hours, with very few fish showing and changeable weather conditions. saw one decent fish but put it down with poor cast in the wind :oops
Geoff
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Much better fishing today, things are looking up :z14
Not anything moving until 12.25 when a few Olives and MBs were getting slashed off the top. Two casts later I was into a 1/2 lber taken on a size 16 CDC Dun. It went quiet after that :z8 perhaps the bright sun and wind put them off. Still I trundled on searching for more rises. I approached one of my favourite pools, where there was a couple of dimples popping up now and then so I decided to stop and watch. There was definitely some sub-surface activity, a change of tactics was needed. Off came the Dun, on went the trusty old Klink and Dink but I switched the PTN for a Stonefly nymph... I don't know why I did this? First cast into the tail of the pool my Klink paused and I checked into into a small fish of 6". I quickly worked my way through pool. 8 casts and 5 fish to 3/4 lb later (all to the SF nymph) I was glad with my choice.
I walked on down to ...... Pool where lots of fish were showing near to the other bank, some good ones too. Still the Olives and MBs were drifting past, by this time it was 13.40. I picked out the most promising fish tight in at the far bank. My flies landed just above where he was lying, a quick upstream mend was chucked in just before my Klink was slurped down. Fish on!! Around 2lbs but it wasn't meant to be :cry. He spat the hook on the first leap , bugger! Determined to net a decent fish I cast to next one 30 yards upstream. 4 casts and I was in again, not as big but still a very welcome fish. After a brief fight he was netted, it looked to be 1 1/2 lb :z14 as far as I was concerned my day was complete. Just as I clambered up the bank another fish started rising, typical. I couldn't resist slipping back into the water I prepared my flies. He was up again and again a quick repositioning and I was set. A perfect cast if ever there was one placed my flies within inches of the target. The Klink slid under and the surface erupted. This was a better fish, the little blighter made for the deep water a few times but eventually tired and was slipped into the net. A beautifully marked fish of 1 3/4 lbs, mission complete! :z16
The one thing which would make this post is photos. However my camera is travelling from Greenock to Kintore as I write this. :oops
Parkhill is on for tomorrow so let's hope the weather is kind and the fish play ball.
Tight lines
Liam
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Great post Liam and very well done :z16 great to hear the fish are back to taking surface fodder. As I said last year you will be out fishing us all soon. In fact you probably are already :z16
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Nice report Liam! Sounds like a awesome day :z16
I fished the ........ Pool on Monday afternoon, have seen one trout rising there on the other side but I found it really difficult to cast to the other side, without dregging... good job! :z14
I think I might have met you on Monday? Kintore? Close to the bridge? :? If you are arround 18 or so...?
Tight lines,
Phil
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Hi Phil,
I really like the water down that way. It's difficult to cover unless you wade, waist deep in the middle for the most part. The rewards are worth it :z16
Yeah that was me, you were with your girlfriend/partner? Only 16 though :z12
Cheers
Liam
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Guys,
Some superb fish on the go just now. Can we please not mention pool names in reports and be careful not to post pictures that give away locations of specimen fish. There was a trout just under 6lb chapped at Alford today, these lumps need to be looked after and protected.
Many thanks
Ben
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Can we please not mention pool names in reports and be careful not to post pictures that give away locations of specimen fish.
Thanks Ben :z16
I fully agree .... and this has been discussed before .... Please be careful not to mention exact locations like pools! :X1
Best wishes
Mike
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There was a trout just under 6lb chapped at Alford today,
:shock :z8
Might be best to take the advice of Don vets Goolager and .......
Lindsay, yes I fish the Don & yes I'm over 40 but you're having a bubble bath :z4 :z4 :z4
I'm also getting credited with inventing the PTN :z4 :z4 so all is flippin' sunny at 'Camp Iain' - that's as in the name of a camp NOT as in -Iain is a backtickler.
Cold today, not too fussed about being at work.
Iain
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There was a trout just under 6lb chapped at Alford today, these lumps need to be looked after and protected.
:X7 Maybe the 'Lump' who caught it should be chapped :X. You'd think we were passed the 'Great White Hunter' stage by now :mad :mad :mad
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Yes, grim. Particularly as the "excited angler" came running into the shop with the fish in a bin bag to show me. He was definitely not prepared for the response he got, it was about 5 times bigger than any trout he'd ever seen before and apparently it would not go back depsite his efforts ??? Whatever. But, I don't think he'll chap a specimen again so probably ended up as well as it could. We had a chat about it and he has agreed to make a donation to the Fly Life Study that Jamie is trying to organise. Took scales from the fish, measurements and weight here and this info has gone to Jamie today. I have a picture which has been sent to Jamie, I will not post it but he might once he has had time to read the scales.
Cheers
Ben
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Particularly as the "excited angler" came running into the shop with the fish in a bin bag...
a bin bag, a fitting way for a fish to go...hmm, nice. at least it sounds like a lesson's been learned.
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Interesting to note that the cracking 6lb Brown was killed in Alford, I'm pretty sure that there has been no mention of Alford in this thread that I can remember, at least not recently anyway ....... everybody currently seems to think that all the Don Brownies are in Parkhill or Kintore :z4
Must confess that I think this is rather funny ..... I see it at the fishery all the time too, anglers and trout all over the lake and when an experienced angler gets the tactics right and catches a few trout, the others think that all the fish are under his boat and can't wait for him to up anchor so they can move to "the spot". That spot is actually where they are least likely to catch a fish, as it has already been well covered and the fish are now more wary. In my experience, this is even more the case on the river ......... There are nice trout throughout the river system :wink
Best wishes
Mike
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....... everybody currently seems to think that all the Don Brownies are in Parkhill or Kintore :z4
:z4 :z4 :z4
......... There are nice trout throughout the river system :wink
Best wishes
Mike
Well said, I have had some cracking fish from the most unlikliest of spots- probably due to the fact that most folks just walk right past without giving it a second thought. All it takes is a few casts as you do some "exploring". It might take a little more effort to get yourself into a decent position but I'd say that just adds to the satisfaction of finally getting that "surprise".
A bit of stealth and thinking outside the box certainly will pay dividends at the end of the day.
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Windy again this afternoon so didn't venture out for long :cry
only saw a sprinkling of Olives and one rise.
He fell to a CDC on a skalka barbless and was returned
(http://i41.tinypic.com/aeldz5.jpg)
Cameraphone effort sorry
Iain
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Nice fish Iain, did you weigh it?
Ben
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Yes,
I did, it was 3lb on the nose but I've not checked the scales this season.
Iain
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Yes,
I did, it was 3lb on the nose but I've not checked the scales this season.
Iain
Not to shabby ethil :z16
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Sweeet!! :z16
Nice job Goo :z7
Liam
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How's the river looking at the moment? Not been out since sunday, hoping to get out tomorrow morning.
Cheers,
Dan
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Windy again this afternoon so didn't venture out for long :cry
only saw a sprinkling of Olives and one rise.
He fell to a CDC on a skalka barbless and was returned
(http://i41.tinypic.com/aeldz5.jpg)
Cameraphone effort sorry
Iain
Nice one Iain
:z18
Jim
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what a beautiful trout!!!
Tigth lines Ian :z18
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Result Iain :z16 first of many of the big boys for you this year.
-
Cracking troot
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He fell to a CDC on a skalka barbless and was returned
nice one Iain - not bad for a veteran... :-)
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Right, for those who think my command of the English language is as bad as my fishing :z7 :
Veteran:
1) a person who has given long service in some capacity; 2) a soldier who has seen a lot of active service; 3) a person who has served in the military forces.
I think (at least :wink) one of those applies to Iain regarding his 'experience', so no 'ageist' jibe intended on my part by using the word, which, by definition, makes no negative reference to age or being old !
Cracking fish dude, well done in those conditions ! :z3
Lindsay
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Is Iain not really old? Nowt ageist about it if it's true?
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I think (at least :wink) one of those applies to Iain regarding his 'experience', so no 'ageist' jibe intended on my part by using the word, which, by definition, makes no negative reference to age or being old !
Don't worry about negative references Lindsay, Iain is fair game :z4
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Nice trout Iain :z16
//Harri
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Cracking fish Iain :z16
I had a bash upriver yesterday had snow, hail, sun and wind no fish rose whole day despite flies trickling off. Had a couple on nymphs and lost one 2lb+ on a streamer. Good day out.
Michael
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Thanks guys,
Not as large as some of the crackers that have been caught recently but well worth the wait on a dry.
Had a wander along the river today and could only guess as to what season it is, one minute you think you might get snowed in then the next the shades and trunks are on :z8
No rises seen, 30 or so Olives & 1 MB, that's all I saw between 12 and 2. Can't really be bothered with the nymph so need to chase up this camera and start using the time better when waiting for rising fish.
Iain
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Had a bash from 6-8 after work despite the howling upstream wind managed to spot a few fish moving under the surface got one on a hares ear spider about 2lb
(http://i39.tinypic.com/zthppt.jpg)
Michael
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Nice one Michael :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Nice fish Michael. I wouldn't normally think of fishing in the evenings this time of year but it's obviously working! Well done.
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Well done Michael, I too wouldn't have thought after 6pm was a goer the now. Caught on a 'real' fly too :wink
I braved the brutal conditions yesterday from around 2 till 4, at U.Parkhill. On arriving at a fav. riffle and pool of mine there were lots of LDO's and a few MB's coming down and a few tentative trout rising. The wind was gusting well over 20mph and down stream at that so getting any presentation and turnover was very difficult and I saved my energy to cast only to rising fish. I covered and pricked a decent fish midstream, line drag probably working against me. At 3pm a snow flurry started, almost getting to a whiteout at one point ! The LDO's were coming down quite heavily now in the snow and I had the surreal (for me) experience of covering a rising fish in a snow shower and seeing it suck the CDC dry down. Only 9/10 inches but wild, and in those conditions pretty special for me.
Lindsay
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Great fish Michael.
Also that sounds like a pretty tough afternoons fishing yesterday for you Lindsay, bet hooking that fish made it worth it.
Was out today at upper parkhill for a few hours, between 10 and 2. Lots of insects/fly life on the water surface but nothing rising. Fished spiders and wets. Still waiting to get off the mark for trout this season. :oops
Dan
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Had a few hrs out today. Found a very localised hatch with a few risers. Wide river, strong wind crap caster etc etc etc end result a 3/4 lbr saved the blank.
I must have walked 5 miles of bank today and seen very little to aim at.
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Nice fish Windknot :z16
Unlucky Trig at least you never blanked :z7
Masses of fly coming of where I was today. MBs and LDOs were getting lots of interest. I got in amongst some big boys, in the 50 yard stretch I was fishing there was at least 6 decent fish upto 3lbs+ saw him head and tail twice but put him down :cry it was not all tantrums today though :z14 got a nice plump 1.5 lber to an olive baetis and a few little guys to the Klink. The borrowed VXP is a dream to cast with, cheers Goo :z16
Liam
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Nice fish Michael :z16
Well done Lindsay for catching off of the surface in that weather yesterday. :z16
3/4lb or not Trig, a fish on the dry is a fish on the dry. so :z16 to you too
Liam, glad the rod meets with your approval & that you are back in business wit hthe Troot, :z16
I thought I saw a largeish Sedge in flight today - Grannom? Anyone seen any?
Iain
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Saw no caddis but I did see a couple of large female stones about.
Cheers
Ben
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Nice fish Michael, well done :z16
:z18
Jim
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. The borrowed VXP
Hmmmm think I have missed out on an episode of Liam's bank side adventures?
-
Also that sounds like a pretty tough afternoons fishing yesterday for you Lindsay, bet hooking that fish made it worth it...Lots of insects/fly life on the water surface but nothing rising..Still waiting to get off the mark for trout this season. :oops
It was probably verging on insanity Dan ! I have had a day last week (Tues) where there was quite abundant fly on the water and very very few risers - started wondering if LDO's taste bad or something ! The fly hatches and subsequent rising fish do appear to be 'localised' when you sit down and read everyones reports from the same day (which makes this an invaluable Forum and Thread IMO). I do wonder if a Jingler and a Waterhen Bloa cast upstream to these 'fussy' fish would be a better tactic ? Also, the nymph appears to be outfishing the dry at the mo, but for me I want to fish dry if I can - I love seeing the fish take the fly.
The fish will come Dan - it has been very hard going and I have had to put the hours in to get the few I have had. Try and get a day out with Liam et al - wherever he goes there are good hatches and biting fish ! :cool: Alternatively, I have a weekend pass for Sat afternoon, Sunday and Monday next week so might catch you around....let's hope water and air conditions are favourable !
Lindsay
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I braved the brutal conditions ... experience of covering a rising fish in a snow shower and seeing it suck the CDC dry down. Only 9/10 inches but wild, and in those conditions pretty special for me.
hi lindsay - i was upstream and on opposite bank - i'd been exploring a pool/stretch i'd not been to before, and figured that while the weather was too wild too fish, I might as well investigate. I'd been contemplating how insane (dedicated) it was to be out in such wind and snow, and packed it in... good on ya for persevering. or just being perverse... :-)
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Monday 16th. was out with a mate who is new to river fishing, he managed his first ever river brownie on a wee dry fly. 10" or so, he was well pleased.
Fair effort in a strong-ish wind, and while he was learning to deal with bankside vegetation, waiting for hatches, upstream dry fishing, line management, walking for miles, avoiding drag... all the kinda stuff you don't have to deal with (so much) on a still water.
makes my day different too - have to help out a wee bit, and give someone else first go at a pool/rising fish; that last one can be frustrating when your mate's first cast ends up in the bushes, and 10 mins later, the rise has stopped :-) i guess we've all been there!
-
So satisfying when they catch one though Iain ...... well done! :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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hi lindsay - i was upstream and on opposite bank - i'd been exploring a pool/stretch i'd not been to before, and figured that while the weather was too wild too fish, I might as well investigate. I'd been contemplating how insane (dedicated) it was to be out in such wind and snow, and packed it in... good on ya for persevering. or just being perverse... :-)
If you were close enough you'd have heard me swearing at the wind more than a few times ! :wink I was having to time casts (straight in to the wind) during minor lulls - a couple of times I miss timed it and ended up 'wearing' my new Rio LT floater #4 :z4 Met another guy (maybe on here ?). He had a couple swinging a team of 3 wets down and across and was amazed when I pointed out the rising fish - he had seen none all day. I think that is the great thing about fishing dry only - you really observe what is going on a bit more and the reason I don't really want to Klink and Dink blindly is that I end up staring at the pink post on the klink to the exclusion of everything else on the water. Maybe that is just me ! Some Amber Polaroids have helped as well, thanks to the guys on here for that advice (Sandy, Ben etc).
Lindsay
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Haven't been down the river for a couple of days, how is the rain helping with the water level situation?
Cheers
Mike
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Haven't been down the river for a couple of days, how is the rain helping with the water level situation?
Cheers
Mike
Helping! :mad Think my missus now wishes for rain mid week so I will be available for house/garden slavery at the weekend.
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Haven't been down the river for a couple of days, how is the rain helping with the water level situation?
Cheers
Mike
Depends what you class as helping Mike. Went to have a look out at inverurie tonight, waters up a good 1-1/2ft since last week id say, it also looks like hot chocolate :z19.
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Fishdpal showing Haughton as steady but over 2ft above the gauge, bridge of alford rising and Parkhill as 2ft 3" over the gauge and rising. I'm going to go and walk the banks on a beat I haven't fished before and practise some casting. I'll be amazed if it cleared at all by tomorrow.
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Great, another write off just when i've got 3 clear days ! If it rains on Sat as forecast then even Monday may be pants :mad
Lindsay
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Always too much rain, or too little rain ......... :z8
We anglers are not easy to please :z4
Best wishes
Mike
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See what you mean :shock .... Don is over the banks at Inverurie this evening and chocolate, Ury is chocolate too.
Cheers
Mike
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Forecast is for a little more rain over next few days, very brown and just over the banks at Kintore this evening. If it stays dryish then it could be worth a bash with a big streamer on Monday or Tuesday, something with an orange cone on the front usually works well once there is about 2' visibility.
Ben
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Hi fishers
What's the best flys for fishing at this time of year when the water is so high?
Regards
James
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Sorry, can't help you James. I much rather wait until it drops to +/- 10" or so and is tea coloured.
Iain
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Sorry, can't help you James. I much rather wait until it drops to +/- 10" or so and is tea coloured.
Iain
Thanks for the reply Ian.
Went down to the Ury this morning for a few hours caught 1 around 10" but that was all i had in 2 hours.
Regards
James
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(http://i39.tinypic.com/jqnvhc.jpg)
Lovely brownie on the ury this morning.
:z4
James
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James,
Perhaps a hothead (orange) bead head PTN or GRHE. I read an article about San Juan Worms working well in high coloured water down south :z8 May be worth a go. How was the Ury looking- height and colour wise?
Nice fish btw :z16
Liam
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James,
Perhaps a hothead (orange) bead head PTN or GRHE. I read an article about San Juan Worms working well in high coloured water down south :z8 May be worth a go. How was the Ury looking- height and colour wise?
Nice fish btw :z16
Liam
Hi Liam
Yeah water was high this morning starting to go a tea colour by the time i left.
may try the don out tomorrow if the rain keeps off.have you been out?
Regards
James
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James,
Thanks for that :z16
Out of interest, what did you catch him on?
I've not been out since Wednesday, Monday was my last decent day :X2
Liam
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(http://i39.tinypic.com/jqnvhc.jpg)
Bonnie fish :z16
H :z3
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James,
Thanks for that :z16
Out of interest, what did you catch him on?
I've not been out since Wednesday, Monday was my last decent day :X2
Liam
Blank Buster. silver tail black body.
This is my first season on the don.
James
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Nice fish James :z16
I had a couple hours at parkhill 6-8 fishing streamers had one half pounder apear from under my feet and try get the fly that was the only action, until i managed to hook and land this fine specimen not the greatest of fights but managed to land it one pic and then returned.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/23iv81t.jpg)
Could this explain why the fish have been a bit off this last week, was it their time of the month :wink
Michael
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Oohhh.... nasty.
Good have lost your rag over that one....... :z13
H :z3
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Pretty dire reading in the Brown Trout catch returns for Association waters, 3 fish for the last week :shock :
http://www.adaa.org.uk/fishingReports2012.php
Sure, the conditions have been far from favourable and effort may be low, but it is a 'jungle' out there just now (unless you are Liam !)... here's hoping for a dry May.
Lindsay
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Walked down to the Don at lunchtime. Still quite high but still a bit chocolatey too. Could see maybe 2" at the most. Difficult to tell if it's clearing or getting dirtier.
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Whoever is doing the rain dance, can you stop now please.
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It's getting on my tits too! Looks like the river is out for my day off on Friday too.
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I think if this continues it will be beyond Friday and right through the weekend......again :mad Well up at Kintore on the Webcam :z6
The Salmon spinners will be happy if it starts dropping. Monday past conditions were still very poor and it was the first day out this season that I didn't see a rising fish even though the water had dropped two feet sice Sat evening and was starting to clear. Few flies coming off too but not many.
I think April has had its chips as they say certainly as far as weekend fishing is concerned.
Lindsay
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At this rate we will need the waders on just to get out of the jeep! :mad
Bring on the summer!
-
Over the banks at Inverurie again this evening :z6
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Time to order a new spinning reel I think, mines bust and dont think a fly will be much use for a while.
-
Was out today, water is high but running clear. Got two kelts on the fly and lost a cracking springer at the bank. Plenty of dries coming off but no browns to be seen.
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Was out today, water is high but running clear. Got two kelts on the fly and lost a cracking springer at the bank. Plenty of dries coming off but no browns to be seen.
Hi ugie
What fly was you using and where was you fishing?
Regards
James
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Guys :z16
Anyone been out recently? The water is still up but is it worth giving go? :z8
Liam
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Hi Liam,
Was out last night for a few hours with the Salmon rod, upper parkhill was well up and pretty dirty.
Looking at the river levels today and how the weather has been i might try further up river in a day or two for salmon again.
Guessing you haven't been out for a while?
Dan
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Dan,
Damn :mad no I haven't been for 2 weeks now, seems like forever :cry how much longer do you think I'll have to wait before trying for the Brownies? ???
Might try the Urie for a few hours tomorrow. Depending in what Fishpal is saying.
Cheers
Liam
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Your asking the wrong person for conditions for Brownies, so far this season i haven't got it right yet. :X1
hopefully with a few clear days the river might be in good shape though.
Dan
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How is the Don today, Is it running clear? :z8
Was hoping to go out trout fishing on Thursday at Fintray but if not fishable may just have to go to Lochter for a few hours to keep my hand in. Cheers!
-
Forecast at end of week is not great again so don't hold your breath ! Looks like May is continuing where April left off, becoming a bit of a bore really.
Golf anyone ? !
Lindsay
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I fished the Don today after work, was surpriesed how clear the water was, still a bit high but clear... :z16 a few upwing flies were showing, but nothing rising... it was late as well when I arrived. So I fished with a streamer and caugth a tinny brownie... I have seen a baby pike too! maybe 10cm... ??? probably drifted down with the flood... but are there any lochs upstream that hold pike? or is there a pike population in the Don?
I hope it wont rain anymore, might finally be good weekend to fish... the last weeks have been so frustrating...
Tight lines,
Phil
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Hi Phil
The don has always had a population of pike and perch, not seen any for a good while so it's nice to know they are still around. I've had pike up to nearly double figures when spinning in certain pools. I think most people don't fish in the pikey spots as they are fishing for salmon so tend not to notice, but they are there if you look for them :z16
Sandy
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Hi Sandy,
thanks for the info! Might try some of my pike streamer then one day :z4
Phil
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Guys :z16
Was down my home stretch of the Don today. Arrived at 12.30pm and was greeted by a mass of fly (MB's LDO's BWO's and some Sedgey looking thing... Grannom??) and a handful of 1/2-3/4lbers, a promising start :grin. On went my trusty two flees, out they went and bang! A 3/4lber struck the Klink but it was spat out shortly after :z10 this was the how rest of the day went... On :z14 then off :X1. I hooked a good 14-15 Brownies today and only one came to the net :z8
Ah well theres always another day :z16
Was anyone else out today with any joy?
Liam
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Not out fishing today but did have a walk along the Cruives beat on the Don, didn't see any fish but did see a big seal swimming down through Snuffies and Benzies.
Would this mean that it would have been chasing some fresh fish up from the mouth of the river? :z8
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Guys :z16
Was down my home stretch of the Don today. Arrived at 12.30pm and was greeted by a mass of fly (MB's LDO's BWO's and some Sedgey looking thing... Grannom??) and a handful of 1/2-3/4lbers, a promising start :grin. On went my trusty two flees, out they went and bang! A 3/4lber struck the Klink but it was spat out shortly after :z10 this was the how rest of the day went... On :z14 then off :X1. I hooked a good 14-15 Brownies today and only one came to the net :z8
Ah well theres always another day :z16
Was anyone else out today with any joy?
Liam
Hooking that many is a good day by any account. Loosing so many though is a bit odd and must be very annoying! I wonder why this is happening? Are you hooking them mainly on one of the offerings?
Would have been a good evening to be on the river... Couldn't make it which I'm peed of about as there is more shite weather on the way tomorrow.
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Perhaps I'm striking too early or something :z8 or maybe they were just taking the piss today :z7
Liam
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or maybe they were just taking the piss today :z7
Yep :z16
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Hi
Was on the urie tonight up old meldrum road it was rubbish
Not a bite. Water was looking great too.
Cheers
Jazza
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Were they hitting the Klink rather than Dink Liam ? If the Klink, do you tie the nymph on NZ style ( tied on hook shank of Klink) ? Some guys reckon this can affect hooks ups as the trailing nylon may impede a solid hook set - I can't comment as I don't really use this method much and when I have it is usually the nymph that does the biz.
I had a day at Parkill last May where down literally every riffle or crease that I prospected with a size 16 Klink a fish slashed at it - must have been similar to you today. Had a couple on briefly then straight off. I reckon most were tail splashing the Klink (to drown it) and I was striking in to thin air ! Went home dejected and not a fan of 'big' Klinks ( as Ollie recommeded). Now I much prefer a smaller DHE and they hit this like a Polaris, no pussyfooting - take forceps !
The 'vets' may have better advice :wink Better to be rising an missing 'em rather than not rising them at all !
Lindsay
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Lindsay
I fish with fancy Klinks by Fulling Mill- SR Klinks they call them :cool:. So that eliminates the problem (or it is supposed to) :z8. I was losing them to both dry and nymph :X1 Yes sounds familiar, the splashing was defo happening today. It's not the 1st time I have hooked loads and lost all but one. I've heard good things about the DHE and am waiting on a fly order containing a few :z16
Yup at least the trout were showing.
