Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Main Discussion Area => Topic started by: JRLA on 24/01/2013 at 02:35

Title: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: JRLA on 24/01/2013 at 02:35

This is probably a foolish question given the current weather..... hoping some body could suggest a bit of guidance......

Need to cast a fly in my 3 weeks leave (i.e. get away from the house)

Is there anywhere where there is chance of catching a wild fish on the fly with an hour or so drive from Aberdeen in the second half of February?  game, coarse or saltwater

1) Obviously not brownies.  Grayling would be an option but do not know where to look?    ???

2) I have joined ADAA but I assume it is too early for any fresh migratory fish....could be a bit soul destroying  :cry

3) Not really familiar with any potential SWFF species this time of year.....from the shore/estuary.....Netherdon?
 ???
4) Pike seems an option but I have no idea where to try...
 ???
If no wild options the Haddo fishery would be the obvious choice or stay in and drink single malt!

Cheers

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: Jim Eddie on 24/01/2013 at 06:01

Haddo is not an option as it closes for the winter

Tay will be open for Salmon as well as the Helmsdale

Grayling would be your best bet, contact Kate Fleming's in Blairgowrie for suggestions, permits in that area.

 :z18

Jim

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: Matt Henderson on 24/01/2013 at 10:27

I think the ADAA Stocked fisheries are open year round if ice free.

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: JRLA on 24/01/2013 at 16:01

Thanks for replying.

So definately not Haddo.  Most 'sensible' option is the stocked fisheries...guessing dead drift buzzers?

Are there enough fresh fish running the Tay in February to make the hardship worthwhile?  Lower river regions?

I will contact Kate Fleming as well.

Would anyone advise having midday sessions on the ADAA river beats ?

Many thanks

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: Graham Ritchie on 24/01/2013 at 18:39

The Don will certainly be worth a try, Kemnay usually produces a few early fish.

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: Hamish Young on 24/01/2013 at 19:13

I'd second that, latter half of February on the Don has to be worth a punt.
Tay definitely worth considering, plenty of day rod opportunities too.

H :z3

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: adambrain on 25/01/2013 at 05:38

I would suggest Corby loch, but you better take your A+ game this time of year as its hard to fish at the best of times but every now and then a cracking fish comes out. It's a syndicate loch so it's not brimming with stockies a fair few resident browns I've caught to about the 3/4lb mark. You can get a day ticket from the guy can't remember his name now.
It's very shallow and you will need your waders!! Although boat is the best option.

Regs
Adam

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: JRLA on 25/01/2013 at 09:46

Thanks for the encouragement.

Will definately have a punt on the Don then.  Three or four of midday sessions on the beats at Kemnay and downstream could be interesting.  Not too far to scuttle back home either if its too nippy.

Are the ADAA Dee beats worth a look?

Normally use lightweight needle tube type flies, guessing these are too light for the time of year.......copper Gold Willie Gunn perhaps for this time of year? Or Silver Stoats?  Or Cascades?

Corby looks good but try not to go near boats out of work :X1 



   

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 25/01/2013 at 17:54

ADAA? Last years ticket I presume?

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: JRLA on 26/01/2013 at 07:08

No Rob.  Will be new member.  Hoping to collect membership card in early Feb

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 26/01/2013 at 20:54

Quote from: JRLA on 26/01/2013 at 07:08

No Rob.  Will be new member.  Hoping to collect membership card in early Feb

Ah right...I was a bit confuses as I knew that renewals could not take place until the 1st of Feb.

Title: Re: Freezing/Fly Fishing in February
Post by: JRLA on 05/03/2013 at 04:16

Well 3 weeks after asking this question, it is clearly a stupid one

Conclusion: Definately worth the effort to fish early in the season