Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Rivers & Lochs => Topic started by: Mike Barrio on 03/02/2016 at 20:53

Title: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/02/2016 at 20:53
IAA March To The River Don

Inverurie Angling Association would like to invite all anglers who fish the river to attend their annual March To The River Don on Saturday the 13th of February, to celebrate the opening of the 2016 fishing season :cool:

The March to the river leaves the Kintore Arms Hotel in Inverurie at 9.30 am and will be preceded by tea, coffee and biscuits in the hotel from 8.45 am. Please bring friends and family along.

Best wishes
Mike

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-230115173226.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=2426)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/02/2016 at 21:05
Makes the season seem that little bit closer.... The proper season that is, none of this silver fish nonsense  :wink :z7 :z4

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Allan Liddle on 04/02/2016 at 13:54
Oh no, will be in Stafford wrapping thread, fur n feather round shaped bits of metal wire so sadly will miss the march this year.  Hope the weather's good and you get a decent turn out Mike.  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Colin Sunley on 04/02/2016 at 14:03
Did you not tie a few doubles last week,  What were they for  ??  :X1
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Jim Eddie on 10/02/2016 at 22:17
I'm taking the Mrs away for the weekend, so as much as I would have liked to attend I'll miss it

 :z18


Jim
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/02/2016 at 22:20
Enjoy your weekend Jim :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/02/2016 at 10:10
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: allabootthetroot on 12/02/2016 at 12:37
 A photo oh the Barley pot yesterday. A fair old difference in the flow since the floods  much more to the rurie side and seems a better pool for it hopefully. 

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11134-120216123141.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3351)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/02/2016 at 12:44
Yes, it will be interesting to see how the river has changed once the water levels drop back to normal 'ivdffs'.

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/02/2016 at 11:31
Enjoyed the March To The River this morning ......... a good social get together :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 13/02/2016 at 22:17
I know it's out of season and not on the fly but I couldn't resist a quick photo!  :z16

Not a bad fish for a cold day in February when the silver things were nowhere to be seen.  :cool:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-130216221413.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3354)

Next time I'll remember to pack my sink tips  :X1 :X2

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Peter Rawlinson on 25/02/2016 at 15:46
Is there anything happening on the Don ?  Is everywhere  quiet ?

 I fished opening day and saw two sea-liced  salmon come in  about 50  yards away from me .  Been down a few times since then but not a sausage ........

What's  the guy down the pub saying ? What's the street talk ?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: piggy6r4 on 25/02/2016 at 19:14
Not heard too much myself other than kelts ☺but have had a good few decent and hungry troot :X1
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 25/02/2016 at 23:09
Only been out twice so far and had a kelt each time at Inverurie but not seen a splash. Only heard of the fish at Kemnay AC water on opening day so far, early days so can only get better!
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Peter Rawlinson on 26/02/2016 at 07:54
Not even had a kelt  , think the floods must have cleared a lot of them out .     Also had some hungry trout take my big fly .

It can only get better ...............
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 26/02/2016 at 15:38
The fish on opening day at Kemnay AC were confirmed as kelts but there have been 2 genuine springers caught further down so there are some about.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Knocky on 27/02/2016 at 23:30
As a new member to the Adaa. I am checking out the beats. I was at the Dyce section at corks beat. A lot of water to learn about .   Hope everyone is having a good start to the season
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 29/02/2016 at 08:24
Out for a few hours on Friday on an ADAA beat.

First cast, lost fly, third cast, lost fly, fifth cast, THUMP...a fish...unfortunately it came adrift some 30 seconds or so later and judging by the thump thump thump, probably a kelt.

However, I did see several fish moving through the pool a few hours later and also a fair few trout rising, including several very good fish in the 3-4lb range.

I moved downstream and found two flies (boost!) at a well known bench. Both flies were tangled in the grass and both had very large trebles attached! When I say large, bigger than I use for Pike, I would say about size 4's! Both flies were 1" copper tubes and the hooks were way oversized for the fly.

I do hope they were not being used for foul play!  ???