Liam
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I fish with fancy Klinks by Fulling Mill- SR Klinks they call them :cool:.
Are they the 'hi-tech' ones with a little mono loop at the bum end, or a metal loop on the hook ? If so I reckon they'd be excellent, so not the mono problem I alluded to.
Have you tried an Oppo - Fulling Mill do them. A sort of Klink/Paradun hybrid but doesn't hang down as much. You have to either bend the hook with pliers or use a scud type hook. I bend the hook :roll
Re the DHE - get some hares fur from the back (not mask !) and some coastal deer hair and tie a few up ? Even a monkey like me can do a decent job :z7
Cheers,
Lindsay
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...looks like a Roman Moser 1mm micro ring tied on to hook with mono ? Might just have to try that !
L
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That's the ones! :grin I think they're great. Never tried the Oppo but have seen them and they also look very nice. I tried tying a few but couldn't get the deer hair to sit properly, think I'll put the tying stuff away till close season- I was getting frustrated with it :oops
Liam
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Well, in my car just now I have a 6 weight and a 5 weight 9 footers and a 5 weight Switch rod on the off chance I get down to the Don after work tonight.
Any suggestions on where to go?
Rude answers shall be treted with distain ;)
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Any suggestions on where to go?
Where Liam was yesterday ? ! :wink
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That's my secret spot :wink
Liam
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That's my secret spot :wink
Aha, but I think I know where that is ! I can only fish left bank there though, so maybe not as good :wink Might be out that way on Monday if this bloody wind and river drop a bit more. At least the strong wind is taking the "weather" through fast just now so hopefully this rain won't put the river up !
Lindsay
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Hmmm...? I'll give you a clue, it's near a wooden bridge :wink.
Liam
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I would also say that it would be impossible to fish it from the left bank :z15
Liam
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Sooooo...thats narrowed it down to "The Don"... :X1
:z18
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Was down my home stretch of the Don today.
Liam
Ah, Rob the clues are there if you look for them :wink
So, we know the beat, I think I know the stretch/pool and we know a Klink and one of Iains CDC puff PTN's do the biz. Look out Liam, you've got competition :wink
Lindsay
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Ah, Rob the clues are there if you look for them :wink
So, we know the beat, I think I know the stretch/pool and we know a Klink and one of Iains CDC puff PTN's do the biz. Look out Liam, you've got competition :wink
Lindsay
The dangers of the Internet! Bet ye don't know where he saw the big trout feeding the other day though? I do and this is Adaa water :z4
Don't worry Liam your secret is safe with me....the trout may be getting a visit though :z4
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I would also say that it would be impossible to fish it from the left bank :z15
Liam
I'm almost sure I know where that is. From that clue.
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I am off to do MY thing..lol. I expect to see shopping trollies and traffic cones...does that give you a clue where I am off to?..lol
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Just back after a couple of hours, wind was making it a bit tricky, did have 1 small brownie so not a total waste. Also did my bit and netted a nice fresh salmon for someone :z4. Might have a go with the salmon rod tonight if I can get the kids off to bed early.
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The dangers of the Internet! Bet ye don't know where he saw the big trout feeding the other day though? I do and this is Adaa water :z4
Don't worry Liam your secret is safe with me....the trout may be getting a visit though :z4
Trig you best be keeping away from MY fish :wink
I've never seen it there before, so you might wanna get down before the water drops too much and it buggers off :z7
Is anyone planning on heading out tonight?
Liam
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Trig you best be keeping away from MY fish :wink
I've never seen it there before, so you might wanna get down before the water drops too much and it buggers off :z7
Is any planning on heading out tonight?
Liam
Won't be out much this w end. Stoopid work messing up my fishing life again :z6
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Ah yes work is the curse of the fishing classes :X2
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The dangers of the Internet! Bet ye don't know where he saw the big trout feeding the other day though? I do and this is Adaa water :z4
No, but if it is the same town he goes to school in I can hazard a guess as to the beat from the ADAA clue ! :wink It's is a curse being this 'observant'............
Got my own big T to get. Couldn't get him last year due to high water and the season timing out. If he doesn't come back to this feeding lie I can bet another big boy will !
L
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Hi
What likes the Inverurie water like?Any good spots?
jazza
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No, but if it is the same town he goes to school in I can hazard a guess as to the beat from the ADAA clue ! :wink It's is a curse being this 'observant'............
Got my own big T to get. Couldn't get him last year due to high water and the season timing out. If he doesn't come back to this feeding lie I can bet another big boy will !
L
Lol Lindsay I'm sure you are very observant and a budding detective but on this occasion you may be a bit out. A few miles even.... :z4
As for that big boy, got get em :z16
Wish we were out on the river rather than talking about it!
Ah well nice bottle of red and the BBQ blazing away nicely isn't a bad substitute this evening I guess. It's Baltic outside. :z18
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I ended up spending a few with the switch rod. hours down at Grandholme with the switch rod. The rod makes fishing some of the more wooded/high banks so much easier and i managed to get a few casts in spots that are normally only fished with a spinner.
And I caught nothing! I saw nothing. I heard nothing. There was a very cold northerly wind and the river was still running high.
Was nice to be out though and the casting was just "working" for a change and I managed a few nice underhand casts.
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I checked Parkhill after I finished work, arriving the back of two. Possibly too late - lots of crippled LDO's and a few Olive Uprights in the back eddies. Never saw a rise and didn't make a cast even though there were trickles of Olives and a few sporadic MB's (or LBD's). Hail shower while I was there and a strong NW downstream wind which would have made casting a nightmare anyway. The weather conditions today would have made for a poor day in March never mind May !
Water about 20cm above Summer Low but running Gin clear where I was, in fact possibly too clear - we're never happy are we :z4
Lindsay
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Upper parkhill today from about 2. Parked at the bridge and headed upriver. Met Goolager who had been out a few hrs and was just about to give up not having seen much. Least I knew I hadn't missed much action!
I walked to the top of the beat, didn't see a rise despite a trickle of olives evident in most places. Spoke to a guy who was nymphing the fast riffles, he had just returned one trout of 1lb.
At the top I stuck on a wooly bugger and fished it back down. One chase from a half lbr and that was it. Another week gone :z6
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Has anyone heard of any salmon being caught recently because this don report seem to be mainly based on brown trout.
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I was "upstream" :wink of you guys Noel from about 12 ish till about 3.30pm. Very sporadic hatch at 12.30 but literally only a couple of small fish where I was - the strong down stream wind made decent turnover of a dry fly almost impossible; a recurring theme at the moment it seems.
Sat and waited for ages for flies/fish to move.....nothing. Wind picked up more. Was heading back to the car when the wind literally stopped completely (at 2.50pm) and a small but welcome hatch of LDO's came on. I "followed" a decent fish from it's resting lie to the head of a stream/crease where it was picking off flies streaming down. I covered it consistently and it consistently took the "real" fly inches away from my artificial - it would have been laughable if I wasn't desperate to save another blank ! At least I didn't spook it which is something I suppose. Then the wind started again, this time from WSW and that was it, the big boy moved back to his beid and so did I.
I have read certain fishing reports stating that the Don trout season has got of to a flier. Really ? I don't want to jump the gun but I am not seeing much fish when I am out and about, and I am out and about quite a bit......
Never mind, I 'll give Liam's pool a thrash tomorrow :z7
Lindsay
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Lindsay,
You sure you know where 'My pool' is? :z7
Liam
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Has anyone heard of any salmon being caught recently because this don report seem to be mainly based on brown trout.
http://www.salmonfishingforum.com/forums/thread43184.html
Apparently a poor day at U.Parkhill yesterday according to the Salmon guy I spoke to, no-one catching.
According to this months T&S good numbers of Salmon were taken on lower beats. Dinnae know as I don't fish for them.
Martin Webster also writes that fresh early Sea Trout have been landed :wink
Lindsay
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You sure you know where 'My pool' is? :z7
Liam
Oh yes ! Google Earth is fantastic, amazing detail, like even wooden bridges show up clearly ! :wink
Pullin' yer leg dude, will be heading elsewhere. Don't fancy another day punching a 4 weight into a force 6 !
Lindsay
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Ah well there ain't many wooden bridges on my homestretch :X2
Good luck on your voyage :z16
Liam
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Had a couple of hours free today so had a cast at upper fintray, nice bit of water. Had one wee broon troot on a waterhen bloa, was fun on a 3wt. Also missed what felt like a decent sized pull before that. Did see a few fish rising but they were on the opposite bank and with the wind i was never reaching them.
Looks like i should get out again tomorrow for a bit hope the wind dies down. Any suggestions of a more sheltered beat on the Don would be more than welcome?
Cheers,
Dan
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Balbithan, top end of the beat is tree lined and is normally not to bad depending on wind direction :z16
Liam
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Cheers Liam,
How is the parking up at the top end of the beat, heard a few guys complaining about access to the water. I dont mind a long walk as long as i can dump the car some where.
Dan
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Had a couple of hours free today so had a cast at upper fintray, nice bit of water.
Was yours the black car Dan ? Did I speak to you at the car park ?
Lindsay
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Yes my car was the black one but when i parked up there was nobody there. Did have a short chat to a guy heading up river later that after noon (just round the bend from the bridge) not sure if it was you though?
Where you heading out to tomorrow?
Dan
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How is the parking up at the top end of the beat, heard a few guys complaining about access to the water. I dont mind a long walk as long as i can dump the car some where.
When I used to fish Kintore Council Waters I used to just park after the bridge on the verge. I don't know if you can still do that. I think the Golf Club are ok with anglers parking but not on busy days - tomorrow might be a busy day due to the holiday ? ADAA only have a short stretch on the left bank only upstream of the bridge remember so not the area marked as Balbithan on the map - that is up by and past the Golf Course as I recall ?
Still not sure what I am doing yet, might see you there Dan but if its blawing hard again I don't think I can take it - I was talking myself in to how I "needed" a 3 wt Rod last night and after today am thinking of getting a 6 wt !! You did well with a #3 today if you were going upstream !
Lindsay
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Park just over the metal bridge in Kintore and walk down? It's not very far at all :z16
Liam
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Yes my car was the black one but when i parked up there was nobody there. Did have a short chat to a guy heading up river later that after noon (just round the bend from the bridge) not sure if it was you though?
Where you heading out to tomorrow?
Hi Dan, no wasn't me but I spoke to him too, a very nice chap, hope he did better than me.
I was originally thinking of Kintore eg. Liam's Pool vicinity. Actually, I was hoping to bump in to Liam and get a few tips on this Klinky and Dinky mullarkey as he seems to be the only B***er actually connecting with fish just now it seems :wink It's either that or Kemnay as I can't face another blank/screaming wind at Parkhill and at least the scenery will be different !
Cheers,
Lindsay
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Well Lindsay if we bump into each other I'll show you how it's done :wink
Hopefully the weathers kind to us tomorrow :z2
Liam
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Yeah Liam seems to be the only person getting fish regularly.
I only got away with the 3wt today as i was fishing spiders downstream and down wind. Did try and cover a couple of fish with the dry fly into the wind but it just wasn't happening.
Fingers crossed the wind drops would be good to bump into you and Liam depending where we all end up.
Cheers,
Dan
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Just checked weather site windfinder and tomorrow is looking quiet blowy I'm sorry to say. Finding that sheltered spot is vital in these conditions IMO.
-
Yup Noel, pretty chilly too :roll
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Just checked weather site windfinder and tomorrow is looking quiet blowy I'm sorry to say. Finding that sheltered spot is vital in these conditions IMO.
Yep, and looks like it is Southerly. That rules out North(left) bank at Kintore for me I am afraid, bits of Kemnay may be difficult too.
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Yep, and looks like it is Southerly. That rules out North(left) bank at Kintore for me I am afraid, bits of Kemnay may be difficult too.
Now Easterly according to BBC ! Rolling the dice and away to make my move, might get a couple of hours before the squalls.....
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I am fishing tonight too..The Switch rod makes windy conditions a bit easier to deal with..so I will be spotted somewhere on the Don "swinging wets" and not catching!
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Nowt wrong with "swinging" Rob....wet flies that is :wink Used to be my preferred method before I saw the light, converted and joined the Church of The Dry Fly.
Luckily I ignored Laura Tobin's weather report and hit a Don beat near to town. Glad I did as there were Large Dark Olives streaming down from 12.30 till around 4 pm. Some Yellow Sally's as well. Mainly small fish rising, tried to target at least ones that would bend the rod and had a handful at 1/2 lb all on CDC Olive dry fly. After my blank spells they were welcome and I suppose competition guys are happy with that size (in numbers). They certainly put a bend in a Streamflex ! I did see one decent fish move and hooked him second cast but although I kept him on through two impressive polaris like leaps a moment of slack line as he ran straight at me meant the barbless hook invariably dropped - hooked in upper jaw ? No worries, I have caught this fish before I am sure - same lie, same fly ! He is now well over 2 lb from the looks of his belly. Low point was seeing another angler retain a nice wild fish - all legal as it was under 2 lb but I for one don't like seeing it especially as these beats are no longer stocked. Have got the guy clocked and won't be sharing any info with him now I know he is a "chapper" - I didn't give any info to him today btw.
John Walker emailed tonight to say he had 4 today on a middle beat, biggest 2.5 lbs all on dry fly. They were taking LDO's. That is a good haul considering hown things have been/are.
Lindsay
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Great stuff Lindsay :z16
Pity about losing the big un but that's fishing :z7
Kintore was miserable today, sounds like it was better where you were? :cool:
Liam
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Pity about losing the big un but that's fishing :z7
Kintore was miserable today, sounds like it was better where you were? :cool:
You're right Liam, and......you gotta be hooking em to lose em, so something is right !
Other parts of the beat I was on were actually quite poor apparently. I just knew that this stretch was holding fish and that some of them, whilst not monster's, would be decent. I also knew there could be a decent hatch of LDO's there too. Nearly paid off !
More rain due though, hope river is ok next weekend.
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Good stuff Lindsay sounds like you had fun. The day turned out not so bad after all weather wise.
Was working today but I've got the bug now so headed out this evening at about 6.30. I seen a good fish rise far bank last week so decided to pay it a visit tonight. It was quiet a walk...about 50 minutes.
There was the very occasional LDO coming down and a trout picking them off. Wasn't the big one I was after but after watching it for half an hour I couldn't resist any longer. Hooked it first throw, leaped and off. About 1.5lbs and that was that. Didn't see another rise.
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Sounds like an enjoyable days fishing lindsay, I had a couple of hours at fintray but called it a day when it started getting wet and windy. Didn't see much fish but Still better than being at work.
Dan
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Seen a dead sheep tonight, washed up by the high water. That's 3 I have seen in a week :shock
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Good observational skills Noel :z4
Would you say an evenings fishing is worthwhile at this time of year? Unlucky on losing your fish dude :z16
Liam
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Thanks I think?
Well I walked about 2 or 3 miles of river tonight Liam and saw one rising fish and about 5 olives so no probably not! Beats tv though. If we ever get a mild evening without cold wind I would expect a bit more action.
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It was quiet a walk...about 50 minutes.
Nice cryptic "clue" Noel :z4 Can only but guess, but reckon I maybe know the beat ! :wink Would be good to see some fish coming in from there...actually anywhere - check the catch returns on Assoc website, there are more Broonies being caught in the Dee just now :shock. Unlucky on the fish lost too, pretty good on the dry at that time of night the now.
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Seen a dead sheep tonight, washed up by the high water. That's 3 I have seen in a week :shock
Hmmmmm size 21/0 'extreme' Tupps indispensable a suitable representation maybe :?
I'll get my coat :z4
H :z3
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Fished upper and lower Parkhill last night. Waste of time!! The wind was a horrible upstream affair and very cold. In 4 hours I did not see a single fly or rising fish.
However, I did find a slightly sheltered spot on a dead bit of water and spent half an hour with the Switch and with a 6 weight single hander and one of Mikes SLX's practicing single handed Spey casting. So all was not lost.
Moved onto Parkhill Loch, again more for the casting practice with a GT140 in a 5 weight and a Orvis ZG. Again no fish moving although one chap appeared to catch on a fast stripped lure. I just had a couple of boxes of spiders and traditional river pattens so was not expecting to catch really.
I then got cold and went home!
This year for me has been total pants! Not sure what I am doing wrong, but this is the first time in years I have made a real effort to game fish, and its the first time in years I have not been catching! Normally I only get out once in a while on the rivers, but I normally do ok. Arrrrrgh!!!
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This year for me has been total pants! Not sure what I am doing wrong, but this is the first time in years I have made a real effort to game fish, and its the first time in years I have not been catching!
It has been pretty hard going lately Rob, what with conditions etc and I have had quite a few blank sessions myself, not that I deserve or expect to catch fish every time. Maybe all those easy to catch coarse fish have softened you up :wink I have only been using a JT Olive dry fly, targeting only rising fish and only fishing between 11 and 4pm since the season opened. Hasn't worked every time, but when fish are rising I have been confident and usually had some action or near action. The weather and water conditions I blame for the poor start this year.
It will all come good in the end, next fish may be a 5 pounder !
Lindsay
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Maybe all those easy to catch coarse fish have softened you up :wink
:X2 :z4 Considering I have been chasing perhaps only a dozen large carp in the entire North of Scotland, and catching 4 of them so far, one at 21 pounds, I think I would say they were a bit harder than those Don stockies you chase ;)
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.....I think I would say they were a bit harder than those Don stockies you chase ;)
:z4 Nice one ! But what Don Stockies ??? !! No stocking by ADAA this season. I must admit, I only caught two, maybe 3 marked fish last year the rest I considered wild. I could be wrong but think as qualified fish stockman I would recognize one. I guess it must been be where I fished last season...or didn't :wink
If you have got the discipline to "hunt" a dozen individual Carp ( do they have individual names ?) then a few blank days doing some real fishing should be E-A-S-Y ! :wink :z7
Cheers,
Lindsay
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If you have got the discipline to "hunt" a dozen individual Carp ( do they have individual names ?) then a few blank days doing some real fishing should be E-A-S-Y ! :wink :z7
:z4 :z4 Names?...hmmm...well..yes, but only because I gave them names to describe them to a mate. They have never been caught before :) so not the normal "pet" fish as down south.
Blanks don't bother me, seeing Mr Cameron catch and I am not does.. :z4 :z4 :z4 I swear I saw him walking on water the other day :z14
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:z4 :z4 Names?...hmmm...well..yes, but only because I gave them names to describe them to a mate. They have never been caught before :) so not the normal "pet" fish as down south.
Cool, of course they be "stockies" too ! :wink
Couple of hours lower river this morning/afternoon. Had a 3/4 lb BT on the dry. Then it totally peed down and when it stopped there was a really decent March Brown hatch - checked a few and I am pretty sure they were MB's on wing and body markings. Only problem, the water coloured up and the fish didn't rise to them, presumably as they couldn't see them :mad. Such is life. Quite a few Yellow Sallies now too.
Lindsay
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A few fish rising today. Didn't catch anything big but managed a couple of small trout on the dry fly.
1 of the trout from today, small but perfectly shaped
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0422.jpg)
Stuart
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A few fish rising today. Didn't catch anything big but managed a couple of small trout on the dry fly.
1 of the trout from today, small but perfectly shaped
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0422.jpg)
Stuart
So that's what they look like :z4 lovely trout :z16
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Hi Spencie,
Was it you that I spoke to under the metal bridge today, shortly after the heavens opened? Beautiful little fella you got there :z16
My day was disappointing... Until around 13.50 when on the opposite bank I could see a good number of fish rising in a little back edy (or is it eddie, or am I completely wrong? :roll) Anyways I tried to cover the risers from the bank I was on but it was hopeless, instant drag! Hmmm decision time, do I stay on this bank or cross over... I scrambled back towards the bridge, leaped the fences and scurried down the steep bank. As I approached the fish I could see a multitude of fly life: MBs, LDOs, Small Olives, Grannom and occasionally the odd Stonefly. There was a good mix of different size fish in this little stretch, the bigger ones were feeding like crazy grabbing any morsel which floated past, the smaller ones were picking off what they could. I opted for a size 12 JT olive, half a dozen casts later my efforts were rewarded with a plump 1/2lber. The JT olive continued to work taking a few more little guys, however it was a hassle to keep afloat. 'Ah bugger it' off it came and on went a highly ginked size 14 CDC n Elk. I spotted a decent-ish rise to the left of a little riffle and cast towards it, nothing. I cast to the same spot again but this time gave it a little tweak, the fly was nailed!! :z14 A beautifully marked, fat fish leaped clear of the water. He made a good account of himself that's for sure. After some more acrobatics I eventually netted him, size wise... 14 inches, 1.25-1.5lbs? Success!! I headed for home with a big grin on my face :cool:
I will be visiting this spot again that's for sure :z7
Liam
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Liam
I don't know if it was me you spoke to, I was at Upper PH. I did speak to a chap at the car park by the bridge who was salmon fishing and someone who was accross the river who caught a couple of trout as well.
Stuart
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No it wasn't then :X1
The pic of your fish looked of similar size to the one of the guy I spoke :z16
Liam
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a good number of fish rising in a little back edy (or is it eddie, or am I completely wrong
Eddy. That's what ya want.
Edy is a Japanese smart card
Eddie is a large comedian with a perm, or a crater in the Elysium quadrangle of Mars at 12.3° north latitude and 217.9° west longitude. It is 89 km in diameter and was named after Lindsay Eddie, a South African astronomer (love Wikipedia)
But spelling aside, nice report and a great fish
Cheers, Iain
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I opted for a size 12 JT olive, half a dozen casts later my efforts were rewarded with a plump 1/2lber. The JT olive continued to work taking a few more little guys, however it was a hassle to keep afloat.
Jeez min Size 12 on a JT Olive is B-I-G ! :shock I use 19's and 17's on 103BL's or 18 and 16 if using Grip 11011BL's :X2 My size 17 matched the March Browns where I was today. They can get a bit claggy after catching - I use Frog Fanny (Toads Tush is not as good) to brush on the CDC fibres and it works a treat. CDC Oil clogs the CDC fibres and as I understand it the oil should not be used on CDC feathers ???
Well done on the fish, must get out your way soon, but doesn't look like it will be next Monday now unfortunately.
Lindsay
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.... CDC Oil clogs the CDC fibres and as I understand it the oil should not be used on CDC feathers ???
?? Odd. I've found CDC oil is great for keeping my CDC flies afloat. Hmmm. I try to use as little as possible, and then fluff up the feathers a bit, makes them a bit straggly looking, but in a good fuzzy way. After taking a fish, i dry the fly off on a scrap of rag, and it's good to go again. I think CDC oil is great stuff, but I'll look out for the clogging now that you've mentioned it?
Cheers, i
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Hi Iain,
It was in "Tying Flies The CDC" way. I don't believe everything I read though and did try the oil. I felt it stuck the fbres together but by using kitchen towel I managed to salvage them. The Frogs Fanny dries the fibres and allows them to remain fluffy and work naturally. I know a few of you on here like the Oil so maybe just me ?
L
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Jeez min Size 12 on a JT Olive is B-I-G ! :shock I use 19's and 17's on 103BL's or 18 and 16 if using Grip 11011BL's :X2 My size 17 matched the March Browns where I was today. They can get a bit claggy after catching - I use Frog Fanny (Toads Tush is not as good) to brush on the CDC fibres and it works a treat. CDC Oil clogs the CDC fibres and as I understand it the oil should not be used on CDC feathers ???
Well done on the fish, must get out your way soon, but doesn't look like it will be next Monday now unfortunately.
