Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Rivers & Lochs => Topic started by: Mike Barrio on 29/11/2010 at 12:50

Title: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/11/2010 at 12:50: Hi folks :z16

Fishing The Fly has always been based around all things fly fishing in Aberdeenshire. Over the years the forum membership has grown, the discussions are now more diverse and we have members all over the world.

We are fishing in some fantastic locations and naturally want to speak about them :cool:

It is great to speak about our good days on the water and to share a few photos ...... but we will obviously have concerns about naming our favourite river beats and loch locations.

Please use your common sense with this ....... and simply speak about "on the River Deveron near Huntly", "on the Upper/Middle/Lower River Don", or "a loch near Inverness" for example.

If you would like to know more about a given location mentioned in somebody's post, the question can be asked via the PM message system :wink

Best wishes
Mike
Title: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 11/02/2013 at 18:15: First day out today. Only one kelt to show for the day but nice to be back out casting flies.

Any news of anything fresh?

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter Rawlinson on 12/02/2013 at 06:42: A few kelts , and one fresh fish of 9 lbs fish for a guy called Andy on the middle river .
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 12/02/2013 at 10:11: Thanks for sharing the information. Maybe going out tonight. If do, will let you know the result. keep :z15

Tight lines.

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 12/02/2013 at 14:19: Gold Bodied Willie Gun.

Yellow and black with a silver body

I'm thinking of adding some big massive black tubes with a silver body as per H's post.

I always carry a selection of sunrays standard Brooks sunray and a few Conns too.

Yellow and black Monkey.

Thanks

Matt
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 18/02/2013 at 09:44: Went out Sat 2pm to 5pm. Caught my first Kelt, on the flies (black and yellow). Great weather, but the water was really cold, after I released the fish, I couldn't bend my finger any more, but a good start for me. :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 21/02/2013 at 11:00: Cold weather today but heading out this afternoon for a few hours...probably kemnay way. Anyone else been on the water the last few days?

J
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 21/02/2013 at 12:04: Hi toshkerr,

I was out at fintray for a couple of hours this morning. Water was pretty dirty and had risen a bit. Might be nice up kemnay way though.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 21/02/2013 at 12:15: Cheers for that Dan, hadn't looked at the water quality today. Mother in law is in town so hopefully Kemnay will be fishable!

Jonathan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 22/02/2013 at 15:12: Has anyone been on Kemnay beat? any luck? Cheers.

Tight lines.

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 22/02/2013 at 19:05: I fished through one pool this afternoon in kemnay, but preferred the look of Kintore so went there for a couple hours instead. Didn't see anything at either place but a lovely fresh day to be out!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Nicol on 22/02/2013 at 19:19: Has anyone heard of any success on the river yet?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 22/02/2013 at 19:53: To my knowledge, there have been 10 caught from Grandholm to as far up as Tillifoure.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 23/02/2013 at 23:41: Bought some Salar tube singles from Ben yesterday and was quite keen to give them a try today.

Fished the middle Don, the first hour and a half saw quite cold temperatures and the odd short flurry of hail/ sleet.

The first pool quickly proved a waste of time and I'm convinced that I hadn't the the tip density to take the fly down to the fishes level due to water speed and depth, but Salmon being Salmon and me being me I fished it anyway.

On to the next (shallower and slower) pool and new hope.

Just worked throught the head of the pool when the sun came out and was even quite warm :z12 ten or so steps into the middle of the pool and a fish took on the first strip after the dangle, :z15 instantly I knew it was a kelt but how would the single hook fair? I wasn't hopefull due to the higher percentage of fish I've lost when hooked this way and a minute or so later the fish spat the hook at me. :z10

Although dissapointed about the hook hold not being great I was still upbeat about the use of the single with a tube.

A dozen or so steps later a fish took the fly on the swing and again it was pretty quickly established to be a kelt. This time, after what turned out to be a very respectable tussle, the fish was landed and the single hook swiftly removed from the scissors - I was very pleased with the hook up.

The sun still shone and progress down the pool continued. Another dozen or so steps later the fly was taken, again on the swing, and another kelt was landed and swiftly unhooked.

Unfortunately there were no tales of spring fish but at least, for me, a positive in that I will be using singles for my tube fly hooks from now on.

(http://i50.tinypic.com/x3gqv.jpg)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 23/02/2013 at 23:52: Good shit Iain :cool:

I'm going to use singles for a full season to see how I get on. Over 99% of them go back anyway so I'm not that bothered if they fall off.

Looking for a hook that looks like a Salar but smaller for some summer patters now.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 23/02/2013 at 23:58: Iain,
One of our rods fishing today has been using singles for tubes for a while now and he had the only fresh fish of the day and as we release all of our fish this could be the way forward. Tight lines, I am sure t hat your next spring fish will not be too far away.

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 24/02/2013 at 00:14: Great stuff guys! :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 24/02/2013 at 09:55: Great Stuff Iain :z16,

Sounds like an enjoyable day and as always great photo.

I ventured out on Staurday to Kintore, nothing hooked and nothing seen. My casting is coming along nicely and i am confident in the patterns that i am carrying (even though they havent accounted for any fish yet) so it was an enjoyable day.
Hope to be out most days this week, will have to buy some decent socks though my feet were freezing by the time i finished.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 25/02/2013 at 19:12: Dan,

I was only in the river for 5-10 min's (a wee section on a pool that I think requires it) on Saturday and it was Baltic, really very cold. My legs were shivering within minutes of entering the water but I was again reminded of how good the Orvis socks are, my feet were totally oblivious to the cold.

Get a pack of 3 and never be concerned about your piggyz again. :z16

Anything that lets you concentrate on why you are out has got to be worth it.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 26/02/2013 at 21:26: Cheers for the tip off about the orvis socks Iain, have my bridgedale hiking socks looked for my early start tomorrow morning.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 26/02/2013 at 21:46: Another thumbs up for Orvis socks :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 01/03/2013 at 20:05: Fished for a few hours this afternoon and there was a definite Spring feeling in the air as the warm weather brought out a few stone flies, February Reds I think?

Fishing was slow through the first two pools so I changed to an old favourite fly of mine but with the new addition of Lime Krinkle Mirror Flash.

Had one knock on the third pool but that was it. Returned to the car and sat for a while taking in the day and planning to pack up.

Decided to fish one more short pool which was a thought as it was a bit of a walk. Managed to hook a fish half way through but I dropped it after a decent run :z8
Fished on and took two kelts from the tail of the pool, rod bent, nice day, tipped my hat to the fly that helps me out on tough days then headed for home.

Bring on the Troot.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 01/03/2013 at 22:08: Nice one Iain. :z16
Hope this nice weather sticks around for the start of the trout season. No fishing for me this weekend but will be making up for that next week.

Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Robfishin on 01/03/2013 at 23:31: Hope you don't mind me jumping in for a bit of info. Never fished the Don but hoping to get a day sometime in March. I am looking for recommendations for salmon fishing. I was thinking for a day ticket on one of the council beats. Where would anyone recommend? Thanks.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 02/03/2013 at 07:14: Inverurie.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Nobby on 03/03/2013 at 18:40: Fishing Kinaldie stretch Saturday afternoon, Brian and I came across a couple of fish. The wind kept the flies in the box so reverting to spinning I managed to land this one - we estimated 10lb + !
Apologies to the purists but it's my first ever Don salmon so well chuffed!
Cheers
Martyn
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 03/03/2013 at 20:00: Hi Martyn,
I managed an hour yesterday due to work and the wind was a right pain on the LH bank where I was :mad
You are obviously well chuffed with your fish :z16 let's hope there might be more silver ones before the Trout season arrives.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 03/03/2013 at 20:12: Nice fish Marytn, well done on your 1st Don Salmon :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: roehead on 04/03/2013 at 09:27: Well done on your fish there Martyn, unfortunately it is a kelt though and not a clean fish.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 04/03/2013 at 10:23: Welcome to the forum Roehead :z16

You seein' any springers?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 04/03/2013 at 11:15: Got to agree with Rowhead. My Dad and I were just discussing it on the phone and neither of us had the heart to say it. Then again you maybe already new this, just didn't want to p$ss on your chips! Mind you it's still far closer to a springer than I'm going to catch in Malaysia :-(

Cheers,

Steven.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 04/03/2013 at 11:30: Quote
didn't want to p$ss on your chips!

:z4 :z4

That's the exact phrase that was in my head and the reason I penned my 'thoughtful' reply.

Apologies Martyn if you did know that it was a Kelt.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Nobby on 06/03/2013 at 13:35: Hi Iain,
Thanks - I did identify it as a Kelt and had tried to update my post (Failed) - Fish was returned safely and I'm looking forward to the next "proper" salmon. Tight Lines and cheers to all! :z18

Martyn
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 06/03/2013 at 15:38: Good o Nobby :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Thom on 08/03/2013 at 22:55: Hi all this is my first season salmon fishing was out monday night for a hour and hooked 2 fish got both battles on my go pro both fish returned to water so im a happy man. as im new to salmon fishing was wondering if this is a kelt?

cheers Graham
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Ritchie on 08/03/2013 at 22:57: Yes, thats a kelt.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 09/03/2013 at 16:37: Just back from an afternoon on the river.......gave it my best shot but nothing to declare. Possibly my last jaunt until the tail end.

Anyone else out?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 09/03/2013 at 17:11: Aye I'd a wee jaunt doon to the Vistula, nae luck though. Mind you the last Salmon was caught there in 1796 :z4

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 11/03/2013 at 08:10: I braved horrible upstream winds on Saturday to attempt to fish for a few hours. Started behind Kemney Academy, hoping to get away from the wind, but nope, it followed me down the pool. Water was starting to colour up so I was using a bright orange pot belly on a 1.25 Cu tube. Nothing.

Moved down to Knitore to get on the left bank (I need to practice my right bank casts!) and felt better. Walked down from the railway bridge to a certain pool only to see the river had coloured more and was looking a bit 'orrible.

Fished the pool twice before the cold got the best of me and I headed home.

I had one "pluck" mid pool which came to nothing.

Still, nice to be out despite not seeing a single fish or a single angler.

Also nice to start to feel "at one" with the rod and start to get a decent line out without thinking about it too much.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 30/03/2013 at 14:15: Had a walk by a few favourite pools today at 12 and just back from another quick look. Hoping to see signs of activity, fly life and maybe even fish.
Checked a few back eddies which normally contain any left overs from earlier hatches, cripples an the like.
Lovely day actually, no wind and feels warmer than the 4c the car is showing but nothing happening waterside. Seen 2 small stonefly similar to the one Sandy posted yesterday and 1 midge but that was it. Surprisingly no signs of upwings.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 30/03/2013 at 14:26: You might have been too early, the hatch i saw started at about 1.30pm and went through till 3.
This could be the temperature :z8 But i saw nothing until after 1.30 :z16
Might be best to wait a wee while and forget all the things you've learned before :z4 :z4 at least for a couple of weeks.
Moral of the story.

"Don't go home early if you see no flies"

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 30/03/2013 at 15:10: Quote from: Spiderman on 30/03/2013 at 14:26
Might be best to wait a wee while and forget all the things you've learned before :z4 :z4 at least for a couple of weeks.

Sandy

Same as every year then!
Will have a later look tomorrow. Nice to be walking the riverbank again :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 30/03/2013 at 22:15: Panic not Trig it's gonna be a good season :z16

just you wait and see.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 31/03/2013 at 15:35: Anyone out for opening day tomorrow ?

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 31/03/2013 at 16:39: Quote from: Loxiafan on 31/03/2013 at 15:35
Anyone out for opening day tomorrow ?

Lindsay

Yup, may even leave the DHD at home.

Been down at the river most of the day today, not seen anything hatch or anything move. Serious chill in that wind.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 31/03/2013 at 17:32: All being well tomorrow I hope to make it out for a couple of hours after work. Won't be on the river till 3pm, hope to catch the tail end of any hatches and land me a bonnie don trout on opening day.

Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 31/03/2013 at 19:14: Quote from: Loxiafan on 31/03/2013 at 15:35
Anyone out for opening day tomorrow ?

aye, in the afternoon, trying out the pink and dink

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_31_03_13_7_13_41.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=475)

walked a couple of lower river beats today; baltic! Saw very little fly life; sun came out later in the afternoon (I was home by then) so it might have warmed a little
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 31/03/2013 at 21:27: Good luck to all going out tomorrow.

Today was defo chillier than yesterday, hopefully tomorrow is warmer.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 31/03/2013 at 21:28: Fished the Don on Saturday, when the sun came out so did the Dark Olives for perhaps 30 minutes or so. Saw one small trout take a fly that was it.

Some salmon moving but could not see if they were fresh. I had one of 9-10 pounds on an inch Cu Whillie Gunn tube. Kelt but very very well mended. Pool was packed so I moved upstream and found a pool to myself :)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 31/03/2013 at 22:54: Good luck to everyone out after broonies tomorrow. Will be good to meet up with old faces and new, say hello.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 01/04/2013 at 06:46: Good luck for the new season guys. Hope it's a cracker :z16

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: TimTheFlier on 01/04/2013 at 09:35: Thanks Liam - might try a few hours this afternoon to practice some of the stuff you taught me last year on a few of our favourite beats.

Good to hear from you - I bet it's a bit warmer down there !

Tim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 01/04/2013 at 18:30: Quote from: Loxiafan on 31/03/2013 at 22:54
Good luck to everyone out after broonies tomorrow. Will be good to meet up with old faces and new, say hello.

well, I managed a few pleasant hours in the fresh air. Quite warm when the sun shone, but then I was fairly layered up!
The addition of a flouro pink CDC over-wing on my F-flies was great for improving visibility. Didn't bring any trouts up though!

A few midge, and a few upwings - very few! Saw one rise - small trout, splashy but wee - all day. Day didn't really get warm until post 2pm. THe Don was very clear, and still kinda cold!

Didn't meet a single soul all day, and only managed a couple of tugs, and a kelt which gave a spirited fight on the single hander before swimming happily off.

Ah well, was great to shake off the casting cobwebs.

Hope someone else connected with a few trouts.
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_01_04_13_6_30_09.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=478)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/04/2013 at 18:46: Great stuff Iain :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 01/04/2013 at 18:55: By all accounts it was another chilly one today.
It would have been nice in the sun & the rod got bent Iain so all in all :z16

Roll on the weekend.

Iain 2
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 01/04/2013 at 19:08: Well done Iain, pity I didn't catch you I could have done with some company !

I fished a beat ending in "Y". Arrived around 11am, farging freezing easterly wind, but there was that hint of promise as well. Thermo said 10 degrees C but windchill was knocking at least 5 off that. It did rise to 18 degrees at one point :shock

I was set up to fish dries so just stalked about fishy looking lies. First LDO spotted at 1.25pm, and a scattering of a few more. Then some more. No rises, no fish, no interest, no hope ! There was still the odd Olive fluttering about when I left at 3.45pm, resigned to another fishless opening day on the Don.

Highlight of the day was an Otter that frolicked about for half an hour in the pools above me stakeout:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_01_04_13_7_04_38.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=482)
Hey Lindsay. Needing Any Otter's Oxter Mate ?

Great day to be out but I really am going to have to get ma heid round nymphing or this is going to be a long hard month on the Don ! :roll

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 01/04/2013 at 19:30: Hi Lindsay,

I too was out at lunchtime, trying for the first time a more 'tactical' and patient approach instead of just fishing regardless. Conditions were same, low clear water, cold and very few flies with no fish showing whats so ever. Tried nymphing and spiders with no luck. Headed home for 3pm.
Good to be out again though.

cheers

Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 01/04/2013 at 19:32: Well done with the fish Iain. :z16
It was a nice afternoon to be out, I was also fishing a beat ending in 'Y' but guessing it was a different one to you Lindsay. Was another fishless day for me but as always good to be out. I know what you mean about fishing the nymph, something I have never really spent anytime doing. Hopefully bump into Mr Goolager sometime soon on the river bank to pick up some tips on all things nymph. :wink

Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 01/04/2013 at 19:33: Left the DHD at home and took the trout rod only. Arrived about 11:30 and saw a small number of LDO's from about 1PM odd small trout moving to them but nothing worth chucking a fly at. Bloody freezing in that wind!

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 01/04/2013 at 19:33: Cracking photo Lindzer,

Pity about the fish, I wonder if anyone was seeing hatches or showing fish on any other beats?!

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 01/04/2013 at 19:44: @ Dan, throw away all your nymphing vids where guys are tossing them straight upstream. Pish at this time of year I reckon unless it is to fish that are hitting ascenders. I did this picture perfect on Saturday and was out fished by Goolager.

@ Geoff, I still remember that biggie you had a year ago. Would be nice to bump in to you again ! Good luck if you are out again.

@ Ben, Dude at least you saw some fish actually hitting flies !!!

@ Goolager, if a certain individual posts PB lunkers that he caught on the dry fly today then am' gaen hame ! :mad

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 02/04/2013 at 09:19: Quote from: Loxiafan on 01/04/2013 at 19:08
Well done Iain, pity I didn't catch you I could have done with some company !

drop me a PM and we'll sort out an afternoon. Nice otter!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 02/04/2013 at 11:47: Hi, I fished from 3pm to 5.30pm in Kemnay. Saw a fish rise a few time. tried dry CDC, black spider and some golden head nymph, but no luck, will back again this weekend to see if it's still there. there were quite a lot of small flies next to the river bank. It's a surprise because I didn't see any of them before. good to be out, tight lines.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 02/04/2013 at 12:44: Quote from: iainCameron on 02/04/2013 at 09:19
drop me a PM and we'll sort out an afternoon. Nice otter!

:z16 Probably next affie I can do on the Don is Sunday, should hopefully be a few of us out ? Might sneak in a morning to around 2pm sesh later this week though.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Irvine Ross on 02/04/2013 at 17:16: I was out from 1pm to 3:30pm today up above Alford and there was no sign of life in the river. No flies and therefore no rises. The air temperature was only about 5C with no sun at all so it's hardly surprising. Roll on some warmer weather.

Irvine
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 02/04/2013 at 17:17: Managed a few hours yesterday. Got out the car and although the sun was out th wind was cold, so I set up the salmon rod and had a few casts. 5th cast saw me land a fish of about 11 pounds. I think it was a kelt, but another angler said it was a fresh fish. Belly was to straight for me, so I will settle on Kelt. Warmed up a little around 3pm so went back to the car for my "trout" gear and started throwing streamers as nothing was moving.

Small hatch of LDO's and some kind of sedgey thing but no fish coming up for them.

Out later in the week I hope :)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 03/04/2013 at 08:04: Quote from: Loxiafan on 02/04/2013 at 12:44
:z16 Probably next affie I can do on the Don is Sunday, should hopefully be a few of us out

I'm gigging in Peterhead on Saturday night, late night, rock'n'roll etc....so Sunday will not be an early start for me, but should be able to make it out for an afternoon cast or two. Drop me a note in the morning saying where you'll be

Cheers
I
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/04/2013 at 10:45: Gigging, Rock'n'roll etc ......... beware of plastic stacking chairs :shock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kpjnGWPmj0
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 03/04/2013 at 11:24: speaking of Giggling Rock & Roll, whatever happened to Howard (?) that sang such charming tunes for us at the 2010 Gathering ?
:z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 03/04/2013 at 13:23: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 03/04/2013 at 10:45
Gigging, Rock'n'roll etc ......... beware of plastic stacking chairs

Ooucha... no chairs at the venue... just polystyrene fish crates nicked from the harbour. Still stackable though, so i'll be careful with my tackle
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 04/04/2013 at 20:35: Well, a mostly enjoyable afternoon Donside today. Great being back on the river and wandering about having a few casts, apart from falling on my a**e. It's ok, nobody saw...

Hmmm. Cold wind, some sun, a little hail/rain. Some upwings made an appearance around 3 ish, 3.30. But not a single rise seen... Worked a dry & nymph upstream for a while - nothing touched me - probably fished too high in water, but I was using the day to get the cobwebs off of the casting arm so persevered with that method. Fished the pockets, the foam lines, the seams... Happy with how I fished... Meh, guess the brownies are still sulking!

Worked back downstream swinging wets, just enjoyable to be out on running water again.

Fave new accessory of year - fingerless gloves! Kept my hands warm enough to stay out for a few hours.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 04/04/2013 at 22:30: Quote from: iainCameron on 04/04/2013 at 20:35
apart from falling on my a**e. It's ok, nobody saw...

Good to know it's not just me and Goolager, think we had a couple of 5.8's for artistic impression on Saturday ! :z4 Hopefully catch you tomorrow - seemed almost spring today except for the hail ! Still very cold though so meagre pickings for the dry flyer still.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 05/04/2013 at 20:16: Wel, today I tried a different pool, a much faster one, hoping to avoid the kelts, and 5th cast, I hooked a kelt! This one about 11-12 pounds again.

However, I did get a surpise in the way of a 3lb brownie, and joined the falling on ones arse club whilst returning it.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 05/04/2013 at 20:24: Great stuff Rob :z16 ...... Where's the Brownie photo, I know you've got one :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 05/04/2013 at 22:34: No idea how to get the photo from my phone or facebook onto here Mike. I guesss you saw it on Facebook? Thats a double handed rod next to it and a large salmon reel, will work out the length later.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 05/04/2013 at 22:39: There you go Rob :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_05_04_13_10_38_47.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=489)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/04/2013 at 07:38: That's a Bonny fish, if the fins were a bit lighter you would almost take it for a seatrout.
This double handed nonsense seems to sit quite well with you rob :z16

Great stuff and nice to see some pictures :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 06/04/2013 at 17:52: Nice brownie rob it will be streamers for me from tomorrow until I see rising fish.

Suppose that opening line gives it away but first day after Don trout today and it was an all too familiar experience.
First call this morning the post office to collect the needle vice recommended by Euan and home to try out the method of attaching leader detailed in Sandy's excellent sbs. Only got the needle about 1/4 inch up the fly line before it poked out a side but after sanding gluing etc tested it and its as strong as a strong thing. Would have prefered 1/2 inch will see how it goes with other lines.
On the river today I loved this leader set-up. Straight through tip ring without a bump and only one knot in the whole set-up, a definite confidence booster for when I'm playing that big trout!!!

No big trout today though. No little ones either...
Got to the river about 12.30. Klinked and dinked without a touch until after 2 when I seen the first upright coming down.
Changed over to a dry which never actually touched the water.
There was fly coming off slowly but steadily until about 4 but never seen a rise despite checking 2 different areas a few miles apart both favourite spots for rising fish.
I thought they were olives until I finally managed to snaffle one and surprise surprise a March Brown.
After Sandy's pics I'm almost embarrassed to post this but it will have to do :z4

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/24_06_04_13_5_47_40.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=501)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 06/04/2013 at 17:55: Great stuff Noel :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 06/04/2013 at 21:12: That's a pity Noel, but unfortunately half expected, the way the weather has been. :z6

Interesting photo Trig.

I fished the upperish middleish river yesterday from about 13:15 until 16:00 and did not see one upwing, not a one :z8 the weather did improve around 15:45 and the sun came out as did two fish but both just the once.
I felt obliged to cover the first fish but he was never seen again.

Possibly should have stayed but was scunnered.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 06/04/2013 at 21:31: Thanks, the more I look at it the less I like it. :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 06/04/2013 at 22:30: Funny that...........the less I look at it the more I like it :z7
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 06/04/2013 at 22:56: I have put a bid on something with a proper macro. Those pics ye are doing are way cool and it gives you something to do while there's Fek all happening in the river!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 06/04/2013 at 23:12: Noel,

I don't know what you are bidding on, and I'm no expert on Macro stuff but I do know that I have had (and still have one) digi compacts that the macro shots are really, really sh** so please do some searching/ reviewing on the net before you spend any money.

The camera that Sandy uses puts out great stuff (as you can see) and I think that has a macro function, my camera has both a macro and super macro (the difference? I don't know) but with the correct lighting the super macro is excellent for a compact.

Hope you get what you want and am looking forward to your first pictures :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 06/04/2013 at 23:28: It's an Olympus tough tg 320. Seems the biz to me and cheap but if anyone knows better please let me know.
Cheers goo.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 07/04/2013 at 09:12: My Olympus EX-FH25 does good macro considering it is not a proper SLR but they are hard to find and very expensive even second hand. I got it for the video function mainly but takes good pics too.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 07/04/2013 at 19:02: Do you mean Casio Ben?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 07/04/2013 at 19:32: Watching the snow come down last night I put my Sunday fishing plans on hold. Good day to get one of the spring jobs out of the way. Did you go out Michael?

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/24_07_04_13_7_31_37.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=514)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 07/04/2013 at 19:34: Noel..... how did you get the cat to sit still whilst you pressure washed it ??? I've been trying that for years and the wee ginger b*stard keeps fecking off every time I get the pressure washer out :roll :z7
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 07/04/2013 at 20:11: River Don today, better than Deveron yesterday (for me). Biggest hatch of LDO's I have seen this year (anywhere), streaming down from 2 ish till well after 4pm but as usual only a few trout rising. Had a nice fish on the dry about 1.5 lbs but he decided he didn't like wearing fishnets so ta-tae-bye. Rose and pricked another, then at 4.30pm hooked and landed a 12-14 oz just to avoid a blank. Again on a dry. Had one lunker, castable but he only came up once so left him for another day - he is marked !

Troot Dinner:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_07_04_13_8_07_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=520)

1st Don trout 2013 and on the dry fly:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_07_04_13_8_08_39.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=521)

Any more dropped fish and the Helios 104 is getting relegated, beginning to think me and 10 footers don't get on.

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 07/04/2013 at 20:46: Hamish ours don't like being washed either but put one in charge of the power washer and that's a different story!! Obviously I have to set it up for him (no thumbs) and supervise :z16

Lindsay well done :z16 I really didn't expect much would be happening today. Just goes to show its always worth checking out.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 07/04/2013 at 20:51: Well done Lindser :z16

Pity about the trout that got away.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Michael Buchan on 07/04/2013 at 22:50: Well done Lindsay :z16 possibly just missed you I left river to early at 130 it was bitter cold plenty flies midges and olives but nothing moved for them so thought I would try get some brownie points as away fishing the Clyde and tweed next weekend.