The water was extremely clear and you could see the changes to the pools quite clearly. One bit I normally wade down at knee height was well above my waist and running very strongly...so please be careful when wading, a lot of changes have taken place.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 07/03/2016 at 20:20
A wee kick sample today dislodged a handful of these chunky larvae (Ryac and Hydro I think). I also came across dozens of tiny agile darter nymphs, no idea of the species but some were almost translucent and about a size 20.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-070316210344.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3383)

I didn't notice any olive flying around but I did see a lot of midge.

 :z18
Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: allabootthetroot on 08/03/2016 at 09:53
Managed to battle through the fallen treeeeees to get a cast in the mill stream yesterday. A fair old struggle not sure if it is easier coming down from the black pot or heading in from the Raes either way is a nightmare.
I like a quick cast in the miller and it it sheltered if its blawing a gale but it badly needs the chainsaw at least 4 trees down now.

Since IAA are taking over next year a plan of action will be required to clean up the Miller and Maret .  A guess the lumber could be bagged and sold to raise funds for IAA.
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11134-080316095136.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3384)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11134-080316095214.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3385)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 08/03/2016 at 10:07
Good idea about selling the timber but I think Mitchells farm own the wood so presumably permission would have to be asked for.
Are IAA definitely  taking over the water next season?I haven't heard anything lately regarding this.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: allabootthetroot on 08/03/2016 at 10:34
Quote from: Duncan on 08/03/2016 at 10:07
Good idea about selling the timber but I think Mitchells farm own the wood so presumably permission would have to be asked for.
Are IAA definitely  taking over the water next season?I haven't heard anything lately regarding this.

Duncan


Aye good point Duncan  it would be Mitchells timber.

As far as i know IAA will run the fishing next year mibees Mike can confirm this. I aint been a member of IAA for 30 years or something but will rejoin this year. Anybody who fishes the Burgh waters should join up this year so you can attend the next AGM and find out what the plans are and ask a few dozen questions.

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 14/03/2016 at 08:02
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....two fish lost!

One was a kelt, long and thin, that splashed on the surface for a bit with the typical thump thump fight, but the second fish may have been fresh. Fought differently, several long runs and when I got it on the surface, it looked nice and deep. Just as I was drawing it to me, the damn hook pinged out.

I lost a couple of fish last year on the same hooks, (Loop) so they have been binned and I am looking for a successor.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Hamish Young on 14/03/2016 at 08:11
Quote from: Rob on 14/03/2016 at 08:02
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....two fish lost!

Bugger  :z6

Quote from: Rob on 14/03/2016 at 08:02
I lost a couple of fish last year on the same hooks, (Loop) so they have been binned and I am looking for a successor.

Partridge Patriot Nordic - I use the singles and have had no issues at all.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 14/03/2016 at 08:40
Quote from: Hamish Young on 14/03/2016 at 08:11
Bugger  :z6

Partridge Patriot Nordic - I use the singles and have had no issues at all.

That's what I am switching too :)..if only they did an 8/0 :)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mark Zhang on 14/03/2016 at 11:34
Quote from: Rob on 14/03/2016 at 08:02
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....two fish lost!

One was a kelt, long and thin, that splashed on the surface for a bit with the typical thump thump fight, but the second fish may have been fresh. Fought differently, several long runs and when I got it on the surface, it looked nice and deep. Just as I was drawing it to me, the damn hook pinged out.

I lost a couple of fish last year on the same hooks, (Loop) so they have been binned and I am looking for a successor.

I have some Mustad classic double(size 4, 8, 10, 14). I'd like someone to give it a test. Please let me know if you want to have a go. Cheers.

Regards,

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 14/03/2016 at 13:55
Rob! It's not like you to start the season dropping a fish... unlucky
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 14/03/2016 at 14:56
Quote from: IainCameron on 14/03/2016 at 13:55
Rob! It's not like you to start the season dropping a fish... unlucky

That's 3 dropped so far!! Out again tomorrow on the way home from work...see if I cannot get one to stick!!

Out of interest, why is the Brown Trout Season for the ADAA waters different to the rest of the River Don?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/03/2016 at 16:13
Quote from: Rob on 14/03/2016 at 14:56
Out of interest, why is the Brown Trout Season for the ADAA waters different to the rest of the River Don?