Lindsay
My mistake :oops it looks to be tied on a size 14 SLD, it's not actually a JT olive but it's damned near. The 14 was a perfect match today as far as I was concerned. Lindsay how do you spot your fly at distance? I was finding it hard picking mine out from the naturals at close range (20ft) today :X2 A size 17 or 19 you say, now that must be tough going? :z16
Liam
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Lindsay how do you spot your fly at distance? I was finding it hard picking mine out from the naturals at close range (20ft) today :X2 A size 17 or 19 you say, now that must be tough going? :z16
Usually I am using them in smooth glides and creases at around 20-25ft so not too difficult. I try to watch where fly lands and follow it down. On a JT the wings are pointing slightly forward as opposed to up or back on the natural Duns and this helps too. Doesn't seem to bother the fish ! It is truly a fantastic fly, very well designed and more importantly easy to tie ! :z16
Lindsay
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Similar day to yesterday today. I got off the mark slightly earlier on the JT Olive 16, half a dozen or so fish to 3/4 lbs from two of my favourite little pools. I then crossed over the river and visited what is now my favourite wee riffley glide and the fish were moving in numbers again. I spotted the big boys (what looked like three fish) picking off upwings at the tail of the riffle. :grin I switched to a CDC n Elk for better visibility and cast it over them. The drift was perfect and the fly was taken by a decent fish of just under 2 lbs. Sadly I lost him as he went airborne and I didn't keep enough tension on the line :X1. I was a little frustrated but I could still see a couple of others rising, I cast into more of less the same spot a few more times and was in again :z14. This one was smaller but still very welcome after a good tussle I got the net under him. He was around 1.25 lbs a stunningly marked fish! He swam off strongly back to the depths. I also saw a nice Sea Trout jump. That was pretty much it folks :z16
Liam
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Similar day to yesterday today. I got off the mark slightly earlier on the JT Olive 16, half a dozen or so fish to 3/4 lbs from two of my favourite little pools. I then crossed over the river and visited what is now my favourite wee riffley glide and the fish were moving in numbers again. I spotted the big boys (what looked like three fish) picking off upwings at the tail of the riffle. :grin I switched to a CDC n Elk for better visibility and cast it over them. The drift was perfect and the fly was taken by a decent fish of just under 2 lbs. Sadly I lost him as he went airborne and I didn't keep enough tension on the line :X1. I was a little frustrated but I could still see a couple of others rising, I cast into more of less the same spot a few more times and was in again :z14. This one was smaller but still very welcome after a good tussle I got the net under him. He was around 1.25 lbs a stunningly marked fish! He swam off strongly back to the depths. I also saw a nice Sea Trout jump. That was pretty much it folks :z16
Liam
Very good to hear there is now some regular sport to be had. You need to start bringing the camera with you Liam :z16
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Agree with that Noel. No pictures = it didn't happen!
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Noel :z16
I have pics. From this season and last but I can't seem to get them uploaded :z8 I'm gonna pinch my parents camera from now on and hopefully I'll have something worthwhile to show soon :z16
Any joy tonight?
Liam
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No liam nothing.
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Anybody seen the river today? Is it running clear?
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What!? How the flippin hell is the river up 7 inches? :mad Bloody weather, hopefully it'll be fishable tomorrow? :z8
Liam
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Just checked the levels on fishdpal. Don't look great. Oh well Spey casting practise with my left hand up it is!
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.....and still rising. Anyone else noticing how it pishes down on a Thursday and Friday just in time to completely blooter the weekend trouting ? As has been emphasized previously can the wife that is doing the rain dance in order to get the decorating etc done please stop NOW.
I can't speak for you guys but weather and water conds have been so bad this season I have been going out and having a go on day's that I wouldn't normally fish, as relatively speakling they have been the 'best' days :shock No wonder catch returns are down.
Lindsay
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There are salmon about and a woolly bugger (#4 with orange bead) will pick up trout right next to the bank with 3' on at Kintore providing it is steady or falling and there is minimum 18" visibility.
It was up at Kintore at least 7" on last night at about 8PM, didn't notice the colour, I was driving too quick!
Ben
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Its looking like Monymusk is going to be in for a shock tomorrow when I turn up with my flies ;) Mught have to take the salmon rods too..just in case.
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Just drove over the bridge at Inverurie and it's not looking too coloured (this was at a glance though) I'm gonna give it a go tomorrow to see :cool:
Liam
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There are salmon about and a woolly bugger (#4 with orange bead) will pick up trout right next to the bank with 3' on at Kintore providing it is steady or falling and there is minimum 18" visibility.
Ben
That's the spirit Ben :z16
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Once I finish painting the forking lavvy I'm going to grad out for a cast. We'll see how it goes.
Does anybody else find that the mere mention of DIY annoys them!
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Once I finish painting the forking lavvy I'm going to grad out for a cast. We'll see how it goes.
Does anybody else find that the mere mention of DIY annoys them!
Yes! It's bloody never ending round my gaff.
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Can anyone hazard a guess as to what shape the river will be in tomorrow? Obviously it'll be up but will it be clearing? :z16
Liam
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Sitting on the bank after fishing a very spiritual pool ;)
Water is high and coloured but is clearing. Temperature of the water about 7 degrees C.
Haven't seen any fish. Salmon or trout. Some swallows/swifts combing the water so must be some insect life about.
Fished here and a bit downstream to give my left hand up Spey casting a dust off. Pleasant evening for it. Saw two Deer and a wee otter. Off home for a chinese take away and a beer.
Definitely worth a try tomorrow Liam.
Cheers Matt
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So who's heading out today then? Just checked Fishpal and it's running at 2 ft 5 at Haughton :X1
might be a pointless trip but ah well :roll
Good luck to those venturing out :z16
Liam
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Well Liam any action? Didn't go today just looked two coloured to me.
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Bugger all!! :mad
A handful of fish my rising in my secret spot but I couldn't tempt any :X1 Had a talk with a nice guy who hadn't had any either :z8
Liam
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Bugger all!!
Did you try the above? I bet you'd have nailed a few that way.
Ben
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Sadly I don't have any of the beasts :z10
Liam
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Get some tied, best thing when water's big
Ben
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Todays fish taken on a fly i adapted from an american patten and now named the SSS. :)
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/backs4more/2012-Don-May-releasehappy.jpg)
A smidge under 24" :)
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Superb Rob, was that later after the water cleared a bit? Mainwaring was at Castle Forbes this morning and left because of the colour.
Did you weigh it?
Ben
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Took it about 2pm. Did not weigh it, something I don't normally do, but Iain took scale samples etc. Mainwaring should have hung about, I kind of wished i had taken my salmon gear, was starting to look very nice around 5pm.
Using that chart http://www.jrwfishing.com/fish_sizes.asp it comes out at 5.2 to 5.7 pounds..I think it was a bit lighter than that.
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Was about 2pm or so I think.
Really interesting colouration. Body like a coloured up salmon, but the classic shiny, bright cheeks of a brownie. But let's not talk about Rob....
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But let's not talk about Rob....
:z4 :z4 :z4 :z4
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Excellent stuff Rob :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Excellent stuff Rob :z16
Cheers
Mike
Cheers Mike...lets see if I can get one of your Brownes tomorrow. Really looking forward to it.
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Good stuff Rob. :z16
That is a cracking looking trout.
Dan
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Nice Rob..... very nice :z16
H :z3
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Wow, what a big trout!!! Congratulations :z18
Rob, any more info about your special fly? I mean... dry, nymph, wet, streamer? :z4
I streamered yesterday morning a few hours, caugth a tinny trout about the size of my hand... but current was quite strong and the water very dark...
Just wondering... :X2
Cheers,
Phil
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It has been pretty hard going lately Rob....It will all come good in the end, next fish may be a 5 pounder !
Lindsay
I am I a genius or what ? ! :z14 Great fish Rob, well done ! ! ! :z15
Conditions shockarooney here again today, I am not bothering trying to cast a fly in that ! :shock Had too many days this season watching the fly land 10 feet left, right, or behind the tip of the fly line. :z6 Doing some tying instead 2day.
Since I am on a roll with 'predictions' if anyone needs next week's Lotto numbers or the winner of the 2.15 at Ascot on Monday you know where to come ! :z4
L
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I've been reading your don posts for a while now guys looks like things are hard in that neck of the woods and its been tough going this year. Over here in the west we have had the best start in living memory. Clyde, Annan and others have been fishing there socks off with hunners of big fish caught. It has been just brilliant, huge hatches that have just gone on and on and on. Funny how in a wee country like Scotland one part of the country can be so good and another part so poor. Just down to the weather I suppose but the don has a name for being very fickle at the best of times even when conditions are good. I am off this week and I was going to spend three days on the Don at Monymusk as I do every year in May but seeing the forecast and reading these posts I'll not bother. It looks as bad as ever for as far as they can see ahead. :cry Anyone know if the deveron is fishing well?
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Great fish rob, well done :z16
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Can anyone help me. I am fairly new to brown trout fishing and I have always thought that brown trout fishing was upstream dry fly or wet fly but everyone on here keeps mentioning streamers and wooly buggers. Can any one suggest any patters, colours and sizes. Any a dice would be greatly appriciated.
Tight lines
UF
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...but everyone on here keeps mentioning streamers and wooly buggers.
Mmmm not everyone UF ! :wink I think there is a decent vid by Ollie Edwards on Streamer fishing, and yes there are a few guys on here that are big fans of the method who will be able to advise. It is not for me though....The Force is still strong ! :roll
The only thing I would add is that of hook size/gape - on ADAA waters you should not be using a hook with a gape of more than 1cm so please check all local and beat rules.
Hope you enjoy your streamer fishing, it certainly seems to work for the big boys if that is your thing !
Lindsay
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Fished Tornasheen and Candacraig/Edinglassie today. Wow..what amazing water! A total of 10.5 miles to explore, just Sean and myself....and it rained, it hailed, is shone and boy did it blow. I had one pull on a swung March Brown and Sean had a few small fish on wets.
We did get a bit of a rise around 3pm, but the fish were small and holding in slack on the other side of a very fast run, into a head wind. So, they went unmolested!
Got the tickets from Skellatar house (i can't help think of a 1980's cartoon!) and was met by a nice couple who went through the beat maps with us, pointed out where to park and wished us well.
Some of the pools were amazing. Absolute classic, linked together with fast runs, stoney riffles, one minute open fields, the next in forest.
If we could have had better weather I am sure we woud ahve caught more.
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I have a long weekend brownie fishing planned from this Thursday staying in The Grant Arms.... Weather is looking RUBBISH!
Any suggestions as to other options of fishing... I know there is some good Stillwater around... but aside from that can anyone advise on some of the more sheltered beats on the Grant Arms water? or even a crystal ball re the weather?
Thursday looks ok... but Friday and Saturday :z19 Sunday we planned to have a bit of Rainbow Sport.
Any advise would be great.
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Know how you feel Edin. I come up in mid May every year and love it, but not this year after reading these posts and seeing the forecast. I'm going to stick in the west! The weather has not been brilliant but a lot better than the east and the spring river fishing the very best in living memory. :cool:
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Anyone heard how the Deveron is fishing? Much the same weather as the don I suppose but it does tend to be less fickle according to articles in trout & salmon. Any of you guys ever fish there?
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Know how you feel Edin. I come up in mid May every year and love it, but not this year after reading these posts and seeing the forecast. I'm going to stick in the west! The weather has not been brilliant but a lot better than the east and the spring river fishing the very best in living memory. :cool:
So annoying... Where about in the West would you suggest? Assume your river brownie fishing.
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Edin,
You'll get the info you need here.
http://www.riverannan.co.uk/upper/
http://www.ucapaltd.co.uk/index_files/Page559.htm
Both these rivers tend to fish more reliably and are less fickle than the Don but the Clyde does get busy on spring weekends. If you can get on mid week go for it, that said there is far more day ticket water. They are the two best trout rivers in Scotland imho (and have big grayling) followed by the Deveron but I have not fished that baby for many years now. The Tweed (east flowing) on the other hand has fished almost as badly as the Don is reported to be here so far this year so i'd give it a miss. Hope that helps! :wink
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Fished Tornasheen and Candacraig/Edinglassie today. Wow..what amazing water! A total of 10.5 miles to explore, just Sean and myself....and it rained, it hailed, is shone and boy did it blow. I had one pull on a swung March Brown and Sean had a few small fish on wets.
We did get a bit of a rise around 3pm, but the fish were small and holding in slack on the other side of a very fast run, into a head wind. So, they went unmolested!
Got the tickets from Skellatar house (i can't help think of a 1980's cartoon!) and was met by a nice couple who went through the beat maps with us, pointed out where to park and wished us well.
Some of the pools were amazing. Absolute classic, linked together with fast runs, stoney riffles, one minute open fields, the next in forest.
If we could have had better weather I am sure we woud ahve caught more.
If the wind stays away.. it might not be all that bad this weekend? .... maybe.
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Strong winds and very heavy rain are forecast for Thursday & Friday followed by a SE wind and low temps on Saturday. :cry Looks like the north east rivers will be in flood at the weekend. Might be worth a go at the salmon though! Which beats allow spinning?
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Just crossing fingers there is a change in the forecast...
Tempted to abandon East and head West - See what the weather is looking like tomorrow.
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I've been down at parkhill today , water is perfect, dropping nicely and nice and clear :z18
Didn't see any fish other than a couple of wee brownies :z6 thinking they might have switched to evenings for mealtime.
Worked the water quite thoroughly for the tourists but no sign of anything :z8 Plenty wind but you could get out of its way so it didn't affect things much. My mate came through behind me with the flying C and he saw nothing either. Nice day to be out and about, in between hail storms :z4
However there is loads of flylife about, i saw Iron blues, small dark olives, medium olives and hawthorns all in good numbers.
Plenty sedges of various sizes and species too, one or two L.D.O's still fluttering about as well, took a few photos, will maybe post some later.
Sandy
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We certainly saw small olives, hawethorns and what I think was March Browns, but small ones..even though it was raining and cold.
Saturday saw a massive hatch at Monymusk, but no rising fish. The flies were being blown into us, making it feel like rain!
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:z8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHdsLmkmhjs&list=UUfiQyoA3_SpbLHhd0z0LqmQ&index=1&feature=plcp
Iain
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Nice one Iain :z16
End bit made me chuckle :z4 :z4
Cheers
Liam
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:z16 :z16
Question..am I mistaken or was that a "downstream" dry fly approach?
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Looks like it Rob. I'm embarrassed for him.
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Looks like it Rob. I'm embarrassed for him.
:z4 :z4 Might as well be stripping lures, the heathen!
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My mate came through behind me with the flying C and he saw nothing either.
One assumes you were fishing with Hamish? :wink
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Thats Cheeky Matt :z4
It wasn't 'H' i was fishing with.
Anyway.
As promised some flies from yesterday, I've annotated them with what i think they are :z16
(http://i48.tinypic.com/33bczdf.jpg)
Large Dark Olive (although it could have been a large Upright, distinctly bigger than the other uprights i saw though and a different colouration but you never can quite tell :wink) There were a few of these about.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2qnwp5h.jpg)
Olive Upright, there were a lot of these about
(http://i45.tinypic.com/11sianr.jpg)
Small Dark Olive, Loads of these as well
I did catch an Iron Blue as well (not so many of them about and i couldn't catch another :z10), but the wind blew it away before i got the camera out. :z6 but it was of the genus Baetis Muticus going by the eyes.
From what i ascertain there must be lots and lots of various Baetis nymphs darting about, Hmmm..........
Sandy
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Awesome photos Sandy :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Thanks for these great pics, sandy - really captures the differences between the insects.
I usually just say, "oh aye, looks like an Olive-y thing"
Cheers
Iain
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Given the looming doom of another weekend write-off I took opportunity of the window in the weather today to get out today for an hour and a bit before work. Downstream wind made dry fly presentation challenging and also for my newly made up tapered leader (more of that later on another thread).
Decent hatch of various Olives, one fish rised but missed. Changed from size 16 to size 18 JT Olive and third cast things improved right away with a suberbly conditioned 2 pound Brownie. Released alive and well as always.
I have got a nice pic of the fish but can't upload it - the Tinypic logo does not respond when clicked. Anyone else having this problem ?
Sandy, nice pics - that suspected LDO above looks like it may have a large hindwing (or is it a crumpled forewing on the near side ?), but an LDO has small hinds as I am sure you know. Think you might be right with O. Upright or thereabouts ?? A 16 and 18 JT Olive covers 'em all anyway :wink
Lindsay
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(http://i50.tinypic.com/30i86mo.jpg)
I've just uploaded this Haddo trout photo with tinypic Lindsay ...... works ok for me, anybody else having a problem?
Best wishes
Mike
PS: If you send me the photo via email I'll post it for you if you like.
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It is now initiating Tinypic Mike but I get "Error 503 Service Unavailable" ? Tinypic is a bit of a nightmare for this as I understand it. Has worked on here for me before though
L
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/zbrownie16may12.jpg)
Nice trout Lindsay!
I've hosted the image for you, thanks for the email :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Thanks Mike. I have been having computer nightmares so prob may be my end. Getting new compter 2moro though !
Fish was weighed in my new McLean Folding Telescopic Net, a shade under 2 lbs, solid, superb condition - definitely been feeding on more than Olive Duns !
Lindsay
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Nice trout :z16 I been using the same net for a year now, love it. One suggestion, at some stage grease the sliding areas including the scales. Mine seized up a bit over the winter and wouldn't work when I first needed it to this season. Was easy free up once back home. Did you get the scabbard? I find it excellent, no more nets falling off those damn magnets.
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You should be looking at a photo of a Brownie around the 2-2.5 mark just now, and another of about a pound and a half, but you are not, because I lost them :(
I was doing my version Czech Nymphing last night, which is really a cross between French and Czech. I use around 20 feet of 8 pound line, then 6 inches of orange braid, then a leader around twice the depth of the water, with two very heavy czech nymphs. This lets me "long line" czech nymph.
Anyway, second flip upstream I hooked the smaller fish on a size 14 czech nymph, dressed on the Partridge barbless hooks. Just reached around for my net as the fish was wallowing in netting range and "ping"...the hook comes out :z6 I was not too worried as at least I had proven my "method" was working on a new bit of water. A few casts later and the braid dips down, I strike and the rod hoops over. The fish made a run downstream but, my dam reel jammed!!! The fish was on the surface flapping about in a really srong current, got a real clear look at it as it rolled and leapt for a good 30 seconds as I was desperately trying to run downstream, in deep, fast flowing water, to try and relieve the pressure..and "ping"..the hook came out again!
I then carried on for another 3 hours without a touch despite covering a great deal of water :(
I saw one fish rise the whole evening despite olives coming off.
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I just want to say a big thanks to you guys for your candour on how poor the fishing and the east coast weather has been this year. If it had not been for your forum I would have been in Aberdeenshire this week and I am told it has actually been snowing to quite low levels in donside over the past 24 hours. :shock I might have another attempt later but the forecast for at least until well into June is for north / north east winds to continue and more of the same. The best of the season may now be lost. :cry
http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/aberdeen
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Did you get the scabbard? I find it excellent, no more nets falling off those damn magnets.
Hi Noel,
No, mine is a collapse/hinging McLean net (not folding as I said ?). The frame sides do not collapse in on themselves but folds flat against the handle then clips on your D ring. You just take the net off, turn it upside down and it locks.
Was glad of it yesterday, that fish was pretty spunky and the extra reach meant I could get it in easier than the pan handle net. Cost £74.99 but I used my Orvis vouchers and got it for £50. Bargain, really. Telescopic too.
Was beginning to think Fiona had sold me a jinxed net, but that is it christened with a decent fish now !
Lindsay
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I was doing my version Czech Nymphing last night, which is really a cross between French and Czech. I use around 20 feet of 8 pound line, then 6 inches of orange braid, then a leader around twice the depth of the water, with two very heavy czech nymphs. This lets me "long line" czech nymph.
I saw one fish rise the whole evening despite olives coming off.
Sounds kinda like 'Spanish' ?? Interesting there are flies now coming off in the evening. Not long now for Sedge Fest ! What kind of 'bugs' were you using Rob, Scuds, Ryac's or other ? Still to give the method a go despite buying the gear and tying the flies :oops Allure of the dry is too strong I guess......
Weather "do-able" this weekend maybe ?
Lindsay
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What kind? Not sure..I don't speak Czech ;)
One like this but dressed on the Partridge hook.
(http://hatchesmagazine.com/blogs/Hatches/files/2010/06/czsbs10-550x412.jpg)
I also tried some Ryacs in a nice bright green and the same patten as above but with hares ear and no red.
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Sandy, nice pics - that suspected LDO above looks like it may have a large hindwing (or is it a crumpled forewing on the near side ?), but an LDO has small hinds as I am sure you know. Think you might be right with O. Upright or thereabouts ?? A 16 and 18 JT Olive covers 'em all anyway :wink
Having looked closer at some of my other photos, i reckon you're right, it probably is an upright (the feet are light olive instead of black as well as the hind wings being bigger), however i can tell you most of the uprights would have been about a size 16, but the ones that were like the top photo were at best 12's possibly even 10's :shock
So what i saw was an upright hatch, but with two distinctly different sized flies, some size 12 and the rest 16's anybody any ideas why we would have two very different sized and different coloured flies of the same species, hatching off the same stretch of river. All quite fascinating
Sandy
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Rob,
well done on your Trout from Castle Forbes, it's also much nicer to see a shot of the angler (hate that word) holding the fish at water level - just seems more personal and asthetic than a fish in the grass, If only I had an angler friend :cry
Iain, when I saw the picture my first though was of a cock fish tartaning up, I've never seen anything like that in a Don Trout before.
Rob, Trig & Birdfan
What's 'council' about down stream dry? Am i being lambasted? Loosen up, chill, let your hair hang down...............................oops, sorry that's possibly too close to the bone :z7 :z4
Nice to see fly pictures Sandy :z16
Iain
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Rob, Trig & Birdfan
What's 'council' about down stream dry? Am i being lambasted? Loosen up, chill, let your hair hang down...............................oops, sorry that's possibly too close to the bone :z7 :z4
Nae me slaggin' ye of min.....though I suppose I did call that Van Klinken bloke a cad on another thread for his downstream Klink... :roll Seriously, what with recent conditions downstream dry is about the only sensible option the now !
Nope, nothing Chav with a dry down the burn AFAIAC , far more aesthetic, skillful and sporting than trying to 'stun' fish with heavy scuds or howking mackerel feathers past their lugs :wink I joke of course.
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however i can tell you most of the uprights would have been about a size 16, but the ones that were like the top photo were at best 12's possibly even 10's :shock
I've seen some really big upwings coming down and not been sure what they were, but were MB sized, but not MB's. Didn't matter as the fish were not targetting them but instead were taking the smaller Olives. The 18 CDC Olive I used was bang on for the size the fish were taking. Had the bloody wind not been so bad I would have cleaned up, but sadly a few good fish were simply "unreachable" due to conditions and the consequent poor presentation. Best left for another day.
As to the two different sizes of the same species, possibly two different age cohorts in species that can emerge as one or two year olds ? Maybe ones that should 'hatch' later are hatching now though this would seem very unlikely as they have to develop instar moults, mature their wing buds etc. If definitely the same species, more likely natural variation ?
Lindsay
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angler (hate that word)
Iain
Funny that, I've never liked the word 'angler' for some reason :roll ...... 'fisher' sounds better to me, but I don't know why :z3
Cheers
Mike
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Just been looking back through previous years don threads. Partially to remind myself that I can catch decent fish occasionally and partly to see how we are faring hatch/date wise.
Well us lot moaning about the weather, cold wind and lack of rising fish is nothing new it seems and the good news is evening sedge action shouldn't be far away.
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When do the big evening hatches tend to begin guys? :z8
Liam
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If only I had an angler friend :cry
Maybe if you answered your PMs you would !
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I've seen some really big upwings coming down and not been sure what they were, but were MB sized, but not MB's
Due to the weather along with other factors I haven't really been in the mood for photo'ing flies but I have looked out my bandy net and will take it along on future trips. Only way to be 100% (ish) in knowing what something is is to capture the beast and photograph it - take lots of shots as the duff ones can hold vital clues - the hind wings for example might be out of focus but there might be a clear shot of a femur, etc.
But then you know that :grin more interested in catching that biggie on an upstream dry - yuk!
Quite often when OU's start to appear in amongst LDO's they can appear substantially larger especially if seen on a flatter water. Often I have noticed this (earlier in the season) and then a MB or two come into focus and you realise just how huge MB's are.
Iain
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Maybe if you answered your PMs you would !
Sorry Mattheus but when I see a pm from you it's either money or a cuddle that you are after and as you are still due me 8 pence & not my type I usually delete them. :z7
Ok so I've been embarrased on the camera front..news flash.... middleman now has my camera and is dropping it off on Saturday so we can now be nerdy photo geeks.
Happy now?
Iain XX
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far more aesthetic
Damn, just noticed. Is that a go at me mispeling 'asthetic'?
:roll Are you smart enough to be that subtle? :z4 :z4 :X2
:z7
Iain
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When do the big evening hatches tend to begin guys? :z8
Liam
Usually from about 9 pm onwards :X2
Sorry couldn't resist it :oops
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:z4 :z4
I should have been more specific! :X1 How soon/what month can we expect the bonanza? :z12
Liam
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:z4 :z4
I should have been more specific! :X1 How soon/what month can we expect the bonanza? :z12
Liam
The time is general knowledge Liam, the dates are a secret :z4
When I think it's going down by me I'll drop you a PM.
Cheers
Ben
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Rob,
well done on your Trout from Castle Forbes, oops, sorry that's possibly too close to the bone :z7 :z4
Thanks, but it was not Castle Forbes, but close..lol
As for your down stream dry, I thought we British only did upstream drys, leaving that down stream nonsense to the Americans, New Zealanders, Canadians, Spaniards, French...oh..hang on..I get it now...we are the ones in the wrong :) If truth be known, thats the only way I used to fish a small burn by my house as I could not get in down stream of the fish. I just wish I could fish it with the skill you have.