Michael
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 07/04/2013 at 23:46: Shoulda stayed a bit longer Michael ! Iain, you win some you lose some, im my case mostly lose :z4 Just nice to connect with something. I'm blaming the rod and will be seeing my therapist Dr. Dixon about it all ( I have already raised this issue).

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 07/04/2013 at 23:53: Fished Fetternear today. Saw 3 fish up, once each and about a dozen flies. Left about 3:45 just as it got warm, got into Inverurie then due to change in weather turned straight around and went back again. Sat for another short while, saw no flies or fish so sacked it and went home.

Which 104 Helios are you struggling with Lindsay?

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 08/04/2013 at 00:07: Quote from: Ben_D on 07/04/2013 at 23:53
Which 104 Helios are you struggling with Lindsay?

The old one dude (eg. my one) ! It's like we talked about a few weeks ago about leverage etc. Dropped a few at end of last season on it (I only uesd the rod literally 3 or 4 times) and this one today. I Guess I am on about 65% conversion. Access 904 TF was 100 % ! :wink It's a real nice rod to use so will persevere - your always gonna bounce a few 8- 10 oz on a long, stiff rod I suppose but I don't want to make a habit of losing anything over a pound ! The fish today was well hooked, jumped a couple of times and all okay, hook pulled and line went slack possibly as the fish turned.

I liked the Helios 2 103 TF but being a munter in the casting department it won't help me I think and only cast with it so no fishing per se !

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 08/04/2013 at 07:56: Fished the Don Yesterday, rather disturbed to see some sort of creature on the far bank, something I ave not seen before. Quite dark, moving up the road on the Fetternear bank, every now and then stopping in the cover of the trees and watching. Very strange. It made a kind of low growling noise as well. Big cat maybe? not sure. The only markings I could make out was what looked like the word Surf on the side. Answers on a post card!

As for the fishing..nothing, nadder, not a thing! Considering it snowed most of the day I was not to surprised. I saw one fish take something off the top and that was it for the trout.

I tried bugging but the flow was a little strong so switched to swinging wets to no avail so went back to the car for the streamer gear. Not even a pull.

I did spend an enjoyable 30 minutes watching two salmon in a lie just pushing each other out of the way, twisting and flashing away. Eventually the smaller fish left and headed upstream. I managed to follow it for about 100 yards before I lost it in the faster water. Amazing to watch. Bigger fish was perhpas 15 pounds.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 08/04/2013 at 08:25: Ah, was you Rob, thought it looked like someone fishing for pike :z4
Did you get much of a hatch at the top end there?

Lindsay, I'm not sure what to suggest re bouncing the fish mate. I'll do some thinking and get back to you.

Looks from the weather like it could go down today on the Don, I'm heading over to fish the Dee.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 08/04/2013 at 12:33: Quote from: Ben_D on 08/04/2013 at 08:25
Ah, was you Rob, thought it looked like someone fishing for pike :z4
Did you get much of a hatch at the top end there?

No hatch, just one or two LDO's coming off not long after I saw you. Standing on the bridge I thought there was a hatch of Caenis coming off...until I realised it was fine snow being blown up from under the bridge arch!! Had me confused for a minute or two!

All in all a pretty grim day regarding seeing trout or flies.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 08/04/2013 at 19:09: Yup, was poor. I saw a few flies and a total of about 1.5lb of trout moved (that was about 6 fish).

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 08/04/2013 at 20:39: Spent today on the river, from 11am til 5 ish.
Snow, hail, wind. Some sun. More wind.

Very bizarre, fishing a pink dry fly in the snow.... But loving the flouro pink CDC over wing on my pink'n'dink dry fly. Very visible.

One of those days when you kinda know it's going to be pointless...but I had a flask of coffee, sandwiches, warm clothes... :-)
... so I used it to explore, to practice. Strong upstream wind and short lining (25-30 feet) a klink and dink - was very hard to get slack line for drifts. Had to really underpower the casts, and wiggle, and also aim high, and add lots of wrist rotation for open loops... What do you folks do to get slack line when the wind wants to straighten the line?

In the end, I did manage to rise a fish to the dry.... Totally, completely missed it...

Also used the duncan knot on my leader ring for the first time, following a post seen on Marc Fauvet's blog - really did seem to avoid tangling the dropper, so I will play with that and test further

Lots and lots (well, a wee bit more than a few) of LDO in the afternoon, up until around 4. On sheltered stretch, did see a couple of interesting rises...but well out of range
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 09/04/2013 at 07:48: Ok, humour me...Duncan Knot? Its a Uni knot to the rest of the world...confuddled.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 09/04/2013 at 17:50: Just back from mid Don. Faaaarging freezing - I have not been this cold this season :z4

LDO's hatched later today, well after 2pm, only tiddlers in back eddies showing interest in hoovering up cripples. NE wind was brutal in wind chill but also made casting with any precision (even for me) very difficult - aim 20 feet downstream from target and fly lands where you want it.

After much searching, finally found a fish rising sporadically mid stream. It seemed to be taking the odd March Brown and/or bigger LDO's. Thigh deep wade, some 'freestyle' casting in the wind and finally nailed the bugger on a size 12 Jingler. It was only an oz under a pound but a wee cracker, slipped back with no photo as my fingers were like spades !

At least a another 'non blank' and on the dry too, but these conditions are pretty horrible.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 09/04/2013 at 18:36: Good effort Lindsay :z16 it seems our weather is probably going to change by the end of the weekend, southerly winds and rain lol. I for one will gladly take that!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 09/04/2013 at 19:06: Glad someone saw some fish today lindsay, I was up at kemnay between 1 and about 4ish. As you said there were some pretty cold blasts of wind, but out of the wind I actually found some lovely warm sunny conditions too. Was dissapointed to see pretty much no fly life or moving fish. Didn't even get the usual pesky tiddlers nippin my flies, oh well, another few days off work until school goes back on monday. hopefully some better conditions arrive sometime before then, I plan to be out every day this week.

J
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 09/04/2013 at 19:33: Guys forecast is for snow tomorrow and Thursday. I am off this week so great weather next week will be welcome, but too late :mad Glad I didn't go to Kemnay - nearly did as was heading over from Orvis, but last year fly was disappointing and unpredictable there ( not much use for a dry fly fisherman !).

It really was hardcore today, even the Mackerel guys wimped out by 2pm ! :z4

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/04/2013 at 19:36: Quote from: Loxiafan on 09/04/2013 at 17:50

After much searching, finally found a fish rising sporadically mid stream. It seemed to be taking the odd March Brown and/or bigger LDO's. Thigh deep wade, some 'freestyle' casting in the wind and finally nailed the bugger on a size 12 Jingler. It was only an oz under a pound but a wee cracker,

Must be the first proper Caught Broonie off the Don by the Forum Circle?

Wahay the season is Officially off and running, roll on the warm southerly :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 09/04/2013 at 19:40: Quote from: Spiderman on 09/04/2013 at 19:36
Must be the first proper Caught Broonie off the Don by the Forum Circle?

Didn't Rob have a 3 pounder whilst Mackerel fishing ?

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/04/2013 at 19:42: Quote from: Spiderman on 09/04/2013 at 19:36
first proper Caught

:z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 09/04/2013 at 19:45: Quote from: Spiderman on 09/04/2013 at 19:42
:z18

:z4 I see ! :wink

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 10/04/2013 at 08:36: Quote from: Spiderman on 09/04/2013 at 19:36
Must be the first proper Caught Broonie off the Don by the Forum Circle?

Wahay the season is Officially off and running, roll on the warm southerly :z16

Sandy

And an inch and a quarter copper tube is not proper Brownie fishing? :wink

I saw the fish rise and covered it with the tube, Ginked up of course :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 10/04/2013 at 08:40: At least you got one :z16

Even if it may have been on an Alex style Adaptor dry :z7.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 10/04/2013 at 09:14: Quote from: Rob on 10/04/2013 at 08:36
I saw the fish rise and covered it with the tube, Ginked up of course :X2

'kin hell :! That's a shit load of Gink Rob :shock :z7 :wink
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 10/04/2013 at 09:35: I've got tubes tied with gold, orange, yellow & black that I fish for trout. Don't look quite like a Willie Gunn but I'd say they were legitimate trout flies. About the intention for me.

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 10/04/2013 at 10:31: Quote from: Ben_D on 10/04/2013 at 09:35
I've got tubes tied with gold, orange, yellow & black that I fish for trout. Don't look quite like a Willie Gunn but I'd say they were legitimate trout flies. About the intention for me.

Ben

The tube in question was a copper tube, gold mylar body (with the hook end left unraveled to cover the hook), black, orange and yellow bucktail tied sparse, with a little more "on top" of the tube than on the bottom, and then gold angel hair through it. By positioning the hook in such a way as to act as a keel, the fly does indeed look very much like a fish swimming.

I have toyed with adding Jungle Cock, but so far not bothered.

The fish seem to approve for once :)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 10/04/2013 at 19:38: An interesting day of 'lessons' for me on the Don today. Mid river from around 12.30 till after 5.30pm but much time spent dossing.

On arrival it was pretty awful. Decided I would suss this nymphing mullarkey so chose the Streamflex Plus (first mistake) and a Barrio #3 GT90. This would give me some flexibility if I decided to switch to dries. I must say this is a fantastic outfit to fish with, casting beautifully and with great feel, but as hard as I worked I couldn't tempt a fish in 2 hours. All through this there was the odd LDO coming off but unlike other days no interest. There were however fecking millions of small black midge/smuts - more of this in a separate post laters !

Ok, decided enough was enough and with conditions against me I clipped off the flashback nymph and subbed for a size 14 DHE leaving on the Waterhen Bloa on a dropper. I lurked about and found a pod of what seemed very small fish in slack water - now, myself and Mr.Goolager have had this conversation about splashy rises etc being dismissed as parr/bandies when in fact they are often decent fish (more of this later). I covered some of these "bulges" and got a fish on pretty much straight away, Waterhen Bloa. It jumped, christ a decent fish of around 1.5 lbs ! Well, kept him on tight, then that horrible feeling of slack line...realising that I still had the extension in the Streamflex ( so 10 foot) and bearing in mind everything I have been saying about 10 footers I took it off to the "not quite as crisp as they'd have you believe" 9' 6 ! I checked my flies - Partridge Classic Spider size 14, opened wide ! Mmmm so what Rob was experiencing last season. Clipped the bugger off !

Cast to another "bulge", bang straight on to the DHE, kept him tight and landed, at 1 lb 12 oz :

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_10_04_13_7_28_08.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=528)

Had a wee seat and noticed a splashy rising fish in faster water mid stream where I'd seen a lunker on Monday. Up he came again. And again. Right, game on. Wind very difficult (with a Streamflapp #3) but I got the fly right over him, distance about 45 feet. Wallop, sooked the fly doon then out it came right out the water ! Must have been 5 to 6 lbs I kid you not, certainly a PB by a country mile. Kept him tight, out he came again, still on but as he dived the line recoiled. I thought I was broke (using Maxima Ultra at 3 lb you see) but no the fly was still on. However, on examining it the Varivas 2200 BL-B had opened (bottom fly):

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_10_04_13_7_33_17.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=529)

Lessons learned today:

1) Go dry fly fishing whatever the conditions - Who Dares Wins.

2) Leave the Streamflex Plus in the car, better still at home if dry fly fishing !

3) Bin all Varivas 2200BL hooks, regardless how sad it makes you.

4) Bin all Partridge Classic Spider hooks.

5) Nymphing ? Pah ! :z4

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 10/04/2013 at 19:49: Nice fish Lindsay :z16

Hopefully the first of many for you this season! Cracking flies btw.

Cheers
Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 10/04/2013 at 20:29: Well done Lindsay, nice fish :z16

Interesting story re the hooks straightening. What tippet where you using on both flies that straightened? When trout fishing I would usually expect to break before straightening metal however my Varivas 2200's went the journey some time back after I had a few snap. I presumed over tempered, seems like they have now gone the opposite way.

Have you got a pic of the WHB for the spider police to inspect? :z4

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 10/04/2013 at 21:26: Pffff nightmare Lindsay!! Glad you're getting some action though and that's a nice fish in the pic. Great to hear things are happening despite the weather. Roll on the w end!!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 10/04/2013 at 21:44: Quote from: Ben_D on 10/04/2013 at 20:29

Interesting story re the hooks straightening. What tippet where you using on both flies that straightened? When trout fishing I would usually expect to break before straightening metal however my Varivas 2200's went the journey some time back after I had a few snap. I presumed over tempered, seems like they have now gone the opposite way.

Have you got a pic of the WHB for the spider police to inspect? :z4

Hi Ben,

Hooks 'opened' rather than straightening per se. I pushed the point back ( just to see how soft it was !) so no, no Wat Bloa for spider police ! The bummer is I have got hunners of spiders tied on these fecking hooks ! I do have a 'standby' though, my old spider preference so back to the tying bench.

I was using 3 lb Maxima Green on a 6ft Orvis SS tapered leader. probably about 4 or 5 feet of the Maxima. Whilst I had some tension on the fish it wasn't severe and anyway the Streamflex's tip is like a strand of spaghetti taking all the lunges ! :z4

The biggie was possibly on that limit where sucessful conversion of 'hook ups' can drop. Kicking myself cos I could have waded a bit closer tbh.....

Back to the reliable Access #4, to be honest I am think of flooging all the other shit and getting an Access 904 #5 !

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 10/04/2013 at 22:07: Quote from: TheYoungGun on 10/04/2013 at 19:49
Hopefully the first of many for you this season! Cracking flies btw.

Already had a few dude, have been making the effort ! :wink

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 10/04/2013 at 22:22: Not good mate although considering conditions I think you did a damn good job :z16

I'll be salmon fishing on Monday unless the weather changes considerably.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 10/04/2013 at 23:47: Quote from: Loxiafan on 10/04/2013 at 21:44

I am think of flooging all the other shit and getting an Access 904 #5 !

About to come cross to the light side :z16 Been down the same road, although never got into roachpoles for fly fishing :z4
9ft has always been my personal max for comfort. tried 3's for many moons but now its 4wt or 5wt's depending on action :z16

These days I have an awesome Plastic 2pc 9ft 4wt fast action and a proper rod in a 3pc 8ft 5wt Cane med/fast. I fish both with the 4wt SLX :z18 So far its the best idea i've ever tried and i'm comfortable with my fishing gear, for once. :z12

BTW i'm deeply in love with the Cane and it will see most of the use this year, infact i intend to try and use nothing else, so we shall see.

Have a look at some of the super sweet second hand rods kicking around, don't know if H is still selling his B11X, it is the ideal rod for the river :z16 Or build yourself something nice, you tie a nice fly, so a rod would be easy :z18

Otherwise Lovely fish :z16 I'm going to have a go tomorrow on the Don, not sure where to head yet :z8 but i guess i'll wing it in the morning.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/04/2013 at 00:01: Cracking report and photos Lindsay ....... nice trout too! :z16

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 11/04/2013 at 07:28: Quote from: Spiderman on 10/04/2013 at 23:47
Have a look at some of the super sweet second hand rods kicking around, don't know if H is still selling his B11X, it is the ideal rod for the river :z16

I am still selling it :z10
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 11/04/2013 at 07:47: Quote from: Loxiafan on 10/04/2013 at 21:44
Back to the reliable Access #4, to be honest I am think of flooging all the other shit and getting an Access 904 #5 !

Cracking fish Lindsay - not been the nicest week to be on the river, weather wise, so good effort.
Shame about the big fish, but you know where he is now!!

Can I have first dibs on your 10ft 4wt when you flog it!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 11/04/2013 at 18:08: I spent a few hours down the river this afternoon, from lunchtime through till about 4.

Lots of flies coming off, mainly LDO's with a few of these scattered in amongst them

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_11_04_13_5_49_21.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=530)

Not a fish to bee seen rising, so i set off with a March brown dry on the dropper and a Nymph on the point and went searching.
After a lot of nothing i sat and had lunch, the flies kept coming which is great, but still no risers :z6 I even sat at the point i though most likely to produce a wee rise, still nothing......

So i'm making my way up through some pocket water when i get to the tail of the pool above the streamy bit i'm fishing and i spot what could have been a small rise, or the swirl from a rock, unsure i sit down and wait, the next LDO that floats down is being observed rather closely when up pops a large head and the fly is gone, a smooth back and a tail the 2/3rd's the size of my hand, barely a ripple except in my chest where it is all suddenly going mad. So off comes the nymph and on goes a Waterhen Bloa. The fish is only about 4 ft out from the bank so a careful cast puts the flies out......Nothing..... did i spook him :z10 Lack of confidence in the heat of the moment, so i sit and wistfully watch pondering what i did wrong, did he not like the flies, was it the orange line (i'm still on the nymph rig and not swapped to dryfly mode) did he see me even though i'm crouched on the bank about 10ft behind him :z8 Lots to ponder when A small flash about 4ft further out and i see the tail again. This time i wait.............. after about 90secs i cast again somewhere between where the two rises were, up he comes and the waterhen bloa is quite confidently Consumed. Bang he's on and going mental, what a way to christen the new 8ft Cane :z16 After several spectacular leaps, i lost count at 8 :shock each bringing its own minor heartattack and desperately trying to keep him out of the rapids with some well applied side strain I managed to get him up to the bank, a good 20-22" long if not a little more.. Now here starts my issue, i have only my small handnet which is great when you are wading, but when you are 2ft up from the water and kneeling on the grass its not so clever :z10 So with the rod in my left hand and the net in my outstretched right i lean down to try and net him... this he is not to amused at and makes a final Leap...... Pop goes the dropper and i'm left staring at the water trying to regain some sort of composure :cry.

Awesome.... Probably the best Fish i've hooked since i came home, brilliant fight more like a sea-trout and i got to see him up close a beautiful golden brownie with the classic Don Blue blusher, Only thing i didn't get to do was land him so i could measure him properly and get a Photo to claim a decent fish :X1
So i'm still to get off the mark, but things are looking up, and so it seems are the fish :z7

But I now I know where he lives :wink Roll on the warmer weather next week :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/04/2013 at 18:12: Great stuff Sandy :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 11/04/2013 at 18:54: Great report sandy :z16 hope you get to give that trout another opportunity to join the forum gallery!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 20:54: Nice report Sandy and well done on the hard bit, getting him to take ! :z16 As you know I have had mixed results recently...

On to today. Very promising weather, arrived about 1pm to scads of LDO's and quickly found steady risers in some slack water next to a main crease. Today I opted for Tiemco 212Y's for my DHE's. First cast, fish on, around two pounds in weight as he jumped twice. All going well. Then dreaded recoil ! Looked at the DHE, complety opened ! Right phuk this, I said raking about till I thankfully found a shitty size 14 DHE on a Kamasan B100, and on it went with liberal Gink to the Deer Hair. I sat back and the 'big boy' thought he'd start on the LDO's. Covered him a few times, but must have lined him as he went down.

Sat for about 40 minutes when I noticed dimpling rises on the edge of the crease right in the slack water. This looked like the type of rise a parr would make. Third cast he gulped the DHE and went mental, but no jumping ( at all - sign of a big fish ??) ! I could feel the weight of the fish and had to sidestrain him from his bolt hole a massive boulder midstream. All the times saying please hold, please hold to the B100. The fish then stripped line from the reel and took me down in to the next pool. A Salmon angler who had turned up asked me if I needed any help and then proceeded to watch ( more of this later !). My thoughts now turned to the leader and tippet ( 6ft 2X Orvis SS tapered, with 3 feet 3x, 2 ft 4x and 1.5 feet 5x) and all the knots. More "please hold's" ! I managed to work the fish upstream and could see it was really big and I thought I was going in to shock ! Reached for me net and it was tangled up in the Orvis stretchy stuff. So I shouted up to the Salmon boy " can I borrow yer net mate" to which he replied " I dinnae carry one" ! So when he asked me if I needed any help earlier, just what did he mean ? ! :z8 The net finally untwisted form the Brian May guitar lead and I got the fish in. Massive ! The Salmon boy said well done and buggered off. I weighed him in the McLean and it was just below the 5 pound line, certainly no less than 4 lb 14 oz. I would have liked a photo of me with the fish but you'll just have to make do with this:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_11_04_13_8_46_56.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=531)

I only took a couple as my first thought was to get the fish back and away. He took about a minute to steady himself but off he went strong. A fish of a lifetime for me, no doubt.

Here is the TMC212Y that opened and the 'heroic' B100 (debarbed) that held firm:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_11_04_13_8_48_52.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=532)

I had just ordered a whole bunch of 212Y's from Lathkill last night but when they arrive they are going straight on the bay of E. Thankfully I also ordered a shitload of B100's and have some here meantime.

I must thank Iain Goolager. I spooled my new GT90 #4 this morning (which I used today) and attached a RM mincon with Iain's whip finish SBS he sent me. Held firm dude ! :z16 The Helios 104 with the GT90 was great !

Big March Brown hatch today at 3pm on the nose but very little surface interest from the trout.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 11/04/2013 at 21:05: Well done Lindsay, that is a monster :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 11/04/2013 at 21:05: Fantastic fish Lindsay, unbelievable!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 11/04/2013 at 21:06: Awesome fish dude :z16

Well done that man :z14

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:07: Lindz,

nice trout, well done. :z16
Real pity about the big trout (takes a bit of skill to handle those boys but that will come :X2 :z7 :z4)

There are some hooks that I wouldn't use when there is a possibility, however remote, of a decent wildie and the 2200 is included. I do like the Tiemco 212Y and it hasn't let me down with fish to the 3 lb mark (rainbows) but would I'd have to be uber giddy to intentionally target a large river brown with a fly tied on one.

If you would like to trial a 9 for a 5 Access give me a shout.

Sandy,

cracking photo :z16 but a spotty trout lying alongside a cane wand would have been even better.

River Don? Landing nets? another case of damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Realistically fishing without a long handled net will lose you some decent fish over the season, get the blood pressure in the head and neck rocketing as you contort yourself upside down amongst the dockings and nettles & possibly get you a soaking to boot............. I have tried on a few occasions to carry different net types with a greater reach but always revert to a short handled version?

Surface activity may not be great but as always at this time of the season patience will generally provide something worthwhile to aim at............ I hate you guys that get down to the river of an afternoon :mad :wink

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:12: Lindz,

you posted as I was writing and damn it that was something that I was going to question in said post.....................the reason for using fine wire crap on DHE's?

all mine are tied on Kamakazee B100's (until I have in my hand a suitable barbless type - which I think I've found).

I use the 212Y's on emerging CDC patterns for lightness and as said these are for stocked rainbows or smaller wild fish.

Anyway, I'm so glad that you caught a decent fish, well done you bute!

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 11/04/2013 at 21:26: Quote from: Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:07
but a spotty trout lying alongside a cane wand would have been even better

I couldn't agree more :z16
Although this rod is no wand :wink

Next week can't come quick enough :z6

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 11/04/2013 at 21:33: Now that's a fish, well done Lindsay :z16 a personal best I take it? That's a day to savour, enjoy and congratulations :z18

Nets I've had a few and the best I've tried for the river by miles is
http://www.sportfish.co.uk/mclean-telescopic-hinged-tri-weigh-fishing-net.html
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:35: GAY!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 11/04/2013 at 21:37: You are. Infinity.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 11/04/2013 at 21:38: Congrats Lindsay :z16

For the effort you put in, you deserve a few more like that :z12

Notice it was on the Helios too :z4

Quote
Realistically fishing without a long handled net will lose you some decent fish over the season, get the blood pressure in the head and neck rocketing as you contort yourself upside down amongst the dockings and nettles & possibly get you a soaking to boot............. I have tried on a few occasions to carry different net types with a greater reach but always revert to a short handled version?

Iain's right mate, I have had the exact experience above several times. I use the Maclean weigh with the extending handle and have sliding cable tie to lock it open, helps with releasing fish when fishing from the bank over deep water.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Alex Burnett on 11/04/2013 at 21:38: Quote from: An Chuileog on 11/04/2013 at 21:33
Now that's a fish, well done Lindsay :z16 a personal best I take it? That's a day to savour enjoy and congratulations :z18

Nets I've had a few and the best I've tried for the river by miles is
http://www.sportfish.co.uk/mclean-telescopic-hinged-tri-weigh-fishing-net.html

Same one as I use :z16

@ Iain, better to look Gay than lose a 3lb Monster or end up soaking wet!!! :X2

Alex
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:56: Quote
@ Iain, better to look Gay than lose a 3lb Monster or end up soaking wet!!!

especially when looking gay is the norm, eh Alexandro?? eh? eh?? :z4 :z4

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Alex Burnett on 11/04/2013 at 21:59: Quote from: Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:56

especially when looking gay is the norm, eh Alexandro?? eh? eh?? :z4 :z4

Iain

Iain if I had been talking about me & not you I would have said a 6" monster Broonie! :wink :X2

Alex
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 11/04/2013 at 22:02: Quote from: Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:12
all mine are tied on Kamakazee B100's (until I have in my hand a suitable barbless type - which I think I've found).

All my DHE's are on B100's too. Speak to Kev, he might machine you a barbless B100 equivalent.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 22:19: Thanks guys. I always acknowledge lady luck when it comes to fishing, but for once there was no luck involved :wink It was tactical, measured Brownie stalking, a big fish (and other fish) I found on Sunday through getting out in awful conditions. It pays off, you make your own luck as they say.

Yes Noel a PB, and will be for a long time possibly. Fish of a lifetime for sure !

B100's from now on. First fish I had on my very first DHE's were on B100's too :oops

You can have all the great rods, reels and fly lines but when you lose confidence in terminal tackle you are well and truly phucked until you find a workaround. Mustads for the spiders (my old hook) and B100's for klinky shit.

@Iain, I like the 212Y's and Varivas 2200BL's, because as you will have seen from my tyings I like superslim bodies on my DHE's and like them to really drop arse beneath the surface. Today proved all that doesn't matter and I'll move on with B100's ! What is your new Barbless alternative.