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My god it was a bloody horrible night last night. Started fishing at 5.30, packed up at 9.30. I saw one fish rise at about 8 and then as I was walking back to the car a very good fish rose close to the bank. All excited I changed from Czech nymph to dry fly, and sat and waited...and waited...and waited. It never came up again!
The only flies I saw was at about 8.30 and they were tiny olives. About a size 20!!
I thrashed the water to a foam and did not even get a touch. It was 5 degress when I got there, 2 when I left and it never stopped raining the whole time.
I how I hate fishing!!
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When do the big evening hatches tend to begin guys? :z8
Not sure they are big Liam, but thankfully they occur after I finish work in the evening weekedays :z18 Late May onwards....
Iain no, not being subtle - I am as subtle as a brick as they say !
Sitting here 'designing' and making a new leader for w/end. Have been using a Dibble Furled 5 ft but experimenting making my own mono tapered leaders. However, I didn't like all those water knots rattling about in the rod rings with the two pounder though, was fair crapping myself :roll Having a bit of a rethink, may even needle knot on a Furled :shock
What do you guys do/recommend ? Should a mono/copoly needle knot be whipped over just to make it a bit smoother....I have always used RM Braids up till now but reckon turnover/presentation is being compromised at times ? Having the option of changing leaders for diff tactics is not a prob, I can stick with one leader as I tend to fish dries/emergers. My tippet is usually 0.14 Stroft GTM (approx 5x ).
Lindsay
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Downstream dry, as I see it, is actually way more skillful ! You may only get one chance at a fish as when you lift off to recast you will invariably spook it. Other than this, the only other disadvantage is that you will be striking the fly out of the fishes mouth, so care needed ( and a slow or calibrated strike).
There is often a down stream wind on the Don and this tactic is absolutely valid. It is one of the reasons I am interested in the Leader to Hand thingy as J Lucas does fish down stream with this method when conditions dictate and preseumably the thinner mono causes way less disturbance when recasting = Advantage.
L
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Ok so I've been embarrased on the camera front..news flash.... middleman now has my camera and is dropping it off on Saturday so we can now be nerdy photo geeks.
Happy now?
Iain XX
Much better now dear.
Also you appear to have forgotten this spectacular photo I took of you...
(http://i55.tinypic.com/sxn4lg.jpg)
cheers
matt
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The upper river was in good fettle today. There was a hatch of mixed upwings going at 1pm and it lasted until at least 4:45. I wasn't wading so I could not get close enough to indentify the flies but there was the odd LDO amongst them which looked big by comparison. The water is tea coloured but visibility is very good.
I made contact with 3 fish in the first 15 minutes but contact only lasted about 2 seconds in each case. A wee while later a nice 2lb fish took a parachute Adams and came to the net and I took scale samples. A bit later a nice half pound fish came to the net also. After that the fish started to refuse anything I put in from of them. The were some small dark chironomids coming off with the upwings so maybe they had switched attention to them. All in all, a good afternoon. :z16
Irvine
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There's some amazin hatches and falls of black gnats mixed in with the olives and the troots are lovin them. Had to switch to a wee black emerger a couple of times recently despite there bein more uprights and ldo's about with instant positive results. Generally smaller troots though with the trophies still fussy for the olives, but great sport.
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My (lack of) exploits recently were Kemnay yesterday (Sun) - not much happening, very little fly on the water and consequently not great for dries. Sat about most of the day waiting for things to kick off but unfortunately they never did. Loadsa Grannoms with many females egg laying - possibly the kiss of death that, as a sign at least ? Got a good tan.
Today, Kintore/Torryburn, and again very very few Olives where I was, just lots of little black sh*te and few Yellow Sallys. Got bored and did a bit of "glory" casting to wee fish on the opposite bank a) to see if I could reach them, b) could I maintain decent line management and c) could I convert any that were hooked. Failed only on the latter, perhaps unsurprisingly !
On the way back to the car late afternoon I did lose an absolute growler of a trout though, well big, possibly a PB for the Don for me :cry Took a size 19 JT Olive and went mental. Eventually got the fish level with me midstream with some sidestrain (I was wading in quite fast deep water) after it had careered downstream and was just trying to 'gently' encourage it slightly upstream of me ready to net when "ping". Thought the leader had broke but thankfully hook still attached to leader and intact (size 19 103BL too !). For once, I didn't do anything wrong, just bad luck I guess ? Ar*e ! I know where he lives though. Topped up tan from yesterday, look like I've been on my hols....
Lindsay
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I have had quite a few on the dry these last few days, but frustratingly, I seem to lose a lot more than I land, and anything that was big enough to put a healthy bend in the rod, broke the leader!! Getting very annoyed about it. In 35 years of angling I have never had so much hassle from broken line!!! I use a lot of very light line for my roach fishing, down to 12oz breaking strain and size 24 hooks, so I think I am ok on knots, but everything I have tried recently has led to broken leaders, normally the hook knot. Not a happy bunny!!
Currently I am using (for the tippet) 3lb Drennen Sub Surface, 3.3lb Orvis Mirage, Wychwood 3 or 4lb Fine and dry.
As for the succesful flies, mainly olive F-flies in size 16-14 or olive paraduns in the same size.
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Hi
Was fishing the don around the Inverurie area today.Fishing was crap due to people and there dam dogs swimming
It was like union street in christmas eve. :z14
If they are going to let there dogs of the lead and go swimming in the river they should be paying a permit of some sort. :cry
Regards
James
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I have had quite a few on the dry these last few days, but frustratingly, I seem to lose a lot more than I land, and anything that was big enough to put a healthy bend in the rod, broke the leader!! Getting very annoyed about it. In 35 years of angling I have never had so much hassle from broken line!!! I use a lot of very light line for my roach fishing, down to 12oz breaking strain and size 24 hooks, so I think I am ok on knots, but everything I have tried recently has led to broken leaders, normally the hook knot. Not a happy bunny!!
Currently I am using (for the tippet) 3lb Drennen Sub Surface, 3.3lb Orvis Mirage, Wychwood 3 or 4lb Fine and dry.
As for the succesful flies, mainly olive F-flies in size 16-14 or olive paraduns in the same size.
What rod n line you using Rod? I know it's an obvious question.
Try Maxima green 3lb.
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hi Rob,
where does it break (fly, connecting knots or in between) and how old is your material ?
even if it isn't that old it might have been damaged by sun or getting wet and drying on the spools (not thoroughly).
cheers,
marc
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What rod n line you using Rod? I know it's an obvious question.
Try Maxima green 3lb.
Two...both Orvis Zero Gravities, 9.5 actions, one being a 5 weight, one a 4 weight.
I have to say the 4 weight has had less breakages so I had worked out that 5 weight might be a bit too beefy, BUT, I have not had this trouble before, playing fish hard at Mikes on the same gear. The 5 weight is my go to rod at Midmar for rainbows in the 3-5 pound mark and I put a proper bend in the rod. Its only this year I have had an issue.
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hi Rob,
where does it break (fly, connecting knots or in between) and how old is your material ?
even if it isn't that old it might have been damaged by sun or getting wet and drying on the spools (not thoroughly).
cheers,
marc
I had a bit of an issue with knots at the dropper going, but I changed from a 3 turn water knot to a "seguar" knot that has stopped that completely :) Now it is at the hook.
The Orvis line has a 2013 use by date, the Drennen Sub Surface was bought 2 weeks ago and the Wychwood at the beginning of the year. All lines are kept in pockets in my waistcoat or in a bag so not exposed to light or wet.
The knots I use for the hook are a five turn grinner which I have used for 30+ years, on all sorts of lines. I have also tried a 3-5 turn blood knot, tucked and untucked, but they all seem to go far too easy. As I say, I have never had issues with these knots before.
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Firstly, glad to see someone else has been getting out - was beginning to think this thread was dying. :roll
I had a problem with knots breaking at the hook at the end of last season when I switched to a different tippet, was driving me nuts and lost two decent fish. It was a highly recommended material and used by a lot of great anglers but it just wouldn't work for me. I switched back to Stroft GTM and no problems since. I would echo Allan's comment that the Maxima will simply not let you down if you can live with the diameter, the knots don't have to be tucked either which they do with most of the posh stuff (in my experience).
Also, I have had Wychwood tippet slipping at the hook if you dont tuck the knots, but you are using this further up the leader so not sure if that would be a problem, but it is pretty slippy stuff. With Stroft, at the hook I use "The Knot" ala Paul Procter and recommended by Richard Tong on here. So far it has not let me down, is easy to tie with frozen fingers, doesn't use lots of tippet when changing flies etc. 3 (or 4) turn waters seem ok for tapering tippet.
Stroft, other than 'chunky munkey' Maxima, is the most reliable material I have used, so it is just a case of finding or using something you have absolute confidence in eg. what were you using/doing differently for the big fish you caught ( I know it was a streamer and not a size 16 dry) ! ?
L
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i also agree with all the Stroft suggestion. it's as flawless as it gets.
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Hi Marc, yes, its the "Duncan" knot I use. 5 turns for thin line, getting less the thicker it goes.
Always well lubed, tightened slowly and tags pulled evenly. As I say, its a sudden thing. I have no idea why its suddenly started happening. Maybe my "spit" has suddenly stopped being so slippy?..lol
Maxima was always my go to line when course fishing until I took up pole fishing. Now I use some pretty funky low diameter lines that are far thinner than fly leader, but seem to knot better.
I shall continue to play about with knots. I must try this Proctor knot..heard a lot about it.
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I would echo Allan's comment that the Maxima will simply not let you down if you can live with the diameter
Think you've pretty much hit the nail there L, if you use dia as your standard (or 'x' number) you'll find maxima is not that different it's just they understate the breaking strain by a fair bit, so '10lb' maxima actually breaks at a higher load. Clever bit of marketing there.
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(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/backs4more/robsbigtrout11.png)
:X2
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Nice fish Rob,
Was that the monster you had a week or 2 ago, or have you gone and done it again?
Dan
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:z16 :z13
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Was that the monster you had a week or 2 ago, or have you gone and done it again?
must be the same fash from two weeks ago. my pics were obviously not good enough :-0
there was a 3rd member of the trip, sean/shaun (sorry) who was taking serious photos.
we ended up in the river wearing 240v battery packs and light reflecting umbrellas nearly 5 feet wide and praying that we didn't get blown into the water and electrocuted. Hopefully Rob should have some good photos soon of us mucking about with casting and then some real photos of Ben_D showing us how it ought to be done.
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Had an nice afternoon today. Bit frustrating though. Tried up stream spiders, upstream dries, klink and dink, and streamers! Lost one fish on a streamer. Was joined by Iain Goolager who landed a monster. (http://img.tapatalk.com/5868d56b-e340-5c7d.jpg)
Things were beginning to look a bit more lively when I was leaving.
Cheers Matt
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Just back had a good evening decent amount of fish moving :z16. Went through a few fly changes before i started getting rises to a rusty spinner pattern.
Highlight of the night was when i struck into a tiny sip to the spinner expecting a 6 incher only for it to go screaming down the pool turned out out to be around the 2lb mark.
Should be out most nights in next couple weeks as wife is away with her work for 12 nights yipeeeeee :grin
Michael
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Well its looking like another lovely evening so I have made my excuses and have ventured out to see if i can't catch a late evening rise. Sitting on the bank there seems to be loads of fly life but no decent fish showing, maybe still a little too bright :z8. Decided to ditch the wets and spiders for the dries and wait patiently for something to happen.
Could be a long night.
Dan
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Just home from the river. A good night at long last. Must have hooked about 10 and landed maybe more than half of them. Best 1.5lbs and a few about 1lb. All on cdc&elk. Took a few pics but they are horrible.
Was quiet difficult water I was fishing but that's where the fish were rising. Seen a 4+ lbr jump clear out of the water and also seen an absolute monster make a few surges on the surface. It was just about in casting range but I didn't even go for it, felt my leader wouldn't have been up to the job and was 2 dark to change. There will be other nights :grin
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Hi An Chileog,
wow that sound like a good session! :z16 Did you catch them all on the dry? at night? :?
I am asking as this is my first season and I am still not so confident with my fishing so far... I fished last Friday from 6 to 10pm... There haven't been a lot of trout rising, some very small ones once and a while as there was no hatch going on... So I switched from dry to nymph, wet, streamer, dry again and so on... It's really difficult! So I'm always thinking if I should walk more and look for rising trout, stay and wait if something happens or fish blind in good looking spots...?
Did you see the trouts you have caught last time?
Cheers,
Phil
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Hi An Chileog,
wow that sound like a good session! :z16 Did you catch them all on the dry? at night? :?
I am asking as this is my first season and I am still not so confident with my fishing so far... I fished last Friday from 6 to 10pm... There haven't been a lot of trout rising, some very small ones once and a while as there was no hatch going on... So I switched from dry to nymph, wet, streamer, dry again and so on... It's really difficult! So I'm always thinking if I should walk more and look for rising trout, stay and wait if something happens or fish blind in good looking spots...?
Did you see the trouts you have caught last time?
Cheers,
Phil
Hi Phil
Yes all on cdc&elk dry. It's my go to when there are sedges about. There are 2 pools on this stretch that I have previously seen rising fish so I started at one and walked to the other. About a half mile between them. Last night there were a few rising in the first pool when I got there at about 8.30, got one and dropped 2. So left that pool to rest it and went to check out the other. Not much happening there so after watching it for 20 mins or so I headed back to where I started. Stopping every 100m or so for a look and listen. Picked up a few more by doing this and when I got back to first pool there were fish feeding again :grin
Last night was only the second night I have see lots of rising fish this season so don't worry about not seeing much. Next time I'm back there it will prob seem like there isn't a fish in the river!
I don't understand your last question?
Cheers
Noel
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Hi Noel
Any chance that the big fish you saw might have been sea trout?
I was also out last night and noticed a couple of real big fish lunging on the surface.I suspect they were sea trout but i'm not certain.This is about the time i would expect to see them arriving.
Regards
Duncan
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Could well be Duncan. I'm not familiar with sea trout at all. The rises were more like lunges, very splashy.
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Noel,
ok interesting... maybe I should observe more... :z5 my last question was more or less if you have seen the trout rising steadily? I mean last time I have been out, I have seen one rise/splash and than 10-15min later another one, but on a different spot... so I could not spot any target to cast my dry fly... that's what I tried to say when I asked if you have seen the trout? :z4 sorry, german accent, hehehe....
Cheers,
Phil
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Noel,
ok interesting... maybe I should observe more... :z5 my last question was more or less if you have seen the trout rising steadily? I mean last time I have been out, I have seen one rise/splash and than 10-15min later another one, but on a different spot... so I could not spot any target to cast my dry fly... that's what I tried to say when I asked if you have seen the trout? :z4 sorry, german accent, hehehe....
Cheers,
Phil
Germany cool :z16 worked in a few different places there a few years ago. Loved the place.
Yes the trout were rising steadily last night, couldn't see much on the water other than the occasional sedge but they were feeding hard.
Tonight looks good, get yourself down to the river!
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Guys, this may not be the correct part of the forum, modes anyone know who owns the fishing that Colin Hart used to run from the Grant Arms at Monymusk these days?
Thanks in advance,
Eddie.
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I believe it's all owned by the Monymusk Estate - so that would be Archie Grant.
H :z3
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Hamish, thanks for the info. I have not been there for many years and feel like I should go back as there was some fantastic trout fishing there.
Eddie.
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Still let through the Grant Arms Hotel in Monymusk.
Enjoy :!
H :cool:
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be sure to take a few minutes to read the catch records ledger when your there. :wink
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I believe it's all owned by the Monymusk Estate - so that would be Archie Grant.
H :z3
Ahem!!! SIR Archie Grant if you don't mind! :X2
Mad as a hatter!!!
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I finally made it up your way lads. Hot weather and great evening fishing. Had 3 fish over 4lb (plus lots between 1 and 2lb) over 2 nights as darkness fell. Also had 2 days and 2 evenings on the Deveron and did very well but it's a bit of a duffers river compared to The Don, easy really, and the Don fish are far nicer to look at. I hope to get back up later in the summer for the big sedge hatches. :cool:
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Was having a frustraiting week on the river this week, tuesday evening never say a rise, wedensday rose 2 decent fish and missed them both, thursday rose one and missed it again :z8 that was up until 11 oclock tonight when i spotted a good fish rising steadily just off the bank tried it with a cdc and elk then switched to a red spinner pattern and up it came after 5mins most of which it spent in the air and some brown marks on my boxers i landed my new PB 4.25lb according to my mclean net, absolutly stocked. Unfortunatly left my camera in the car which im gutted about. I did remember to take some scale samples for Jamie tho would be interesting to find out how old it was.
Michael
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Great stuff Michael :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Was having a frustraiting week on the river this week, tuesday evening never say a rise, wedensday rose 2 decent fish and missed them both, thursday rose one and missed it again :z8 that was up until 11 oclock tonight when i spotted a good fish rising steadily just off the bank tried it with a cdc and elk then switched to a red spinner pattern and up it came after 5mins most of which it spent in the air and some brown marks on my boxers i landed my new PB 4.25lb according to my mclean net, absolutly stocked. Unfortunatly left my camera in the car which im gutted about. I did remember to take some scale samples for Jamie tho would be interesting to find out how old
Well done Michael :z16
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and up it came after 5mins most of which it spent in the air and some brown marks on my boxers i landed my new PB 4.25. Unfortunatly left my camera in the car which im gutted about.
Just a picture of the fish would have been nice, not interested in your fouled clothing. :z4
Well done Mikhail.
I,m sure There may be a few more big ones soon.
Preaching to the converted - no camera? FAIL!
Iain
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Out for a few hrs today. Lots of fly life about and lots of fish rising. Olives,sedge and plagues of "small black shit" Water was boiling with rises in a few spots. Nothing big showing though but a great few hrs had catching the occasional 1/2 lbr with a few up to 3/4lbs.
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Hi
Good fishing trip today on the don today 3 lovely trout around the pound mark.
On small black fly.
James
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cheers guys, Just back in nothing big to report had a good day caching 1/2lbers started of trying french / leader to hand nymphing had a few small fish then had to take it off as good hatch of yellow may's so on went a yellow klink and had a blast. stoped at 930 to try find a good fish there were some big boys on the surface but they were just oncers nothing steady Full moon and pretty chilly was 5 degrees when i got back to the car might have explained lack of risers
Michael
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Yeah temperature was up and down all night last night, went from about 14 at 7ish to about 7 at 9 then rose again before dropping as it turned dark. Never good. Late on looking out of the drive there seemed to be a bit of a harr.
Cheers
Ben
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I'm scared of the dark and the bats... so I got up at stupid o'clock this morning to fish the Don in the early morning light. 02.22 to be precise. Was on the river by shortly after 3am. Cold, but still. No fish showing that I could see. Ah well, picked up a handful of small things. Had a pleasant breakfast by a weir, and watched a poor wee swan with a dodgy wing.
Hugh Falkus can stick his night-time sea trout fishing... After a kip, a coffee, another coffee... went back out for a few hours this afternoon... loads of small fishes... then one cracking sea trout nailed me. Fought very deep and dogged for a good time. Most nervous that it would come off, especially as there was a wee crowd watching...
About 22"-24", 3.5-4lb i'd guess. Cock fish, quite a pronounced kype. Couple of pics of the fish in the water; missed the nose off of the net picture (ah, perhaps I'm just keeping the fly a secret...). He went and sulked right at my feet for a bit, so I was able to get some pics of him recovering, before camera shyness forced him to flee. 2.30pm... I could have stayed in bed 11 hours more and still caught it!
iain
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on 2nd thoughts - salmon or sea trout? just assumed it was ST, but not so sure. maxillary might be about level with eye.
ach, who cares, it was an enjoyable catch.
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Iain you nutter :z16 I admire your enthusiasm. Well done on the fish. I for one am glad you didn't get it at 3 am because if you did well then I would have to try crazy o clock as well :z4
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on 2nd thoughts - salmon or sea trout? just assumed it was ST, but not so sure. maxillary might be about level with eye.
ach, who cares, it was an enjoyable catch.
Nice fish.Where in the river did you catch it?
James
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Well done Ian :z16
It's a different planet at that time in the morning right enough, but I think my early outings are confined to history.
Iain
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Nice fish.Where in the river did you catch it?
hi James - it was in the lower reaches of the Don, from the Cruives/Netherdon stretches. It seems that sea trout are beginning to show in the rivers right up to Fintry now too.
cheers
iain
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:z14 Just not worthey Iain! Well done..again!...when are you going to leave some for me? :z14
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hi James - it was in the lower reaches of the Don, from the Cruives/Netherdon stretches. It seems that sea trout are beginning to show in the rivers right up to Fintry now too.
cheers
iain
Cheers Iain.
Am up in Inverurie so let some pass for me.lol
:z4
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Well I was out last night for a bit. As it was raining and windy I set up a 12' 6" 8/9 salmon rod and tied on a size 8 shrimpy thing and set to on the river at Kemney. After a few aborted casts I got into the groove with the new Guideline shooting head, managing to put a few respectible snake rolls together.
I had a few suicidal brownies so decided to go and fetch my 4 weight as the wind by now had died down a little.
Back on the river with my new SLX :) I was able to cover a few fish that normally would have been out of reach with a DT line but with the SLX I manages a half arsed spey cast and hooked a couple, again small.
Not much of a hatch all night, just some very small olive things coming off, hence the size 20 paradun thing I was using tied with a yellow/olive dubbed body and a greenwells hackle and orange post so I could see it.
I did see a couple of large "oncers" come up and with the water being soooo clear, I spotted a few nice fish laying in amoung the weeds, but no matter what I did (klink and dink, GRHE, swung wets etc) they just were not having it.
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Cracking fish again Iain
I managed out for a few hours last night, got chatting to forum member Skidd who had a few brownies and a cracking Sea Trout. He was kind enough to give me the fly he landed the sea trout with and to guide me through the pool and into areas that i wouldn't have thought were possible. Top Bloke!! :z16
Stayed out till about 11pm but no joy, Still i learnt loads so can't complain.
Dan
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Looks like I may have to try the lower river for one of these mythical sea trout fellas :)
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No problemo Dan,
Now you know where they are........don't tell anyone, lol.
Good to meet you.
Cheers,
Skidd
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My 8th night in a row on the don proved to be pretty interesting was the mildest evening out of them even the midges were out unfortunatly, only 4 more nights till the wifes back :cry. From 1030 to 1230 there were fish everywhere best rise ive seen this year so far. Fished over a big fish for over an hour finally got him to take only to miss him then called it quits as it was pitch black.
Around 9 oclock was the best bit of my night i saw a rise from a fish ive been targeting the past three nights guess about 2-3lb anyway cast and and up came a fish unfortunatly wasnt him, it jumped out the water saw it was around 8-9inches so played it halfway in then gave it a bit of slack hoping it would through the hook till i got my forceps. Then when i had them in my hand and was going to take the fish in thought it must have went round a rock as couldnt budge it. Then it started going away and putting a serious bend in the rod. After a while i saw what happened a fish 3-4lb had the 8incer half sticking out its mouth :shock. You coulld see the fish in the clear water had it on for a good while before it managed to dislodge the fish it had eaten head first.
Heres a pitcure of the half chewed on trout a big mouthfull, it was pretty beat up and shell shocked when it went back
(http://i47.tinypic.com/2ihuuu0.jpg)
Michael
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You're putting serious hrs Michael lucky bugger! Thought it was 2 foggy last night and that it would get dark early so didn't bother. Wish I had now. Was the river rising at all?
So 8/9 inch streamers could be the way forward!
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My bad it was Tuesday the good rise yesterday was foggy and nowt much doing got a couple on streamers but had an early night. Hopefully tonight will be better
Michael
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My bad it was Tuesday the good rise yesterday was foggy and nowt much doing got a couple on streamers but had an early night. Hopefully tonight will be better
Michael
Ah ok that makes more sense. Was also out tue night with goo and had a few 3/4 lbrs. Goo had quiet a few up to 1.75lbs. Seen a huge trout moving but no joy.
River is up a foot today, hopefully not 2 coloured. Anyone seen the water today?
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Can't see the picture at work Mikhail but looking forward to it when I get home.
Pity about the weather last night as the two previous were very good, nothing too big but lots of nice fish on the dry.
Best & worst time of the year, lots of late nights and early mornings for work so capitalised last evening with a 7:30 beddy bye time - god it's crud getting old. :z5.
Sea-Trout obviously in the system, as Ian, Skidzer & Dan have mentioned, so hopefully a few will be with us now.
Noel, I just want to take this opportunity to say it's a pleasure to fish with and learn from you, although you are slightly boring. :X2 :z4
Iain
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Noel, I just want to take this opportunity to say it's a pleasure to fish with and learn from you, although you are slightly boring. :X2 :z4
Iain
I'm assuming by learning from me you mean learning from my mistakes! Eg don't spend 20 mins trying to change fly in the dark during the best rise of the night! Or maybe you mean learning the location of MY big fish...will be having another go at him tonight of you wanna come along. Bring your camera :z4
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Oh you daft Irishman, :X6 I'll be there.
Camera safely stored, won't make that mistake again.
Iain
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Worth heading out tonight guys? I would imagine its up and coloured quite a bit? What have the evening hatches been like?
If the above indicate a trip out is worth while where should I try to fish? :z16
Cheers
Liam
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Hi Liam,
High & brown today Liam, tomorrow could be O.K but I think we are forecast more rain overnight. Island at top of Balbithan was submerged this morning at 8AM so thats up at least 2'.
#4 WB may be worth a shot if there is more than about 18" visibility.
Cheers
Ben
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Thanks for ruining my afternoon dude.
it looks like 19:30 sleepy bobo's again .
Iain
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Ive decided I'm gonna give it a go! :z16
I'll report back later tonight.
Liam
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Thanks for ruining my afternoon dude.
it looks like 19:30 sleepy bobo's again .
Iain
Fuk that dude get the streamers out!
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Fuk that dude get the streamers out!
:z4 :z4
No shame! :z7
Liam
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what happened a fish 3-4lb had the 8incer half sticking out its mouth
that's a pretty cool report; unusual, don't hear it happening too often to trout fly fishers?
Tie up some 8inch brownie streamers then?
cheers
iain
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Tie up some 8inch brownie streamers then?
I could sell him some...lol
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Was out for a few hours today, water still a bit coloured but clearing. Caught a few small trout and hooked into a decent fish also but lost it. I'll return for him another day if the cows in the field allow me after a young bull gave chase much to my embarrassment, second time this has happened to me. Guess I have bad cow etiquette :)
Geoff
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Guess I have bad cow etiquette :)
Geoff
Perhaps they think you are "udderly" fantastic?
...I'll get my coat!!!!! :X2
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Perhaps they think you are "udderly" fantastic?
...I'll get my coat!!!!! :X2
Clearly don't like you mooching about.
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Clearly don't like you mooching about.
Come on Noel yer milking it a bit now.
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Come on Noel yer milking it a bit now.
Don't mind me I'm just talking bull.
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Wifes home today in an hour :cry decided to get up at 6 and have a couple hours. Got to the river and it is looking in good nick today. Fishing a black and orange streamer using a jerk strip retreive (ala Kelly Galloup) on a rio 24ft 200grain sink tip I manged to land this one at around 7:30
3.75lb
(http://i48.tinypic.com/15zjpyf.jpg)
Ps anyone interested in streamer fishing Kelly Galloups book and dvds are really good.
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That's an awesome fish dude! :z16
Liam
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Gorgeous fish. Well done :z16
Sandy
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Excellent Michael :z16 lovely colours in that pic.
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What a big browni!!! Beautiful fish :z16
Fished yesterday on the Don, from 11 till 6pm. When I arrived it was not too windy and some trouts have been feeding on the surface, managed to catch 2 small brownies on the dry fly. Then the wind picked up and I changed to a march brown wet fly...
Suddenly a strike and bend in the rod!!! I though this must be a big one and a second later it jumped and pulled line of the reel. Finally a fish that is bigger than my hand... :grin :grin :grin
This was my first Don Sea Trout, probably not a monster, but a amazing fish and good fun on the 5wt... I didn't weigth it or meassure it. It took him 20 second to recover, then took of with a big splash and headed upstream...
Can't wait to go out again!
Phil
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(http://i48.tinypic.com/124ahj7.jpg)(http://i46.tinypic.com/2klwt0.jpg)
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I've been out the past couple of days also. Friday was good with 9 fish ranging from 1/2lb to 1lb all on the CDC and Elk. I was out last night for a couple of hours from 8.00 - 10.30pm. Some great big fish rising to upwings and sedges, I managed 2 of around 1 1/2 lbs and lost another which was fractionally bigger. All fish were taken on a size 14 CDC and Elk. :z16
Nice fish Phil, from my homestretch of water too eh? :z16
Liam
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I had my first River Fishing session yesterday, looking at the pictures above i'm clearly doing something wrong :cry, caught plenty of 1/2 - 3/4 lb Brownies but nothing to ride home about.
Any information on fly selection etc, would be much appreciated as i'm on a bit of a steep learning curve.
Alan
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Nice fish phil.
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Well done guys, good to see and hear of some good catches.
Alan if you had plenty of 1/2 and 3/4 lbrs on your first attempt then you are not doing much wrong :z16
In general most of my bigger fish have been rising and caught on drys. But looking at the pics above one on a streamer, one on a wet so all tactics work at the right time. Being in the right place at the right time is half the battle. For fly selection have a read back through this thread. Loads of info there.
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(http://i48.tinypic.com/15zjpyf.jpg)
Now that is a belting trout - well done Michael :!
H :cool:
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Stunning fish Michael :z14 - beautiful colours and markings.
:z16
Ewan
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Cracker Michael :z16
:z18
Jim
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Your fish is also a belter , well done Phil :z16
:z18
Jim
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Thanks guys :z18 :z16
Liam, well spotted :wink
Phil
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I decided to cycle down to the river tonight. Headed down for nine and checked out a few of my favourite spots. Hardly anything showing until about 10pm when a few sporadic rises started to appear here and there. Then as the bats began their nightly hunt the big boys made their appearance, there were some HUGE fish!! I tracked a few sedges on the surface and just watched the big heads appear as they were slurped. I know where I'll be heading tomorrow night :wink
Liam
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Now that I've got a 3lb+ Brown under my belt as of last night :z14 I've decided to try and target Sea Trout. Can anyone help me with tactics, flies, best times to fish for them? :z16
Cheers
Liam
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A 3 pounder...well done!!! What did you get it on?
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Thanks Rob! :z16 It was taken on a size 14 CDC and Elk (one of Sandy's) just as the bats came out :wink
Liam
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Picture Liam, Picture! :z15
Well done :z16
Ewan
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Yes well done Liam, you will never forget that one, first big brownie is special. I know you have a picture so get it sorted! Failing that bring your camera when you come over tomorrow night and I might be able to help. :z16
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Another brilliant night out with wind knot (Michael), full report tomorrow :z16
Liam
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Come on boys let's have it! :z4
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Good job Liam!!! wow, 3 pounds! :z16 :z18
Phil
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Now that I've got a 3lb+ Brown under my belt as of last night :z14 I've decided to try and target Sea Trout. Can anyone help me with tactics, flies, best times to fish for them? :z16
nice work liam. was that using the battenkill reel?
Give me a shout next time you are down my end of the river, and i'll show you a couple of pools/places where sea trout might be found. That said, if you keep on fishing the way you are fishing now, you'll be sure to hook a sea trout on the dry too, cool!
cheers
iain
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Yesterday night had a cast with young gun (Liam) after arriving and seeing b***er all for the first couple hours it turned in to an amazing night :z16.
Liam was the first off the block when he klinked and dinked up a run
The man in action
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2z6rzww.jpg)
The result a stunning 2.25lber
(http://i50.tinypic.com/33upyf8.jpg)
The Trophy Shot
(http://i45.tinypic.com/9uszt4.jpg)
5mins after this he then hooked into a belter of a fish probably around the 4lb mark which he had on for a good while. Unfortunatly the fish got well downstream and eventually the hook pooped out. Was gutted :cry
After seeing this decided i should have a go it wasnt long until i had my spirts lifted when fishing about 30 feet upstream i got a nice fish around a 1.25lb then just as we were about to move i cast at what i thought was a small fish turned out to be this one.
Just over 4lb and 22inches long
(http://i45.tinypic.com/k0fzpg.jpg)
Trophy Shot
(http://i50.tinypic.com/krpxi.jpg)
The fish took a pecock hearl body size 12 elk hair caddis.
After that fish i was chuft with my night so we went on the hunt for a big fish for Liam we found a monster :shock
Who Liam managed to rise 5 times and never once did he make contact was as exciting as fly fishing gets.
All in all a great night shame about Liam losing his PB but theres always next time and there were plenty big boys going about roll on next time.
Michael
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Great report Michael :z16
And some good pics :wink
Thanks again for a brilliant night, until next time :z18
Cheers
Liam
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Wow guys ye certainly got in amongst the big boys last night! Well done to you both :z14 Who needs New Zealand with fish like that on our doorstep :z16
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Liam/ Michael
Geat stuff guys looks like you had abrilliant night :z16
:z18
Jim
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Awesome...and a photo that shows the location...hahaaaaa!!.. :z14
On the dry too...what hooks are you using as I have had a few straighten on fish recently :(
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(http://i45.tinypic.com/drbm8l.jpg)Hi all,
Had a great night last night as well, a good few brown trout and also this 2lb sea trout. i've had a few of these this year!!
Ths one fought better than some of the bigger sea trout, it had my line right out the rod tip past the backing and pulled much stronger than its size suggests!
Cheers,
Skidd
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Crackin troots guys, it's all happening over your end.
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Awesome...and a photo that shows the location...hahaaaaa!!.. :z14
On the dry too...what hooks are you using as I have had a few straighten on fish recently :(
Ah bugger, we were trying to keep the location under wraps as well :oops
The big one I lost was probs down to a poor hook up on my SR Klink, the fly just popped out :z8
I think my hook was a Hanak curved and Michaels looked to be just your bog standard dry fly :z8
Liam
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Now that I've got a 3lb+ Brown under my belt as of last night :z14 I've decided to try and target Sea Trout. Can anyone help me with tactics, flies, best times to fish for them? :z16
Cheers
Liam
Just got a quick look at a pic of this fish and it's a beauty, 3lb+ is about right I agree. Will hopefully find a way of getting it off Liam's camera and up here in next few days. He may have a few more by then the way he is going :z16
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Hi Rob
Fly was tied on a kamasan B170 also never had any problems with Tmc100.
Bought a ton of Hanak H130bl but have not tried them on anything to big as would be a bit nervous as really thin wire. Have had fish to 2lb on them, anybody had any problems with them?
Micha
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Great stuff guys :z16
Cheers
Mike
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I Had an invite to fish the upper Don today on a beat I've never fished before which I eagerly accepted. I had had a few days on the lower Don this week and had caught a few trout up to 1 Lbs but had seen no salmon or sea trout about.
A couple of the trout from the lower Don.
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0474.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0476.jpg)
I met up with John and we headed up to our beat. The conditions were good, overcast but breezy at times, so we were both looking forward to getting started. After a quick look at the bottom of the beat we headed up to the top to start. I decided a single handed rod and SLX line was the order of the day due to the river being quite small up there.
We fished through the first pool, I had a brief encounter with a trout which didn't stick and John saw a salmon jump above him which gave us hope. Further down I connected with a nice trout of 1 Lbs.
First trout
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0480.jpg)
Nothing else was caught except a few 6" trout so we headed down to the middle of the beat and after a quick bite we started again. No sooner had I started I was into another small trout which was quickly released after a photo.
Second trout
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0483.jpg)
Continuing on down a few more small trout were caught but nothing big. Both John and myself fished through one pool without success but john had had a trout have a go at his fly so he suggested I have another run through. Just as I was getting to the spot where he had had the bite my line went tight and I initially thought I was into a good trout. A few seconds later all hell broke loose and I knew this was no trout. The fish ran up and down the small pool and after what seemed like an age on the SH rod, I managed to beach a fairly fresh fish of 11 1/5 Lbs. A quick photo, measurements and couple of scales were taken then the fish was released to continue its journey.
My fish
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0485.jpg)
Pool where caught.
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0486.jpg)
John fishing down same pool
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb192/spencie_01/Fishing/IMG_0487.jpg)
We finished down at the bottom of the beat where John caught another small trout then called it a day and headed home happy. I finally broke my duck for this year.
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Great stuff Spencie! :z16
The trout in the 4th photo (Second trout) is a wee cracker :cool:
Best wishes
Mike
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Mike the trout had great markings and were all well fed, a lot of fun too.
Stuart
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Just home from river. Beautiful night one of those nights it seemed like it would never get dark. Had half a dosen or so trout up to 3/4lb but didn't see any thing bigger moving. Finished off covering another small rise which was a sea trout of 2.5lbs so well pleased. That's my first fresh sea trout in 5 years fishing the don :grin
(http://i46.tinypic.com/352lnwx.jpg)
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Nice fish Noel well done :z16
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Just home from river. Beautiful night one of those nights it seemed like it would never get dark. Had half a dosen or so trout up to 3/4lb but didn't see any thing bigger moving. Finished off covering another small rise which was a sea trout of 2.5lbs so well pleased. That's my first fresh sea trout in 5 years fishing the don :grin Will add a pic tomorrow.
I'm jealous Noel well done mate :cool: Pity the football is not going so well :z4
:z18
Jim
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Cheers guys. Jim as soon as Spain scored their second I left for the river :z4 Ireland are awful, an embarrassment tbh. At least I can look forward to our rugby team get another trashing from the kiwis tomorrow :z6 more fishing therapy required after half time probably!
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Now you know what it's like to be Scottish. Lost count of the amount of fishin therapy i've indulged in :z4
Still at least you guys are there, we'll be lucky ever to reach another finals, especially when you play no strikers against beatable opposition.
Feck it just go fishin.
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Looks to have been some awesome fish landed lately. Will be glad to get back out on the river after my week away. Well done to all. :z16
Dan
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Just home from river. Beautiful night one of those nights it seemed like it would never get dark. Had half a dosen or so trout up to 3/4lb but didn't see any thing bigger moving. Finished off covering another small rise which was a sea trout of 2.5lbs so well pleased. That's my first fresh sea trout in 5 years fishing the don :grin Will add a pic tomorrow.
Nice on Trig :z16
What were ya fishing?
Liam
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Nice on Trig :z16
What were ya fishing?
Liam
The river don :X2 :z4
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The river don :X2 :z4
Cheeky Bugger!! :wink
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Pic added to original post.
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Pic added to original post.
Nice shoes Noel.
Head over to
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316952301723881&set=a.291154257637019.70156.291103120975466&type=1&theater (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316952301723881&set=a.291154257637019.70156.291103120975466&type=1&theater)
to see a pic of the 7.5lb brownie that ADAA member Scott Cumming caught & released on the Don recently - a huge and beautiful brown trout, really stunning fish.
cheers
iain
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nice work liam. was that using the battenkill reel?
Give me a shout next time you are down my end of the river, and i'll show you a couple of pools/places where sea trout might be found. That said, if you keep on fishing the way you are fishing now, you'll be sure to hook a sea trout on the dry too, cool!
Iain :z16
No it wasn't the Battenkill, I just got it spooled up yesterday and can't wait to hear it screaming :wink
Okay cool I'll be in B.o.D next weekend or the one after, not sure yet.
Cheers
Liam
cheers
iain
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Head over to
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316952301723881&set=a.291154257637019.70156.291103120975466&type=1&theater (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316952301723881&set=a.291154257637019.70156.291103120975466&type=1&theater)
to see a pic of the 7.5lb brownie that ADAA member Scott Cumming caught & released on the Don recently - a huge and beautiful brown trout, really stunning fish.
cheers
iain
[/quote]
That's a bloody ridiculous fish!! :shock Absolute stunning!! :z14 Scott is Klinkhammer?
Liam
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Well done lads, lots of nice fish about. Typical, off on holiday when things were kicking off.
Aye Trig, Mike n Liam are fishing our run! :X2 :wink
Liam, Scott is Klinkhammer - haven't seen his fish yet, can't wait.
Well done again to all :z16
Iain
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Think you got the wrong beat Iain...
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Well done lads, lots of nice fish about. Typical, off on holiday when things were kicking off.
Aye Trig, Mike n Liam are fishing our run! :X2 :wink
Liam, Scott is Klinkhammer - haven't seen his fish yet, can't wait.
Well done again to all :z16
Iain
Good holiday? Did you get any fishing done? :z16
Liam
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Hows the river looking, is it OK colour wise after the rain the last few days?
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Hi Andy,
I was out last night and it was perfect. A nice tea colour, the fish were up as normal. I had a great night anyways, I'd recommend getting out tonight if you can :z16
Liam
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Hi Guys,
A friend and I who generally fish still waters for stocked fish decided a change was in order and are looking to concentrate our efforts on wild fish. We had our first day on the Don yesterday, fishing the Waterside and Haughton beats at Alford. We had a great day (by our standards) catching and releasing 35 fish between us, mainly taking them on size 12/14 Caddis, nymphs and hare's ears.
Although the sport was great and we can't wait to get out again all the fish were on the small side, ranging from just a couple of ounces to maybe just over half a pound. We're told there are larger fish on these beats and were wondering if any of you 'river regulars' had any tips/advice on getting among these fish? We always fish catch and release and aren't looking to take any out of the water, instead looking for something that offers a wee bit more sport. When fishing the still waters we've been relatively successful in targeting specimen fish and caught far more fish than we anticipated yesterday but would happily swap those numbers to catch 2 or 3 1lb plus trout. Perhaps we're being optimistic expecting larger fish and the size of the fish we took out is the norm and we thought this the best place to find out.
Thanks,
Liam
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Hi Liam
Welcome to the forum. Yes, there are larger fish throughout the river system ...... just give yourself a season or two to get to know the river and you should start to find success, there are no shortcuts :wink
Best wishes
Mike
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Can anyone hazard a guess as to when the Don will be fishable again? :z8
Cheers
Liam
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Liam
At this rate 2013 :z19
Alex
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Big at Kintore today :cry
Wednesday could be worth a chuck for the silver things.
Cheers
Ben
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Hi Guys,
A friend and I who ..............
Hi Liam
Hope you enjoyed your fishing at Haddo today!
From what we discussed this afternoon, I don't think your larger Don fish will take long to make an appearance ........ Enjoy :cool:
Best wishes
Mike
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Mike,
Thoroughly enjoyed my day, fish were in great condition and helped continue my education in chasing the brownies. Will definitely be back!
Thanks for the tips regarding the Don, hoping to head up on Tuesday evening, hopefully the water levels will have dropped and the weather will be better than it was today! Nothing beats a Scottish summer....
Liam
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Big at Kintore today :cry
Wednesday could be worth a chuck for the silver things.
Cheers
Ben
Roach? ;)
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Big at Kintore today :cry
Wednesday could be worth a chuck for the silver things.
Cheers
Ben
Acht thon tourist things just get in the road. :grin
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tried spinning last night from 10pm to 12pm. only one bite, the fish jumped out water and lost it. :X1 didn't see fish rising a lot. hope today is a good day. :z14
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The river levels are dropping fast!! :z14 brilliant, hopefully it's clearing too. Has anyone been down at all today? :cool:
Liam
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Was down the kintore beat of the don today.
There was quite a lot of rises and a good hatch of sedges at around 1:30 2:00
I managed to catch a 1/2 pounder and lost a fish round about 1 1/2 2 lb went under the bank as i was gettin my net i left a bit away when i took my vest and jumper off bumber :cry
will be back down later to see if a can catch the bad boy or a bigger one hopefully :z15 oh and both were on the dry (klink)
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Josh :z16
What was the water height and more importantly colour like?
Cheers
Liam
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The water height was nnot too bad still needs to drop a bit as i think it just under the meter mark dropped a foor since last night and is dropping fast. but the fish were rising in parts i could see the bottom with my polaroids so it is clearing up well compared to last night it was dark and never even seen a fish but it should be fine where youre heading tonight.
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I took a trip to Inverurie to check out the water levels and it still seemed pretty high yesterday, spoke to the guys in sloans who said it would take 4 'non rain' days for it to return to normal so decided on a trip to the Isla tonight as levels seemed more normal. Plenty of fish moving and took a couple before rain stopped play! After getting soaked at haddo on Sunday decided I'm a fair weather fisher, hoping for some clear weather so can get out to either the Don or the Isla at the weekend.
Anyone remember when we last for 4 'non rain' days in a row?
Liam
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Anyone remember when we last for 4 'non rain' days in a row?
Think I remember my grandad telling me about them :z4
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Went out last night, but it was raining. No bite, no fish rise, nothing, so I guess I shouldn't fish in the rain. Am I right? Cheers.
Mark
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morning folks,
Just went down to the Don at cruives (mile and a half from sea). Yuck. brown, murky, debris.
The online levels had reported steady water, but looks like there was enough rain yesterday to colour it up without raising it too much. Hmmm. didn't put the rod up. back home for more coffee.
dry ish weekend forecast, so hopefully monday onwards will be better
iain
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Yep, needs another 2 or 3 days with no rain for it to drop (for the broon troot) I'd say. 1.3/1.4 m at Parkhill is ok for me as long as it is clear, but it is dropping verrrry slowly. Coming back from Beauly via Speyside on Sunday past the Don headwaters were fair raging around Corgarff and Strathdon and a weeks worth of intermittent persistent rain on top of that has not helped.
Has been a pretty pants season so far weatherwise. :z19
L
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Had a cast last night with a streamer water looked ok unfortunately the brownies didn't want to play, had one tiddler. Highlight of the night though was being connected to a salmon about 6lb the cast before i hooked the fish it followed the fly right to the bank and jumped then next cast it nailed it in the middle of the river i was using a yellow butt sump streamer unfortunately after a jump and a couple head shakes it was off :cry Nothing of note rising
Michael
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Hard luck Michael :cry Was also out last night and found a pod of rising fish. Not easily tempted though and after several fly changes got one of 11/4 lbs on an f fly. Leaped all over the pool which put an end to the rising fish. Had an otter swim past me twice, stopping for a good look at me both times.
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Was also out last night and found a pod of rising fish. Not easily tempted though and after several fly changes got one of 11/4 lbs on an f fly.
Good to hear the trout are "on" Noel. :z16 Down in Aberdeen last evening the dread Haar was in so that ruled out the beats I would have been targetting, as that stuff is the kiss of death in my experience ? Might have a go tomorrow night though given the fish are catchable on dries. I presume you were "mid river" ?
Lindsay
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I presume you were "mid river"
I think he was fishing from the bank Lindsay :X2
Iain
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I think he was fishing from the bank Lindsay :X2
Well, you never know Iain - I recall one Forum member accussing another Forum member of "walking on water" quite recently.
Ok, a 'mid beat' on the Don if we is getting all symantic-itical-ish ! :z4
L
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Lindsay it was a middle beat and the harrrrrrr was coming and going. I just headed to a pool where I usually see some fish rising and stayed there. Arrived at 9 and a few were rising had died by 10 and saw hardly any more rises even though I stayed until about 11. Was a lot of fly life, sedges and clouds of spinners. I suspect the spinners would be quiet localised. Water was quiet coloured and lots of annoying weed coming down.
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Cheers Noel. Quite mild and muggy in Aberdeen today, might be okay tonight. Will definitely be out tomorrow night assuming no more rain before then ! :roll
Lindsay
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Managed out on the Don for an hour after work today, about 3:30pm. (really need to find more time to fish)
Water was looking quite clear but still some debris floating down the river, althought nothing major.
Maybe still a little on the high side but that didnt seem to bother the trout as there was a few seen rising.
Lots of fly life visible, sedge and wee olive things. :z4
Decided to fish a size 14 olive DHE that i had tied the day before. Managed to tempt one 10"-12" broonie, first don brownie on the dry. Pretty chuffed as i never fish dries on the river. Can see why some guys only fish dries.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/f0xkci.jpg)
Dan
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Dan The Man, well done ! Told you that fly would do ythe biz :wink
Strictly speaking a DHE would be an "emerger" according to some folks but good enough for me as a dry !
Lindsay
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Very well done Danny boy :z16
Iain
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Great stuff Dan, still remember my first don trout on a dry. :z16
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Cheers guys,
Certainly gave me a bit of a boost after a few blank outings.
Dan
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Out again tonight and it was pants. Lovely and mild, good bit of fly life but no fish moving.
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Was out also last night, calm warm and muggy, not much happening until about 21:30 and noticed a big fish feeding just below the surface. chucked all i had at him and nothing :z19. On walk back to the car i spotted another slightly smaller fish feeding regularly mid river, put on an f-fly but due to fading light missed the take :mad.
Ah well, good fun anyway and i'll be back for the big fella another night. 22:30 the fog turned heavy so packed up.
Well done on your fish Dan :z16, i also tried tying my first ever klinkhammer and tried it last night and apparently i have made a wet version :shock
Geoff
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Hey i am planning to go fishing on the don up by Alford early next month and i was just wondering if anyone has any tips for the beats up there and any general river fishing tips as I have very little experience on rivers especially fly fishing? :z8
much appreciated.