Thinking of what trophy hunter Richard Tong said on here that him and Paul Procter don't used anything with "fine" on the packet when fishing for Don trout. But when you are a munter catching 1 to 2 lb fish these hooks do seem to hold - I have only had one Varivas slightly open and had wild fish (inc. fiesty Sea Trout) up to 3 lbs :z8 The fish that have been straightening me aren't any bigger so wondering if it is where they are being hooked ?

Short handled net for me unless I know I won't be wading or banks are high. I really like Iain's new "ghost net" ! Any of those at Haddo on Sunday Ben ? :wink Problem is, that fish today wouldn't have fitted in it ! :z4

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/04/2013 at 22:22: Awesome trout Lindsay ..... Well done :z16

Best wishes
Mike

PS: Drop me a copy of the photo if you get a chance :wink
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Michael Buchan on 11/04/2013 at 22:38: Well done Lindsay that is one stunning fish :z14

Roll on the weekend

Michael
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 22:43: Quote from: wind knot on 11/04/2013 at 22:38
Well done Lindsay that is one stunning fish :z14

Roll on the weekend

Cheers Michael, 40+ mph winds forecast for weekend which is why I went out today, and got in someones bad books too !

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 23:08: Just had it suggested from someone on ADAA commitee that it is a Sea Trout kelt ? !

Discuss. I know it's not and am surprised at that suggestion tbh.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 23:14: Quote
Just had it suggested from someone on ADAA commitee that it is a Sea Trout kelt ? !

ZX3
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/04/2013 at 23:23: Quote from: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 23:08
Just had it suggested from someone on ADAA commitee that it is a Sea Trout kelt ? !

ZX2
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 11/04/2013 at 23:35: :shock tell him to Fek off and get his specs changed :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 23:37: Well I hope he reads this thread, I did say that it is defintely a brownie and also that no one one here for one minute suggested to me a Sea Trout kelt - talk about a dampner to the end of a great day. :mad Rather worried by that :z6

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 23:37: (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_11_04_13_11_37_07.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=533)

Was it caught on one of these Bloody Butchers?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 11/04/2013 at 23:42: Quote from: Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 23:37
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_11_04_13_11_37_07.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=533)

Was it caught on one of these Bloody Butchers?

You've changed.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 23:44: Apparently it doesn't have red spots a defining feature of Brown Trout.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 11/04/2013 at 23:59: Dude I'm no expert but I've had a quick look back through the forum at some don trout pics, and if red spots are a must then half the brownies we've posted on this forum are actually sea trout!

Look at this page that I picked at random, 3 trout and not a red spot in sight! :roll
http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2655.15

Here's another from years ago, those hands are either Richardo or PP I think, neither of whom would recognise a brown trout. :z4
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/24_12_04_13_12_07_03.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=535)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 00:07: The 'red spot' thing is bollocks, utter bollocks.

My best from last season, 3 pound wild BROWN TROUT, not a red spot is sight:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_12_04_13_12_05_40.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=534)

So it's a Sea Trout ? :z7

As a boy that grew up in Fife, I am familiar with the Loch Leven strain of trout. No red spots. In fact, Howietown, who supplied the stockies to ADAA ( who then stuck them in the Don) were famous for breeding this strain. Not sure if they still do.

I am totally dismayed by this. Ruined my day.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 12/04/2013 at 00:16: Dude that's a lovely pic :z16 what a beautiful trout! Don't mind that silly billy Lindsay and definitely don't let his ill informed opinion ruin your day!!! Now I'm just dying to know who it is! Right sleep time!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 00:25: I have one of Scott Cumming pics from ADAA forum, 6 pound Brown Trout from last season. Can't seem to upload it for some reason. But rest assured, looks like my one from today and NO red spots !

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 00:37: Don't lose any sleep over it Lindsay ..... somebody else will :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 00:44: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 00:37
Don't lose any sleep over it Lindsay ..... somebody else will :z4

I get you Mike, but it really is a fish of a lifetime for me and to dismiss off hand as a Sea Trout kelt is astonishing to say the least. I have sent it to Paul Procter. If he says it is a Brown Trout, then good enough for me regradless whether this individual has caught hundreds of Sea Trout kelts or not. I am not a betting man but if PP does respond I'd stake my life on it that he confirms Brownie :wink

Linz
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 01:28: A few River Don Brownies from my files, some with Paul and Richard, one of Bri's, one of Ben's, one of Peter's, one of Chris's ....... not a lot of red spots :wink

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_20_39.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=538)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_21_32.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=539)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_22_10.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=540)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_22_44.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=541)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_23_32.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=542)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_24_04.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=543)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_24_36.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=544)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_25_12.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=545)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_25_41.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=546)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_26_15.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=547)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_26_54.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=548)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_1_27_30.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=549)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 12/04/2013 at 07:45: lindsay

can I use your pic on the ADAA web/facebook - be nice to show the quality of brown trout in the River Don.
locations etc never disclosed (but would show the fly, if that's OK?)

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 12/04/2013 at 08:21: Quote from: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 00:44
I get you Mike, but it really is a fish of a lifetime for me and to dismiss off hand as a Sea Trout kelt is astonishing to say the least. I have sent it to Paul Procter. If he says it is a Brown Trout, then good enough for me regradless whether this individual has caught hundreds of Sea Trout kelts or not. I am not a betting man but if PP does respond I'd stake my life on it that he confirms Brownie :wink

Linz

It's a smashing fish which although a wee bit thin from the photo, is unlikely to be a Sea Trout kelt IMHO. A scale sample would most probably confirm it either way but it's early season, it's been buggeringly cold and any fish of that size is likely to be a smidgen closer to 'racing weight' than anything else.
The confusion by the ADAA committee member may be due to the afore mentioned clubs former passion for putting non-Don strain stockies in the ADAA beats. The committee member may have recalled these probably had a lot of red spots so were..... errr.... obviously.... 'real' brown trout where the 'indigenous' trout were not :z7

Don't fret or allow someone else's views f*ck up what is a special catch for you :z16

H :cool:
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 12/04/2013 at 08:37: Quote from: Hamish on 12/04/2013 at 08:21
The committee member may have recalled these probably had a lot of red spots so were..... errr.... obviously.... 'real' brown trout where the 'indigenous' trout were not :z7

That would sit well with me too, I've caught my fair share of good Don brownies and that is no Sea-trout Kelt, the big Don brownies hardly ever have red spots, in fact all my photos are like the ones mike has posted, not a red spot in Sight.
Whoever spoke to you is a bit of Tard and obviously has a problem with the old green eyed monster. There are lots of old wives tales about the fact that Don Brownies have a blue sheen which means they spend time in the Estuary, ie the fabled Slob Trout, this is also bollocks, a few years ago we did some research with scales from fish and even Fish that looked positively blue in the cheeks and silver in the sides turned out to be River fish that had spent little or no time in saltwater.
The biggest one we checked is My PB which funnily enough also weighed 4lb 14oz, it had no red spots at all, was 24" long and a good girth, she was a female that was 11-12years old and had spent no time in the sea at all, the growth rings were completely consistant with spending its whole life in the river.

There is no doubt Your fish is brownie :z16 and an absolute bute, A classic Native Don Brownie :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 12/04/2013 at 08:37: Cracking fish Lindsay,

Well deserved fish with the time and effort youve put in.
Forget about the sea trout comment, im still smiling about the PB i caught this time last year :z4

:z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 09:09: Thanks for all those comments, especially Mike with the photo examples, Sandy and Hamish's comments - Hamish, I think they may have stocked with Loch Leven strain - as you know don't tend to have red spots either !

I have other less good photos of it which I will upload tonight. I am adamant it is a Brown Trout on this evidence:

1) Brown tinge's to gill plates, extensive on lower maxilla and also that butter-brown evident on belly line (just visible). The fish's back was brown in hue, not terribly clear in the photo I posted, but there are others. A typical Sea Trout (kelt) would have much less spotting, not extending below lateral line and belly would be pure white.

2) The spotting is not typical of sea going trutta - it is extensive, well marked and extends well below the lateral line.

3) As Iain alluded, it was caught on a size 14 Dry in April - not a clincher, but how many 5 lb Sea Trout Kelts are caught on the dry fly ?

4) Male fish - kype present ? Do most sea going trutta males not die after spawing ? :z8

5) It is not a Sea Trout it is a river adapted trutta !

Yes, there can be exceptions but I am still really bealing about this. It was put he would check with "his people" and let me know ! Well thanks very much but I already know and it seems opinion on here from "my people" shows parity with my own view.

Hope Paul P gets back on this as he possibly has most experience across UK and in Scotland.

Lindsay

PS I still can't seem to upload photos due to a Java prob.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 09:15: Quote from: iainCameron on 12/04/2013 at 07:45
lindsay
can I use your pic on the ADAA web/facebook - be nice to show the quality of brown trout in the River Don.
locations etc never disclosed (but would show the fly, if that's OK?)

Can do dude on the 'condition' you tell your "leaders" it is a Brown Trout ! :wink :z7

I'll try and take a better pic of the flee though :oops

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 09:31: Quote from: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 09:09

PS I still can't seem to upload photos due to a Java prob.

Is anybody else experiencing problems? It is working fine for me.

You can send me any photos that you would like uploaded Lindsay and I can do it for you.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter McCallum on 12/04/2013 at 09:55: Quote from: Loxiafan on 11/04/2013 at 23:08
Just had it suggested from someone on ADAA commitee that it is a Sea Trout kelt ? !

Discuss. I know it's not and am surprised at that suggestion tbh.

Lindsay

Green eyed monster perhaps?? :X2 :X2

Don't remember a single red spot on my trout, even on the reverse of the picture, does that mean its a sea trout? Anyway there's not a bit of difference between sea and brown trout! Not when I last talked to professor Andy Walker, ex of Faskally.

I echo the Feck off statement! It may be slim but its had little chance to fatten up this season so far a super fish :z12 :z16 :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 09:59: Quote from: rabbitangler on 12/04/2013 at 09:55
Green eyed monster perhaps?? :X2 :X2

Or blue spotted :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 10:01: Paul Procter has very kindly responded with Brown Trout every day of the week ! Still a bit thin and not back to tip top condition but he says he would expect this for some of the larger specimens at this time of year.

Good enough for me, what a nice helpful guy.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 10:05: Here is Scott Cummings 6 lb Brown Trout in May ( his second biggest last season) still showing signs of "thinness" :

Lindsay

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_12_04_13_10_07_18.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=550)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 12/04/2013 at 10:36: Lindsay

Well done on your PB, a cracking Don Brown Trout. I've looked through my big trout pics and there isn't a red spot on any. I never bother taking photos of sea trout kelts wish I did now - might help educate you know who!

Well done again and look forward to more photos.

Best get myself down to the river, looks like things are heating up on the don.

Cheers
Scott Cumming
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 10:41: Hi Scott,
Welcome to the forum :z16

That is a cracking trout!

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 12/04/2013 at 11:44: Hi Scott,
1st time I've actually seen the picture :z16

Nice one, hopefully see you out n'about.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 12/04/2013 at 11:47: Lindzer,

you're taking this much too seriously ............stop faffin' about and get a JT olive wet (or should it be a PP fly now that you are are a trophy hunter).

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2013 at 12:04: Quote from: Goolager on 12/04/2013 at 11:47
Lindzer,

you're taking this much too seriously ............stop faffin' about and get a JT olive wet (or should it be a PP fly now that you are are a trophy hunter).

Iain

Agreed :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 12/04/2013 at 14:11: Welcome to the forum Scott, nice fish :z16 (Please don't mention waders :z4)

This is a big fish I got in 2009 being released, not the best pic but only on I have at work
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/993_12_04_13_2_07_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=551)

No red spots on this chap from memory, will check another pic when I get home.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 12/04/2013 at 18:51: Managed out on the Don today between 2pm and 4pm, steady stream of March browns and LDO's during the 2 hours i was there. The trout weren't showing much interest in the duns so i decided to sit and watch for a while. I chatted to one of the guys fishing for Salmon (with out a net :wink) who said the there werent any decent trout there and the only rising fish were small. I said that you never know and even what looks like small rises are worth covering. Was then told to "stop trying to teach yer granny to suck eggs" which was wierd, always nice to bump into someone when your fishing though. :X1

Any way determined to get off the mark i spotted a small rise mid river and just on the limit of my casting distance, after a few goes with a DHE i swapped to a CDC Dun, first cast out and a nice nice sized trout took my offering confidently. Unfortunately when i hooked up, the fish bolted straight for me and i couldn't take up the slack line....fish off, bugger!

I decided to move up stream slightly and sit for a while, i noticed a few trout moving to something just sub surface, giving themselves my causing areas of the water to buldge. Off went the CDC Dun and on went a Waterhen Bloa. Casting from just below the sighted fish i covered it twice but no joy, third time lucky and fish on, it made a dive for the river bed and after a few seconds out popped the hook, bugger!

2 Decent fish (for me anyway) dropped, a little disappointing but at least i am getting myself in the right places and presenting the flies well enough. Maybe get another crack at them over the weekend if the weather holds.

:z18
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 12/04/2013 at 19:47: Dan think I may have been tackling up as you arrived? Handsome chap oozing charisma but possibly slightly dodgy stripy wooly hat :z16 sound familiar :z4
Well my times are similar, there were lots of olives and a salmon fisher with no net.
My results are similar as well. Seen 3 risers hooked 2 landed 1. That one was bout the lb one I lost was closer to 2. The risers I seen were all in a pod other than that walked to the top of the beat but seen nowt. A great afternoon, how good is it to be back walking the banks and targeting rising brownies :z16 looking forward to tomorrow and a walk along an old favourite beat :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 12/04/2013 at 19:52: Quote from: An Chuileog on 12/04/2013 at 19:47
Dan think I may have been tackling up as you arrived? Handsome chap oozing charisma but possibly slightly dodgy stripy wooly hat :z16 sound familiar :z4

Sorry Noel if i had known it was you i would have stopped for a chat, will know for next time. Glad you got some action and landed one. :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 20:04: Quote from: klinkhammer on 12/04/2013 at 10:36

Well done on your PB, a cracking Don Brown Trout. I've looked through my big trout pics and there isn't a red spot on any. I never bother taking photos of sea trout kelts wish I did now - might help educate you know who!

:z4 Aye, might start doing that too ! Thanks for the comments, a fish of a lifetime for me but "an also ran" for you ! Actually, I should have probably measured it rather than weigh - will use the photo as a reference against rod and reel position.

Dan, well done on the hook ups - you've gotta be in it too win it !

Iain, aye JT Olive is temporarily 'relegated' but only cos the types of rises were indicative of fish taking something just subsurface.

Cheers,

Linz
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 12/04/2013 at 20:05: Quote from: danbruce on 12/04/2013 at 19:52
Sorry Noel if i had known it was you i would have stopped for a chat, will know for next time. Glad you got some action and landed one. :z16

That's ok dan you didn't get much chance! It wasn't a race or anything obviously but if you'd tried to get up the river before me I may just have rugby tackled you as you passed :z4 not sure what the adaa rule book says bout that! :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 12/04/2013 at 20:07: Quote
if you'd tried to get up the river before me I may just have rugby tackled you as you passed

:z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 20:13: Quote from: danbruce on 12/04/2013 at 18:51
Was then told to "stop trying to teach yer granny to suck eggs" which was wierd, always nice to bump into someone when your fishing though. :X1

The same guys were telling me that when I caught the biggie (and lost a decent one). If I'd taken the advice on the rises I'd have caught feck all.

Tell him to F off and buy a net - how does he intend to safely land a fish (he has to return) on steep banks :z8 If he tails it chances are it will knack the vertebrae. Should be a rule, period, but all bravado I guess ? I've generally got little time for these guys :roll

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 12/04/2013 at 20:29: Very little fly life on the don this afternoon, managed a couple on the dry, best at 20" similar colouration to Lindsays cracker yesterday

Scott

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/12413_brown.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/12413_brown.jpg.html)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 20:37: Nice Brown Trout Scott and in decent condition too ! :z16

Noel, well done, off to a flyer hopefully :z18

Anyone else out ? Iain, did you manage to skive off at 12 to try your top secret adapter dry, sooper dooper improved curvature industrial strength emerger hooks :wink :z7

I feel like I missed a good day today but fishing was red carded, plus the 3 valiums I took last night hadn't worn off !

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 12/04/2013 at 20:37: Hmmm can't see any red spots. Another sea trout kelt then :z4 cracking fish scott well done!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 12/04/2013 at 21:28: Didn't get away at 12 Lindzer :mad 11:59, shout for equipment :z6

was on the water - further upstream than you guys - for 2:15 when the 1st upwing appeared, these trickled for 15 min's (I was watch checking) then reduced in trickleage for the next 30 min's before finishing in a poor finale.

I never saw one fish rise, not a one. I chose two pools which had sections of likely water in between and never saw one rise. What an anti climax. I even had my bamboo with me.

1st afternoon on the Don and not a rising fish in sight, to add insult to injury I threw on a nymph in disgust and across and downed the blaggard and hooked a fish that although not huge would have been most welcome on the dry. I was so annoyed that I slid him back and packed up (well ok - had a lip on but also an eagle eye on the water in hope as I stormed back to the car).

There were no MB's and I wasn't close enough to be certain of the model of upright.

Don't think I'll be out tomorrow which is grating and I have decided that this season is going to be a dry fly and camera year, nothing subsurface - it bores me! (spiders to showing fish are excluded from that)

Well done to you guys out today :z16

Noel & Dan - get a room!

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 21:37: Quote from: Goolager on 12/04/2013 at 21:28
Didn't get away at 12 Lindzer :mad 11:59, shout for equipment :z6

Don't think I'll be out tomorrow which is grating and I have decided that this season is going to be a dry fly and camera year, nothing subsurface - it bores me! (spiders to showing fish are excluded from that)

I have spent at total of 4 hours nymphing on the Don without so much as a knock, and at times I have almost looked like I know what I am doing :z7 I even did an hour and a half with the French Leader on the Helios yesterday (difficult !) and was all looking good, could see how it could be effective but just no action. In contrast, most fish I have seen rising that I have cast too I have at least hooked. Says it all really. Spiders to showing fish is fair game though, maybe even more difficult (in take detection).

I will be oot, don't know where. Off to tie some "Don proof" DHE's ! :wink

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 12/04/2013 at 21:42: Good Luck tomorrow :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 12/04/2013 at 21:57: Linds,
congratulations on your cracking troot, i just saw the thread tonight after a blank day on the Dee chasing the silver vermin. The limestone lochs in Durness must be full of sea trout kelts because I have been catching fish up there for years and none of them ever had a red spot.

Do not let nonsense like the comment that you saw put a damper on the fish of a lifetime.

Well done again.

Eddie :z14 :z14 :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 22:34: Thanks Ed !

I have cancelled Monday mornings therapy session !

Yep, must have been a lot os Sea Trout in Loch Leven ( and the river) when I were a lad :wink

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 12/04/2013 at 22:53: Quote from: Goolager on 11/04/2013 at 21:07

There are some hooks that I wouldn't use when there is a possibility, however remote, of a decent wildie and the 2200 is included. I do like the Tiemco 212Y and it hasn't let me down with fish to the 3 lb mark (rainbows) but would I'd have to be uber giddy to intentionally target a large river brown with a fly tied on one.

Just some more thoughts on this - the 212Y, though looking stronger, this opened way more easily than the 2200BL. I have used the Varivas 2200BL-B's and had Browns and Sea Trout to 3 lb as well so that seems to be the magic figure. So in the 'real' world it would normally be safe to fish them.

That said, I now wonder if my 'dropped' fish are these fine hooks opening when the fish is hooked but re-setting so they look ok on losing the fish ? The bigger more powerful fish just opened them and this was obvious.

On re-visiting the B100's I like them - hook point slightly offset can't be bad. Will be using these bad boys incase a 6 pounder comes along ! :z7

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/04/2013 at 10:03: Quote from: klinkhammer on 12/04/2013 at 20:29
Scott

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/12413_brown.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/12413_brown.jpg.html)

Thats a bonny fish Scott, nice one :z16 in cracking condition as well, loving the blue cheeks. Welcome to the forum by the way :z16
This casting at a small pod or solitary feeders seems to be the way at the moment. Doesn't leave much room for error :z6
Don't you just love a challenge. :z18

Sandy

PS. well done Noel, i guess i'm falling behind now :z10 roll on Monday :z3
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 13/04/2013 at 10:52: One of the things PP asked me was if I measured the fish. I didn't but am now wishing I had given it not being at fighting weight !

However, I did take pics with rod and reel as scale. The first female join in my rod is pretty much bang on 25.5 inches to the edge of the Hydros II :

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_13_04_13_10_47_30.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=556)

Here is the bad boy again for reference:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_13_04_13_10_48_49.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=557)

His nose isn't quite up to the reel but flat edge of tail is past the rod join. Not sure what part of tail you measure to ( tip in Marine Lab :wink) so would appreciate what you guys that do measure think. I know it cant be dead accurate I make him around 25"" and at least 24"" ?

Tape measure in my bag today !

Cheers,

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 13/04/2013 at 11:13: Lindzer,

Will you get yerself out fishing!!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/04/2013 at 11:40: I'd give you 25" nose to centre of tail (if not a little bit more) that would keep in well with my own PB which was 24" nose to centre of tail but in better condition with a bit more girth being a June fish. Both are the same weight.

Now all you have to do is catch him again in August :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 13/04/2013 at 17:05: First salmon on a Dry!

Interesting day on the river today. Caught up with Rob in the morning, a few casts, no fishes.

Took a wander in the increasingly windy (and cold) condtions looking for some rising fish, having abandoned earlier attempts at nymphing.

Drinking coffee, I spotted a wee fish rising. Put a DHE more or less in his view, and his big brother nailed it sweet as you like:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_13_04_13_4_54_58.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=558)

Lovely trout, 18 inches (about 2lb?) - first trout of the season! hurrah!

This was the wee guy I thought I'd been aiming at - it's so much easier when you think it is a little chap. I got him eventually!

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_13_04_13_4_55_59.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=559)

Back to the coffee, and despite the wind, a lot of beasties floating downstream. MId water, in a bit of a wavy chop, a big fish , I mean BIG! was heading and tailing for the LDOs or MBs or whatever the heck they were. Was rising quite steadily, and clearly taking beasties off the top.

Ok, so had to have a go at him. First couple of tries put him down; stopped, waited, he came again... DHE in his lane... sweet as a nut he nailed it and went deep. Very heavy, very silver, very shiny brown trou... oh bugger, I've hooked a big salmon on the dry (trout tippet, 4lb.... gulp.)

Was of course geared up for trouting, with 5wt helios and 4lb tippet. Somewhat nervously I had to hang for a long time, it just kept sounding, crossing the stream, and finally sulking a rod's length away. Couldn't bully it, and had to jump in baw deep to try scoop it into trout net... Got it eventually, with some jubilation! DHE firmly in lower jaw. It had rolled a bit and had tippet round its maxiliary, so I thought I'd snip the flee before photos... blooming fish rolled, kicked, stuck the DHE in my finger and escaped.... doh!!! Oh well, no pics...
apart from this bloody pic

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_13_04_13_5_02_35.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=560)

oh, and a few scales left over in the net.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_13_04_13_5_03_25.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=561)

Size? probably 30" or so (just shorter than my arm) so probably what, 8lb or so?

Kelt or Springer? Well, I had a kelt on April 1st. Today's fish was solid, shiny, purple hued, and had that nice thick body shape; so I'm going for a fresh fish. I had it in my hand and it was solid.

Great fun on a 5wt - and not too often I'm going to sight fish, target, hook and land a salmon on a dry!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 13/04/2013 at 17:14: Well done Iain, good trout and especially the Salmon on a DHE ! Paul Procter caught two salmon kkkk-kelts (sorry have trouble saying it now) on a DHE yesterday or the day before. I suppose you have some scales you can give to Jamie.

Well, well, well, so Salmon do feed in freshwater :z8 Salmon on the dry fly indeed ! :z16

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/04/2013 at 17:18: Well done iain :z16

Sounds like a fresh fish to me, Kelts don't usually shed their scales very easily, and those look like they came off very easily if they were in the net :z14
Who needs a DH rod all you need is a DHE fly :z4 :z4

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Irvine Ross on 13/04/2013 at 17:36: Well done Iain getting the big fella to the bank. I had a kelt take a dry fly a few years back. I didn't get a close look as it sawed through the tippet in quick time but it was early on in the season and well above Alford so I guess it must have been a kelt.

Irvine
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 13/04/2013 at 18:49: That's some day Iain :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 13/04/2013 at 19:02: Well done Iain, I've had quite a few kelts on the dry but never a fresh fish.

I arrived on the Don at 12:15 and was welcomed with a steady trickle of LDO’s but no sign of any trout. Around 1:30 I noticed a nice trout 30ft upstream and only a foot or so out from my bank. I waded into position and waited, it soon came up again, quickly covering the trout it took my dry with confidence - fish on! After a decent fight he was on the bank, my biggest of the season so far at 24” a bit lean but to be expected. I fished until 4pm catching another 2 around the lb mark and a nice trout at 19”

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/13413brown24quot.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/13413brown24quot.jpg.html)

24'' Brown caught on the dry.

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/13413brown19quot.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/13413brown19quot.jpg.html)

A nice plump 19''er safely returned.

Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 13/04/2013 at 19:26: Excellent stuff guys :z16

Iain,
as I was reading through your post I thought that due to the scales coming off in the net then I'd place my money on it being a fresh fish (I see Sandy beat me to that one).
Well done on the other trout too.

Nice fish as usual Scott, I do like the girth on the 'smaller' fish, quality.

Well us boys upriver were wondering what was happening elsewhere. On the beat I was on things looked promising as at 13:20 there was a mini hatch of olives and MB's which brought up a fish.....just the one mind, but the DHE winkled him out.

Not too much longer after that the weather changed and only a sparse trickle of upwings were seen now and again. No more fish were sighted :z8

All you big fish hunters look away now......

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_13_04_13_7_23_11.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=562)

Still, that's the first fish to the dry so at least we're off.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 13/04/2013 at 19:51: Awesome fish Scott you're consistency in finding these large fish is very impressive :z16

Lovely pic Iain, my new camera was here when I got home it seems pretty good.

I was out today very near where Iain goo was fishing. Got there for 1 and a march brown landed on my hand as I was pulling on my waders. A trickle of mb's when I reached the water which had increased to a thick hatch by time I reached the first pool. Seen 2 trout rising as I approached, covered the better one which took, jumped and off.. Bout a lb so not a disaster. The wind was increasing by the minute and quickly got so blowy that if there were 100 fish rising I wouldn't have been able to see them or my fly in the wind whipped water. Searched for a sheltered area but didn't really find one. Met up with Iain and we had a good bitching session bout shite aberdeen weather conditions and the beats we probably should have tried today. :z6
Tomorrow's mission find some sheltered spots cause its forecast to blow harder than today.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/04/2013 at 19:56: Quote from: An Chuileog on 13/04/2013 at 19:51
Awesome fish Scott your consistency in finding these large fish is very impressive :z16

Seconded :z14 :z14 :z14

I need more practice to get my Trout eyes back :z3

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 13/04/2013 at 20:02: Some cracking fish being caught guys. Can't wait to get back from offshore and maybe enjoy some days on the river.
:z14
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/04/2013 at 21:26: Great stuff guys :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 14/04/2013 at 08:42: Great stuff guys, good to see something happening at last. Won't be long before the fish are at fighting weight either.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 14/04/2013 at 09:08: Quote from: Spiderman on 13/04/2013 at 17:18
Sounds like a fresh fish to me, Kelts don't usually shed their scales very easily, and those look like they came off very easily if they were in the net

I couldn't remember whether it was fresh or kelt that tended to shed scales.
I've taken scale samples from the trout and the salmon.

doing the length to weight, it could have been around the 10lb mark - a double on a DHE. sweeet!! it was 6lb tippet i think, 0.16mm/5X grand max stuff - good tippet, i like it.

Gutted I didn't get a picture with the DHE in the salmon's jaw, but I wanted to get it unhooked asap, and since it was too big for net, and still in the water, it was kind of inevitable. I don't like to take fish out of water for photos, which is why my fish snaps are all over the place.

Great fun though, and the fish swam off nae bother
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 14/04/2013 at 09:10: Quote from: klinkhammer on 13/04/2013 at 19:02
Well done Iain, I've had quite a few kelts on the dry but never a fresh fish.

thanks Scott - and looks like you're getting in to some great fish again this season. As the other posters have said - great consistency in being able to track em down!

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 14/04/2013 at 11:42: Bugger just been out for a run to the shops to find the river is high and coloured!!! :cry
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/04/2013 at 13:33: Looking at the webcams on the ADAA site the Don and Dee are rising, The Ythan hasn't changed much so must be the Snow Melting :shock
It could have waited till wednesday :cry Hopefully it clears a bit for tomorrow :z5

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 14/04/2013 at 22:45: Quote from: Goolager on 13/04/2013 at 11:13
Lindzer,

Will you get yerself out fishing!!

And there was me away to share my theories on the importance of black midge and why 'decent' fish don't seem to come up to March Brown Duns on the Don (from what I saw on Saturday where I was ) !

But since it is all pseudo-babble I'll keep it tae masel :wink :z7

Great fish as usual Scott, I was upstream of you but only bandies rising my side of the river :wink

Had the first Osprey on Monday and first Swallows and Sand Martins over the river on Saturday. Summer is here ! :X2

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 15/04/2013 at 08:01: Quote from: Spiderman on 14/04/2013 at 13:33
Looking at the webcams on the ADAA site the Don and Dee are rising, The Ythan hasn't changed much so must be the Snow Melting :shock
It could have waited till wednesday :cry Hopefully it clears a bit for tomorrow :z5

Sandy

I was stood on the bridge at Kemney yesterday watching as the river visibly rose 6 or so inches in a 30 minute period! Lots of debris and so on coming down too and it was over the banks by the time I had driven up to Monymusk :(...so I went home in a huff!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Duncan McRae on 15/04/2013 at 13:44: Fished a beat near Alford on Friday and was very surprised to take 4 Salmon kelts.I would have expected them to be further down river at this time of year.

Lindsay

Well done on your fantastic Brownie.

In my opinion your fish is nothing like a sea trout kelt.In my experience, sea trout kelts taken in April are generally silver with the odd spot here and there. Also their overall shape is different.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 15/04/2013 at 13:48: Quote from: Spiderman on 14/04/2013 at 13:33
Looking at the webcams on the ADAA site the Don and Dee are rising...

...rising, and how! here's a glimpse on web cam https://www.farsondigitalwatercams.com/live-webcams/scotland/Don/Kintore/ (https://www.farsondigitalwatercams.com/live-webcams/scotland/Don/Kintore/)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 15/04/2013 at 18:20: Quote from: Duncan on 15/04/2013 at 13:44

Lindsay

Well done on your fantastic Brownie.

In my opinion your fish is nothing like a sea trout kelt.In my experience, sea trout kelts taken in April are generally silver with the odd spot here and there. Also their overall shape is different.

Duncan

Thanks Duncan. So far it seems there is only one person who thinks it's a Sea Trout kelt ! :wink

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 16/04/2013 at 21:07: Upper river on the rise again. May need to make alternative plans for this weekend. :z15 :z15
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 17/04/2013 at 12:18: River was almost looking good for today but this rain has put her up a bit, but only locally to Aberdeen it seems- upper river is still falling so presumably no snowmelt or rain there. If there is no more of the wet stuff it could be good for weekend ! :z8

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 17/04/2013 at 19:19: Quote from: Loxiafan on 17/04/2013 at 12:18
River was almost looking good for today but this rain has put her up a bit, but only locally to Aberdeen it seems- upper river is still falling so presumably no snowmelt or rain there. If there is no more of the wet stuff it could be good for weekend ! :z8

L

Check the SEPA site for river levels Lindsay, it updates several times a day whereas Fish Scotland only updates twice daily. Don was on the rise at Culfork as of 12PM......

Doesn't look like I'll make out tomorrow morning either :mad

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 17/04/2013 at 21:29: Hi Ben,

Yep I dinnae bother with Fishpal, I always use the SEPA gauge - in fact, during the season "Parkhill" is always on my browser page ( how sad is that !).

Weatherman has got it totally wrong - this rain was not meant to have lasted or been so heavy. River will definitely bloat again which is crap after it dropping so well !

Oh, well got to re-tie flies on stronger hooks anyway :wink Might be out Friday for some more hooks etc.

Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Duncan McRae on 18/04/2013 at 21:27: Hi Lindsay

There's a picture on the ADAA Website of what i would describe as a very typical April Sea trout kelt.I would say nothing like your Brown trout.
Might be of interest.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 19/04/2013 at 00:45: Quote from: Duncan on 18/04/2013 at 21:27
There's a picture on the ADAA Website of what i would describe as a very typical April Sea trout kelt.I would say nothing like your Brown trout.
Might be of interest.

Thanks Duncan, I saw that the other day. The 'question' I raised of my fish was hypothetical, as indicated in my initial post on the matter. I knew for sure it was a Brownie for the reasons I cited - it was merely to canvass 'public' opinion as the individual who made the ridiculous suggestion that it was a sea trout, never mind a sea trout kelt, would have visited this thread !

Probably best to put this one to bed now and think about new fish to catch ! :wink

:z18

PS they have never got back to me on the 'status' of my fish.
Lindsay
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 19/04/2013 at 11:55: Forecast is not great again for Don Trouting over next few days :cry

River is rising a wee bit again, possibly the overnight localised rain. Tomorrow is fair but very windy. Sunday is windy and pishing down all day and Monday will be a write off depending how bad Sunday is ! So Saturday or broke it is.

Wishing I'd got out today as it looks fine, light winds, could be good if water is clearing and there is a decent hatch. Iain, get awa fae work at 12 dude :wink :z16

I might explore the Ythan on Monday....

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Andy Finlay on 19/04/2013 at 12:31: Well I don't feel so upset being stuck offshore for the next 2 weeks. Didn't get anytime on the Don last time home either. Did have a week up in Aviemore but no trout, spey was low and absolutely freezing. Roll on May, hopefully things will start to warm up a bit by the time I get home.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 19/04/2013 at 15:28: Went for a brief wander along the banks at 1pm - there was a very respectable hatch of MB's along with lesser amounts of Olive cousins.

No rises though :z6 but as I didn't have the rod it was academic anyroad.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_19_04_13_3_27_30.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=586)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 19/04/2013 at 16:38: Was on the river for 3. No wind for a change and quiet warm :z16 No uprights to be seen so unsurprisingly no rises or troots. At 4 the wind switched on again and suddenly the riverbank wasn't such a pleasant place to be anymore so I abandoned.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 20/04/2013 at 18:22: Just back from the river ( 12.30pm till 5.30pm). Never made a cast in anger. A few Olives on arriving but only small fish on opposite bank going at them very briefly. Around 4pm onwards mega hirundine activity over the water - struggled to see what it was they were hoovering and eventually did, thousands of small black Simulids of some type. No interest from fish at all at the surface. Wind picking up all the time, from the SE early on then SW (down stream !) as I left. Becoming silly really :X2

Pants. And tomorrow is not looking good either if the forecast is right.

Hope some of you guys had a better day upstream ?

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 21/04/2013 at 21:16: Quote from: Loxiafan on 20/04/2013 at 18:22
Pants. And tomorrow is not looking good either ...

Jeez... Went to the Adaa bothy this morning for the casting day. Stupidly windy & cold. Did have a quick word with Hywel Morgan, which was nice....

Thought the river would be unfishable... But SW wind, I found some shelter. Took a Don stroll. Found a rising fish. And another. Both sooked down the dry, nice and sweet. One a tiddler of 1/4 lb, the other a nice fit brown of 1lb, good result - 12 casts, 2 fish, went home
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 22/04/2013 at 00:29: (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_22_04_13_12_22_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=600)

After the glory of last weeks trophy fish, Lindsay realised normal service had been restored
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter McCallum on 22/04/2013 at 08:17: Quote from: Loxiafan on 22/04/2013 at 00:29
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3732_22_04_13_12_22_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=600)

After the glory of last weeks trophy fish, Lindsay realised normal service had been restored

:z4 :z4 :z4 :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/04/2013 at 10:05: Nice Lindz :z3

At least the baby ones have red spots you know they are Brownies. :X2

Looking forward to a blast tomorrow.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Irvine Ross on 22/04/2013 at 19:01: Blowing a hoolie on the upper river today. It was sheltered where I parked the car so I tackled up but when I got to the river it was hopeless. Walked up the bank hoping to find a sheltered spot but there were none. Saw one upwing on the water and that was it. :z8
It will maybe be better later this week, month, year? :z6

Irvine
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 22/04/2013 at 19:26: Quote from: Hares Lug on 22/04/2013 at 19:01
Blowing a hoolie on the upper river today.

Much the same 'down' river. Ended up taking a rod for a walk :z4 Fly coming off but not one single rise all day.

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 24/04/2013 at 16:51: It was blowing a bit this morning so i headed up towards Kemnay for some shelter from the trees but the sun must have been shining because i came home with light sunburn, even under the daft floppy hat :z6.

Water was looking perfect and weather playing ball too, even if it was a bit breezy at times. So i scouted out the area, had a quick word with Ben to see if there was anywhere else i might have missed and made a loose plan of where i would fish, I de-camped at the best looking bit and waited for the hatch.

So lunch dispensed with :z12 A steady trickle of March Browns and Olive uprights started to hatch off around 1230. Almost like a normal April day on the Don. A few good rises, which when they were spotted the second time looked to me to be grilse :z5, but some broonies moving too.

Armed with the new Prototype Barrio Epic on its maiden voyage, i started to try and temp some of them with the dry, seemed like everytime i got the flies out to where they needed to be the wind would get up and put the fish off, well impressed with the rod though, it dealt with the wind and the tree lined banks and kept putting the fly out where it needed to be :z18 Good Shit :z3
Anyway having moved up and down the stretch i earmarked and not had much luck with anything other than a couple of misses from fish about the 8" mark, i headed back to where i started.
A change of flies now, Waterhen Bloa on the point and a size 14 CDC olive spider on the dropper with the intention to fish "damp" and try to fool a fish into taking a cripple, working the flies over a spot i'd watched earlier and seen a fish, up he came and confidently took the CDC spider, Awesome... :z16
After a cracking fight on the Fiberglass rod and thanks to my new telescopic net i got him in. 3lb 7oz on the scales in the net :z12

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_24_04_13_4_47_34.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=622)

What a great way to christen the new rod :z18 Well chuffed. Don't think i'll ever fish with a silly Tennis racket net again :roll

Another nice head shot of the fish just before he disappeared back to his watery home

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_24_04_13_4_49_26.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=623)

Here is the fly in question, size 14 SLD, no damage/bending on a 5wt rod and a 4x leader and a decent fish, good hooks :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_24_04_13_4_50_46.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=624)

great day out :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 24/04/2013 at 17:03: Great stuff Sandy and awesome photos ........ You said you were going to net an Epic Don trout :z14

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 24/04/2013 at 18:54: Well done Sandy, a bonnie fish :z16

H :cool:
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 24/04/2013 at 19:02: Well done sandy and on the epic as well! Awesome!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 24/04/2013 at 19:47: :z4 and there's the fish.

A beaut!

Nice cripple too.

Nowt wrong with tennis racket nets though.

Good report and an all round 'job done' day :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 24/04/2013 at 20:34: Wasn't going to be back on here but I must congratulate you Sandy on that fantastic fish ! Well done, you really deserve that after last week and so great you could do it on a prototype rod - it obviously works !

:z14 :z14 :z14

PS I had a handful of SLD's in my hand at Orvis today but stuck em back. I am am finished with 'limp wristed' hooks, I'm going 'nuclear' from now on :wink

See yiz,

Linz
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 24/04/2013 at 20:59: Sandy,
cracking fish. I am overseas at present but I have a day booked on the middl of the river a week on Friday and hope I can come across a fish like that.

Well done,

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 24/04/2013 at 21:05: Cheers Guys

Really pleased i went and got a proper net after the last episode :z6 If i'd bumped a second one then i'd be well pissed :cry
Big trout are like Crack Cocaine, i haven't had a proper hit for about 5 years, now i'm well and truly addicted again :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 24/04/2013 at 22:15: Well done Sandy, thats a bonnie trout.

I'm with you on the tennis racket, used mine once - never again!

Roll on the weekend.

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 25/04/2013 at 08:14: A proper brownie indeed. I have my eye on a couple of big fish I have spotted but the buggers don't seem to feed! Been watching them for a couple of hours at a time and even though there are flies crossing there snouts, they just don't move to them.

I think an articulated Monkey Butt will be the next approach!!

Still intrigued with the white bean pole!! ;)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 25/04/2013 at 18:52: Hit the lower river for a cheeky hour after work around 3.30 today. Was optimistic about seeing a wee hatch as the weather looked good, warm and sunny between the odd shower, but was a bit disappointing really :z8 very few sizeable bugs and only saw a couple of tiddlers. oh well, always next time. Great to see others having success so far this season, only one measly sea trout kelt about a pound and half to show for my fairly limited efforts of late! time to pick up my game I think!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 25/04/2013 at 21:57: Cracker Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Duncan McRae on 26/04/2013 at 10:10: A beautiful trout Sandy,well done.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 26/04/2013 at 12:59: Just been down to the mouth of the Don for a lunchtime cast (Single hand spey practice session) and it is FREEZING!!!!

Meant to be fishing tonight after work but I am wondering if it will really be worth it.

There were a few small fish splashing about at the mouth. Finnock?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 26/04/2013 at 13:33: Was lovely about 8:30 this morning but has turned cold. I was thinking about heading out again tonight but will give it a miss unless things warm up a bit.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rich Knoles on 26/04/2013 at 18:03: You quit Salmon fishing, Ben?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 26/04/2013 at 18:29: Not yet mate, just not been out a lot really.

Dropped a couple of fish on the Beauly on Monday, nothing this morning on the Don. On the Dee tomorrow after work and all day Monday so hopefully I'll get something on the bank. More kelts than I've ever had but still nothing fresh, saving all the most likely water for you next week :wink

Saw a couple of fish at Kemnay this morning.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 27/04/2013 at 08:38: Had a successful blank yesterday, mid afternoon, if that's not a contradiction in terms.

Ventured out, paused on the bridge to look, and spotted a rising fish in a spot I don't usually target. Worked into position, and in a storm of hail and olives, and with a few fly in bushes mishaps, eventually hooked it. And it came straight off, after rolling. Left me a couple of scales on the hook, probably flanked it. Doh! Probably around the one pound mark. AH well, that's a possible feeding lie marked for later.

Another angler mentioned a rising fish upstream. Jungle warfare part, but wriggled into position. Waited. A part of the river I usually walk past on way to easier pools. Two or three rising fish, one looked reasonable. A couple of tries in swirly currents; hooked it, and it belted off down river. A good 2lb fish easily, it rolled just below me. Thought I had it tight and in control, but hook slipped out. Curses!!!! But... stalking & rising & hooking was a success... and I've marked a definite feeding lane for future.

Both fish were hooked within sight of my house too - cool!!
I'll not get to the river again for a few days... :-(( tight lines everyone that gets out
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 27/04/2013 at 12:00: Sounds like a worthwhile jaunt Iain :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_27_04_13_12_00_26.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=632)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 27/04/2013 at 14:05: Quote from: Goolager on 27/04/2013 at 12:00
Sounds like a worthwhile jaunt Iain :z16
Iain
iain, aye, all jaunts are worthwhile in some way. Iain

Lots of stonefly nymphal shucks on the bankside yesterday, Large Stonefly I think. (the sample I brought home got a bit squished - must carry an old hook box for safe transit of insect carcasses in future)

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 27/04/2013 at 19:40: Nice wee wander down the river this afternoon.
Great to meet up with Iain and Lindsay :z18 Good craik.

So sporadic hatches all afternoon, from 1200 right through till 5, in small bouts. Not much activity until about 3 then a few rising fish were to be found if you looked hard enough :wink LDO's and MB's and the MB's even came off about 4 in a wave. Lots of swallows and Martin chasing them too.

I found one good rising fish and stopped to watch while a Guy with a double hander fished right over the top of him and put him down from 50ft away. No wonder most of these guys never see any decent rising fish :roll.
Anyway after about 15mins, once the guy had moved on, the rise started again but a little bit further up, covered him a few times and when he took it turned out to be a bonny fish about 3/4lb, not quite the beastie i expected him to be, but then perhaps it wasn't the same fish :z8

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_27_04_13_7_36_24.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=633)

Got another smaller fish later on while gassing across the river :roll, but i only saw 4 fish within casting range, so 2 out of 4 ain't bad.
From what Iain was saying i should have kept walking :wink

Still it was a nice afternoon to be out :z18

Sandy

Starting to wonder if the LDO's are getting darker :z8

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_27_04_13_7_40_33.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=634)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 27/04/2013 at 22:17: Yeah, nice to bump into Sandy and Lindzer today. :z16

Somehow managed to break free this afternoon and have a wander about. After my recent tramplings with very little to show in return, it was nice to finally have the luck of being in the right places at the right times.

The first fish that I saw was merrily scooping up upwings and was pushing enough water to convince me that I'd better get my carcass lower to the ground. Long story short, 4 or so casts later fish on, one run then two vertical jumps (which left me in no doubt of his size) and the leader broke :z8 possibly a 5er :oops at least now I can sympathise with a few more of the guys this season.

A switch from Hardy copolymer tapered leaders to the Orvis super strength is on the cards.

No time to phone my counsellor as there were dimples further upstream.
Another long story short but I saw a fish taking upwings right under the bank anywhere between 8 - 14" out, with only minimal disturbance to the surface. I watched in agony as the fly either landed too far out or the leader was showing - or even worse, landed perfectly and drifted past without an offer. The fish did succumb tho' and it turned out to be a tonic for earlier failures.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_27_04_13_10_09_18.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=635)

Need to revisit my landing net ideas as this monkey used the brodin net bag as a trampet and bounced himself out (luckily over the reeds)

I moved about looking for fish and was happy to catch a good few 'smaller' but most welcome fish. Some of the wee'er fish might hardly be acknowledged if taken when fishing wets or nymphs but are a pure joy on the dry.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_27_04_13_10_10_57.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=636)

Things were just jiving and confidence was high. Walking back to the car I saw 2 fish showing close in about 20 yards apart so I nailed them both before heading home for tea and medals.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_27_04_13_10_12_11.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=637)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_27_04_13_10_13_16.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=638)

Just one of those days :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/04/2013 at 22:25: Sandy and Iain :z14

Great stuff guys and cracking photos too!

Hmmm, do I really want to wait until it gets warmer? :oops
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 27/04/2013 at 22:28: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 27/04/2013 at 22:25
do I really want to wait until it gets warmer? :oops

No :wink

Pictures look even better on the screen Iain :z16, pity about the trampo-net, but it was probably pretty funny if you hadn't been attached to the fish.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 27/04/2013 at 22:49: Quote from: Spiderman on 27/04/2013 at 22:28

pity about the trampo-net,

Yeah, shit net Iain. Where did you buy it from? :z4

Nice fish, shame the big guys eluded you.

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 27/04/2013 at 22:50: Well done today guys. :z16
Great photos as usual! :z14
Looks like it would have been a nice day to be out, sadly i won't be out fishing till next weekend. :z6
I am dying to get my season off the mark after seeing these top quality fish and photos.

:z18
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 27/04/2013 at 23:19: FTR it wasn't the wee fella that jumped out of the net it was the larger fish.

Can we have a section on ~~modifications~~ improvements to the McLeans extender?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/04/2013 at 23:24: Quote from: Goolager on 27/04/2013 at 23:19

Can we have a section on ~~modifications~~ improvements to the McLeans extender?

Iain

I'm told Kevin's handy with a welder ..... and failing that, there's always the dreaded silver tape :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 27/04/2013 at 23:54: Some nice fish there Iain :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 28/04/2013 at 09:04: Well done guys, good to hear fish are moving throughout the day now if you're lucky enough to find them that is. :z16

Nice troots Iain :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 28/04/2013 at 11:03: Sounds like a great day Iain, first trout pictured is a cracker :z16

Not much been happening my end, blanked last Saturday, another blank was on the cards yesterday until I saw 3 rising far bank on the way back to the car. Covered the bigger of the 3 between 2-3lbs, after taking my fly he threw my hook shortly after :cry Caught one around the lb mark 5mins later

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 29/04/2013 at 08:04: So, after my "getting away early on Friday" failed, I did not get onto the river until late on. By this time the wind was cold and blustry making casting a right nightmare on some sections.

I did not see any flies or fish AT ALL, not a damn thing! I worked my way downstream with a wolly bugger set up on my 5 weight and an SLX. My, that line makes fishing in a wind pleasurable, with a Snap T and single spey letting me pop the Bugger square to the flow into small pockets of slack water or seams in the current. Still no fish!!

After stumblinging into a field full of young bullocks who took far to keen an interest in me, I ran...and I do mean ran for the sty and pretty much Fosby Flopped my way over, closely followed by the brown beasts! And still no fish!

So, around 8pm, I headed back to the car, cold, dejected and my heart still racing from the "Beast" incident.

And lo and behold, what did I see on the far bank in a wee hollowed out section of bank not more that 30 yards from the car. Yip, fish!!

On went a small (size 18) parachute "thing" I had tied up. Hares ear body, with a grizzle para hackle and tail.

The dimples on the far bank were small, but I thought I would have a go anyway.

With the wind behind me and a high release I managed to get a fly into the "killing zone" but with an entire river to contend with, I could only keep the fly stationary for a couple of seconds before it was whipped away. With deep water between me and the fish I had no choice but to cast square across the current from the bank.

First fish hit just on the edge of the slack. A really bonnie Brownie of around a pound. Very dark back and bright spots. Once it was in the main current it made a few dashes worthy of a bigger fish before I managed to get a net under it and pop out the fly.

As I was doing this something big put its nose out mid river, just above a riffle. Not sure what it was as I only got a fleeting glance, but I am sure it was a Brownie. I sat and watched for a good 30 minutes but it never showed itself again, so back to the far bank rises.

Second fish was a tad bigger, by an ounce or two. This fish was very pale in comparison. I would not say silver, more "washed out" as if it had been in a boil wash to long. This fish did not really fight and was easily brought in.

So strange to have two very different fish from the same spot.

And with my nose sporting a dew drip and my hands numb, I called it a day.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 30/04/2013 at 15:34: Went to river at around 12 today having not touched a fish yet this season. Made my way downstream and awaited a hatch.
Hatch started at around 12:30 but was very sporadic. I saw a few wee rises and failed to connect with any yet again. Moving my way upstream a saw a fish move midstream and waded out to present dry fly better and first cast slam, which caught me a bit by surprise, then one leap and a fish of around 3 - 4 lb snapped me at the dropper knot :mad. This is not the first time this has happened even with wetting and pulling knot slowly tight so i,ll be fishing single flies until change of leader material or confidence resumes.
headed upstream again and thinking of another blank i noticed a splashy rise close to the bank and second cast a fish of 2.5 lb was on and netted with a great fight.
(http://)
Whilst drying the fly i noticed another rise at exactly the same place i caught that one and first cast i was in again with a fish of around 2 lb but lost it at the net, trying to rush i guess.
I was under the impression big trout were territorial :z8

But all in all the best dry fly day i have ever had having never caught one bigger than 1 1/2 lb on dry before.

:z18 Geoff
Having trouble posting pic though
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 30/04/2013 at 19:52: Nice one Geoff :z16

Don't know other people's opinions but I see far more benefit from fishing a single dry fly than fishing two especially when there are big boys about and you are casting to a specific fish.

Looking forward to seeing the picture. Don't give up, if you are toiling then drop me a pm and I'll help out as I really like seeing pictures of Broons.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 30/04/2013 at 21:36: Quote from: Goolager on 30/04/2013 at 19:52
I see far more benefit from fishing a single dry fly than fishing two especially when there are big boys about and you are casting to a specific fish

I'm with Iain on this :z3

good stuff though Geoff :z16, you can fill in the details tomorrow :z16

Cheers

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 01/05/2013 at 14:54: (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_01_05_13_2_52_20.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=657)
Not the best picture. Just wanted to return quickly.