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Out last night above Grandholme bridge with a 12 and a half footer and a collection of small tubes.
Visibility was about 18" and the river was holding steady in the rain.
I should have stayed at home as I have twisted my back quite badly, probably my poor spey casting :(
I had one fish, a 10" trout that took a 1" copper thing made of orange, yellow and black hair. Munro Killer varient perhaps?
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Has anyone had a look at the river today?
I have a free pass on Saturday and was hoping to get some Salmon fishing done. The river levels online have it dropping nicely but not sure if the water will be clear or not.
cheers,
Dan
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How's it looking today? I'm back from 2 weeks holiday tomorrow and plan to get out on Sunday, will it be worth while?
Liam
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No more rain and it will be fine. I'm going castin tonight so will update later.
Cheers
Be
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Still pushing hard and quite big but clear enough to fish, slight stain but not too bad.
Cheers
Ben
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just came back from the river. was fishing for trout, had some bite, but no catch. flies was nymph. it's freezing after 11pm, so decided to come home. heard someone caught a 9 pounds salmon today. Water was ok, but not very clean. :z18
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Managed to sneak away for a few hours yesterday afternoon halfway along the Balbithan and Torryburn Beat.
Despite the water levels still being higher than normal, starting to run a little clearer and after finding a nice deep pool not far downstream from a burn that flows into the Don, saw a lot of reasonable size fish rising for a hatch.
Lots of fish rising but only the one for the net on a #12 CDC & Elk (approx. 1.5 lbs) - THANKS YOUNG GUN !! Tips, advice, tapered leader and flies all really helped. Hope to meet up with you next week now you're back and before we lose you altogether.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7566556504_db12f34de0_b.jpg)
Tips I've learnt from some our our forum mates - cast to rising fish and match the hatch - all came together yesterday - made a nice change from the 2 inch tiddlers that seem to plague my fishing !
Here's to the water levels dropping and the sun making a welcome re-appearance.
Tightlines all.
TtF
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Well Done Timmy the Pilot, continual improvement is the name of the game so I'm glad things are coming together for you.
Iain
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Hope to meet up with you next week now you're back and before we lose you altogether.
That sounds ominous for Young Gun ? Nice fish TTF, and good fly !
Will be oot masell the night given that fish plus Ben's assessment - tomorrow looked like best bet but Sarah-triplebarrell-name weather girl on BBC has now predicted it will pish doon right over us tomorrow ! Ah well she's sometimes gets it well wrong.
Lindsay
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Managed to sneak away for a few hours yesterday aftrenoon halfway along the Balbithan and Torryburn Beat.
Despite the water levels still being higher than normal, starting to run a little clearer and after finding a nice deep pool not far downstream from a burn that flows into the Don, saw a lot of reasonable size fish rising for a hatch.
Lots of fish rising but only the one for the net on a #12 CDC & Elk (approx. 1.5 lbs) - THANKS YOUNG GUN !! Tips, advice, tapered leader and flies all really helped. Hope to meet up with you next week now you're back and before we lose you altogether.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7566556504_db12f34de0_b.jpg)
Tips I've learnt from some our our forum mates - cast to rising fish and match the hatch - all came together yesterday - made a nice change from the 2 inch tiddlers that seem to plague my fishing !
Here's to the water levels dropping and the sun making a welcome re-appearance.
Tightlines all.
TtF
Tim :z16
Well done on the cracking trout!! Glad I was of some help, you'll have to show me this little run (it could be the one I'm thinking of :wink)
I'm back tomorrow, so gimme a shout anytime :cool:
Cheers
Liam
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That sounds ominous for Young Gun ? Nice fish TTF, and good fly !
I'm off to Oz at the begining of August hopefully (If visas are ready for then) :cool:
Will miss the Don but... I can't wait!
Liam
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Great trout Tim! :z16
Also sorry to hear you will be leaving soon Liam, will have to get along to your patch before you go.
Manged out this afternoon to try a few shooting heads on my 8/9wt salmon rod (none of which felt right :X1)
So decided to to have a bash for some trout instead. Having spoken to Goolager a week or so ago i decided to heed his wise words and put in some miles to find some brownies that were on the feed and constantly rising rather that covering "oncers"
Wise words indeed as i was rewarded with my best river brownie yet, about 18" long and a bit on the tubby side. Absolutly smashed my DHE on the third cast. Not sure what weight it would have been, would have been interesting to weigh it. (i am useless at weights)
(http://i47.tinypic.com/2dri4w9.jpg)(http://i45.tinypic.com/1ovhfl.jpg)
Was hoping to get back out again tonight but have been given a hundred and one things to do instead.
Which is a shame as i was hoping to pick your brains for hints and tips Lindsay. :wink
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Just heading out in the next hour Dan hopefully to a spot where a fish "pushed a lot of water" ( a Ben_D quote !) last Thursday but a pishy cast sent him away in the huff. Well done on the fish, I need to pick your brains I think. :z14
Didn't realise you were emigrating Liam - loadsa good trout fishing in Oz and NZ only a wee hop from there :wink
I can smell Sea Trout in the air ? :roll
Lindsay
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Just heading out in the next hour Dan hopefully to a spot where a fish "pushed a lot of water" ( a Ben_D quote !) last Thursday but a pishy cast sent him away in the huff. Well done on the fish, I need to pick your brains I think. :z14
Didn't realise you were emigrating Liam - loadsa good trout fishing in Oz and NZ only a wee hop from there :wink
I can smell Sea Trout in the air ? :roll
Lindsay
Got all the makings of a good night but this is the don. I'm 2 pissed to go near anything deeper than the bath (half full) so tight lines and pls let us arm chair fishers kno how it was! :z18
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Tim :z16 well done. Is that a new rod and line?
Dan, good for you. If that trout is 18 inches that should put it in excess of 2 lbs. it's a nice trout for sure but I'm not sure it's that big?
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Just a rough guess on the length going by the diameter of the net I have, just measured the net would now guess the fish was 15". But hey anything more than 1lb is a new PB for me so still chuffed :wink
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went out at 9 tonight (Sat) a few small sedges and some spinners had a few small trout on the go with the usual slightly better fish up once and in complex currents.
Nice night though and four fish came to the dry so it was good to be out again.
not exactly what I was hoping for but this one shaded it in the size stakes
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2uehdop.jpg)
Iain
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Nice rod Iain, fish is O.K too :z16
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Nice rod Iain
Do you think? You hardly hear them mentioned :z7
I wonder how Lyndsay got on with the 4wt :z8
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What a great evening - by far my best yet on the Don. 5 in the net, one lost within a few seconds of hooking and the largest one pictured below (estimated approx. 1.5 ~ 2lb). All fish were approx. 1lb except the one pictured, but the sport was outstanding.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7573025146_4831899971_b.jpg)
Arrived about 7pm to a frenetic hatch with a steady rise of good size fish. After trying a CDC & Elk Hair with no show, I switched to a self-tied #10 Black Gnat, then trimmed all the hackle from the bottom of the fly to leave"wings" on the top which I "Ginked". It seemed like almost every cast caught a fish and brought a massive smile to my face.
Noel - same rod and line, new and improved Tim !!
Liam - shame you couldn't join me - weather man is predicting more foul weather I'm afraid.
I promise to stop posting pictures now until I break the 4 lb mark !
One again, tightlines and happy hunting.
Tim
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I wonder how Lyndsay got on with the 4wt :z8
Rod Christened !
Despite really pants casting on my part mainly by not being used to the new Access 4wt (and despite all Ben's and Kev's great tips), as well as quite difficult casting with wind and high banks, I had one of my best nights on the Don in quality if not quantity. Had 2 at a pound, one at 2 pounds, and one at 3 pounds as well as losing the best fish of the night (had him on 5 minutes and had nearly played him out but didn't deserve him as the cast he accepted was one of my crumple, fall from the sky jobs !). Hook came out. Had I been able to get rid of the fault Kev identified I honestly could have been in to double figures !
What I learned; the new Access is much better at 'controlling' larger fish, I could boss them and put pressure on, hold them and 'guide' them. It was also great with the wee pounders. With the Streamflex I'd have been shouting for my mammy particularly the one I lost. It will be much more versatile.....when I learn to cast it properly ! Which leads me to.....I seem to get tactics right, flies etc, read the water and what fish are feeding on pretty good so the single thing that is going to improve my catch rate is without doubt better casting and presentation. I need lessons and I need to get better. Lastly, Tiemco 212Y's absolutely Rock. Way more solid than the Varivas 2200BL's. Cheers Goolager for the heads up on them.
Ben, despite whipping the Mallard about reasonably (eventually) for me on grass I possibly need a line that loads the Access quicker (at shorter range), as well as the casting lessons ! Thinking about the SLX.....in ORANGE ! Will try the GT90 tonight as that loaded quick on a 10' SF2.
Lindsay
First Fish on New Rod Nice Pounder:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/vsez3k.jpg)
Last fish 11.30pm just Shy of 3 Pounds in MacNet:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/28l46t3.jpg)
All fish weighed in "large" Folding Macleans net (except the pounders). Would recommend a MacLean weigh net to avoid being accused of 'stringing' your weights/fish sizes. All in superb condition and returned alive.
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Also managed out last night on the kintore council beat was fishing from about 7 till 11 had a few little brownies caught 1 about half a pond all caught on wets.
Then about a half hour after the sun went down i threw on a klankhammer after watching the water basically boiling with not bad sized fish but one took my eye now i have heard ppl speaking about the huge brownies in the don but never actually hooked up with anything over 2lb but i watched this big fish rise about 5 6 times pretty close in to bank so hard not too spook it but anyway after 2 casts i had it on i knew it was a decent size but didnt realise how big until it came out the water shook its head then snapped my 3lb line i am still gutted now. I couldnt actually say how big but it was big my mrs actually thought it was a salmon lol.
Now i hear about ppl going for a fish night after night so would it be worth my while going back mon and trying for this big boy?
josh
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Rod Christened !
Despite really pants casting on my part mainly by not being used to the new Access 4wt (and despite all Ben's and Kev's great tips), as well as quite difficult casting with wind and high banks, I had one of my best nights on the Don in quality if not quantity. Had 2 at a pound, one at 2 pounds, and one at 3 pounds as well as losing the best fish of the night (had him on 5 minutes and had nearly played him out but didn't deserve him as the cast he accepted was one of my crumple, fall from the sky jobs !). Hook came out. Had I been able to get rid of the fault Kev identified I honestly could have been in to double figures !
What I learned; the new Access is much better at 'controlling' larger fish, I could boss them and put pressure on, hold them and 'guide' them. It was also great with the wee pounders. With the Streamflex I'd have been shouting for my mammy particularly the one I lost. It will be much more versatile.....when I learn to cast it properly ! Which leads me to.....I seem to get tactics right, flies etc, read the water and what fish are feeding on pretty good so the single thing that is going to improve my catch rate is without doubt better casting and presentation. I need lessons and I need to get better. Lastly, Tiemco 212Y's absolutely Rock. Way more solid than the Varivas 2200BL's. Cheers Goolager for the heads up on them.
Ben, despite whipping the Mallard about reasonably (eventually) for me on grass I possibly need a line that loads the Access quicker (at shorter range), as well as the casting lessons ! Thinking about the SLX.....in ORANGE ! Will try the GT90 tonight as that loaded quick on a 10' SF2.
Lindsay
First Fish on New Rod Nice Pounder:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/vsez3k.jpg)
Last fish 11.30pm just Shy of 3 Pounds in MacNet:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/28l46t3.jpg)
All fish weighed in "large" Folding Macleans net (except the pounders). Would recommend a MacLean weigh net to avoid being accused of 'stringing' your weights/fish sizes. All in superb condition and returned alive.
Crackin fish there Lindsay.
You're right on the Vivaras hooks, lost a few Rod Benders on Deveron earlier using them before switching back to B100's. Yup i know not barbless, but they are so small it's never been a problem / issue for me.
Haven't got a McLean net (not yet anyway) but agree excellent and takes all the guessing and temptation to add a few ounces out the equation. I'm still farting about with my small battery digital ones (aye must keep it in polybag to keep it dryish and remember to take it out yer pocket when you get home. Do this for my fleeboxes anyway. Don't forget to take off 10oz for the net either :wink)
Crumple fall from the sky plenty slack on the line and no drag as a result not a bad cast for dries. Hard to get the strike timing / strength right though :wink)
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Cheers Allan,
One of those nights, laughable casting but tactics right and a few dozy fish to the DHE (best fly ever ?). Yep, will be getting more 212Y's shame can't get 14's (either 13 or 15, 15 being quite small IMO).
MacLeans Nets are zero'd for the net etc and I think are accurate to within 2ozs. Expensive but great - I reall like the bigger collapsable telescopic one (£75 :shock) though sometimes use the scoop version if wading a lot.
Cheers,
Lindsay
PS Tiemco 212Y's have a microbarb but I have been crimping these down and it was only bad luck on the lost fish all others well hooked in the scissors.
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Nice fish Lindsay :z16
Your D.H.Es are they in natural or olives, browns etc to match the hatch?
Cheers
Liam
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Just checking the weather forecast for this week... Is it an up or down stream wind that is supposed to put the Trout off?
Cheers
Liam
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Your D.H.Es are they in natural or olives, browns etc to match the hatch?
Mainly dubbed natural Hare's Fur (from back of animal), sometimes Olive Hare's Mask. Size possibly more important than colour, with 16's and 14's covering upwing and sedges respectively. For Deer Hair I use Chris Helm Whitetail Deer Hair, Veniards Coastal (some patches are too coarse though, so select if you can) and recently got some fantastic Elk Hair from Toby at Funky Flytying which I think will work great on DHE's.
I like them to have guard hairs sticking out from the body, quite messy - ones like this seem to work better !
Thank you Bob Wyatt :z14
PS checked the DHE I used last night - it was tied on a Varivas 2200BL-B :oops Apologies for the confusion. Will try a 212Y tonight if water not Hot Chocolate after the torrential rain we have just had !
L
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Now i hear about ppl going for a fish night after night so would it be worth my while going back mon and trying for this big boy?
josh
Definetly. :z16
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Well done Lindsay :z16
You are indeed the best dry fly fisher that I know with a soft name. :z7
Aye the access is a joy to play fish on.
Was going to swing by and see you yesterday evening but opted to stay
local as I was a big hazey after a middle aged fat boy nap.
Well done to the other dry fly exponents too :z16
Iain
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Liam, as far as I know the only reason down stream wind is not liked by the dry fly fisher is ease of casting.
Lindsay, well done sounds like a great evening. Really nice trout as well :z16 I also use a mcleans the telescopic folding one that goes in a scabbard. I hate having nets on my back so am happy with the zorro version. Prob look like a twat but nothing new there and often having Iain with me instantly makes me look better. :z4
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Defo look like a twonk Trig. No denying.
It looks like you are walking around with a holstered fish slice!
Man you have no idea of fishin fashion. :X1
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Man you have no idea of fishin fashion.
Careful there dude, there are photos from Assynt that haven't seen the light of day yet.... I seem to recall that you were a close second to Lee and the fashion crimestoppers line is on speed dial.... :z7
:z1
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Euan,
FYI the commissioner of the fashion police is a very good friend of mine, he often plays nuns and novices with my mum and in return he makes any complaints about me 'disappear' so don't waste your silver. :X2
Iain
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Well done Lindsay :z16
You are indeed the best dry fly fisher that I know with a soft name. :z7
Cheers Iain. Yes, I am without doubt the best dry fly fisher on this Forum....... with a girl's name......that is until Mary, Kirsty or Cynthia join ! :z7
It does have it's advantages though - I have managed to sign up for one of April Vokey's all girls Steelhead fishing weekends. It's gonna be an absolute 'beach' sharing a tent with her.....and her 'friends'.......
Lindsay (soft name, hard to please)
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Lindsay,
you are in danger of becoming reasonably funny. :z4
Hopefully see you some evening before the season ends (I've got new shades so your offensive hat is no longer an issue).
Iain
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Well Iain it must have been 'ladies night' (Monday 16th) again, either that Orvis Access Rods are fish magnets :z4
Less frantic than Saturday and even managed to cast a bit better (after practising this afternoon) :shock
5 fish, 3 at 8 to 10 oz plus this at 1 lb 8 oz:
(http://i45.tinypic.com/64qrf7.jpg)
And this hard fighting fish at 2 lb 6 oz (from the same pool an hour later) :
(http://i45.tinypic.com/23hr8yp.jpg)
Missed a few as well all fish caught on Size 16 DHE and returned alive.
Lindsay
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Wow Lindsay 2 excellent fish in one night! Not seen that 2 often this year :z16
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Noel, these fish from the last few nights are in absolutely superb condition, fighting really hard, going ballistic etc.....but tbh for once I have always felt in control with (drum roll) the Orvis Access #4 TF :z16 The fish are carrying a bit of extra weight for their length I reckon but this is encouraging - clearly no lack of food, despite really poor insect life above and on the water.
Lindsay
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Hopefully see you some evening before the season ends (I've got new shades so your offensive hat is no longer an issue).
Iain,
It's the offensive language and 'crime's against casting' you need to worry about with me ! :z7
L
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Your D.H.Es are they in natural or olives, browns etc to match the hatch?
Like this Dude ( the one used on Sat evening). Sorry 'bout pants pic.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/ionpz7.jpg)
Lindsay
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Nice fly! :z16
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Vague report guys,
Was out today with Tim. Did a shed load of walking. Caught a handful of fish to 1 lb and ended the evening with a plump 2lber.
Zzzzzzz
Cheers
Liam
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After last night's success, a bit more joy tonight. Only two fish but very satisfying as they were 'targeted'.
Pound and Half:
(http://i45.tinypic.com/33ys1ty.jpg)
Pounder:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/16ht1dt.jpg)
Not so much happening after dark tonight :z8
Lindsay
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Not saying where, for obvious reasons, but I had 21 Finnock last night between 5:45 and 8pm despite the antics of Iain trying to disturb my pool by hooking fish as well...lol.
I lost one Sea Trout of about 2-2.5 pounds that flat rodded me on the take and then went arial, throwing the barbless fly after a couple of jumps.
They are affa bonny wee fish!
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Guys :z16
Has anyone ever tried fishing blind, prospecting with big dries. I'm talking big Stimulators, Foam Hoppers etc... Would it be best to fish this way in real broken fast water or medium fast riffley stretches?
Cheers
Liam
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Took a guy from canada out last year in less than hopeful August condition. He fished a Klink and a hares ear duo and I had a couple of casts with a snowshoe emerger. He caught fish steadily by fishing the fast water....nothing particularly big but consistent. I had a couple of casts and had a couple of fish. So go ahead on the fast water with big flies. If it's good enough for Hans Van Klinken it's good enough for me :grin
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Try fishing the DHE just sub-surface upstream in the fast water, or even sink it by hitting water hard and working it through like a wet. :wink
Ditto for the Dirty Duster (in fact quite a good spider in it's own right).
I've actually pulled a good bit of the wing off a DHE leaving it with a wee 'stubby wing' and fished it on the tail behind another one on the 'bob' position kind of Duo style (those that know me know i usually fish a two dry set up even on rivers)
Watch the bob fly (obviously) or more likely watch for the flash off a taking fish on the DHE 'Nymph'.
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3ft 2" :cry
Why oh why? :z8
Liam
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Took a guy from canada out last year in less than hopeful August condition. He fished a Klink and a hares ear duo and I had a couple of casts with a snowshoe emerger. He caught fish steadily by fishing the fast water....nothing particularly big but consistent. I had a couple of casts and had a couple of fish. So go ahead on the fast water with big flies. If it's good enough for Hans Van Klinken it's good enough for me :grin
Try fishing the DHE just sub-surface upstream in the fast water, or even sink it by hitting water hard and working it through like a wet. :wink
Ditto for the Dirty Duster (in fact quite a good spider in it's own right).
I've actually pulled a good bit of the wing off a DHE leaving it with a wee 'stubby wing' and fished it on the tail behind another one on the 'bob' position kind of Duo style (those that know me know i usually fish a two dry set up even on rivers)
Watch the bob fly (obviously) or more likely watch for the flash off a taking fish on the DHE 'Nymph'.
[/quote
Thanks for that guys :z16
I'll defiantly be giving it a go once the levels drop some :cool:
Cheers
Liam
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A few small Trout were rising yesterday 5pmish and there were quite a few sedges on the go (I wasn't fishing).
This afternoon at 2 ish I stuck my head over the bank and there was a reasonable flow of Olives and enough trout feeding to instigate setting up the rod.
There were two good trout, 2lb plus showing, one was very tight to my bank. Trying to land a fly 4" from the overgrown bank from downstream in a near as damn it flat calm while unsnagging fly line from the jungle is seriously getting on my thruppennies. :mad
The other was hugging the opposite bank feeding in the vortex of a whirlpool, for a change.
Waters not that bad mid river, coloured but could see the bottom in a section that is at 18" + deep.
Only managed 3 fish - after switching from various dun patterns to emergers.
Iain(http://i45.tinypic.com/rixooy.png)
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Were you standing on your heid when you were taking the photo Iain :wink nice net though :z4
:z18
Jim
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Nice night to be out, water good and a few rising trout. First fish I saw that was castable I took on the first cast, a spunky pounder-ish:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/1z22feg.jpg)
Checked the DHE after letting it go and noticed in had 'opened' the hook, a Varivas 2200 BL-B ! Never happened to me even with the two and three pounders last week. Wtf a pounder opening a hook ? Changed to another one. The opened one is the one at the bottom:
(http://i50.tinypic.com/15fsvm9.jpg)
The hook came out in the net but I reckon it must have been hooked in the hard upper mouth palette hence the gape 'opened' on the hook with side and netting strain ?
Looked around for other risers, either all small in nursery areas or on the far bank and not reachable. Did find one other decent fish on my bank and hooked it second cast but it was off after a few seconds. Oh, well I've had worse nights.
Spent a bit of time with a new member trying to convince him on the merits of catch and release, hope he took on board the pros.
Now need to go and do a batch of DHE's on the 212Y's as I only have a few on these hooks !
Lindsay
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There wasn't much of any note showing last night, not where I was anyroads.
Had my new Greys net with me so I was itching to get it wet.
I eventually opted to sit next to the head of a pool that has thrown up a few nice 1/2 - 1 1/4lb fish recently and wait for a dimple or two. As the light started to wain one such dimple appeared which was created by this very lively trout.............. and the net was christened :z16
I really like the rubberised small gauge net on the Greys range and although I wouldn't class this as a top of the range net from an engineering standpoint it is better than some which are 150% more expensive. At £29.99 you really can't complain.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/rclfdu.jpg)
Iain
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Nice fish lindsay, your on a fair run right now.
Nice troot Iain, notice your using a different set up, any particular reason? Or just fancie a change?
Well done again guys. :z16
Dan
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just fancie a change?
Yup
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Saturday Night, the purple patch continues !
Nice Trout 1.5 ibs (weighed, looks small !) on DHE and first fish with the Orange Barrio SLX, and DHE size 15 :
(http://i49.tinypic.com/33kuau8.jpg)
Bit later all hell broke loose, polaris missile, tail walking etc as a Sea Trout gobbled my dry:
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2nklwdi.jpg)
2 lbs 10 oz and put up one helluva scrap on the 4 wt ! Both fish released unharmed. Rise quietened down by back of 10pm (like last night). Hooks tonight were Tiemco 212Y (with barbs crimped of course). Impressed how it coped with the Silver boy (hooked in the upper mouth, hard pallete too).Some Olive Duns from about 8.30pm reckon the Troots were on the nymphs/emergers.
All this recent success is uncharacteristic for me and I have to say it coincides with buying the Orvis Access #4 Tip Flex last Saturday - no blanks and loadsa good fish ! Do Orvis Rods make you a better fisherman ? I don't know, but they maybe make you luckier ! :z16 I suppose I do put the hours in, 'making your own luck' and all that....
Used the exact leader setup recommended by Mr. Dixon, a lot longer than I would use normally and still need those lessons to achieve better turnover and loose that tailing loop/excessive force/creep on forward stroke ! Barrio SLX was fantastic and clearly didn't spook fish (longer leader helped here too).
Lindsay
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Well Done Lindsay :z16
Would have loved to have been out yesterday but visitors and a that.
Pleased you like your outfit and it's obviously got you in the confidence zone. :z16
Iain
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It'll all go pear shaped soon enough Iain, but enjoying it while it lasts ! I think Ben gets the Vatican to douse these rods in Holy Water or something ? ! :z4
Lindsay
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I've been trying various ADAA beats, going for the day ticket option. As i'm new to the fishing Rivers and want to try before I commit to a membership. I was out all day yesterday and picked up a couple of small trout (no more than 1lb), not much fish rising etc so was sticking to small wets (size 12 & 14).