The fish i caught yesterday as per above post.
:z18 Iain

Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 01/05/2013 at 15:26: Nice one Geoff :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 01/05/2013 at 15:28: Good stuff, next time get the sun in front or to the side of you :wink

Nice fish though, especially on the dry :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 01/05/2013 at 19:52: That's a fine trout Geoff, well done :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 02/05/2013 at 01:36: Quote from: Goolager on 30/04/2013 at 19:52
Don't know other people's opinions but I see far more benefit from fishing a single dry fly than fishing two especially when there are big boys about and you are casting to a specific fish.

Me three, though I believe Dr. Baigent fished two dries on the Don !

Nice fish Geoff sounds like you were at the right place at right time :wink

An affy lotta droppers breaking ? :z8

Forecast 'challenging' for next few days I see ! :z4

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 02/05/2013 at 06:08: Who the Fek is Dr Baigent?

I also now only fish one dry but I used fish 2 back when I first started fishing the don. Back when I caught my pb and regularly caught good fish......hmmmm.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 02/05/2013 at 07:46: Quote from: Gilly on 01/05/2013 at 14:54
The fish i caught yesterday as per above post.

cracker, sounds like you hit the river at just the right time there

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 02/05/2013 at 10:25: Quote
An affy lotta droppers breaking ?

tippet breaking maybe but droppers breaking? has there?

Dr Beigent! I'm not fussed if Dr Zhivago fished three dies on the Urie, it is for softies.

Quote
I also now only fish one dry but I used fish 2 back when I first started fishing the don. Back when I caught my pb and regularly caught good fish......hmmmm.

Trig, Shotgunning is a step backward you daft Irishman :X2

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 02/05/2013 at 10:43: Quote from: An Chuileog on 02/05/2013 at 06:08
Who the Fek is Dr Baigent?

Some southern softie that is reported to have fished twae flees on our beloved Don:

http://www.practicalfly.co.uk/Baigent'ssbs.html

Possibly fished them like wets, eg. "blind" and not to rising fish ?? :roll

Goo - Geoff's dropper broke, Sandy lost a nice fish when a dropper pinged whilst netting it........just saying. :wink I think there should be a full discussion of this in the next issue of my own personal favourite monthly read "Twat Fisherman": A journal for the modern regressive angler. Particularly enjoyed last month's issue calling for a Kingfisher cull with reports of 5lb stocked Rainbows succumbing to stab wounds inflicted by the plucky little birds.........

Not inferring you guys are tits for fishing droppers btw, I do myself but if you are going to bugger about with droppers do yourself a favour and use MAXIMA ! It never breaks. Ever. Really.

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 02/05/2013 at 10:58: I NEVER fish a dropper when on dries. What sense does it make when you are usually pitching your best guess pattern to one seen rising fish that could be a PB? We put so much effort into reducing drag, getting a good presentation, trying to get fly on target etc. Why complicate things or bring in another potential drag factor? I have in the past lost too many decent fish when fishing multiple rigs, both salmon & trout.
Even on a loch in anything other than a decent ripple I'd be on one fly.

Probably deserves a thread of it's own save clogging up the reports section.

Cheers

Be
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 02/05/2013 at 11:05: Have done that Ben :z16

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 02/05/2013 at 11:06: Thanks, good to see you back dude :z4

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Loxiafan on 02/05/2013 at 11:27: Quote from: Ben_D on 02/05/2013 at 11:06
Thanks, good to see you back dude :z4

Been lurking man !

L
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 03/05/2013 at 13:49: Two dries for me guys, catch plenty 'Rod Benders' and i believe the advantages outweight the disadvantages. Like everything else you need to learn how to do it properly.

Yes i've had breakages but these are mostly down to fish teeth rather than the fact i'm fishing a dropper. Yes Maxima green 3lb gives you a lot of strength and yes on some 'spooky' fish i will drop down to pre-stretched and one fly (or when on 'flat water').

Not a Dr so no preconceptions here. :z4

In the end, like all other methods we use, if you don't like it then don't use it, but don't lambast someone else who does / can.

BTW i always fish two dries on lochs, again a learned method but very, very effective, there's one or two on here who've watched me in action doing this and can vouch for the devastating effectivness when conditions suit (can't underestimate this though :z4).
In the end i like fishing two dries because it offers so much more versatility and i really enjoy it, can't say any more than that. (Iain it was two 'dries', ginked up static Hogs to be precise, i was using on a water near Inverness last year, seemed to work ok there eh?)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 03/05/2013 at 19:56: Quote from: Dryflee on 03/05/2013 at 13:49
(Iain it was two 'dries', ginked up static Hogs to be precise, i was using on a water near Inverness last year, seemed to work ok there eh?)

naw, i was in the other boat, so I didn't see you catch a thing... :-)

two dries is something i sometime use too, mostly stillwaters. Occasionally on river to create a hatch if prospecting.
sometimes a large dry can be used as a sighter for smallwe dries.
but, sure, for targetting a rising fish, then one dry only

bob fly voodoo - do the trout see the other fly as competition... Bob W
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 03/05/2013 at 22:11: Gents,
after many years I finally went back to the Don today hoping to get my first brownie on the dry from there for a very long time.

Reading the posts on the forum and speaking with some of the guys I have been slaving away at the vice making all sorts of spiders and nymphs as well as JT olives and DHE. So with my newly made box of flys my new 4 weight rod and SLX line I set off with one of my mates (we will call him Gordon, because that is his name) to a well known hotel with a lot of beats on the Don above Kemnay and below Castle Forbes to buy permits for the day.

When I left the house south of Stonehaven the temperature was reading 8 degrees C and there was no wind. I thought to myself maybe we will see a hatch today.

Anyway permits bought and arrive at chosen beat. Easterly wind howling upstream and f*****g freezing we tackle up and look at the beat.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1111_03_05_13_9_54_08.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=667)

Water looks good but as expected early in the day no sign of fly activity or rising fish. Undeterred I set up with a 2 fly rig of a size 18 tungsten beaded nymph on the point and a size 16 waterhen bloa on the dropper and start to work my way slowly upstream fishing a short line exploring every inch that I can. This is thoroughly enjoyable and the outfit is working well but the fish are not impressed. Stopped for something to eat at 14.30 still no sign of fly hatch. Headed to the pool that looked most likely earlier and decided to sit and stick it out looking for rising fish and give the blind nymphing a rest.

Finally at 16.00 the first trout shows in the pool so I chuck out a dry JT olive which I had replaced the nymph with and first cast bang all the waiting is worthwhile and the freezing hands as a small but feisty trout of about 10 ounces comes to the bank and is quickly released but I still did not get it on the dry as it took the spider on the dropper which I had left on through laziness more than good planning. Same thing with the second rising trout 40 minutes later again to the Waterhen Bloa. This one slightly larger at just shy of a pound.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1111_03_05_13_10_08_48.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=668)

Then the temperature dropped even further and the wind and rain intensified so it was back to the pub for a pint on the way home. 2 rises 2 hooked all in all a great return to the Don, many thanks for all of you for reminding me about what I have been missing I will be back next week hopefully better weather and get something on a dry.

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 03/05/2013 at 23:05: Sounds like it all worked out in the end Eddie. Nice pics :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 03/05/2013 at 23:06: Yup, the weather is not quite there yet :z6

Nice report and good photo's too :z16 glad you like the new rod (I recognise that handle).

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 03/05/2013 at 23:44: Iain,
I was unsure about the rod with a short line. I knew that it had the back bone to punch out a serious line into a wind but I was amazed at how responsive it is close up with the SLX. This will be used on the limestone lochs from the bank at the end of May.

However there will be several trips back to the Don before then.
:z16 :z16 :z16

Steven you were right I cannot believe that I have left it so long to go back to the river where I cut my teeth on dry fly fishing, I will not make that mistake again. :X1 :X1

Eddie.
:z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Simon Bruce on 04/05/2013 at 01:25: After a period of working abroad and ill health, got to fish the don this week. :z14
For the first time in about 2 years. Was fishing around about alford and had a couple of cracking days. Not the biggest fish but was nice too get out and about again.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507_04_05_13_1_15_05.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=669)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 04/05/2013 at 01:54: Nice fish Bruce,

What you get it on?

Hope the ill health thing is behind you

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Simon Bruce on 04/05/2013 at 02:23: Aye the ill health is hopefully behind me now. And i can get more fishing on Don.
waterhen bloa was what i was fishing
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 04/05/2013 at 12:06: Bruce,
Nice fish, well done hope it is one of many to come the old spiders certainly seem to be doing the business.

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 04/05/2013 at 12:51: Nice fish and reports from Bruce and Eddie :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 04/05/2013 at 13:49: (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_04_05_13_1_47_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=670)
Was down river for an hour today and caught this on size 16 greenwells, is this a sea trout?
Good wee fight either way. Packed up when it got too windy.
:z18
Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 04/05/2013 at 16:22: Quote from: edfish on 04/05/2013 at 12:06
Bruce,
Nice fish, well done hope it is one of many to come the old spiders certainly seem to be doing the business.

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 04/05/2013 at 16:28: Quote from: edfish on 03/05/2013 at 23:44
Iain,
I was unsure about the rod with a short line. I knew that it had the back bone to punch out a serious line into a wind but I was amazed at how responsive it is close up with the SLX. This will be used on the limestone lochs from the bank at the end of May.

However there will be several trips back to the Don before then.
:z16 :z16 :z16

Steven you were right I cannot believe that I have left it so long to go back to the river where I cut my teeth on dry fly fishing, I will not make that mistake again. :X1 :X1

Eddie.
:z18

Dad,

I'm glad too see that you have FINALLY come to your senses!

The way things are going I'll hopefully be able to join you for some real fishing next season!

You know what I'm like, dee beats full of silver tourists and I'll still throw up the 3# if I see any chance of a troot rise. Mind you that does tend to throw up some interesting predicaments!

I'm sure you remember the incident at Shane's when we both thought my wee peregrine was going to disintegrate!

Cheers,

Steven.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 04/05/2013 at 21:57: Sea trout kelt Geoff.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 04/05/2013 at 22:29: Cheers Noel, wasn't sure. That's a first for me, well chuffed.
:z18 guys sorry for posting so much, but my fishing in the last two seasons has come on immensely since joining forum.
:z18 again.
Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 05/05/2013 at 01:46: Fished a new section of water for me yesterday.
Was out for 3 hours in the afternoon, fished for maybe 10 minutes. :cry
Wind appeared to be subduing the hatch as there was a dismal show of upwings.

Saw three rises and managed to lift 2 of them, sure I put the third down by poor choice of casting position. :z6

The best one I'm afraid.....

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_05_05_13_1_29_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=672)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 05/05/2013 at 09:27: Quote from: Goolager on 05/05/2013 at 01:46
Was out for 3 hours in the afternoon, fished for maybe 10 minutes.
Wind appeared to be subduing the hatch as there was a dismal show of upwings.

kinda the same for me, was out between 1 and 5. Enough upwings on water from 1-2 for a few rises, but nothing serious.

Got myself into position to target one little trout, and caught the tree behind me. Twice. Moved elsewhere to where a better fish (I think I hooked it 2 weeks ago, so I reckon near 2lbs) was moving. Raised it again, too much slack on my line, schoolboy error. It didn't stick. Doh!!!! MUch cursing and shaking of head. Caught the tree behind me, lost a fly, went for a wander and watched the water. Saw no rises or hatches at all after 3pm, though it felt warm enough. ah well, always tomorrow

GOod reports from Eddie, Bruce, Gilly - nice to see some folks out catching

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 05/05/2013 at 09:44: Quote from: iainCameron on 05/05/2013 at 09:27

Good reports from Eddie, Bruce, Gilly - nice to see some folks out catching

:z18 Definatley

I've spent the last couple of days up at Strathdon with the Loops Bash. Friday night after a day of casting, sitting in the bar, some of the guys had been out fishing the upper river. So the reports from a mix of some of the best casters on the continent contained some Cracking trout on the dryfly, 3 @ 2lb+, 1 @3 1/2lb and 1@ 4lb. All targetted fish and the general consensus reflected what we have all been finding, that the fish are difficult to locate, but once you find them they will take the dryfly quite readily and seem to be running at quite a high average size, could be one of those years :z8.

So i had to give it a go, having pretty much sated any casting desires we spent most of the day on Kildrummy Yesterday and i never saw a fish rise all day, it was cold in the wind and tricky for casting so it turned into a casting day anyway :roll. The water had a bit of a peat tinge which didn't help but there was a good enough hatch. Still there was 4 of us out and no-one saw a rise, 1 salmon was spotted and and one of the other guys got a nice fish about 2lb while searching with nymphs and spiders. So one good day and one very tough day, back to back in almost the same conditions, yet again the caught fish was a good size.

I had forgotten just how much lovely looking water there is up at the upper river :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 08/05/2013 at 08:04: Some of you might know or have known Nicolas, a french chap who was in ADAA until leaving scotland. He returned, with sons, to be reunited with his beloved Don brownies.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_08_05_13_8_03_21.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=700)

I'll copy one of his pics here, and point you at the rest at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.449957478423362.1073741825.291103120975466&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.449957478423362.1073741825.291103120975466&type=1)

Just some terrific examples of beautiful Don inhabitants
cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rich Knoles on 08/05/2013 at 08:11: Loverly Broown Troot!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 08/05/2013 at 09:11: Cracker :z14, i saw some of the other photos elsewhere, they had quite a trip :z14

I recognise the bit of water too :wink

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 08/05/2013 at 13:37: Cracking fish. :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 08/05/2013 at 19:12: Stonking returns,
Tres Bon :z16

Aye 'streamer central' Sandy

Yen
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 08/05/2013 at 20:33: and if you speak french, then see more fish porn at http://www.nicolascarles.com/ (http://www.nicolascarles.com/)
and if you don't speak french, then just drool at the fishy pics.

I only ever bumped into this man once, the season before he left scotland. Shame, would have been interesting to pick his brain and talk fish tish

iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 08/05/2013 at 22:04: I bumped into Nicolas a couple of times on his recent trip and wasn’t surprised to hear about his success on the Don, he’s an excellent fisherman.

Well done Nicolas & sons,

absolute crackers

Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 08/05/2013 at 22:08: Nice ..... he certainly caught some cracking trout :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 08/05/2013 at 22:51: Waiting for Orvis to open this morning I popped into WH Smith and bought Trout & Salmon.

PP had an article on river Dry fly fishing tips or something of that nature.

There was a bit on leader degreasing/sinking & he 'never bothers with that' What?? and here's me with OCDEF or whatever it is called when it comes to applying tippet sinkant. He recommends running the leader through a blade of grass to remove shine ??? IS he for real?

Well, with my newly acquired SuperStrong tapered leaders and tippets I did exactly that, and caught 3 of the 3 rising fish that I saw, result! 2 were in very fast water so I could discount the leader being seen but one was in flat calm and took with confidence so I was chuffed.

One of the peas in a pod...
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_08_05_13_10_47_09.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=705)

not what I was after but it was the manner in which he was caught that made me happy.......
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_08_05_13_10_49_32.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=706)

Coupled with the fact that I have finally decided to use the simple but effective Davy Knot it was a successful day even though the hatches (if you could call then that) were poor.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 09/05/2013 at 07:00: Nice wee report Iain :z16

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/05/2013 at 07:09: Quote from: Goolager on 08/05/2013 at 22:51
He recommends running the leader through a blade of grass to remove shine ??? IS he for real?

Going to have to try this now, i've the same OCDEF as you well know :roll, anything that helps as therapy for that is good in my book :z16.

Still picking up Kelts? in May :shock still nice on the dry though :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 09/05/2013 at 08:07: Quote from: TheYoungGun on 09/05/2013 at 07:00
Nice wee report Iain :z16

Liam

He's alive!!! Hello young un :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 09/05/2013 at 08:29: Hey Trig :z16

How's it going? Yes alive and well in Thailand. I've been lurking for a while. However nothing to report on the fishing front at least not on the fly rod.

Hope you're enjoying the season.

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 09/05/2013 at 14:50: Hi Liam,
good to hear that you are doing fine.

Quote
Yes alive and well in Thailand

I hope some American sugar daddy is not paying for your fishing :X2

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 10/05/2013 at 11:03: Iain :z16

Good to hear from you.

Haha no not quite, I'm living with my dad.

Good luck for the season :cool:

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 10/05/2013 at 16:59: After all the talk of spiders and technique on another thread I decided to have a play this afternoon. Really enjoyed it, I've definately not been letting my flies move 'naturally' enough in the water. It's great when folk share technique of what works for them on here..cheers guys :z16

Fished for about an hour, connected with three fish..biggest got away whilst I was getting ready to net. Not huge only about a 1lb so not to bothered. Someone kindly left a dry greenwells in the side of one of the fish...used to see that a lot at fisheries but not so much in the wild. All fish went for the size 14 hares ear nymph.

Nice day, glad to finally be getting some fish.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/05/2013 at 17:11: Great stuff Toshkerr :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 10/05/2013 at 17:18: good stuff Jonathon :z16

did you see anything rising?

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 10/05/2013 at 17:33: Not much rising to be honest, there was quite a bit of fly life in the air but not so much on the water.
I had a dhe on for half hour or so, covered a couple small rises but nothin touched it. :z8
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Irvine Ross on 11/05/2013 at 17:43: Action at last. It has been a long wait for the river to come alive above Alford Bridge but I finally saw a few LDOs drifting down the river this afternoon. One fish rose twice and then a third time to the DHE. When I got it to the net it was a nice 2 1/2 lb broon troot. Took a little 1/2 lb a while later and that was it. At least my season has started. :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/5_11_05_13_5_43_22.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=718)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/05/2013 at 17:49: Excellent Irvine ...... Well done :z16

A few of the guys at the Gathering last weekend had some nice fish on the upper river.

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 11/05/2013 at 18:13: Nice fish Irvine :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 12/05/2013 at 08:14: Quote from: Hares Lug on 11/05/2013 at 17:43
At least my season has started. :z16

Great pic - fantastic spots on the dorsal fin. Nice fash!
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 12/05/2013 at 09:23: Quote from: Hares Lug on 11/05/2013 at 17:43
At least my season has started. :z16

Nice way to do it too ..... :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 13/05/2013 at 00:05: Been out for a few hrs fri, sat and today Sunday with very little to show. Fri & sat seen a few olives and a fewer march browns. Sat seen the first yellow mays of the year, only one or two. Saw 2 olives today...
Rising fish have been few and far between, only seen about 4 over the 3 outings. Nothing big.
Fished 3 different beats and speaking to a lot of fisher folk, seems no one I spoke to is getting much just now. Hopefully things will pick up again in the coming week.
Noel :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 13/05/2013 at 08:14: Well, I finally managed 2 fish after a very hard days fishing. Each one took a size 18 tungstan headed PT nymph fished "klink and dink" and both fish were between 4 or 5............. inches! :oops

Hard fishing in poor conditions with some good anglers out fishing with nowt to show.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 13/05/2013 at 08:58: It sure was pretty hard going on saturday. A lovely bright day where I was (between hail showers!) but a bit breezy in the open. I had quite a few smaller fish but again failed to see/hook into anything decent. The day got better around 6 pm typically just before we had to go. The temperature was still good then, a little warmer than earlier in the day, the wind died and my fishing partner managed to pull one out of around a 1lb shortly after. cracking little trout it was. Not a bad day by any means but hoped to see a few more fish.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 18:53: Well Done Irvine :z16 nice Trout.

Got home for a few hours on Saturday and went fishing. :z16 Weather was really nice and it was one of those days that we've been waiting weeks for.

The river looked good and for some strange reason I had a penchant for fishing the 10' 3wt streamflux :z8 I think this fishes well with a 2wt GT140 (or is it 120?) and onto this I fished a 22' tapered leader with a 6' tippet c/w Waterhen Bloa and PTN.
I must admit it fished really well in the windless afternoon and although it was going to be a LTH set up I ended up fishing large sections of un-wadable water using ten or so feet of fly line out of the tip.
I didn't mange anything larger than 7" but it was pleasing to be out.

I saw 2 fish rise when I was working the pool both around the 1 - 1 1/2lb mark. One was off the other bank over 2 tongues of current so I kept an eye on him but never cast to him. The other one was also not within striking distance and as I was wading I kept on with my routine.

When the 'drift' was finished I sat a while to take in the day and the flies that were showing. It wasn't long before a fish showed once, then twice at the edge of a seam very close to the bank just a few yards from me.

I looked overhead at the overhanging branches and then at this stupidly long leader :X1. I nipped off the two 'wets' and tied on an ~~adaptor fly~~ a dry. During this retrofit I told myself that I should be removing the LTH leader and fitting a standard dry fly leader, but I wouldn't listen.
First cast I hooked a tree, second cast I overcompensated for the lack of back cast and puddled the leader at my feet. Then I had a few casts playing 'guess where the dry will land?'

I resigned myself to the fact that I had to wise up on the leader front. Hoping that I hadn't put the fish down & he would keep on showing I went through the agonising process of taking my tapered leader out of the pack, unravelling it, tying on one further section of taper then the tippet. Even straightening the leader, tying on and treating the fly, not forgetting to remove the shine with a bit of grass, seemed to take an age but he did show and two drifts over him was enough to snare him. He wasn't a huge fish but gave a really nice account of himself on the Streamfleck.

At 1 1/2lb it was well worth the tension and made me curse for even thinking about anything but the dry.

I though a tasty shot of him semi submerged being released would be in order so I removed the hook and lay him in the net in a shallow weedy hollow

while I took a test shot...........ready. Then I held him in my hand and he b*****ed off! :oops

Quite a few of these on the go.....

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_14_05_13_9_40_54.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=736)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_14_05_13_6_53_02.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=735)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 14/05/2013 at 19:01: Nice Photo's Iain :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/05/2013 at 19:03: Nice Pictures.

What sort of time did they hatch? I saw Olive uprights on the Ythan today as well, between 2 and 4pm.
First Uprights i've seen this year.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 19:38: I've still to see, or be aware that I've seen OU's, looking forward to seeing those big boys though.

This fella was taken around 2pm.

Disappointed with the photo's from a I.D standpoint but I take what I can get sometimes.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Richard Tong on 14/05/2013 at 20:08: Iain

Large Brook Dun-Ecdyonorus torrentis. It's finally kicked off down here after the worst Spring that I can remember. Hatches have gone mad on Wharfe and other Yorkshire rivers. Haven't really had opportunity to fish Don last 2 seasons and not for want of trying. Had a quick visit last year and turned tail and fled and same year before on two occasions. We both miss the Don and talk about getting on it all the time. Weather looks more settled in next week or so and water levels look great so who knows. Promotion at work tomorrow means that I will not have the flexibility to take days off like before which is going to hurt when conditions are good but you cannot have everything I suppose.

By the way, Paul was speaking to someone who said Don is mobbed/getting very popular. Do you guys agree or is this a bit of an exaggeration. Annan and Clyde are like Picadilly Circus so we are on look out for lesser known rivers with good potential....

Richard
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 20:48: Quote
Large Brook Dun-Ecdyonorus torrentis

Richard :z16

I had it whittled down to two possibilities and with there being no picture of a sub-imago (either Male or Female) of the Venosus in my reference book, although there is a reference to a reddish? underbody which this one didn't have, but then again the book states that the underbody of the torrentis is purple.

Also, I could not tell if the eyes were close together from my photographs so I went down the 'either or' route and on a blown up photo it appears that the front foot has five segments with the one closest to the body being shorter than the next.....which leads down the Yellow May road which 'aint right.

I like my reference book but the one improvement I'd like to see is a picture of M&F Sub-imagos' and spinners for each species.

I googled False MB then checked out 'images' and that's where I took my Venosus decision.......obvious problem is every Thomas, DICK & Harold are posting incorrectly labelled insects on t'internet ( :oops me too) but it gets people debating so it can only be good.

As for the Don getting mobbed, I personally haven't encountered many Trout guys so far this season especially for the quality fish reported caught and lost. In fact most of the traffic that I have encountered are muppets from this site :X2 possibly others out more often would like to comment.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 14/05/2013 at 21:06: Last W end was busier than I've seen before on the ADAA beats. With the huge increase in membership in recent years that's not surprising. Friday I fished parkhill and seen 7 other anglers, Saturday there were 5 cars parked at Kintore bridge and Sunday there were 4 others fishing the beat I was on and 2 fishing the opposite bank. That was exceptional though, there have been days I have been out and seen nobody.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/05/2013 at 21:22: Iain

Just checked my books too, no decent pics of a venosus
But the pictures I have of the torrentis are spot on :z16
Another big stoneclinger nymph as well.
Good spot too as it looks very similar to the MB at a glance.
Nice to get different images and stimulate some learning.
Thanks Richard for pointing in the right direction :z16
Congrats on the promotion :z18 pity it interferes with the fishing, but that's only for a couple of months in the year,
Hope you get up soon :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter McCallum on 14/05/2013 at 21:42: Quote from: Ricardo on 14/05/2013 at 20:08
Paul was speaking to someone who said Don is mobbed/getting very popular. Do you guys agree or is this a bit of an exaggeration.

Mmmmmm sounds like a ploy to keep good anglers away :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 14/05/2013 at 21:52: Love the flee pics :z16 it's an excellent learning tool so thanks Iain, Sandy and Richard. I have pics of one of those chaps as well from Saturday, thought at first it was a march brown but suspected that wasn't right. Can't upload pics at the moment laptop is misbehaving.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 21:56: Quote
But the pictures I have of the torrentis are spot on

Problem for me is also that Boy flies and girl flies can have different colour attributes and dare I say that water quality, feed and the like may give the same gender & species of fly a different, however subtle, hue depending on location. :z8

I still can't get my head around the underbody of purple? There just doesn't seem to be enough reference material for someone like me who want's a 100% positive identification.

I happened across a blog today which really got me thinking, how good would this be?

http://www.wexphotographic.com/blog/field-studio-photography-part-1?CM_MMC=ExactTarget-_-Marketing-_-LM_1189916-_-read-more-banner
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/05/2013 at 22:03: Quote from: Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 21:56

I still can't get my head around the underbody of purple?

Interesting, your top picture has a Purple underbody, could be down to different eyes too :z8 as i thought it was quite distinctive once i started looking carefully at the picture. Cracking photos though :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 22:22: And now we hit the problem of accurate colour recognition with differing display screens (possibly), also one might be forgiven for thinking that someone describing purple was actually referring to a yellowy purple hue? when someone else (me) would have a picture in my minds eye of an underbody as if coloured in with a childs felt tipped pen type Purple?

Lord above how are we meant to learn Latin when it's a struggle to define a basic colour :X1

mi heed!

What's the latin for earthworm? much simpler :X2
:z4
Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/05/2013 at 22:26: The one thing that struck me and made me photograph it was the contrast between underbody and mottled wings. It was a very sunny day and the underbody looked quite 'creamy yellow'.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Richard Tong on 14/05/2013 at 22:35: Apparently from those who know these things(not me!), colour is the least reliable thing to look for, followed by size. However as a generalisation from what I have found, the LBD is larger than MB from same stretch of river/leading edge of wing is distinctly yellow/forewings have two quite distinct clear bands with the largest almost full wing width(as opposed to a small clear central area for MB/ body segments have triangular marking on side edge(rather than almost solid brown for MB)/ tend to hatch a few at a time rather than en masse like MB's/tend to hatch later in season than MB's.

John Goddards Trout Fly Recognition (out of print but can pick up 2nd hand) is brilliant as is the still available FSC Guide 'A Pictorial Guide to British Ephemeroptera.'..by Craig Macadam and Cyril Bennett

Richard
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 15/05/2013 at 21:48: Had a great afternoon today on the middle river with Rich and Mike, while they went away to play wheres Wally with the tourists i decide to see if there is still an afternoon hatch :z5.

So from about 1.30pm through till 5pm there was a steady hatch of both LDO's and Olive Uprights, never in huge quantities but enough to get the fish interested :z16
Following some of the advice from some of the guys on the forum i have tied up a few DHE's , so as an experiment i tied on a size 12 one and kept it on all afternoon, and it survived :z16 I'm very impressed with it's floatability and visibility and the Trout take it very confidently, in fact i'm pleased i carry forceps as i had to use them a few times to reach the fly :shock

So i had a good few of these

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_15_05_13_9_39_53.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=737)

a few of these around the 10-11" mark

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_15_05_13_9_40_49.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=738)

a couple or so of these about 1lb-11/2lb and 12-14"

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_15_05_13_9_41_53.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=739)

And to cap it off, one of these, 2lb 4oz on the weigh net and about 18" long

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_15_05_13_9_42_59.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=740)

The big one i spooked when i got his wingman earlier in the afternoon, but was back on station after i gave them about 45min break.
All in all a great afternoon fishing on the river and i have lots of faith in the DHE now :z16

Now i know they say you find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, or perhaps maybe even a leprechaun, but THIS is not what i expected to find :z5

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_15_05_13_9_47_46.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=741)

Good fishing, good company, these are the days it makes it worthwhile being out in all sorts of weather :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 15/05/2013 at 22:05: Cracking photos, and fish! Well done. Looks like you made the right choice regarding prey!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 15/05/2013 at 22:14: Excellent sandy :z16 looks like a great afternoon, man i so need an afternoon like that to renew my faith. Is that not a leprechaun?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 15/05/2013 at 22:26: Superb!

Mike why chase mackerel when the trout are rising?

Great fish and photo's especially the top one, eye perfect, and is that a buzzer photo-bombing next to the trouts nib?

DHE has been on 99% of the time for me, I do like CDC Dun patterns but my perception has been that the trout have not being going daft for Duns so I've stuck to emergers.
I think the last fish has more small dark 'spots' than I recall ever seeing on a Don Brownie.

sounds like a champion day out.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 15/05/2013 at 23:24: Cracking fish and photos Sandy :z16 Twas a grand afternoon on the river.

Hmmm, the Silver Tourists didn't want to play, but I still had lots of fun trying :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 16/05/2013 at 07:25: Quote from: Spiderman on 15/05/2013 at 21:48
Now i know they say you find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, or perhaps maybe even a leprechaun, but THIS is not what i expected to find :z5

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_15_05_13_9_47_46.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=741)

Cracking report Sandy. This leprechaun would easily have fitted into Mike's new hammock?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rich Knoles on 16/05/2013 at 08:50: Great shots Sandy! :z16 Great day out for sure :z12

Iain, Mike's hammock was full of trash I collected from the bank, so no room for this wee leprechaun.
Nice to meet some of you guys, and very nice to spend some time with friends.
With my best Austrian accent "I'll be back"
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 16/05/2013 at 18:42: Inspired by sandys success and a big wind forecast for tomorrow I took a half day and headed to the river. Was bloody windy, there were white horses being whipped up on the first pool as I set up. Still wasn't long before I seen an olive or 2 and soon after a rising fish. Over the next hour or so I worked my way up the beat, finding rising trout here and there. They were eager to take a dhe and like sandy found yesterday forceps were needed to unhook most.
Nothing worth getting the camera out for but still a very enjoyable hour or 2.
Hatch seemed to taper off by 3 and couldn't find any more risers. Had a look at a more sheltered beat for an hour but despite conditions being much better there was nothing to see.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 16/05/2013 at 21:51: I had a nice few hours this afternoon on the middle river. Decided to fish a hares ear nymph under a dhe upstream(ish!). Missed a fish fairly quickly, so focused a bit more. The below fish took the nymph shortly after, 1.1kg on my pocket electronic scales (after subtracting net) ..2lb 6oz or thereabouts. Quite a wide back on him and a really good fight. Next cast, had another of similar size on but lost it preparing the net! Oops. Ten minutes later lost another after a short scrap! oh well, can't complain, a really good session for me! lifted my spirits after some hard sessions over the last few weeks.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2116_16_05_13_9_38_22.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=745)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2116_16_05_13_9_39_51.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=746)

Jonathan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 16/05/2013 at 21:53: Great stuff guys :z16 and nice trout Jonathan :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 16/05/2013 at 22:42: Cracking trout, well done and on the hares lug. If I was restricted to one material to tie with it would always be hares lug.

Eddie. :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: garry john on 17/05/2013 at 04:04: me and my mate bruce had a amazing day on the don monday. both caught our 1st salmon on the fly within 15 mins of each other :cool: both fish taken on a cascade and released to fight another day :z16 i think they are fresh?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 17/05/2013 at 07:31: Cracking fish Jonathon :z18 nice one.
Amazing the colour variations throughout the river. Cool :z12

Same for Garry :z18 magic stuff, great to see some pictures of bonny clean fish, Salmon are a very pretty when they are fresh :z16
Bit early in the season for Sashimi though :z4 :z4 Well done on your first Fly caught Salmon :z16 you'll not forget that one.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 17/05/2013 at 19:10: Nice fish! :z16 Great to see some silver. I feel like i've been neglecting the salmon rod lately, she'll be out soon enough i'm sure!

Was out between 2 and 3 today, windy and wild....
Found this guy frolicking in the waves...threw an orange spider a few feet upstream, landed quickly, took a quick snap and he was off again to play. 1lb or just under i guess. Can't say the wind made things particularly easy and didn't fancy walking to find shelter so that was it for me.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2116_17_05_13_7_09_13.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=747)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 17/05/2013 at 21:29: Nice silver fish there guys :z16 excellent!

On the fly! Oh yeah!

Tosh, that a nice trout too.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 18/05/2013 at 00:20: Was really looking forward to getting out on the river this afternoon but on the way the phone rang and the outcome was that I could only manage an hour on the water :mad

Weather-wise I think that hour may have been one of the best of the day though. There was a breeze now and again but it was warm & sunny and there were plenty of insects about. As soon as I sat down to watch the water a LBD flew down beside me......

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_17_05_13_11_57_49.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=749)

There were quite a few Grannom on the water and these were keeping some of the parr busy.......

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_18_05_13_12_01_54.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=750)

I decided to try a size 14 Iron Blue DHE......

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_18_05_13_12_03_45.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=751)

Aware of the ticking clock I opted to cast at anything showing that I thought was bigger than the free rising parr.
A few between 1/4 - 1/2lb and two around this size........

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_18_05_13_12_07_13.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=752)

A quick look at the watch and a reluctant walk back to the car while trout still showed - nothing big but that's ok.

A few hours later and with jobs finished I debated as to whether to go back out :roll
Back out I went with the air cold and the wind offering to be very awkward.

I fished for an hour with few, & little fish at that, rising. I managed the odd 6-7" fish but it wasn't blowing my socks off so I went back to the car for the Tenkara outfit.

I spent the next 45 min's trying to avoid small fish but I did eventually catch 2 fish that were not big but decent on the wand.

Salmon fishing tomorrow, so don't care if it's cold or windy. :X5

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/05/2013 at 00:41: Cracking trout, silver fish, Grannoms, Duns ..... awesome .... Great stuff guys :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 18/05/2013 at 07:33: Cracking photo's and fish, nice report Iain :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 18/05/2013 at 19:45: Some great catches recently so well done all, especially the lads with their first salmon! Awesome :z16

Iain you are setting the standards with your posts. Very nicely done bud :z16 Silver fish was prob the best plan today, hope you got a few hours before the deluge. Speaking of deluge I'm assuming the river is gonna be a mess in the morning. Anyone got any interesting alternative fishing plans?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 21/05/2013 at 17:38: Went out with the trout rod for a few hours this afternoon on a new bit of water. Usual spot was heaving yesterday :z6

Plenty of small things moving and a few in the pound plus class all of which ate a #14 DHE.

Best of the day was sighted in thin water at the edge of a drop off, although it didn't appear to be feeding it ate the DHE first cast at it.

4lb7oz, best of the season so far

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/993_21_05_13_5_34_53.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=782)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/993_21_05_13_5_37_04.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=783)

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 21/05/2013 at 17:41: Cracking fish there Ben :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 21/05/2013 at 17:49: Awesome fish mate, well done. :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 21/05/2013 at 17:59: stonking fish Bernhard :z16

Size 14 DHE, 135 degrees?

Nice one.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 21/05/2013 at 18:03: Be about 135 deg Iain, however that is all irrelevant. The key to getting them to eat is to use a hi-vis orange line, I'm sure my green lines spook big fish :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 21/05/2013 at 18:05: Yeah more vitamin C in a hi-viz line
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/05/2013 at 18:08: Cracking trout Ben ........ great stuff :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/05/2013 at 18:44: Awesome fish dude :z16 Doesn't look like you need the glasses just yet :z4

I get more with the hi viz line too :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter McCallum on 21/05/2013 at 20:40: A real beauty Ben congrats :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 21/05/2013 at 22:15: Belter,
well done :z14 :z16

Eddie
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 21/05/2013 at 22:17: Thumper Ben well done, interesting to note fish position, they've certainly moved out the slower pools over the past week or so. :z16 :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 21/05/2013 at 22:40: Cracker Ben :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 21/05/2013 at 22:41: Embarrassed to admit I was out from 1:30 this afternoon and having to report it was crud.

Saw 4 (no, not the film) trout that were obviously larger than parr rising all afternoon despite there being a reasonable amount of sedge flitting between air and water whenever that bleeding wind simmered down. Cast to two and got both (1/2lber's) so you could argue a 100% catch rate, then you could waken up and say it was a poor afternoon. :z8

Something needs to happen soon, I'm having a right Munson of a season!

Noel :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Kevin Muir on 21/05/2013 at 22:58: Hi Ben

That's a cracking fish.

A nice way to finish off a great day.

Kev.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 22/05/2013 at 06:43: Quote from: Goolager on 21/05/2013 at 22:41
..I'm having a right Munson of a season!

Noel :X2

nice try Iain...Awesome fish Ben.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 22/05/2013 at 07:29: Nice trout Ben :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 22/05/2013 at 07:30: That is an awesome fish Ben. Well done! :z16

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 24/05/2013 at 17:24: The middle reaches of the Don are coming down a wee bit high and coloured for trout this afternoon, but it is clearing and falling nicely and should hopefully be in good nick for tomorrow if the showers stay away :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 24/05/2013 at 20:10: Mike, you read my mind :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 25/05/2013 at 08:47: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 24/05/2013 at 17:24
The middle reaches of the Don are coming down a wee bit high and coloured for trout this afternoon, but it is clearing and falling nicely and should hopefully be in good nick for tomorrow if the showers stay away :z16

lower don appearsto be rising according to Fishpal - hmmm. snow melt? or was it really rainy inland yesterday?
i did hvae an hour on the river yesterday, friday, and it was like a light brown minestrone - a soup of leaves and bits that had been blown in by recent winds.

i,
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 25/05/2013 at 10:00: It's risen overnight, island at Babithan is under this morning and it is browner than last night :z6
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 25/05/2013 at 19:45: Anyone seen the river this evening?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 25/05/2013 at 20:02: Just had a walk down my local stretch of the don, looks to be falling and clearing. It is still carrying some colour but I am hopeful of getting a days fishing tomorrow.

Cheers
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 25/05/2013 at 20:45: Dan you the man :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 25/05/2013 at 22:50: Can't speak for the Don, but i'm just back up from the Ythan and it was chocolate when i got home at 5pm but it is now clearing nicely and there was a good hatch of some largish upwings, i didn't catch any to id them (they didn't look yellow, so could have been BWO's or medium olives), but the wee troot that were happily eating them rather liked a size 14 DHE :z16

Tomorrow evening could be worth a look :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 26/05/2013 at 00:09: The river will be fine tomorrow, caught 4 on the dry tonight best pictured below

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2lb3oz.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2lb3oz.jpg.html)

Cheers
Scott C
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 26/05/2013 at 00:13: Great stuff Scott, well done and thanks for sharing :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 26/05/2013 at 20:29: Nice fish Scott :z16

Nice new toy too :z16 I thought about that one, but have gone down a slightly different path :roll Old habits die hard :z4

I went for a walk with my sister and her dogs this afternoon at the river at her house. Nice Hatch of Olive uprights coming off during the afternoon, and a couple of nice looking fish happily sucking them down, Water is looking very fishable but alas i had no gear with me, just the camera.

managed a few nice bug shots. this is the most detailed of them, The fly is a male and was about a size 14 :wink

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_26_05_13_8_28_31.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=795)

I would imagine anyone out today/tonight would see a few :z8

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 27/05/2013 at 12:20: Went to Don Sat night about 9pm. there were still plenty of fly on the river, but didn't see fish rising in the flat beat. Moved to a faster water, saw quite a lot of fish were rising. Don't know the fish size, but my third cast told, at least 1.5lb. I hold it about a few seconds, then fish jumped out the water, and my 3lb leader was broken. :cry :cry My biggest fish so far was released with my ELK hair. Quick changed to a 6lb leader, and caught one just over 13in. Not a monster, but it's my first fish this year. :z18 :z18 :z18 Not blank any more. Then it went quite. Walked along the beat, didn't see any rising.

Regarding my leader (break from the knot, I put 2 flies on it), what do you guys think? just one fly for a 3lb leader, or go for a 6lb leader for 2 flies? By the way, my 3lb hasn't been tested it since I'm blank before Sat. Cheers.

Tight lines.

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 27/05/2013 at 12:29: Nice fish (and rod) there Scott :z16

I fished the lower river on Friday afternoon but didn't stay too long as the river was on the up :z6

Saw two toddlers rising (7" fish) so felt obliged to try for one :X2 Well it beats blanking :X1

There were allsorts in the air and on the water so I was surprised to see nowt on the surface even with the water coloured.

So went Stillwater fishing for a few hours on Saturday to boost the confidence (with river flies of course).

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: paavo on 27/05/2013 at 18:30: Hi folks
Cracking trout’s there and nice photos from Iain. :z16
Thanks for sharing.

//Harri
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 27/05/2013 at 19:30: There has been some cracking pictures of fish and fly so far Harri especially as the conditions have been fairly unpleasant so far this season.
It's cold, windy and now raining outside, 4weeks until the longest day too :X1

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 28/05/2013 at 01:07: The stoneflies often get ignored.....................

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_28_05_13_1_06_21.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=797)

Bedtime!

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 28/05/2013 at 17:57: cracking pic of the stonefly Iain

Had an afternoon on lower ish Don today. One cracking bonus trout, just feet from the bank, in a small glide, he had been feeding visibly but didn't think it would have been more than a half pounder. So, a nice surprise to net and release this 16" chap.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_28_05_13_5_55_28.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=798)

and back in the water, he sulked in a comedy fashion with his head jammed between two pebbles, right at my feet:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_28_05_13_5_56_31.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=799)

a few other wee chaps on the dry, and one big tug when I was reeling in at the end of the day. hmm. Not a huge hatch of olives or uprights, but some midge and an occasional olivey thing.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 28/05/2013 at 19:15: Nice one Iain. :z16

What was he taking and what did he take?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 28/05/2013 at 19:35: Quote from: Goolager on 28/05/2013 at 19:15
What was he taking and what did he take?

I think he was feeding on a combo of wee midge, black gnats and some hawthorns, that was all I could see . But at the time, midday, there wasn't an olive hatch. He fell for a DHE, he was feeding quite steadily, so I guess anything in his lane was fair game.

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 28/05/2013 at 19:41: :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 28/05/2013 at 23:37: Just home from an interesting evening. Arrived at the river bout 8 and as I was tackling up I was watching a black headed gull working some fast water obviously picking off fly. Headed there pronto through clouds of spinners that were dancing about. Couldn't see any rises in the fast water, but the bankside reeds were crawling with sedge so on with a big Klink and I just prospected the broken water. Few casts and had a fish on, best of the season so far at 1.75lbs and a serious contender for who ate all the pies.
That was the only take though despite persisting with this method for quiet a while.

Later spotted a few upwings which quickly turned into a big hatch, the river came alive! Several fish right in front of me feeding hard with big noisy rises. Excellent I thought time to fill my boots..... Wasn't to be though, despite quiet a few fly changes I failed to attract a single fish :oops amateur hour on the don...
There were other options I should have tried ie spiders but in my growing frustration I didn't think of them.
On reflection I should have given up on the impossible trout and concentrated on getting a good pic of the flies for ID purposes but I'm pretty confident they were iron blues.
Will add pics tomorrow when I can get on she who is not to be woken at this hour's laptop.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/05/2013 at 23:53: Great stuff guys! :z16

Iain - Nice trout :cool:

Noel - "amateur hour on the Don" - "growing frustration" ........ We've all been there! :wink

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 29/05/2013 at 08:14: Quote from: An Chuileog on 28/05/2013 at 23:37
Later spotted a few upwings which quickly turned into a big hatch, the river came alive!

Nice one on the fash Noel.
Good to hear of an evening hatch; I was out on Sunday evening from 9pm til 10.30, and on the bit of river I'd chosen, not a sausage, but it was kinda chilly that evening

cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/05/2013 at 12:01: Noel and I had a look through the fly guide at break this morning and it could well have been an Iron Blue hatch he saw last night.
Unusual for it to be so late in the day, but the fly description and picture in the book looked more like an iron blue than the BWO's.
Either way a 16 or 18 might be the order of the day :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 29/05/2013 at 12:48: Quote from: Spiderman on 29/05/2013 at 12:01
Noel and I had a look through the fly guide at break this morning

You two at school together?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/05/2013 at 13:45: Detention :z7
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 29/05/2013 at 19:19: Quote from: Spiderman on 29/05/2013 at 12:01
Either way a 16 or 18 might be the order of the day...

no way I'm even attempting to tie on an 18 in the dark. Never mind tracking it on the water...

Today was tough on the river - strong downstream wind from the north. Ah well. Managed one fat little chap of 13". Again, spotted him feeding in slack water. He splashed at fly first time, missed, but was kind enough to take it on the 2nd attempt. Phew, blank avoided.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_29_05_13_7_18_09.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=800)

Tired noo, but might have a late night cast. Or a beer. Mmmm, casting...
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 29/05/2013 at 20:02: Nice Iain :z16 lucky you getting out every day.

Here's last nights fatty

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/24_29_05_13_8_01_27.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=801)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 29/05/2013 at 20:53: Nice Trout guys :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 29/05/2013 at 21:53: Is anybody else following Paul Proctor on The Twitter? He's been catching some cracking brownies! Was wondering if he's on Donside just now?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 30/05/2013 at 10:22: Nice trout and photos guys :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 30/05/2013 at 11:29: that certainly is a little fatty noel, well done to you both.

I love seeing trout photos in the water too, it still amazes me at how camouflaged they can be. A couple of days ago i was out in the afternoon on that very warm/sunny day, walked to a bit of water that looked like absolutely nothing was there, 2 seconds later i see the big golden side of a large fish i'd obviously just spooked. :X1

went out last night for an hourish on the lower river, the wind was gusty and I saw no sizable fish, although there were a lot of (mainly small) flies blowing around - nothing i could identify.

I'm hoping it wont be long before we see some photos of good sea trout coming off the don.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 30/05/2013 at 14:14: Quote from: toshkerr on 30/05/2013 at 11:29
I love seeing trout photos in the water too... photos of good sea trout coming off the don.

cheating slightly... this is a sea trout from last year, sulking at my feet after I released him.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_30_05_13_2_13_33.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=802)

always cool to see a fish in its natural place
cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 30/05/2013 at 23:32: Quite a lot of sedges around the banks tonight and a few "large olive type things" earlier ..... not my night :z4 missed and spooked a few, but there weren't many to have a cast at.

Lovely night to be on the water though :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 30/05/2013 at 23:52: Aye just home, what a beautiful night. Sandy came round to try some of the water local to me and glad to say he had lots of fish. I had a few, nothing worth a photo. We found 2 pools with lots of rising fish, not sure what they were taking but sandy was getting lots on a dhe, I was getting an occasional take on a Klink.
Seen one big fish rise twice could have been a sea trout.
Next few nights looking good. Just need to see some sedges on the water that should bring the big boys out to play.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 31/05/2013 at 00:22: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 30/05/2013 at 23:32
Quite a lot of sedges around the banks tonight and a few "large olive type things" earlier ..... not my night :z4 missed and spooked a few, but there weren't many to have a cast at.

Lovely night to be on the water though :cool:

Cheers
Mike

Good to see you're getting out fishing a bit nowadays Mike :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 31/05/2013 at 00:23: Aye it was a beautiful evening to be on the river.
Plenty fish feeding on whatever was hatching, I didn't manage to get any flies so not sure, but most looked quite olive like.
The fish seemed happy enough with a size 16 DHE although it took a few drifts over each one before they took, so it wasn't exactly what they were after.
Nothing huge tonight but a few decent sized fish that needed the net :z16 I don't think I saw any of the big boys tonight either but they are there somewhere.

I hope we get a decent spell of this weather, it's still 9.5deg outside :z12
And what cracking sunset, might have some nice pictures, will check in the morning :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 31/05/2013 at 01:18: Wee boys birthday today (oops, yesterday) so resigned myself to not getting out. As luck would have it he tired himself out early'ish so I made it to the water for 9:15.

Due to my excitement I opted to leave the waders in the car and scurry off along the bank, all the time hoping that it wasn't a decision that would come back to haunt me.

It wasn't..............the option to fish the left bank on the other hand was. If there was ever a case for furling up royaly then that was it. a few small things off my bank to the DHE whilst scanning better water upstream had the confidence high, lots of sedge (in the air) and spinners floating about but there was obviously something on the water attracting the Trout.

Off the other bank, which was a complex cast and drift scenario, there were a fair few decent 3/4 - 1 1/4lb fish showing for easily half an hour with a decent biggie at the head of them. I have no doubt that fishing the other bank I would have nailed him, he was constantly feeding.

I threw DHE's, CDC & Elk's at them but the fly would either fall agonisingly short or travel the 1' or so before drag set in (one of the reasons for using the CDC & Elk - skating sedge). I took an age to tie on a large olive Klink which gave the fish a respite from the artillery and within a few casts I was lucky enough to catch a tail end Charlie, not big, around 13" but it was the most appreciated fish I've had in a while.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll tread the other bank.

It was a nice evening to be out indeed.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 31/05/2013 at 08:42: As you've all said what a great night to be on the river, I was at the middle river in the afternoon, was attacked left right and centre by big midge things. Went out lower down the river at night from 7 till 11. Again heaps of fly life but very surprisingly not a lot of fish rising (except the odd acrobatic tiddler). I had nothing big to show for the night but my fishing partner lost a real beauty around 10pm, potentially a good sea trout but not too sure.

here is a bad phone pic of some of what was flying around early evening, and then later in the evening there were lots of yellow ones....i'm afraid thats as far as my fly knowledge goes but I think its about time i learned!

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2116_31_05_13_8_36_32.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=805)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 31/05/2013 at 10:25: Jonathon

That looks like an Olive Imago (ie. Spinner) we saw quite a few of those last night too. Along with a few duns later on.
I thought i saw a few yellow mays as well, but couldn't catch one to be 100% it is about time for them to start and a warm, spell will certainly speed things up.

Some pics from last night

A bonny evening

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_31_05_13_10_21_04.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=806)

A nice fish, one of a pair taken from the same spot last night, almost a matching pair but this was perhaps an inch longer :roll

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_31_05_13_10_22_41.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=807)

the rest of my pictures came out a bit dark or blurred, i guess its heading to that time of year. Still it was great company and another nice bit of water to explore again.

Cheers

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 31/05/2013 at 10:40: Got a bit dark where I was too Sandy :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_31_05_13_10_38_50.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=811)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 31/05/2013 at 10:44: You found your way home though :z4

We were only a wee bit downstream from you, well a mile or so perhaps :wink

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 31/05/2013 at 11:20: Been a lot of trout moving this morning, the number of offer I had to swung red wool this morning was unbeliveable!

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 31/05/2013 at 11:36: My shadow and I having a couple of early evening prospecting casts on the river ..... while waiting for the trout to start rising in another pool :z3

Not up to Goolager standards I'm afraid :oops but should be good fun to play with the camera when I find some rising fish :cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liIdyIMzeag
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 31/05/2013 at 11:56: Quote from: Ben_D on 31/05/2013 at 11:20
Been a lot of trout moving this morning, the number of offer I had to swung red wool this morning was unbeliveable!