At around 4.00pm I hooked a large fish, which immediately ran down stream leaving me watching my line disappear down the river (screaming at my mate, to come see :) ). The fish then took two leaps from the water, the first identifying it as either a large Sea Trout or Salmon. Sadly the second snapped my line, leaving me stunned and a bit sick...
I was fishing a weight 5 line (MB GT90), on a light 9ft rod with 4lb leader. Fish took the dropper which was a size 14 Invicta.
Still a but stunned by the whole experience, can Salmon take small trout flies ??
Alan
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I've been trying various ADAA beats, going for the day ticket option. As i'm new to the fishing Rivers and want to try before I commit to a membership. I was out all day yesterday and picked up a couple of small trout (no more than 1lb), not much fish rising etc so was sticking to small wets (size 12 & 14).
At around 4.00pm I hooked a large fish, which immediately ran down stream leaving me watching my line disappear down the river (screaming at my mate, to come see :) ). The fish then took two leaps from the water, the first identifying it as either a large Sea Trout or Salmon. Sadly the second snapped my line, leaving me stunned and a bit sick...
I was fishing a weight 5 line (MB GT90), on a light 9ft rod with 4lb leader. Fish took the dropper which was a size 14 Invicta.
Still a but stunned by the whole experience, can Salmon take small trout flies ??
Alan
Yup they sure can.
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Most of my fly caught salmon (4 :z4) have been on trout flies. One on a size 10 red tag, when bugging for grayling on the Tummel. One on a size 14 GRHE on the brux beat of the Don and one on a size 12 March Brown Emerger on beat 2 of Monymusk.
If you look at a lot of flies Salmon anglers use in low water they are trout sized. A Black Pennel is a well know bob fly for salmon.
So remember the scouts motto 'B :z16e prepared'
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My last two (landed one) size 14 Dirty Duster (Deveron 6 1/2 lbs 9 1/2' #5 3lb Maxima). Previous size 12 tungsten head Hares Ear (same rod and nylon 10lb Tummel).
Before that size 12 Silver Invicta and Loch Ordie (5lb and 6lb Grilse Papil Loch Shetland, Kev Muir wiz there, 4lb Maxima 10 1/2' #6)
And double figure salmon on the Tummel that's probably still heading for Perth. (size 14 Greenwell Spider)
As Peter says, low water salmon flies are often trout flies (often doubles)
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Just back from a great session on my local stretch. Around 30 browns to 1lb came to hand all on wets. Lost a bigger brownie of approx 2lb and hooked a big lump in fast water which started head shaking like crazy (any ideas) and spat the hook after a brief fight. Flies used all day were: Black Pennel and Silver Incvitca, both size 14s :z16
I'll be out again tonight, fingers crossed for a good hatch :cool:
Cheers
Liam
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Having been away for a few weeks not much to report went out Monday night expecting a good night but nothing rising. Back out last night, again surprised to see nothing rising so tried wets for a while. Had a couple of little brownies then had my first sea trout, about 1-1/2 pounds and pretty feisty. Nothing else after that even though a good hatch of sedges coming down about 10pm. Off to inverness this weekend so there will be a couple of detours via a certain loch near Grantown, will report back on that one later.
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To go down the river or not... :roll
Have left it too late? :z2
Liam
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Can't match excellent catches of 30 I am afraid, been a struggle on the dry fly over last week or so, despite a decent effort. Sunsets like this have made the blanks tolerable:
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2am5i8.jpg)
Sunday night at Upper Parkhill saw me stalking a big trout but too far out to cast to effectively :mad The evening ended with a pleasant as always chat with John Walker and concluded with scenes from Ross Kemp in Afghanistan with .22 rifle rounds appearing to be fired in my direction...or at swans on the river. Either way not great - see ADAA forum for full details. :shock Maybe they'd seen my casting and were trying to put me out of my misery ? !
Monday night on way back from Balbithan I managed a couple of trout, one at 8 oz and this one of a pund on JT Olive dry(size 19):
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2w3757n.jpg)
These fish appeared to be taking Evening Duns' around 9pm ? Noticed one earlier at Balbithan, and a few of the notorious micro caddis.
Cracking night last night but was doing birdie stuff. Any one else getting oot ?
Lindsay
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Was out above Alford on Saturday chasing Tourists and managed three on a silver stoats and cadbury stoats tail (used the purple foil wrapper) floating line with Int sink tip. Fish were reasonably fresh biggest around 11lb smallest 4lb.
No pictures phone and camera left at home.
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What a cracking picture of the Don :z16! Absolutely beautiful! Looks like from a postcard... Haven't been out since a while, last time I drowned my cam in the Don :oops, have it drying since two weeks, hope it will work again...
Good to know that fish are active and around, can't wait until tomorrow... :z15:z18
Cheers,
Phil
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Kevlard, well done on the 'Rushdie's' ! Phil, hope you have a good day, camera used was a wee point n shoot Samsung £50 from Sainsbury's. The sky really looked like that, image not manipulated, only some contrast and sharpening of image was done.
Looking good the night ?
Lindsay
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Cracking photo' Lindsay, did you take that from your foxhole?
Well done on the Salmon Kev :z16
I had an hour out tonight doing a little experiment.
Was out on Monday? fishing nymph and spider, dropping fish on a PTN tied on Tiemco 3761SP-BL's (spear point barbless), fish around the 3/4lb mark and finally one at 1 1/4lb'ish so I decided to change to the only other barbless PTN that I had which was tied on a jig hook. Granted all the fish were smaller after that but they all stayed on including one around 9 oz which was the largest.
I really like the Mustad R72 with flattened barbs but I'm sure I read that they were either discontinued or could only be bought abroad? I'll have to find an equivalent.
Armed with some R72 PTN's I headed to the river and 15 min's later the R72 had no prob's holding onto this nice trout. It was the only fish I touched so although inconclusive it has made up my mind - I don't care for the spear point barbless hooks. :z8
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2dl4pj8.jpg)
Iain
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That's bonnie fish Goo, spade like tail :z16
If you plan on getting rid of your spear hook PTNs gimme a shout :z7
Liam
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Nice fish Iain :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Nice 1 Iain :z16
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Bonnie Fish Iain :z16
:z18
Jim
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Nice fish Iain, well done especially so after dropping a few when confidence ebbs !
Inspired by you I bought a (big expensive !) stash of Tiemco 3761SP-BL a while ago to tie up some nymphs. Haven't used them in anger yet but I think I might know the problem. They are VERY solid hooks - looks like they will never bend. In a hook that 'gives' a bit then this to an extent cushions the jolts from the fish etc whereas these bad boys will possibly just pull/work there way out or the fish will wriggle off in the 'micro slack' that occurs ? :roll So, perhaps hooks that 'give' a bit aren't bad afterall, we just don't want them opening ! Probably cobblers, just think out aloud so to speak. Thought they worked well for you before ?
Liam, didn't realize that was you with Michael Thurs night at the Bridge car park Parkhill 11.00pm ! I was going through this thread last night looking at catches etc and noticed pics of you with Michael ( at......). At least you appear to have lost the totally gay beanie hat since then :z4
Had 4 to at 10 to 12 oz yesterday on dry fly, lost a decent one but not well enough hooked :roll
Lindsay
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Liam, didn't realize that was you with Michael Thurs night at the Bridge car park Parkhill 11.00pm ! I was going through this thread last night looking at catches etc and noticed pics of you with Michael ( at......). At least you appear to have lost the totally gay beanie hat since then :z4
Lindsay
[/quote]
Haha FFS first Iain slags me off now you! :cry That is my lucky hat Lindsay, and I always have it with me even if I'm not wearing it :z7
Liam
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Haha FFS first Iain slags me off now you! :cry That is my lucky hat Lindsay, and I always have it with me even if I'm not wearing it :z7
Can't slag off a lucky fishing hat Liam, keep wearing it then - there is nothing wrong with looking like a dong as long as you are catching fish ! :z7 I still wear my 'lucky' Grey's hat even though I am now 'Team' Orvis ( my last bank statement can testify to this !).
Lindsay
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Lindsay,
I like the way you analize everything (apart from your own dress sense :X2) but the Mustad R72 is at least as beefy and they have never given me an issue, quite the opposite, never dropped a large fish on them to my memory. Only problem was availability and desire to go with a barbless alternative.
Iain
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I like the way you analize everything (apart from your own dress sense :X2) but the Mustad R72 is at least as beefy and they have never given me an issue..
S'wot I do, only way I learn IME. However, I'll spare you my "dissertation" on how 'authentic' 19th century North Country spiders were actually tied with quite 'heavy' hackles and that this sparse hackle fashion is a modern 'fad'.....albeit a sensible and effective one (at times).
Crivvens those hooks were difficult to get (in a particular size) and weren't cheap :shock I'll gie them a try next season in April if I can deviate from the dry. If I get same results as you - Ebay.
Lindsay
PS your broon troot above - hint of Sea Trout that has stayed in the river for a Season (or two) after spawning ? Small pointy snout, spade tail, general body markings. A grey area I know, but possible. Caught a couple in the River Ae (trib of Annan) near Dumfries 25 years ago that we (fisheries students) reckoned were "Bull Trout" ala those mythical beasts of the Coquet and Tweed. The male fish was nearly 4 pounds in weight and had rows of teeth like a shark ! Cut my fingers to burgerry removing the hook.
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The thing out the River Ae looked exactly like this:
http://www.lochwinnochac.net/Trout/bull.html
Sometimes called slob trout (estuary trout). I had a great game fishing book when I was a nipper and the guy really extoled the virtue of "Bullies" on the Coquet and Tweed as being the hardest fighting beasts pound for pound.
Got a photo of mine somewhere from 1984.
Anyone seen this type of mythical fish in the Don (or Ythan) ?
L
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Seen at the mouth of the Don..well, at the Bridge of Balgownie. I had one of about 2.5 pounds on a Rapala (was a long time ago before I realised the damage a Rapala can do).
I have heard of them there since then.
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Has anyone been out of late or had any joy? This thread seems dead :roll
:z16
Liam
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Has anyone been out of late or had any joy? This thread seems dead :roll
:z16
Liam
I'm presuming that you have! So why not tell us about it :z7
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In between moving house and unpacking boxes i have managed a few hours on saturday morning at upper Fintray and a few more on Saturday afternoon at Kintore.
Not much in the way of fish rising so was just a case of working my way through the river with spiders.
Had a few small trout 6-8" at Fintray on march brown spiders, did have a go at one decent sized trout on the dry fly it rose twice to my fly but pricked it on the second cast and didn't see it again.
Saturday afternoon saw slightly better catches but it was windy which made casting tricky (for me anyway)
Again had on or two small trout. Then while casting out and swinging some spiders through some nice looking water i got a nice solid take from a fish which pulled most of my fly line from the reel as it shot down stream in fastish water, after a spirited fight i finally netted a nice plump 1-1/2lb brownie.
Pretty chuffed as i now seem to be at least getting some action most times i go out.
Cheers,
Dan
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I'm presuming that you have! So why not tell us about it :z7
Of course I have :z7 it's been shite. Nothing over 2lb for 3 weeks now, I have located a few big ones but they are tricky fish :z8 This weeks forecast looks all doom and gloom to :cry
You need to get down the river some evening soon Trig :z16
Liam
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I too have been thinking it was becoming 'unfashionable' to post on this thread but possibly the August 'blues' ? :roll
Have had 3 days out since (and including) last Sunday and although no blanks no 'red letter' fish either, but plenty perfectly conditioned wild brownies around 10 to 12 inches. All targetted and all on dry, sometimes in difficult conditions so overall can't complain. Saturday evening I made a total of only 4 casts and caught two fish that were 'midge-ing' (on a tiny cdc olive), best 12". Friday morning/afternoon there were rising fish at Parkhill and managed to catch on the dry while out with my nephew. Lots of Sedge around including many Black Silverhorns, but for me Sedge imitations haven't done the biz this year, wtf ? :z8 Needle flies now out in abundance too ( Seaton Park beat) yesterday.
Looks like I'll be sticking with dry fly for the remainder of the year, though the way the river has been looking I've nearly been reaching for the 10' 4wt and French leader ! :shock
Another competition this Sunday both Parkhill beats guys. Then another SNFFL 'premier league' one in early September. Just as well we have other beats !
Lindsay
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it's been shite. Nothing over 2lb for 3 weeks now,
Liam
:shock
Your a hard man to please Liam! :z8
Ewan
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Catches are about what I'd expect for this time of year then. Every year I promise myself that I won't fish the river in August and this year I have pretty much stuck to that. Too much time for too little return plus there are always other matters backed up that need attention.
I have had a very poor season anyway despite putting the hrs in during may/June.
Hope to get some action in sept on streamers/wets. Had a few decent trout last sept.
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I decided to try something new and went to one of the upper beats above Alford on Saturday. I have never been so far upstream before, absolutely stunning scenery and the Don looks so beautiful :z14! Caught some lovely little brownies, all small, about the size of my hand... but on dries... And a guy caught a salmon of about 8 pounds, already coloured... I have seen one as well, jumping. But I had to go home after 4 hours of fishing, after having hay fever like crazy and I forgot the allergy tablets :mad ... well, next time I will be better prepared...
The season for me was so far more or less... It's not easy...I had one of 1.5lbs and lots of small ones... I ordered the Oliver Edwards DVD on Wet fly fishing and Anatomy of a trout stream, maybe that helps :z4 :z4 :z4
Phil
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Hi, saw river level is high now from Webcam, but don't know if it's colored. is it good for salmon fishing? or I have to wait until the water drop off again. Cheers. :z14
Mark
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Hi Mark :z16
Its not actually too high - I think :roll? Check Sepa river levels. As for colour I cant comment as I havent seen it today, I am guessing it could be quite murky. I personally love when the water goes like this, my best fishing has been when it starts to clear. I'd just give it a go, if Salmon fishing try a big bight Tube Fly. For the Brownies try a big streamer, Ben swears by an Orange Conehead Black Wooly Bugger, something big and yellow could be worth a chuck - Zoo Cougar?? :z16
Liam
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Went to the river last night, the water level was a bit of higher, and colored. tried spinning for less than 1 hour, but no bite. saw a fish at the side of riffle. should I put more efforts at this area, or the tail of riffle, or pool? probably will go out on Sat morning if I can get up on time. :z4Cheers.
tight line.
Mark
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Had an hour and an'alf last night - saw a few fish feeding, nothing large.
Cast at four, hit 3 and pricked the other which was quite pleasing at this time of year.......... all on this;
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2e1cgic.jpg)
The best fish, the others just falling a bit shorter.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/synztd.jpg)
Iain
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Well done Iain, the trutta have been giving me a beating recently, though I am stupidly sticking to dries :z7 Fish defo taking stuff just on/under surface, I reckon ascending Midge pupa or tiny caenis spinners ??
Had one on (then off) on one of Ben's Black Midges (size 22, black thread half down body). Second fish I have lost when Dan has been there onlooking ( Dan you may be my "Jonah" ! :z4).
Had some real probs with these tiny flies even with 6x tippet with the Access/SLX as there was no weight to turn the fly over (plus the wind wisnae helping). I am reaching for the 3.5ft Dibble Furled Leader next time (Sorry Ben :oops), and my whippy Streamflex.
Weekend not looking promising.
Lindsay
PS like Baz mentioned elsewhere on the Smutting thread, has anyone stomach sampled at this time of year ? You can get stomach pumps that apparently don't harm the fish, though personally I am not sure about that.
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Yeah sorry about that lindsay, I will start looking the other way when your covering fish. :grin
Was having the same problem as you, fish coming up to have a look at the dry fly but just nosing it and turning away.
There was a small hatch of something that evening but just as the trout were coming on a kayaker came shooting down the middle of the pool and they all disappeared. Fair doo's they have a right to use the river but I mean have a bit of consideration.
Cheers
Dan
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There was a small hatch of something that evening but just as the trout were coming on a kayaker came shooting down the middle of the pool and they all disappeared. Fair doo's they have a right to use the river but I mean have a bit of consideration.
Hi Dan,
Aye, fishing is hard there they now ! Had fish 'nosing' the flees all night and was striking in to thin air quite a bit. Exciting stuff though !
Kayakers were there on Sunday as well, two of them, blootered the pool of rising fish on the way down and then they came back an hour later and did it all over again ! The guy there on Monday parks in the Anglers Car Park - not sure if he is an angler or what the status of that car park is re other's accessing but he was there one time and I really struggled to get parked. He is a nice enough guy though. Will be raising this with ADAA Boffins soon to see what the situation is.
The way I see it, we pay for the privillege of using the river, whereas these guys are a 'free for all'. It is not something we want to be encouraging at that site IMHO but maybe the farmer gives them permission to access in which case we have have no grounds to complain. It would be considerate if they didn't come back upstream after going down eg. someone should drive their vehicle downstream and pick them up ?
Cheers,
Lindsay
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Out last evening, getting that 'loneliness of the long distance dry fly fisherman' feeling as the season progresses.
Been thinking of ditching all this pseudo 2012 modern man fly-fishing techno junk and going back to mono tippet as I've been degreasing every three to five casts with my preferred co-polymer, and enough is enough - I'm positive that it is also costing me fish.
picked up a 1/4lber - which was exciting :X1 as it was the only 'decent' :X1 thing splashing as the night drew in.
The sky went red and it seemed to warm up?
A few better rises (relatively) appeared and I started to pick up some 8" fish......better.
Then a short spell of larger FEEDING :shock fish showed and I had 2 fish around 1 1/4 lb which made my bathnight.
CDC emerger still doing the buzyness.
Iain
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The way I see it, we pay for the privillege of using the river, whereas these guys are a 'free for all'. It is not something we want to be encouraging at that site IMHO but maybe the farmer gives them permission to access in which case we have have no grounds to complain. It would be considerate if they didn't come back upstream after going down eg. someone should drive their vehicle downstream and pick them up ?
Try standing on Potach Bridge on a Saturday afternoon. The poor sods that pay a lot of money to fish the Bridge Pool have recently been plagued by kayakers and the likes using the Bridge pool as a resting pool whilst their mates "shoot the rapids" upstream of the bridge. One angler had 4 kayaks sat bang smack in the middle of the pool for a good 30 minutes before splashing back upstream to shoot the rapids again before heading down stream.
Not sure what,if anything, can be done about it thanks to this "Right to Roam" nonsense.
-
Out last evening, getting that 'loneliness of the long distance dry fly fisherman' feeling as the season progresses.
Been thinking of ditching all this pseudo 2012 modern man fly-fishing techno junk and going back to mono tippet as I've been degreasing every three to five casts with my preferred co-polymer, and enough is enough - I'm positive that it is also costing me fish.
picked up a 1/4lber - which was exciting :X1 as it was the only 'decent' :X1 thing splashing as the night drew in.
The sky went red and it seemed to warm up?
A few better rises (relatively) appeared and I started to pick up some 8" fish......better.
3lb Maxima Green for river troots. Also take a wee bit of your degreaser (i assume your using some form of 'mud' fullers earth type thing) and stick a wee 'blob' onto the rod at the handle joint for easy access as required.
Yup you're right it is costing you fish in so much as your concentration is constantly being broken and you're being distracted from what's happening on the water.
Allan L
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Managed back out on the river on saturday afternoon, just in time to be caught in the heavy rain. As i have not had many days to fish this month I decided to tough it out.
The beat was nice and quiet apart from 2 guys having a go for salmon (Noel and Iain I'm guessing :?)
As the heavy rain on the water would make fishing dries almost impossible I stuck on a greenwells spider and hoped for the best. Working my way through a nice streamy bit of water I have had some success from before I ended up with 4 brownies up to 8" and lost a larger fish about 1lb at the net. Worked my way through some water further down stream with not much to show, but all in all a good days fishing regardless of the rain.
Cheers
Dan
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You guessed right Dan. You should have stopped to say hello. I was impressed to see someone madder than ourselves heading out in that weather.
Allan I'm gonna have to try this maxima green. You have been preaching it for as long as I have known you. Not sure how confident I would be fishing 3lb though :shock
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You guessed right Dan. You should have stopped to say hello. I was impressed to see someone madder than ourselves heading out in that weather.
Hi Noel, yeah was going to stop but you guys looked pretty engrossed in you fishing so was going to wait till you had worked your way round to where i was. Looks like common sense prevailed by then as you guys had headed off before you got to where i was. :wink
Dan
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Hi Allan,
Yes it just so happens to be Maxima green but in 4lb which I think is about 0.17? and quite a bit thicker than I'm used to BUT worked well :z16 roll on next the season, those pesky browns will be hit by so many dries they'll be begging for a streamer!
Dan, you should have at least thrown a stone at us. I thought it was 'Soakin' Shamus' passing by that's why I didn't speak. Glad you had some fish, we were just saying that it may have been a good day for Browns on subsurface stuff.
I was really looking forward to getting out for Salmon but the weather put a downer on things so we packed up early doors.
Iain
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I thought it was 'Soakin' Shamus' passing by that's why I didn't speak.
Think i got speaking to him on the way back after I had packed up, spinning using the biggest rappala I have ever seen, dunno if he was trying to hook them or knock them out. :z7
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You guessed right Dan. You should have stopped to say hello. I was impressed to see someone madder than ourselves heading out in that weather.
Allan I'm gonna have to try this maxima green. You have been preaching it for as long as I have known you. Not sure how confident I would be fishing 3lb though :shock
Been great for me all season Noel, although confess i switch to 4lb when pulling on the lochs (aye ok 6lb floro when it's big lure time, which thankfully isn't very often nowadays).
Landed salmons on the 3lb stuff Noel (best this year 61/2, last it was about 10 and a bit) which is ok as long as you dinne dae a Dads Army, 'Don't Panic.' Big troots no problem, in fact the only real time you tend to get snapped off is when the line comes over those sharp teeth under tension on the take. Any line will do this, or at least any around the diameter yer looking to use for presentation stuff.
Switching from a very fast tip action Neilsen #5 to a much slower and much deeper actioned Greys Streamflex Plus (still #5) or the 10' #4 version has made a BIG difference on the breakages. Think the 3lb Maxima is about 0.16.
Noticed how heavy the 4lb looked when taking close up photies of flees in troots mooths late on last season so decided to try the switch. Haven't looked back to be fair.
Couple of wee points though:
It MUST be the GREEN stuff, clear isn't clear anymore (more opiaque) and the broon stuff's for gardening.
Watch where the shop stores it, if it's lying out on open display in full daylight, then avoid, or at least do a wee knot test before you buy. If it's kept in a box in the dark then should be ok.
Watch were you keep it (ditto above)
Water knots on the droppers, remember to wet thoroughly (aye i know teaching granny tae suck eggs, sorry)
That's about it really. Cheap, strong, stiff enough to help turn over, limp enough not to kill the action, non obtrusive (stress Green stuff only :z4!!) not the thinnest, but not the thickest either. Good enough for me and what i'm looking for (for the most part, have other stuff for those tough times, but generally tend not to have to reach for it too often).
Cheers
Allan L
PS Did i mention it's the GREEN stuff? :wink :z7 :z7 :z4
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the broon stuff's for gardening.
It pains me to say it but he's right on that one :z13 it's truly rubbish and kinks to hell.
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Thanks Pete :wink Hope life treating you well and new venture a big success.
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Thanks Pete :wink Hope life treating you well and new venture a big success.
Ta Al, time will tell. You looking for barbless flees for compys :X2 :X2
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Aye but only for the C&R at distance compies. :z6 :z6 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :wink
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2 salmon last night on the spinner first cast in to one and lost it in the weed close in too the bank took me real close in. Then one at 6.2 lb on the second cast and nothing after that good for a few hours though (http://)
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2 salmon last night on the spinner first cast in to one and lost it in the weed close in too the bank took me real close in. Then one at 6.2 lb on the second cast and nothing after that good for a few hours though (http://)
Where was this josh?
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Where was this josh?
Please don't ask "where" on the open forum, send a PM private message if you must ask the question :z3
Best wishes
Mike
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Where is a secret lol as mike has said pm me if you would like too ask.
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Not one for "secrets" ....... this is just common sense :wink
Read this please: http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3208.0
Best wishes
Mike
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Fished the lower river on Friday and on Tuesday night. Not a lot moving and caught nothing. Had a guide on Friday who was putting out a very nice line with his switch rod, was extremely knowledgble about his local stretch and makes a braw cup of coffee too! It's a bit of a mince photo due to the light and I think the lense steamed up a bit after being inside my waders!
(http://i47.tinypic.com/i6vx1j.jpg)
Fished in the evening last night, must remember to put my headtorch back in my jacket!