Ben

I'm not listening (working) :z6
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 31/05/2013 at 15:06: Aye, Trig I was 10 mins from the river and work called :X1 stuck here! :mad

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 01/06/2013 at 10:36: Good to see some videos at last Mike :z16

Last night was much poorer than the previous evening but there were was still a calm spell where some Duns came floating by and It was great watching the smaller 1/2lb - 3/4 lb fish nailing them. It wasn't easy to ID them and they were of 2 different sizes, both appeared to have bluey' grey wings............ there were a few Yellow Mays in amongst them too. I was too close to deep water, where I saw a large fish yesterday, to faff about trying to catch them.

Eventually, after much self discipline regarding the feeding smaller fish a reasonable fish did show but just the once? so after another fruitless wait I opted to catch a few 1/2lb - 3/4 lb fish to end the day on a ....positive :roll

I have no doubt that there would have been decent fish showing somewhere.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_01_06_13_10_35_12.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=813)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/06/2013 at 10:40: Awesome photo Iain :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 03/06/2013 at 09:47: Stole a few hours on Saturday for a cast or three. Had a good stroll along the entire beat. Anyway, lots of small fish upto 8-9 inches on size 16 DHE's so I changed tactics and skated a Sedge for a laugh. Several small fish and a splashy miss from something a bit better.

Moved down stream to an area of slower, flatter water where small fish were going mental. Spooked two large fish that were laying in an area I just would not have thought big fish would not feel confortable in. Noted for next time though!

Found a big old boy feeding sporcadicaly so I waited and waited until it felt right, first cast was spot on, the fly started to just drift where I thought he was and "bop", a 4 inch Parr nailed the fly going skyward as it took. That was the end of that!

And then it rained!! On went the spiders fished upstream, and out came more small fish!

Also found a shoal of 1 inch Parr that would easily cover a car parking spot, thousands of the buggers!!

And then is started to rain..and rain..and rain more...so I went home!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 03/06/2013 at 13:50: Quote from: Rob on 03/06/2013 at 09:47
Found a big old boy feeding sporcadicaly so I waited and waited until it felt right, first cast was spot on, the fly started to just drift where I thought he was and "bop", a 4 inch Parr nailed the fly going skyward as it took. That was the end of that!

Good stuff Rob. Moral of the story? Target 4" fish and hope the big guys muscle in?!!
:-)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 03/06/2013 at 14:13: Quote from: iainCameron on 03/06/2013 at 13:50
Good stuff Rob. Moral of the story? Target 4" fish and hope the big guys muscle in?!!
:-)

Nah, the moral is fish huge streamers so the wee sods can't muscle in!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 04/06/2013 at 23:16: Misty tonight with a bit of a chill. No fly life and not fish moving, only fish I saw move where smaller than some of my streamers.

Good hatch again this morning though the odd decent fish on the go.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 04/06/2013 at 23:36: There was a brief surge of activity about 10 or so with olives and yellow mays on the water and clouds of small stuff in the air mixed in with the occasional sedge. Pool I was on several fish started rising and after an awful lot of work and fawlty towers type of incidents I managed one small trout. I'm giving up fishing and taking up full time drinking. :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 05/06/2013 at 12:24: Went to last night 7pm, saw plenty of fish rising, but didn't see a monster. Went to the beat 9pm. weather changed, no rising any more. Maybe I should go early tonight.

Tight lines.

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 05/06/2013 at 12:44: Quote from: MZfishing on 05/06/2013 at 12:24
Went to bridge last night 7pm, saw plenty of fish rising, but didn't see a monster. Went to the beat 9pm. weather changed, no rising any more. Maybe I should go early tonight.

Tight lines.

Mark

Hi Mark,
Please see post #1 in this thread and remember not to give specific locations on the river ........ thanks :z16

So your post would have been equally interesting if posted as below:

Quote from: MZfishing on 05/06/2013 at 12:24
Went down to the river last night at about 7pm and saw plenty of fish rising, but didn't see a monster. Went down again at 9pm and the weather had changed, no rising any more. Maybe I should go early tonight.

Tight lines.

Mark

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 05/06/2013 at 16:04: Guys,

Mikes point above is very important right now.

Coming over Kintore bridge last night I saw 6 cars and could see 8 anglers (one was Noel so call it 7 anglers). Can't remember the last time I was out and did not see other anglers on the water. After seeing that last night, I have decided not to write anything at all about trout fishing on the Don anywhere public, river is getting a lot of pressure right now. I see there is another article in the angling press about the Don, just what we need!!

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 05/06/2013 at 16:14: :X :X :X :z4
Personally I think my reports can only help to reduce angling pressure. Down the river last night, seen nothing, caught nothing. There's no trout in this feckin river. :cry
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 05/06/2013 at 16:41: I'm not surprised that there are a few more faces on the river after work at the moment, it is the same every year, we have all been eagerly awaiting the weather to improve a bit and allow us the chance to get out for a cast in the evening :cool:

We soon get it out of our system though and things get back to normal :z4

Just a couple of weeks ago we were still in thermals and gloves mode :wink

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Andy Finlay on 05/06/2013 at 18:27: Ben, good point on the # of cars but is this not a factor of ADAA having a stretch now when previously it was private one side and shire the other. They aren't all on the shire side, I parked elsewhere and there certainly wasn't that number on the shire side.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Andy Finlay on 05/06/2013 at 18:30: Noel if it helps I saw naff all as well, was later and foggy though. Tonight looks not to bad though.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 05/06/2013 at 21:45: Quote from: Andyf on 05/06/2013 at 18:27
Ben, good point on the # of cars but is this not a factor of ADAA having a stretch now when previously it was private one side and shire the other. They aren't all on the shire side, I parked elsewhere and there certainly wasn't that number on the shire side.

Probably Andy in fact I'd say that was almost certainly the case. I'm not that bothered about where the tickets were issued. That amount of fishing pressure on one stretch can't be a good thing IMO. I've had the same in the Kemnay area this season several times hence I've decided to keep my Don trout exploits private going forward. The good thing about ADAA taking on that water is that there will at least be some control over the salmon fishing, I saw some pretty grim stuff going on down there early season when there was a syndicate on it.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 05/06/2013 at 23:46: I agree that I've never seen anything like the amount of anglers on the river as there are this season. Walking to my chosen spot tonight I met a group of 4 guys coming off for example.
I also agree with Mike, that the weather is playing a part. Also everyone I've spoken to are finding the fishing tough at the moment so a lot of these folk will have a go or 2 but if they're not getting results will give up. Come August I bet it will just be the same few "characters" you know who you are... :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 06/06/2013 at 08:37: Quote from: An Chuileog on 05/06/2013 at 16:14
Personally I think my reports can only help to reduce angling pressure.

I've got mixed feelings about this - I really enjoy reading others' reports, and like to reciprocate with a photo or a report when I've had an interesting trip.

I guess the reports here tend to be the highlights - the good bits, mostly - and maybe that gives people a skewed view of the river. The reports don't reflect the blank sessions, or hours of sitting on your backside watching flies:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_06_06_13_8_30_28.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=817)

I've had a couple of nice fish this season; I've also had plenty of blanks and long sessions where nothing happened. Recent evening, arrived at river at 9.45pm after a 20 min walk. Waited til 11.15 before having a cast. Horrible constricted location. Eventually cracked and had a cast just for form's sake. Hooked the tree behind me twice. Snarled the reeds. I think I had 6 or 8 casts in total, then went home in a grump!!

Agree 100% with keeping locations private, but I'd still like to read folks' reports and flies and tactics and grumps and groans.
cheers
iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 06/06/2013 at 08:53: Excellent post Iain :z16

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/06/2013 at 12:26: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 05/06/2013 at 16:41
I'm not surprised that there are a few more faces on the river after work at the moment, it is the same every year, we have all been eagerly awaiting the weather to improve a bit and allow us the chance to get out for a cast in the evening :cool:

I'm not surprised either its been a long time coming.
I would be inclined to suggest that as Iain puts it, the reports reflect the good days, Don't all reports :z8
As long as specifics are not bandied around then i can't see what is going to change or what is wrong with letting people know how we are all getting on, every day's a school day and some of the tips are great.
If people read and take on board what the guys are posting, then they will have more successful days, but most people's patience doesn't hold out that long, if it does, then good luck to them and i look forward to reading more about it on here :z18.
Sustained pressure is not going to happen from a small increase in a few guys fly-fishing for trout using "trout hunting" tactics, all the fish are going back and are cared for :z16, it goes with the territory and the mindset required to succeed in finding and then catching them. It is also well spread out along many miles of water and as most of us sit and watch for hours, perhaps it reduces the amount of speculative and potentially pool disturbing fishing.

The only pressure on the river will come from an influx of people who are fish-mongering or using bait, both of which are pretty much against the river code of practice and if they are doing this then they are likely to be fishing illegally anyway and should be an issue for the Bailiffs and proprietors. I can see how these kind of people might use this resource as encouragement to go and catch tea, but if the location specifics are not there, what difference is there to any other day. They are still around, always have been and will still try to do these things anyway :cry. All we can do is not give too much away about where they can go. :z16

We all feel like she is our river sometimes, and she is :z16, but we also have to share otherwise the sport will die and that includes the fact she is a moody and temperamental bitch at times, so ask questions, spend time watching and learning and it will all come good. :z16 if it doesn't, try again :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 06/06/2013 at 12:28: The Don on it’s day can produce some fantastic sport, but more often than not it can be very dour. I've been out a lot this year and have had more blanks than I would care to mention.

Yeh, we will probably see more faces in the fine evenings but it doesn’t usually last.

The Don is still a great trout river but in my opinion there's not the same abundance of fly life and the rises are nowhere near as good as they use to be.....Aye, when I was a lad...

I’m usually lucky enough to catch a few decent trout each year, only because I put the hours in (maybe not quite as many hours as that Irish chap I keep bumping into) but you know what I mean...!!!

Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 06/06/2013 at 12:31: Interesting one this.

This website gives a, excuse the pun, forum for people to share their catches, both in the River Don Forum and also under catch reports. The biggest (numbers of anglers available to fish) owner of fishing on the Don, the ADAA, publishes catch reports each month. This forum also has items such as the Sexyloops Strathdon trip which clearly show areas of river and it only takes 5 minutes of research to know where, within a few miles or even to the very bit of bank, they were fishing.

So, what is the answer? This place would be extremely boring if all of that stopped. Even not naming a stretch makes very little difference over all, because a vast majority of the reports on here come from people I have bumped into on certain beats, so it does not take a genius to work out where they do most of their fishing or indeed, just through knowledge of what clubs/associations they are in, you can put two and two together.

Also, even just putting a report in the River Don forum means that people are alerted to the fact that fish are being caught. It could have been caught way up in Strathdon or right in the middle of Seaton Park, it does not matter, people will still go, "Oh, the Don is fishing, I had better get out".

Secrecy in fishing is pants. It promotes rumours and distrust. I have no problem with not adding a location, but I firmly believe that people will still go out and fish if they know fish are coming off, its just that they may be fishing a bit that is "wrong", but they are still fishing.

And lastly, I would rather have 7 anglers fishing the dry fly and returning the fish than one angler fishing the worm and killing everything. :)

ps. This is certainly not a dig at the forum, Mike, the ADAA or anyone who posts reports or does not post reports...its purely an observation open for discussion since the subject has raised its head.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/06/2013 at 12:32: Quote from: klinkhammer on 06/06/2013 at 12:28
(maybe not quite as many hours as that Irish chap I keep bumping into)

Next time give him some advice :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4
I think he needs it :X2

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/06/2013 at 12:35: Quote from: Rob on 06/06/2013 at 12:31

And lastly, I would rather have 7 anglers fishing the dry fly and returning the fish than one angler fishing the worm and killing everything. :)

Abso...flippin...lutley :z18

Hopefully that is the real outcome of the River Don thread :z12

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 06/06/2013 at 12:41: Excellent replies guys :z16

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 06/06/2013 at 13:26: Quote from: An Chuileog on 05/06/2013 at 16:14
There's no trout in this feckin river. :cry

I think I should probably agree with you Noel ...... judging by my success rate :oops ..... :z4

But I'm still enjoying every moment on the river :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 06/06/2013 at 13:36: those prepared to stalk and wait it out might, if they are lucky and very quiet, be rewarded with a sighting of Don residents such as the lesser spotted piscatorius noelious,. This elusive creature, know colloquially as the Green Fecker due to its distinctive and melodic song, is shown here in his hunting posture:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_06_06_13_1_30_31.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=818)

although native to Ireland, the Noelius migrates to the Don banks of a summer evening to perform a curious arm waving ritual whose purpose has yet to be divined.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 06/06/2013 at 13:56: "It's BEHIND you!!!"

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940_06_06_13_1_51_42.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=819)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/06/2013 at 14:03: :z4 :z4

Iain, that's what they call the Riverdance :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 06/06/2013 at 17:03: I had a good laugh at that :z4 I'm not sure which is the funniest part but Scott I've been down the river every night since the middle of may klinkhammer may just be in lead.
Iain's effort did make me lol :z16
Sandy, you're just a cheeky monkey who needs to spend less time sitting at that computer!!!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/06/2013 at 10:25: Another nice evening on the river last night :cool:

Once again, not the rise I was hoping for though, just the odd sporadic one just out of reach :z4

The river is as moody as she was 10 years ago ...... but my turn will come :z3

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 11/06/2013 at 13:35: Think it's the same all over at the moment Mike.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 12/06/2013 at 09:28: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 11/06/2013 at 10:25
Once again, not the rise I was hoping for though, just the odd sporadic one just out of reach :z4

The river is as moody as she was 10 years ago ...... but my turn will come :z3

Aye, last couple of nights I've been out I think i've had less than a dozen casts. Not much moving.

I did have a fascinating time watching trout swirl out of a deep hole to terrorise sticklebacks. Brilliant to watch - I was only two rod lengths away behind them. A lot more to fishing than catching!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 12/06/2013 at 13:33: Did you not try a wee lure through the deep bit? :z8
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 12/06/2013 at 14:05: Quote from: Dryflee on 12/06/2013 at 13:33
Did you not try a wee lure through the deep bit? :z8

sob... I reached for my wets and nymph boxes to find that I'd stripped out from my vest the fly boxes "I didn't need " for the day; only had a box of dries. And another box of deer hair dries.

One wee PTN was lurking in my dry box, and it got a swim and a take... Rest assured that my vest is now stuffed with flies of all shapes and sizes again (normal service resumes!).
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 13/06/2013 at 14:03: Yeah been caught out with that one Iain, that's why there's a couple of Damsels and a wee Shuggie in the back leaf of the dry box labeled 'In Case of Emergency.' :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 14/06/2013 at 00:31: It being a week since I was out on the river I was eager to get out tonight. Last time I was out I seen a few rising fish and some obvious fly hatches but still failed miserably to tempt anything!!! This is not normal! After much discussion and a raid of sandys fly box the consensus was go small.. 2 small as it worked out tonight because I found the rising fish again but could I tie a size 20 on in the dark? Could I **** I actually walked away from rising fish which other than a caenis hatch I doubt I've ever done before. I did find another riser on my way back to the car and got it on a CDC&elk a nice lber so that was good but I will have to try this size 20 business before I give up on the river completely!

Anyone else meeting fish that are ignoring all offerings recently?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/06/2013 at 08:19: Quote from: An Chuileog on 14/06/2013 at 00:31

Anyone else meeting fish that are ignoring all offerings recently?

All week :cry had a few wee ones on the small stuff and like you, a couple on the cdc and elk :z16 but nothing to write home about.
Lots of fish rising late on, but they look like they are nymphing, very hard to persuade them into any sort of action :z8 even with spiders and nymphs
Not seeing many upwings either, the odd yellow may and some quite large olives late on, but the fish didn't seem interested.

Seen a couple of lovely sunsets and had very pleasant evenings, but not seeing anything of any note rising, mostly quite small stuff.
from what i gather this seems to be pretty much the same for most of us at the moment, i think like Alan suggested earlier we maybe need a little bit of fresh water to stimulate the fish to drop their guard. But its been an odd spring for most creatures so no reason why the fish will be any different.
Maybe i should just go and talk to the river :z6, i'll have to tell them its Yellow may season and to just get on with it.

Hopefully i'll get out again Monday, and try again :roll

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 14/06/2013 at 13:02: Aye, it's been a tough few weeks. I've had a couple decent trout the last few evenings, best @2lbs when sedges have come off, blink and you'll miss it, yip defo need a splash of rain.

Cheers
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/06/2013 at 18:33: Heres a couple of photo's from the last couple of nights i was out.

I did wonder if these were the cause of the rises, but it didn't seem to be that way :z8, still late in the season to see these hanging around, perhaps thats a hint?

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_14_06_13_6_32_00.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=846)

A lovely sunset, nice Don image with a bit of everything :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_14_06_13_6_33_42.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=847)

Cheers

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 19/06/2013 at 00:17: Evening rises are still not what I would expect for this time of year, hopefully get some rain soon! There were plenty of small fish moving tonight and saw one decent trout (pictured below) later on when a few sedges started to show.

Cheers
Scott

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/3lbjune2013.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/3lbjune2013.jpg.html)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 19/06/2013 at 07:15: Quote from: klinkhammer on 19/06/2013 at 00:17
Evening rises are still not what I would expect for this time of year, hopefully get some rain soon! There were plenty of small fish moving tonight and saw one decent trout (pictured below) later on when a few sedges started to show.

Cracking fish Scott. The river does seem to have been a bit quieter recently. My last day time outing I didn't even string up the rod after being chased across a field by cows. Scary!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 19/06/2013 at 07:28: That's a lovely trout Scott, nice one :z16 I also seen a lot of smaller fish rising last night but unfortunately nothing large..ended up with best of about 1lb. Most exciting thing that happened was coming face to face with a badger! He wasn't bothered, just went around me :cool:

Iain man up ya townie :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 19/06/2013 at 07:42: Quote from: An Chuileog on 19/06/2013 at 07:28
Iain man up ya townie :z4

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_19_06_13_7_39_06.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=853)

After these vicious, grass munching yobs chased me away, I got revenge by eating my steak burger. From the safety of the other bank....

Scared of the coos. Big buggers. Was something comical about a grown man yelping like a wee lassie and running across a field in waders before jumping into the river to escape. But was not funny at the time!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 19/06/2013 at 07:53: I am with Iain on this one!! If it can be turned into a burger, I am scared of it..and that includes Horses!!

Thats two encounters with young bullocks I have had on the river and the last one they got way too close for comfort!

Now where online can I buy a Taser?..lol
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 19/06/2013 at 08:20: Nice fish Scott :z16.
I'm also with Iain, I too have had a few scary encounters with young bullocks and at times have just fished elsewhere to avoid the hassle. Kinda glad it happens to others and its just not me. Was starting to think I had a certain bovine attractiveness in my waders :shock. Apparently if you stand up to them with arms spread that'll deter them, somebody said that works for grizzly bears, don't fancy trying either :z4

Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 19/06/2013 at 09:44: Quote from: Gilly on 19/06/2013 at 08:20
Apparently if you stand up to them with arms spread that'll deter them,

I can assure you that with a bullock, it does not work!!! If anything, it made them even more determined to chase me over the fence!!!!

It does, however, work with kittens!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 19/06/2013 at 09:52: cracking fish :z16

I'm struggling for motivation at the moment but hopefully it will return soon!

J
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/06/2013 at 10:31: Lovely trout Scott, well done! :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 19/06/2013 at 10:41: Cracker Scott :z16

Can't you guys simply tell the cows to mooove over? Frankly i think you're speaking bullocks and you udder went the other direction.

Ok i'll get my coat. :z4

However on a more positive note there should be plenty cow dungs about :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/06/2013 at 10:47: Hmmmm ........ new product possibility, Barrio fishing jackets in bright red :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 19/06/2013 at 11:18: Nice Brownie Scott :z16

Went for a walk on Saturday evening & couldn't believe the height of water, seriously needs a flush through and some sustained height.

Went out fishing on Sunday evening & I did see one large fish which was off the other bank and totally unreachable, I did however observe three fish in fast water which were larger than the omnipotent smaller free rising versions and managed to bank all 3 on smutts, all approx. 10".
A larger fish did appear but after a frustrating 20 min's trying to tie on a sedge without my glasses I threw a wobbler and went home.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 19/06/2013 at 11:33: A new jacket would be handy when it's fresian cold.
Iain you deserve a pat on the back for being the man hoof led those bull ies.
Beef ore I braise you too much I think you were an udder fool to try to fish near them when they have offspring, best to rest for a while to recover, say 7 days, Yes take a wee calf.
I hope you feel vet ter soon & there is no shame in appearing a cow ard.

This type of occurance is not un herd of but cattle teach you to fish the Don at this time of year.

Daisy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 19/06/2013 at 12:15: Quote from: Goolager on 19/06/2013 at 11:33
...Yes take a wee calf.

Dear Daisy...

you really moooved me! I've heifer mind to send you a friends of the herd t-shirt featuring this cow-friendly motto:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_19_06_13_12_13_49.png) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=857)

only availa-bale-of-hay in Shorthorn sizes

Angus
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 19/06/2013 at 12:35: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 19/06/2013 at 10:47
Hmmmm ........ new product possibility, Barrio fishing jackets in bright red :z4

or toreador's capes?

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_19_06_13_12_35_48.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=860)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/06/2013 at 12:43: Quote from: iainCameron on 19/06/2013 at 12:35
or toreador's capes?

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_19_06_13_12_35_48.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=860)

Very good ................ :z4 :z4 :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 19/06/2013 at 14:32: Christ see what you started Iain :z4 :z4

I was thinking of steaking out a bit of the Don in search of a large slab of beef rod bender, but i'd most likely moooove on too early as i've not got the patience and am a coward and afraid of the dark. Thinking of ditching my much loved DHE's in favour of a Butcher or even Bloody Butcher in a bid to carve up a big catch, on reflection i'll stop now before you all say i'm milking it. :X1
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 19/06/2013 at 15:13: That's offal!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 20/06/2013 at 00:27: Hard going again tonight, plenty small fish showing. There were a few sedges coming off later and a couple of nice trout rising, managed to tempt one of them on a CDC sedge pattern.

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/trout_35.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/trout_35.jpg.html)

Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 20/06/2013 at 00:37: Nice one Scott :z16 what weight is that one? Hard to tell from the pic. I didn't land anything decent tonight, pricked a few but they weren't committing fully. Maybe went home 2 early but it seemed dead.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 20/06/2013 at 12:05: Aye, the photo is a bit scewed. The trout got lodged in the weed bed taking a bit longer to land, so needed to release it asap, quick pic and back in the water, didn’t weigh/measure it but would estimate 3 - 31/2lbs tops.

cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 20/06/2013 at 13:02: Cracker Scott :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: danbruce on 20/06/2013 at 13:03: cracking fish Scott. :z16

Was nice to meet you last night, there wasn't much happening after you left but it was still nice to be out.

Cheers
Dan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 20/06/2013 at 19:30: Nice fish Scott, :z16

You're fairly weeding them out, do you need glasses? That's the excuse I'm using for catching nowt over a pound.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter McCallum on 20/06/2013 at 21:08: Quote from: Goolager on 20/06/2013 at 19:30
Nice fish Scott, :z16

You're fairly weeding them out, do you need glasses? That's the excuse I'm using for catching nowt over a pound.

Iain

Sure you shouldn't blame the pot noodles for that Iain??

:wink :wink :wink :X2 :X2 :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 21/06/2013 at 00:00: Nowt wrong with Pot knuddles Peter Rabbit, if it wasn't for them I'd not have the strength to reel in the 1 1/2 lb Brownie that I caught on a smut middle river tonight, rise form not much bigger than that 'normally' created by a 4" fish.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Peter McCallum on 21/06/2013 at 08:25: Quote from: Goolager on 21/06/2013 at 00:00
Nowt wrong with Pot knuddles Peter Rabbit, if it wasn't for them I'd not have the strength to reel in the 1 1/2 lb Brownie that I caught on a smut middle river tonight, rise form not much bigger than that 'normally' created by a 4" fish.

Iain

questionable as a full time food source, but as a vino glass?? Chateau chicken tikka anyone?? :z13
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 25/06/2013 at 11:39: Great stuff Scott :z16

Cheers

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Thom on 28/06/2013 at 20:24: I was out on the river last night trying out some drys i tied on monday. Loads of small fish showing this was the biggest i managed to tempt to my dry just before i headed home. I just started tying so happy to know my flies work.

cheers Graham
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10847_28_06_13_8_23_29.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=931)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 28/06/2013 at 20:34: Nice fish Graham :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 29/06/2013 at 17:49: well done graham, i was out on thursday..stunning night but i had to leave before prime time and caught nothing...at least thats my excuse :z7

has anyone seen the river today? is it running clearish or has the rain mucked it up?!
might go for a late one but due to family visiting i haven't had the chance to check it out!

J
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Thom on 30/06/2013 at 11:03: Cheers Guys

Was any1 out trying there luck yesterday?

Cheers Graham
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 10/07/2013 at 08:23: Ended up in a salty part of the Don yesterday evening from high tide to low. Lots of weed about but there was an interesting "deviation" in the river close to the sea where I found big shoals of baitfish exploding on the surface. On with a sandeel pattern but nothing! I had one large fish come up from a deep pool and smack the fly at my feet but that was it.

As the tide ran out, the pool shrunk and the baitfish dissapeared so I moved a fair bit upstream to a fast run where I had 7 finnock in a very short time as well as numerous pulls in the fast water which I could not hook up.

Great fun indeed.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/07/2013 at 19:37: I was doing a bit of bank strimming today on a stretch of the river that I have been fishing lately, a stretch where I'm failing to find the rising fish that I was hoping to find there ....... You've guessed it already haven't you, no rod with me today and they were rising all over the place, even though I was making all that racket on the bank :z4 :z4 :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/07/2013 at 01:00: Mike you must know that you will always see mower fish when grass cutting. :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 11/07/2013 at 08:04: Grass carp perhaps ;)

It is funny how fish sometimes come over to see whats happening. I have seen fish sitting feet away from someone banging in poles to make a platform in the past.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 12/07/2013 at 22:21: Eventually got myself out for a few hours in an almost salty bit. My first time out on the Don all season. Had four finnock (three wee ones and one about 1-2lbs. Left my weight net in the car, broke my five weight (second time I've had a tip section snap for no apparent reason) and didn't get a picture of the bigger fish. Bugger!

Had a great time watching two seals go up and down a pool.

Home now for a cider and a pot of tea.

Matt
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 13/07/2013 at 00:50: Quote from: mdh on 12/07/2013 at 22:21
Eventually got myself out for a few hours in an almost salty bit. My first time out on the Don all season. Had four finnock (three wee ones and one about 1-2lbs. Left my weight net in the car, broke my five weight

Same place where you broke your rod the time we were there? Stinking bad luck!!!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 13/07/2013 at 08:16: Quote from: iainCameron on 13/07/2013 at 00:50
Same place where you broke your rod the time we were there? Stinking bad luck!!!

Exactly what I though Iain. Apart from that An enjoyable evening.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/07/2013 at 01:58: A couple from last night on CDC emergers..

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_14_07_13_1_55_09.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1036)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_14_07_13_1_55_48.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1037)

only the 2nd productive day this season.....

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Kevin Muir on 14/07/2013 at 09:09: Cracking fish Iain.

The fish in the second photo is a belter.

I bet they put a bend in your H2.

Kev.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/07/2013 at 09:33: Lovely fish Iain and great photos ...... well done! :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 14/07/2013 at 10:20: That 2nd fish is a belter what a greedy bugger! Was that your car parked at the side of the road yesterday near the council water with the road works? (trying to say where it was without actually mentioning it)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 14/07/2013 at 10:35: Pm sent Mattheus
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 14/07/2013 at 12:10: Well done Iain, cracking fish!

Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 14/07/2013 at 12:38: Quote from: Goolager on 14/07/2013 at 01:58
... only the 2nd productive day this season.....

and a very productive day it looks too! cracking fish
i
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 14/07/2013 at 18:43: Nice troots Iain,

well done.

Eddie. :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 14/07/2013 at 21:13: Aye a couple of cracking fish Iain :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 15/07/2013 at 17:38: Belters Iain :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/07/2013 at 16:01: (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_18_07_13_4_00_50.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1044)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 18/07/2013 at 21:46: Like that pic Mike, but it's got the look of a wee bit of early back end colour?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/07/2013 at 23:57: Quote from: Dryflee on 18/07/2013 at 21:46
Like that pic Mike, but it's got the look of a wee bit of early back end colour?

Yes Allan, that's an Autumn pic from last year sorry .............. Here's one from tonight, just before heading home, not the best of pics I'm afraid :cool:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_18_07_13_11_45_02.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1045)

Quite a good rise all evening, mainly smaller fish, but a number of nice fish showed themselves every now and then too. Couldn't crack it again tonight, a few swirls to the DHE and a Sedge pattern, hooked a couple of wee ones, but although I was covering lots of trout I just didn't have a clue! :oops

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 19/07/2013 at 13:27: Ditch the curved hook style flies (yes i really did just say that :wink) for flat parachute style or even better smaller CDC types. (About the only time i really look to fish these to be honest).
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 22/07/2013 at 08:20: Well, it finally happened. I had a LARGE Brownie hit a fish I was playing! I have heard of this happening but this is the first time I have had it happen to me on the Don.

The poor wee trout I was playing was almost decapitated. The culprit, a Brownie which was certainly bigger than my biggest Don brownie, clearly seen in the extremely low and clear water, right at my feet.

Whats more, it hit the small trout in less than 8" of water and 2 feet from the bank in an area where you would swear blind there were no trout. Must have been laying in the weed, just waiting.

Just goes to show that trout will still feed in bright sunshine if given a meal worth moving for.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 23/07/2013 at 09:39: Having lost 2 decent fish recently (IMHO purely down to staying on the bank) I took no chances yesterday and went in after hooking this on't dry.

Even with my wading staff I couldn't stay on my feet and took a tumble - always the pro I kept clutching the rod even while doing breast stroke & fortunately the fish stayed on.

Mobile phone & camera totalled :oops but it's what we do

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_23_07_13_9_38_37.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1079)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/07/2013 at 10:57: Great stuff Iain :z16

Liking the new shades :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 23/07/2013 at 11:40: So you would recommend fishing subsurface??!!!

Well Done Iain, cracking trout!

Cheers
Scott

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/iain_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/iain_1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 23/07/2013 at 12:01: :z4 :z4 :z4
Get back to work Scott.

Mike, I'ts to evade the CSA.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 23/07/2013 at 13:29: Crackin troot, bet you don't forget that one in a hurry. :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/07/2013 at 14:14: Simms helmet :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 23/07/2013 at 14:17: Well done Iain, some nice trout lately I see. :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 23/07/2013 at 15:10: Howdy Knowel,

Where have you been? I've been creeping about your house late at night a few times recently and you've been nowhere to be seen? Working away?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 23/07/2013 at 16:01: You could have cut the weed patch at the front while sneaking about. I been on a drinking and sun burning competition called holidays! I won the sun burn bit!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 23/07/2013 at 16:18: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 23/07/2013 at 14:14
Simms helmet :z4 :z4

Somehow that diznae sound right :oops :X2 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 23/07/2013 at 16:19: Quote from: Goolager on 23/07/2013 at 15:10
Howdy Knowel,

Where have you been? I've been creeping about your house late at night a few times recently and you've been nowhere to be seen? Working away?

Iain

This diznae sound right either :oops :oops :X2 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 23/07/2013 at 16:24: You should try living near "special" Iain. High fences are the first line....
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 29/07/2013 at 23:39: Gave some serious thought to venturing out tonight after seeing the lightning earlier this evening but you can't keep a good man down.....or is it a fool and his life are easily parted?

So off I went to visit an old haunt. I hadn't checked the river levels or even seen the river today so I was pleased to see it running at a nice height and although coloured, not prohibitively so.

Sitting tackling up I could see the merest flattening of water in a fast run, which flattened again twice before I was ready to go. Half a dozen casts and this spirited chap made venturing out the right decision.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_29_07_13_11_34_52.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1127)

Not a huge fish by any stretch but very welcome :z16

Olives were the order of the day but I kept on my large emerger in case there were any toppers about.

I rose and pricked half a dozen smaller stuff and one decent one around the 1 3/4lb mark but sadly only the one to the net.

Great to be back out again (and with my camera back in business)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 30/07/2013 at 00:08: Great stuff Iain, that storm was a bit wild for a while :z6

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 30/07/2013 at 00:26: Glad I wasn't out in it! :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 07/08/2013 at 21:24: Been a bit lax of late with one thing or another, but i got to spend the day down the river today (first one on the Don for a Couple of months.).
And nice easy 9-3 session, most enjoyable.

Over the course of the day there were several small hatches and each one encouraged the fish to come up.
Each hatch was Blue winged olives

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_07_08_13_9_16_24.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1131)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_07_08_13_9_16_53.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1132)

The hatches were lasting about 20-30mins and seemed to occur every couple of hours, i managed to get loads of wee things, but did see a couple of good fish moving .
I managed to successfully spook both the bigger fish i tried to target (rusty already :roll) but during a pocket picking exploration i managed one nice fish about 12"

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19_07_08_13_9_19_28.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1133)

I have a wee video of him disappearing back into weeds. but i have to work out how to put it up. :z16

I also saw a few Grilse splashing around, bonny and fresh looking too :z16. one guy i bumped into had a cracking brownie and a nice grilse about 5lb on the flying C so there are a few fish in the water, its running really bonny at the moment too :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 07/08/2013 at 21:25: By the way, cracking fish Iain :z14

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 07/08/2013 at 22:06: Todays fish goes home :z16.

http://vimeo.com/71920184

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 07/08/2013 at 23:19: Thank goodness for BWO's.

great photo's... I like :z16 and complimentary video :z16

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 08/08/2013 at 14:57: Like that wee via Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 08/08/2013 at 15:42: Great photos Sandy and I liked the wee video :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 09/08/2013 at 23:42: Went for a cast early afternoon on the lower river and was pretty much Muired by the rain. A jacket may have been in order.

Didn't see much (read any) decent 1lb plus fish but managed a nice wee Troot to the dry :z15 so the rod was bent.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_09_08_13_11_37_33.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1138)

Decided to have a rove upriver later in the day and although cold and breezy a fortunate rest up allowed me to notice this feeding fish, and 4 of his smaller chums. :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_09_08_13_11_40_35.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1139)

Some very warm spells today between the ~~showers~~ downpours but definitely an Autumnal feel in the air. :z6

Yan
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/08/2013 at 23:54: Wow ..... cracking trout Yan! :z16

Looks like the camera is working again then :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 10/08/2013 at 00:07: Yan!

That thing has a tail like a shovel! Cracking trout.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 10/08/2013 at 09:49: Quote from: mdh on 10/08/2013 at 00:07
That thing has a tail like a shovel! Cracking trout.

Niiice!! Did it have such a massive tail, or is it an illusion?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 10/08/2013 at 10:28: Both Iain, angle of fish does imply that its trickery but it was a spade.

Any Dee reports?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 10/08/2013 at 23:00: Cracking fish, impressive tail Iain :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 13/08/2013 at 23:30: Fished a home match again tonight.

5 Min's after hitting the water I was lucky enough to see a nice fish hiding in a hollow sipping down midge ..........................

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_13_08_13_11_27_26.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1161)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_13_08_13_11_28_19.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1163)

The rest of the evening was filled with spooking fish, clumsy bank trudging and poor decision making :z6

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/08/2013 at 23:59: Another cracking fish Iain ...... well done! :z16

Great photos too, thanks for sharing!

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 14/08/2013 at 07:19: Aye thats a belter Iain, bonnie looking fish

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Hamish Young on 14/08/2013 at 08:14: Nice fish, well done Iain :z16

H :cool:
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 14/08/2013 at 08:16: Cracking fish Iain, Bonnie blue cheeks.

Well done
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 14/08/2013 at 11:33: :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/08/2013 at 16:11: Belter :z14

A grand reward :z3

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 14/08/2013 at 18:11: Nice :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 15/08/2013 at 08:08: Nice one Iain :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 17/08/2013 at 16:00: Things on the river are getting a wee bit harder, a percentage of the naturals are generally smaller and trout more wary but the odd decent fish is still showing.

One from last night

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_17_08_13_3_55_45.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1168)

A couple from recent trips
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_17_08_13_3_57_14.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1169)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_17_08_13_3_58_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1170)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 18/08/2013 at 22:54: crackin troots Iain, well done.

Eddie. :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 19/08/2013 at 07:30: Aye some bonnie troot there Iain :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 19/08/2013 at 10:26: :z16 Cracking trout and pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 20/08/2013 at 22:39: After working away for most of august i finally got out on the river again. Headed out midafternoon with a new sense of optimism and my new bottle of cdc oil. I waited only ten mins before i noticed a fish feeding steady and covered it and second cast i hooked up with a fish of around a pound. Wading back another fish was rising in the seam of fast water, so i covered it and yet another fish of around a pound was on. Happy days and great to be out again.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_20_08_13_10_22_32.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1179)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_20_08_13_10_23_21.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1180)

I headed home happy and headed back out at six. Half hour in i noticed a huge swirl midstream. So i took my time and slowly approached from below and covered it, five or six casts in and a big brown back rolls over my fly and i strike, then it lunges upstream nearly taking the rod out of my hand. Before i could get some kind of control he was off. :mad :mad. I really believe it was the biggest i have ever hooked. I would like to say thats fishing, but im p****d to say the least. Ah well great to be in amongst them again though, and i will be back back for him :z18
Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 20/08/2013 at 22:54: Nice fish Geoff :z16

pity about the big fish :z10

as Esther Rantzen would say ..."that's life"

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 21/08/2013 at 11:41: Nice fish and photo. I guess that's the reason why we keep going back to the river. (for that big guy) :z14 :z14

Tight lines,

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 21/08/2013 at 13:58: Your wifey must have been busy with the chips for all those fish! Nom Nom :X2

Must get back to the river as I spotted some big old trout in areas I would not ecpect to see them...I guess the low water have moved them from their normal haunts.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 22/08/2013 at 00:35: Not much happening in big boy land but there were plenty of these kicking about..............

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_22_08_13_12_28_41.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1183)

to midge & wee stuff.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_22_08_13_12_31_39.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1185)

Lots of weed coming down making fishing tedious at times.

Mini rise later to upwings

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_22_08_13_12_30_52.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1184)

Lost the best of the day approx. 1 1/4lb minutes prior to the wind getting up - headed off

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/08/2013 at 00:48: Great stuff Iain ..... loving the antimology :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 22/08/2013 at 10:46: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 22/08/2013 at 00:48
loving the antimology :z16

they're not ants, Mike... :z7

:z4,
marc
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/08/2013 at 10:51: Sorry Marc .... I meant midgiology :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 22/08/2013 at 11:06: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 22/08/2013 at 00:48
Great stuff Iain ..... loving the antimology :z16

Cheers
Mike

Does antimology mean you are against insects :z4 :z4

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/08/2013 at 11:24: Only midgies and Kiwi sandflies Jim! :z13

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 23/08/2013 at 23:48: Spent 3 hours at the river this afternoon, never seen anything big and even the smaller fish were only popping up on the few occasions that the wind dropped.

Happy enough to take this on a size 19 smut.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_23_08_13_11_43_50.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1189)

and spend a wee while with the camera

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_23_08_13_11_45_15.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1190)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_23_08_13_11_46_23.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1191)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_23_08_13_11_47_33.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1192)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 24/08/2013 at 00:37: Cracking photos Iain :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Liam Stephen on 24/08/2013 at 07:28: Great pics Iain. Especially the 2nd one :z16

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 26/08/2013 at 21:52: Winkled one out of the middle river today in brilliant sunshine. Small grilse, didn't weigh it but if is was over 3lb I'd be very surprised. It took a Crathie Fly tied on a size 18 Double Wilson fished on a full floater and 4X tippet. Fairly quick water so fly was just under, awesome take, nose broke through as it took, almost like a trout taking a dun.
Crappy mobile photo I'm afraid, proper camera was flat.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/993_26_08_13_9_45_19.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1193)

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 27/08/2013 at 12:22: Nice fish Ben, on that outfit :z16

Is that one of those Salmon thingees?

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/08/2013 at 12:36: Nice wee grilse Ben :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mark Zhang on 27/08/2013 at 12:48: Quote from: Goolager on 23/08/2013 at 23:48

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_23_08_13_11_45_15.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1190)

Excellent picture, thanks. :z16 :z16 :z16 :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Ben Dixon on 27/08/2013 at 13:38: Quote from: Goolager on 27/08/2013 at 12:22
Nice fish Ben, on that outfit :z16

Is that one of those Salmon thingees?

Iain

It is dude :z4

Was on Helios 108 and a #5 Rio Scandi Short Versitip shooting head.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 29/08/2013 at 17:16: Had a cracking day on the river today, went to a different stretch of water than my usual. Lots of rising fish and i had a blast with the dry fly.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_29_08_13_5_10_43.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1195)
The first of the day at just over a pound.
20 ft above this one and i hooked into a decent fish but lost it at the net.
Whilst wading back to bank i saw the back of a trout break the water so lined up to cast.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_29_08_13_5_13_57.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1196)
Cracking trout of just over 2lbs.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10804_29_08_13_5_15_29.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1197)
Releasing back to the water.

A few smaller ones also. All in all a great day. :z18
Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jim Eddie on 29/08/2013 at 17:49: Nice fish there Gilly :z16

:z18

Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 30/08/2013 at 07:05: Well Done Geoff :z16

Excellent stuff on the dry.

was it on ADAA waters? I walked over a very similar looking Devon Minnow a few weeks back.

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Scott Cumming on 30/08/2013 at 13:29: Cracking fish Geoff, well done!

were these taken in the afternoon?

Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Geoff Gill on 30/08/2013 at 15:20: Iain, yes it was on adaa waters. Well noticed haha.
Scott, yes it was between 13:30 and 15:00.
Cheers all
Geoff
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Noel Kelly on 30/08/2013 at 19:18: Very nice Geoff. I might have to try and find my fishing gear again and get out for a walk. :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 30/08/2013 at 19:27: Fished the lower river today. Could do with about 6inches more water but there were a few fish showing. Strangely enough Dad had a flattie out of one of the pools!

Oh and the water was a bit cloudy? Is that due to the warm weather and no rain for a wee while?

Cheers Matt
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 30/08/2013 at 19:43: Great stuff Geoff :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 05/09/2013 at 07:59: lower Don last night, not far from the sea mouth. A couple of lovely finnock and this little chap:
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/3_05_09_13_7_58_23.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1225)

coalfish/pollock? something like that.

cheers, i
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Alan Davidson on 05/09/2013 at 08:18: It's a small saithe/coley. Pollack have a small beard like bit under the chin.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 05/09/2013 at 08:20: Quote from: aland on 05/09/2013 at 08:18
It's a small saithe/coley. Pollack have a small beard like bit under the chin.

thanks Alan! saved me a spot o googling
cheers, i
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Goolager on 11/09/2013 at 23:25: Got a loan of some geysers 5wt fly rod this week, so keen to give it a try I snuck out tonight to throw a surface fly or two about.

Had a pleasant time bending it 4 times with the 'typical' sized fish for the average bloke at this time of year.

Thanks enB (anag.)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/139_11_09_13_11_24_32.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=1232)

Iain
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/09/2013 at 23:27: Nice trout Iain, pity about the rod :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/09/2013 at 13:12: Went for a wander at Inverurie this morning, the river is very low, running clear and there were some nice trout rising just before midday.

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Nicol on 24/09/2013 at 08:30: I am up on the Don in just over a weeks time. Do I take it that the infrequency of posts on this topic indicates catches are still disappointing?
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 24/09/2013 at 12:00: Quote from: salmo trutta on 24/09/2013 at 08:30
I am up on the Don in just over a weeks time. Do I take it that the infrequency of posts on this topic indicates catches are still disappointing?

This is the problem :( http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_levels/river_level_data.aspx?sd=t&lc=234292
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Nicol on 08/10/2013 at 08:26: So I presume no further updates implies fishing is still dire? I am fishing Thurs-Sat and in meantime doing a rain dance!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 08/10/2013 at 10:48: Quote from: salmo trutta on 08/10/2013 at 08:26
So I presume no further updates implies fishing is still dire? I am fishing Thurs-Sat and in meantime doinga rain dance!

There are stories of fish here and there. My father had one a few weeks back and saw one being taken last week. They were both lower river. I'll be joining you in the rain dance.

Matt
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 08/10/2013 at 13:02: Quote from: mdh on 08/10/2013 at 10:48
There are stories of fish here and there.

that sounds about right - looking at the ADAA catch reports there's been a fish or two caught here and there across all the Don beats. I've seen the odd fish, mostly coloured, showing. Always worth a cast
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 09/10/2013 at 08:53: Weather forecast looks good for today. By good I mean heavy rain! Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Graham Nicol on 13/10/2013 at 17:51: Just finished 3 days on beats around Alford. Thursday saw a brown river to start with due to overnight rain but it cleared as the day went on. However, neither saw nor touched a thing. Next day river was in lovely condition and managed a small grille on a cascade. Final day, yesterday, saw the river down a lot and water was very clear. However, fortune smiled and my buddy had 2 on ally's and I caught one on a small bottle tube. Fish were all coloured and over the 3 days I saw only 2 fish when in past seasons at this time of the year they were showing everywhere. My fear is stocks are down but I hope to be wrong. Nevertheless a good brief trip
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 13/10/2013 at 18:19: Glad you managed a few fish the rain on Wednesday was a godsend but we need more. I suspect that catches are limited by water levels, I hope not to be proved wrong next season if we get more rain!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/10/2013 at 18:26: Great stuff Graham :z16

Pleased to see you had a few fish between you, that's the first time we've seen any colour in the water for a good while. I'm not surprised that there aren't many fish up there for the time of year.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/10/2013 at 15:29: Plenty of water flowing down the street just now, this rain should hopefully bring the river up a bit :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Matt Henderson on 25/10/2013 at 13:46: The river Don salmon can spawn without fear now. Had my last cast for the 2013 season today. Miserable conditions, although the river was in good condition there were a few coloured fish showing here and there. In the end Dad and I gave up and went scone hunting instead! Tight lines to the rest of you for the last few days of the 2013 season.

Roll on February and plenty of rain and snow to give us water for 2014!

Matt
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 25/10/2013 at 14:37: Great stuff Matt .... better luck next year :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Jonathan Kerr on 25/10/2013 at 16:51: Thats my season officially over too.

Saw a few coloured fish this morning, didn't connect with anything. Only fresh fish i saw was being carried along the bank by another angler. Oh well,

Roll on next season!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/10/2013 at 00:06: It has been an interesting season, quite a few friends have commented on this proving to be one of their best years on the river :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 02/11/2013 at 11:00: I wonder what everybody's thoughts are about this past season of such low water conditions? Was it a bad season, or did we perhaps learn one or two things about the river from it?

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 04/11/2013 at 11:23: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 02/11/2013 at 11:00
I wonder what everybody's thoughts are about this past season of such low water conditions?

Certainly saw a few rocks and ledges that I'd not been familiar with - low water is good for revealing the river bed.

I'd a hugely enjoyable season on the Don, and was lucky enough to get out a fair bit.

A few wee highlights for me:

I made more trips (well, 2 minute scrambles down the hill) to the river near my house rather than jumping in the car and heading further inland. Sometimes just for casting, sometimes just for 45 mins, sometimes for a good long mooch around. Spotted, watched, raised, hooked and lost a decent brownie within eyesight of the house, That was cool, and it's nice to just pull on the waders and walk to the river.

All over the rivers, I saw a lot of otters this season, including one wee chap who came up with a rod's distance while I was hiding bankside.

Watched a couple of big trout hammering wee sticklebacks in inches of water just off a main seam, while I crouched in the reeds a couple of yards downstream. Cursed and swore that I only had a box of dries with me that day, with the one stray nymph pattern being taken and spat out before I could react. Great excitement, and I couldn't believe that I didn't spook the fish - i suspect that they were so focussed on the feeding that they couldn't care less. Tried to return to that spot a couple of times, but got chased off by cows. Not fun!

Watched, rose and hooked a kelt of 8-9lb on a DHE. That was fun on the 5wt.

Got to play with Sandy's Epic. Fun, and an interesting diversion.

Solved a couple of fishy challenges with simple fly inventions - one, a red spinner with deer hair wings for sipping late night trouts - it proved tasty to many trout during the day too. I'll tie a couple up and post the pattern. And late on, frustrated by wee trout clearly nymphing (I could see them from an elevated position), I enjoyed the challenge of creating just the right size & profile of spider pattern (18, black thread, partridge) to get immediate takes (after going through the whole range of fave/trusted patterns with no success on successive sessions).

So, was the low water an issue? Well, we didn't get flooded out, the weather was pleasant for normal people (ie, not us rain loving anglers) and since we cannot change the weather, we just have to roll with it and make the best.

So, maybe no lunkers, but lots of great fish and lots of varied locations Donside too; roll on 2014!
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 04/11/2013 at 11:33: Great stuff Iain, I enjoyed reading that :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/11/2013 at 10:00: Well 2013 has been the best season i've had on the river since i was a loon, granted i'm a trout man :z3 I have managed quite a few PB's

I've fished quite a few beats over the course of the season, although once i got past july i have leaned towards the Ocean going variant and with the low water have tended towards the briny. I've had some fantastic company on most of my trips and have shared in some fantastic fishing, especially back in April/May when the River really did fish very well. I have met a lot of great fisherman both local and international and have noticed that the KISS principle comes though strongest with the best of them. I have also enjoyed some solitary sojourns to settle the mind and just experience the river in its purest form.

Perhaps now as an Adult and without the overwhelming urge to get the line wet, i have managed to employ many of the tips and advice i've received over the years. This has meant much more attention to the water and actively trying to hunt out the fish. When i have done this over the years i have always done well, but this year i have managed to be disciplined enough to employ the technique on all my trips. It really makes so much difference :z16

The other thing i have been trying this year is limiting my selection of flies, after many of the pre and early season discussions on the forum, and many years of knowing that the fly selection is not a big issue as long as you get the proportions and shade about right and can present it correctly. It has really paid off and i i think i have only used 4 basic flies all season for trout.
On the suggestions of many of you i have persevered with the DHE and it has been consistantly my best fly all year, accounting for quite a lot of good sized fish. I have fished it in a 12,14 with deer hair and a 16 with Snowshoe, just as Bob reccomends, tied in a dark and light variation it has been my goto fly in every day time hatch and has been received confidently on every occasion. It was responsible for the best days Dryfly fishing i've ever had when i managed to fish the whole day with just 1 fly and caught more good sized trout in the one day than i did in many of my early seasons :shock
Fabulous fishing :z12
Pre hatch and post hatch and sometimes during the hatch i have had quite a few fish on the waterhen bloa in a 12,14. This includes the largest river trout i've hooked on the fly, which i subsequently lost at the net and the biggest trout i've landed from the river since 1991, both took the Spider :z16
On an evening i've found the CDC and elk to be an awesome compatriot (another top notch recommendation :z18), along with the SHE and a tiny black klinkhammer. And have had some great fishing on beats that are new to me again in some great company.

I think limiting the flies has meant i've concentrated more on fishing (as many of you already know :z7) and this has made a huge difference to my days out.

August/September i have spent almost exclusively on the Ythan but thats another story of PB's :wink

So my season for the river has be magic, so big thanks to all those who kept me company and inspired confidence in decisions that have given me some of the best fishing i have had anywhere in the world :z18

The plan for the winter........ to make some ammunition :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Iain Cameron on 09/11/2013 at 10:50: Quote from: Spiderman on 09/11/2013 at 10:00
... and without the overwhelming urge to get the line wet...

great post Sandy.

And your point about sometimes keeping the line dry, and thinking, watching, waiting is worth repeating.
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/11/2013 at 12:06: Great stuff Sandy, I enjoyed reading that :z16

I spent hours walking the banks and watching too ...... I had great plans for this year, but didn't go often enough or at the right time :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Allan Liddle on 09/11/2013 at 19:01: Great post Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2013
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 09/11/2013 at 23:46: :z16