Cheers
Matt :z16
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hi Matt - it was a good day's wandering around the lower Don last friday. Shame the fish didn't appear keen.
Loving using the 6wt switch rod at the moment - as a light spey-style double-hander it feels just right for the low water late summer conditions.
cheers
iain
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I am going to try the following methods for the broons tonight for the first time.......
Czech Nymphing
French Nymphing
Polish Nymphing
I'm going to also try finding a Nymphomaniac.
I'll keep you posted.
Cheers,
Skidd
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Now you've done it. Iain will no doubt be down the river in a skirt tonight looking for you!
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Yeah I think I have common sense mike hense me saying lol at the end makes it a joke if u have common sense lol
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???
Anyway, hope you are not referring to me Trig.
Good luck Stevie.
Iain
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Ahem...of course not Iain. Nor you either Iain. It's that other Iain I'm on about the upstream nymphomaniac :X2
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Well the nymphing went well, never caught anything, but I now understand how it works. I won a sage ESN on ebay by mistake and am now figuring out what it is for??.
Anyone use either nymphing methods on the Don with much success?
I am loath to go the whole french set up with no fly line, anyone tried it?
Cheers,
Steven
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Typical, warm days and evenings and the season is fading.
Been out a few times over the last week and surface activity has been worth the trip although the larger fish have been few and far between (also, either oncers or patrolling an area too large to chance speculating in calm conditions).
Dry fly has been the order of the day as there are pods of 1/2 - 3/4lb feeding fish to be found, and spooked, with the chance of a 1lb or so fish in their midst.
A couple of photo's from the last few trips and a poor camera phone shot from tonight.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2dwdlwg.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/25gqlxs.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/30a3o08.jpg)
(http://i45.tinypic.com/kamp2p.jpg)
Steve,
I tried the leader to hand set up about a month ago and although it was enlightening to see that you can actually cast a 30 odd foot leader it wasn't for me, or should I say that I would prefer to 'upstream nymph' the Don with conventional kit and a 12" section of Hi Viz backing as an indicator, but what do I know........................I haven't hung the gear up by any means, just need a more suitable venue.
Iain
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Good stuff there Iain, you are certainly outgunning me just now big time, though weekday evenings are now off for me due to plank spanking duties :shock. The rising fish I am encountering are really finicky. Yes, French Leader stuff clearly works (see Fish On Productions vid)......but on a slow, deep flat Don 'glide' ? I am not so sure. As Bones might say: "It's fishing Jim...but not as we know it" !
Allan, I got some of your GREEN Maxima, looks good but is real "chunky munkey" stuff (3lb is 0.15mm). Looks great for 14's and 16's though. FYI the BROWN crappy stuff actually makes good tapered leaders, certainly for the first couple of sections due to it's stiffness. I think that stuff is plutonium enriched - in all my years as a kid I was never broken on Chameleon at any thickness.
Lindsay
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Lindsay,
Dare I ask...Plank spanking???
Noel.
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Dare I ask...Plank spanking???
Nothing to do with "spanking the monkey"....though I suppose I have been called a w*nker many times..... Ask Goolager - he has been known to "spank the plank" :z7 Some of us have the privelege of doing it for a living :z16 Ooohhhh, Matron !
L
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was going to spank the plank tonight but the loon is in his bed sleepin'
Iain
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I checked Urban Dictionary. It didn't explain it either Noel..
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A lot of famous people been known to Spank the Plank...on a fairly regular basis :X2 :X2 :X2
Alex
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The greatest "plank spanker" of all time:
(http://i46.tinypic.com/35bxbvb.jpg)
L
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Anybody get out tonight? Should have been almost perfect, nice and steady water level, warm during the day and not too windy.
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Nice evening, had a few up to 10 oz or so, all on size 16 DHE.
First fish on (another) new Rod courtesy of Orvis (shockarooney, pic sorry):
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2vvlt0p.jpg)
Lindsay
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Aye Matteus I'll bet it was
Lindsay,
nice rod, nice fish, shocking photo! :X1
Was there a few rising fish?
Iain
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Was there a few rising fish?
A few Iain, mostly small though and still taking something just beneath the surface. Photo, yep not one of my better efforts - must have been blinded by the "bling" of the Helios ( and a very nice rod it is too....).
Lindsay
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9' 4 wt mid?
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9' 4 wt mid?
Helios 104-4 (10' 4 wt). Trying to get a rod that "does it all", as much as that is possible (spiders,nymphs and dries.....boat, even float tube). Doesn't feel or look like a 10 footer, but is crisp and responsive. The current pre Helios 2 price reductions were just too tempting ! :z7
Lindsay
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Nice :z16
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Helios 104-4 (10' 4 wt).
Good choice, my personal favourite :cool: SLX on the reel there by any chance:?
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Good choice, my personal favourite :cool: SLX on the reel there by any chance:?
Hi Hamish,
Kevin Muir (his fav rod too ?) did his best to talk me in to buying it in July but I went with the Access 9', as the Helios was well pricey then. Probably should have listened to him.... ! Yes SLX in a #4 but I also tried my Mallard #4 which also felt pretty good, nice and slick (the head being smaller diameter ?) but perhaps more "pile ups" for me on miss-timed forward casts ! :z6 Might also try an Olive SLX next season as they are so good.
Lindsay
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Out again above alford on Saturday - Scorchio. Not much happening but a sunray came to the rescue 1 slightly coloured fish around 4lb.
Quite a few caddis (or at least thats what i think they are) and the trees covered in small black flies. A few small fish coming up during the day.
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Tough night last night (Sun). Conditions had worsened consideraby by the time I arrived at the river, wind, drizzle, low temps. Walked the banks looking for rising fish but only saw tiddlers which continued rising despite the squalls. Never made a cast all evening and really it was a case of 'taking a rod for a walk' ! The night was saved by excellent views of a piping Kingfisher, which subsequently caught a fish right in front of me ! Haven't seen any on the Don (or Dee) for a few years now since the hard winters of 2009 and 2010 great to see them picking up a again.
Lindsay
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Loxiafun,
I'm 99.9% sure it was a Kingfisher that I saw when out for a walk along the Kintore banks earlier in the season.
It was in flight but the size & colours were unquestionable. It must have been fishing a wee burn when I spooked it, I have always had a lookout for it when crossing thon wee burn but haven't seen it since.
Iain
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I'm 99.9% sure it was a Kingfisher that I saw when out for a walk along the Kintore banks earlier in the season.
Great stuff ! Send me the location in a PM and I will pass it on to those I know that study them. There were actually quite a lot on the lower Dee at one point and I have seen them in the past on the Urie. However, the hard winters really knock them on the head, even those birds that head for the coast when times are hard. Green Woodpecker was also temporarily extincted at Braemar due to two severe winters in 09/10 but this year they have returned and bred.
For those that are interested, you will probably hear a Kingfisher before you see it - a fast "peep","peep", "peep" 'piping' call, and then a flash of aquamarine ! Along with Dippers they are the sign of a very healthy clean river environment.
Lindsay
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For those that are interested, you will probably hear a Kingfisher before you see it - a fast "peep","peep", "peep"
I must add a point of note there Lindsay,
I tried to photograph a Kingfisher years ago after hearing the distinctive PEEP,PEEP,PEEP that you describe only to be knocked down by a reversing bin lorry! Beware.
It's true
Iain
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Iain,
Your mental.
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I must add a point of note there Lindsay,
I tried to photograph a Kingfisher years ago after hearing the distinctive PEEP,PEEP,PEEP that you describe only to be knocked down by a reversing bin lorry! Beware.
It's true
Iain
Iain that's tragic. It must have hit you a few times I'd say and all the blows in the head area? Awful just awful, those damn twitchers and their bin lorries. They have the river banks ruined.
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Widnae have been round these parts, here they just stop in the middle of the road
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Widnae have been round these parts, here they just stop in the middle of the road
The Scaffie Wagons or the Twitchers Allan ? :z4
L
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Both :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4
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Went out last Saturday morning. The plan was for Salmon, but nothing after 2 hours, so change to trout. Caught this one on the Nyphm. Not as big as photo shows, 8 or 9in I guess, but fight hard. quick returned, hope can see him next year. :z15
I used to do Carp fishing, this time of the year is the best time, they are feeding all the time. and getting fat for winter. how about the trout? they are really quiet now, and they don't look very fat. :z8 are they on diet? Cheers.
Mark
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...they are feeding all the time. and getting fat for winter. how about the trout? they are really quiet now, and they don't look very fat. :z8 are they on diet?
Generally, it is considered that it is mainly trout of a certain size will breed (hence ADAA recommendation to return all fish of 2 lbs and over....how about making it a RULE for next year guys, com'on ). However, I have caught smaller fish that had eggs or testes (in the bad old days) and you do also get 'precocious parr'. Any breeding fish will have started (before now) to convert some body fat to gonad production so they will not all look plump and well fed. BT at this time of year would generally not be considered good eating.....but then us guys all put them back, right :z16
Lindsay
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Looks like I might make closing day afterall, maybe also Saturday late PM early evening :z18 Anyone else going out ? Would be nice to meet up with a few of the folks I have bumped in to and kept in touch with over the season. Let's hope the weather holds out ! It is a long six months though till it all kicks off again :cry
Lindsay
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Well it is looking good for me to make it out over the weekend so if you drop me a pm and let me know where you are heading. I should make it out for a little while.
Cheers
Dan
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....forecast for Sunday looks absolute jobbies, and just as the river is hitting a good level too.
L
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Lindz there is a slight chance that I'll make it out Saturday afternoon/ early evening.
It would be good to see you before the season ends so let me know if you are out then.
TACTICS..........
Larger trout will accept streamers/ lures, witnessed a 2 lb trout chasing a 6" trout today (it was attached to my nymph at the time) awesome.
Smaller Trout were seen today taking Duns so don't forget your dries
Nymphing and spidering is worth a throw.
River has a hint of a tinge but almost back to 'normal'
Iain
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Interesting to hear that lower areas are still producing as well with good fish (2lb's a good fish in anyone's book).
Can't help thinking the upper head waters should be the place to be, especially after all the recent rain and Autumnal conditions?
Anyone fish these bits recently (no beat names please, just a general question :wink)
Allan L
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I may have a brief foray on Sunday morning. Last year in the dying days I had my best streamer caught brownie 2&1/4lbs, looked for a pic tonight but can't find it. That was on a middle beat, shortly after I hooked and lost a salmon on the same streamer, a wooly bugger :z4
If anyone fancies a few hrs Sunday morn would be cool to join up. Thinking the upper adaa beat but open to suggestions.
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Lindz there is a slight chance that I'll make it out Saturday afternoon/ early evening.
It would be good to see you before the season ends so let me know if you are out then.
Hi Iain,
Brilliant stuff min ! Will PM you and a note of my mobile number (and to see where you were today !). Working till 1.30pm though...
Was going armed with dries - I have done 'surface' tactics pretty much all season so closing weekend will be the same. JW had a good hatch of Medium Olives on Saturday so size 19 JT Olive for me.....
Linz
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Any action today gentlemen? Weather looking reasonable tomorrow so I think a few hrs is in order early morning. Anyone up for it?
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Any action today gentlemen? Weather looking reasonable tomorrow so I think a few hrs is in order early morning. Anyone up for it?
Had a couple of nice sub-pounders on the dry this afternoon low ADAA beat - very difficult conditions with wind wreaking absolute havoc. Saw a couple of nice fish rising, one impossible hugging far bank and one mid stream that was almost impossible in the wind and currents. A lull in the wind finally let me get a fly right over its nose, gulp, hooked, ran a bit then slack. Arse. Was over 2lbs too.
Quite a lot of Medium Olives from 4.30pm onwards, skittering about on the surface in the wind. Feeshes were taking emergers or cripples though.
I will be out 2moro if rain does not colour river overnight, possibly 'upriver'.
Lindsay
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Was over 2lbs too.
:shock noooooo bugger that would have been a good fish to finish on!
I will be out 2moro if rain does not colour river overnight, possibly 'upriver'.
I'm also thinking upriver but not def, wish I could get out afternoon now after reading your post but tomorrow is the all ireland hurling final on telly from 3.30. But I don't expect you to know anything bout that lol.
Lindsay
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Well done Linsay,
quite a respectable consistent hatch of olives where I was too and loads of wee fellas snacking on them, had to switch from nimpf to Johns' Jingler to bag a few.
Just a glimmer of a chance of sneaking a last fling later tomorrow but 'er indoors has a list of stuff for the laddie that needs attending to and I also really want to get to the GAC early doors.
Dan, did you venture out?
Iain
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Was over 2lbs too.
Did you lose it in the weed? :X2 :z4
Iain
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but tomorrow is the all ireland hurling final on telly from 3.30.
Hopefully I'll see it too Trig - either that or on the other side there's pro-celebrity wool winding which will be equaly enthralling.
Iain
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Did you lose it in the weed? :X2 :z4
For once, no :z4 Just 'bad angling' from too much slack line from reach cast, multiple upstream mends to avoid drag blah, blah. If there had been no wind I reckon I'd have had a pretty mental afternoon. I did find a Member's fishing waistcoat in the car park though....efforts being made to return it.
You did well in thae conditions too 'min, especially mono-leadering it - Plutonium headed bugs perchance ??!
Re GAC LEAVE THE PLASTIC AT HOME !
Lindsay
PS thus far the Helios 10' 4wt is my dream rod, absolutely brilliant !
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Quite a lot of Medium Olives from 4.30pm onwards, skittering about on the surface in the wind. Feeshes were taking emergers or cripples though.
Good to hear Lindsay - I'me tied up until about 4pm today, but will get myself out for a late afternoon last fling on the lower Don.
Wind was crazy yesterday, so good effort on getting out,
cheers
iain
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Dan, did you venture out?
Unfortunately I never made it out Iain.
Looking forward to getting out today though, weather looks better than yesterday so should be good.
Dan
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ah well, the trout are safe for another season!
Went out for a last fling, more just for the ritual of doing it than for anything else. Lovely evening to be out, and wee trout rising regularly, but seemingly not interested in the sedges that were fluttering about.
Managed one little chap of 6-8oz, then just enjoyed casting a dry on running water for the last time this season. Though saying that, I saw what I suspect were grilse or sea trout slashing at sedges a couple of times. Maybe if the levels stay low, that could be an interesting option...
View from the start of the walk.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2hxxdvt.jpg)
Bye bye trout! until next year
-
Well, me and Dan gave it a go "upriver" - nothing showing, nada. Water very low, bright sunshine and downstream wind. Pants. So we tried "downriver" where I was yesterday.
On arriving, encouraging signs of Medium Olives and fish taking them. All the good fish were too far out (as usual). I did manage to return the waistcoat I found in the car park last night. Turns out it had around £500 of Salmon flies in it including original Ally McGowans ! And after all that spirited altruism how did Karma repay me ? By the magnet failing on my Waistcoat D ring and my £64.99 MacLean's Short Handled Weigh Net disappearing to the bottom of the river. Despite extensive searching I couldn't find it. ***T.
In between, I managed a 10oz, that, wait for it.......I nearly lost in the weeds. Dan thought I was in to a monster ! I also managed to hook a fish of just under a pound mid river (by wading) that I scoped last night. Very satisfying...until the hook pulled out. That fish possibly cost me my net.
All in all a mixed day, but at least some fish action and time spent in good company. Phuk Karma though.
Lindsay ( My Name certainly is not Earl ! )
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Yeah was an enjoyable day on the river. Shame there was nothing doing up at kemnay, I really liked the look of the beat. My final day of the season(much like me first day) ended in a blank. Can't complain too much, nice weather and good company made it enjoyable.
Today certainly gave me a few ideas for next season and also the remainder of the Salmon season.
I managed a 10oz, that, wait for it.......I nearly lost in the weeds. Dan thought I was in to a monster !
Certainly did, I looked down river to see your rod with a fair bend in it, thought it was going to be cracker.
Cheers for a good days fishing and bring on the winter Grayling.
Dan
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A nice day on the River Don from this year.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/12478nd.jpg)
(http://i49.tinypic.com/30cyq00.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2aajygp.jpg)
(http://i49.tinypic.com/24y4ls0.jpg)
Cheers,
Skidd
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Great photos Steven :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Really nice pictures those Steve.
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Really nice pictures those Steve.
They are indeed, very arty. I'd wager a female photographer ?
Linz
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Enjoyed a great day on the Don today :z16
Kelly kettle coffee was awesome thanks Kev! Wading the river in the wrong waders was as slippery as ever! No fish for me today, but I had a grand time in good company!
Best wishes
Mike
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z081012a.jpg)
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z081012b.jpg)
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z081012c.jpg)
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z081012d.jpg)
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z081012e.jpg)
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Hey Kev your loops look almost as good as mr D's :z12
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Nice Autumnal picture that 1st one Mike :z16
is it a prerequisite that to fish that particular pool 'anglers' must stand in the same spot and wear the same clothes? :z4
nothing quite like a fresh brew & bullshot on a cold day, nice one. :z3
Iain
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'anglers' must stand in the same spot and wear the same clothes?
it's either identikit Orvis guide gear, or else they only had one set of clobber between them... i'm betting on the latter, since you don't see them both in the picture at once ....
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now that'd be a quick change situation that I wouldn't like to witness..gadz!
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Few more pics, cracking day out :z16
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2i25rw1.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/34xfjwx.jpg)
(http://i49.tinypic.com/24345rm.jpg)
Coffee with your sugar Sir?
(http://i50.tinypic.com/28luat5.jpg)
(http://i47.tinypic.com/dw70bm.jpg)
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2v1rhvp.jpg)
Ben
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Photos of Kev and Ben were in the same pool as I was enjoying my fishing so much during the day that I forgot to get the camera out :oops
Cheers
Mike
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Few more pics, cracking day out :z16
(http://i47.tinypic.com/dw70bm.jpg)
Ben
See you were in Muirs car then :z4 :z4
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Yes Pete, glove box kept twatting me so I had to fix it as Kev was struggling to find his "special tool" (broken specs & piece of coathanger) that he uses to open & close it. I like the look Pete, I'm calling it art.
Ben
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I'm calling it art.
Piet Mondriaan will be turning in his grave :z4 :z4
Bonny pictures though :z16
Sandy
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Yes Pete, glove box kept twatting me so I had to fix it as Kev was struggling to find his "special tool" (broken specs & piece of coathanger) that he uses to open & close it. I like the look Pete, I'm calling it art.
Ben
Hey the V & A are opening a gallery in Dundee, looks just the sort of cack art they may be interested in :X2 :z4 :z16
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It was a great day out and it was very interesting to watch other people approach a pool.
That jacket is very good, the great think about it in colder weather, it has fleece lined handwarmer pockets.
The wind was a nightmare for a good part of the day, it made casting more than a little trcky especially with fast sink tips.
I see the cat has been let out of the bag regarding my glovebox tool, I was just about to apply for patent protection for that too, never mind everyone can now make one like it if they pull the handle off their glovebox in a fit of rage just like I did. Stupid car, where are my 3" screws, a 6" nail would be a little rough?
I need to get a Kelly Kettle, it boiled the water so fast, that will be on my list of toys to buy this winter.
I also need to spend more time tying Salmon flies, no hardship there and it is great to see a new fly box being filled.
Mike, your photos captured the colours very well, it was a great day out sharing a few pools on the Don.
It was very interesting watching Ben as he fished his way down the pools, no simple chuck it over and let it swing back here, very technical and not what I was expecting.
Thanks for a great day out guys.
Kev, (off to order a new glovebox handle now :z4)
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Nothin wrong with it Kev. :z4
Crackin pics guys, looks like a good day out.
Allan L
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A friend of mine and I recently had a trip to the upper don for a days salmon fishing, with the heavy rain fall last week we were watching the river levels with great interest hoping for the level to drop back to a decent level for our day.
Armed with a load of info on how best to fish the beat we were quietly confident of our chances. We arrived at the beat after driving through rain and light snow showers, this seemed to have pushed the water up slightly but by the time we tackled up the sky had cleared and it was a lovely day all be it quite chilly.
We fished all the pools on the beat right through and the main holding pools got a good going over on a number of occasions. Sadly neither of us had anything to show for our day except the odd knock and a 8" brownie that hammered my Junction shrimp. What I did find strange was that we never saw a salmon the whole day, guess the drop in temperature maybe put them down. Never the less it was an enjoyable day and a lovely beat to cover on a single hander(although I have to say the 7wt barrio slx I was fishing certainly made casting fast sinking tips and small tubes easier)
(http://i47.tinypic.com/1564w7s.jpg)
(http://i46.tinypic.com/dczy91.jpg)
Do have a couple of photos but will add them to the post when I get near a computer.
Dan
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As the saying goes if you don't have your fly in the water you won't catch any fish!
I had planned to be at the river at dawn today but given the rain yesterday and some advice from two local experts that the river would be unfishable. So I waited until after lunchtime to go and walk the beat that I hadn't fished before only to find the pools fishable and the water clear. Lost a good fish on an emerald Stoat. Quite a few fish caught by other guys today on the beat.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/20/uregudap.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/20/emeqy6yb.jpg)
Cheers Matt
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Unlucky there Matt,
I told you it was worth a chuck. :wink
Iain
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It get's worse Iain, because I thought fishing would be pointless I went comfort shopping at Ben's fishing emporium!
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and purchased......
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Lots of stuff I didn't really need apart from one of those really slim see through fly boxes for my sea-trout flies.
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My first visit to the Don this year :shock and I caught a Salmon :X4
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2drwfh2.jpg)
Rather coloured but a salmon nonetheless :z12 My first 'real' fly caught salmon...... I was targeting them and I was in contact with the fly :grin :grin :grin
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Great stuff Peter, well done :z16
Nice fly line by the way! :wink
Cheers
Mike
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Well done Peter :z16
:z18
Jim
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Top Job Pete :z16
Nice reel BTW!
Ben
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Yep the right tackle is all important.......as is the fly, in this case a Willie Gunn tied on a 2" brass tube borrowed from the guy I was fishing with...... which I had tied and given to him some 30 yrs ago :X2. What goes around comes around :z13
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Nice 1 Peter :z16
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Well done Pete. :z16
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Well done Peter :z16
Nice fly by the way
Iain
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Nice one Pete!
Fished middle/upper river today. Not a sausage! Very frustrating after feeling like there was every chance of a fish.
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Well the river and weather look good for a bit of salmon fishing after work, here is hoping I can land at least one before the season is done.
Dan
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A dull day, but plenty of colour to see on the river today .........................
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z241012a.jpg)
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z241012b.jpg)
(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/z241012c.jpg)
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Shot out for a last chance this afternoon before the weather turns Arctic.
Managed to take this 5lb cock fish on a #8 Black and Red fly. I didn't want to take him out of the water this close to spawning hence the crappy picture.
Irvine
(http://i47.tinypic.com/30iztc6.jpg)
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Nice photos Mike.
And a bonnie wee fish that Irvine. I like the look of a fish in it's spawning outfit.
Matt :z15
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Nice fish Irvine and a tasteful pic too :z16
Cheers
Ben
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Great stuff Irvine! :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Well Done Irvine :z16
I think Trig has also had a fish recently too :z3
Iain
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Well Done Irvine :z16
I think Trig has also had a fish recently too :z3
Iain
Ya had an 8lb hen fish on the single hander :grin will stick up a crap pic later.
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Fish from Tuesday just about to swim off strongly into deeper water.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn178/chuileog/salmon2012004-1.jpg)
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Nice one ..... well done Noel :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Aye nice one Noel :z16
:z18
Jim
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Superb mate, pleased for you!
Nice pic :z4
Ben
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cheers lads :z16 Got it on my second cast, was surprised to say the least! That was about 11 o clock. Thought I might be in for a memorable day but didn't move another fish until about 5 which came to me a few times but didn't hook up.
Mike the slx on my 7wt was superb for casting and turning over big flies :z16
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Nice one Trig :z16
I thought I'd misheard when it was on Northsound.
Iain
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Well done Irvine and Noel
:z18
Dan
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Nice one Noel!
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Mike the slx on my 7wt was superb for casting and turning over big flies :z16
Thanks for the thumbs up Noel, I'm really pleased that you like the SLX! :z16
Nice fish, well done!
Cheers
Mike
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Hard days fishing today. And nothing to show for it. Water is very very very clear! Will hopefully sort out a few pictures later on.
That's end of this season but looking forward to February already.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/3167m1j.jpg)
Dad at the bottom of a nice pool.
(http://i48.tinypic.com/mhxf1t.jpg)
Typical view for parts of the day....
Matt
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Looking a tad chilly Matt ..... always good to see the pics! :z16
Cheers
Mike
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Just looking through this thread reliving some awesome memories from the past season... Man I miss home now! Fishing just ain't the same here. :cry
Liam