Since when?  I thought all the Don beats started on the 1st of April :z8

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 14/03/2016 at 16:16
I've always wondered the same Rob?! I think it's because it keeps the trout bums out of the way of the salmon tofts  :z8 :X2

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 15/03/2016 at 07:39
Quote from: Sandy Nelson on 14/03/2016 at 16:13
Since when?  I thought all the Don beats started on the 1st of April :z8

Sandy

Nope, have a check on FishDon.  There are people from this forum out today :)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 15/03/2016 at 11:03
Kildrummy and Monymusk I think....... :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: allabootthetroot on 15/03/2016 at 11:05
Sunset yesterday.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11134-150316105510.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3405)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Colin Sunley on 15/03/2016 at 11:12
Am confused.com  Kemnay AC & on Council,  is 1 April, & 15th on ADAA . 

Am working anyway,

Have fun for those who venture out.

Col
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: allabootthetroot on 15/03/2016 at 11:15
A dont mind waiting until April for the troots. Things could be worse when i was a school kid in 70s you could have as much as 20 kids worming for broonies am sure you can guess the rest  :cry :cry.

Inverurie trout fishing got so grim they stocked it. a think that was around 82.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 15/03/2016 at 17:11
Yes,i would have been one of those kids in the 1970s who would gather above the old Don Bridge on  Saturday morning to worm for troot.
There were certainly a few deep hooked fish but on the whole I don't think we did much damage to the fish or to the fish population.If you got one trout of around a pound you went home very happy.
I used to look forward to my Saturday fishing all week and found it a very exciting method of fishing for a kid.

I sometimes wonder if we could attract more youngsters to our sport if we were to allow worming for juniors only.Obviously using barbless hooks and striking immediately a troot takes.
I think we have to try something as there is no fresh blood coming into our sport.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 16/03/2016 at 06:50
Quote from: Rob on 15/03/2016 at 07:39
Nope, have a check on FishDon.  There are people from this forum out today :)

Cheers, everyday's a schoolday. Might have to try one myself next week :z16

So did any of the Forum members see any flies or fish? :z8

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 16/03/2016 at 07:44
Quote from: Duncan on 15/03/2016 at 17:11
I sometimes wonder if we could attract more youngsters to our sport if we were to allow worming for juniors only.Obviously using barbless hooks and striking immediately a troot takes.
I think we have to try something as there is no fresh blood coming into our sport.

I still say that if the ADAA opened a small coarse loch where kids could go and catch fish to their hearts content on whips and rods (a reasonable whip costs around £20) they would attract many more into the general sport. Once "hooked", there is a very good chance they would want to try for trout and salmon...but they will have already gained vital skills such as unhooking, fish handling and catch and release.

It would be cheap for the kids to get into, cheap for others to try, once stocked, cheap to maintain (no re stockings, weed not an issue and the banks don't have to be kept as clear as a trout fishery) and above all else, a place where the pastime can be enjoyed without rules and regulations that put kids off.

Portsoy angling club did this with Loch Soy and used to get 10-15 kids fishing it with the whips they supplied at the weekend. Unfortunately the loch was hit by vandals that broke the sluice gate, so a lot of fish were lost and then it was flooded 2 winters on the trot :(
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/03/2016 at 09:02
I was out for a few hours on an ADAA beat on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. No Salmon, but a couple of trout around the 1.5lb mark. Not much fun on 14 and 13 footers.

However, did see some upwings about and a few nice trout taking them. Also saw some fry in the margins, about an inch long. Not as much as last year, but nice to know they survived the floods.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 28/03/2016 at 13:12
Quote from: Rob on 28/03/2016 at 09:02
However, did see some upwings about and a few nice trout taking them.

Roll on Friday  :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 01/04/2016 at 18:10
Today was tough going in very poor conditions, I should have gone to my old hunting ground but decided against it!  :X1

I ended my day with 3, the biggest a little over a pound. One came to the nymph early doors and the others to a big Klink as I prospected with the Duo.


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-010416180837.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3433)


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-010416180901.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3434)

Hopefully tomorrows weather is kinder to me!  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 01/04/2016 at 20:57
Well done, good start considering the conditions.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 02/04/2016 at 18:35
After the disappointment of yesterdays sneak out after an unexpected morning at work.
Where i saw a handful of  flies and no real rising fish and only bothered to have a couple of play about casts to get the fly wet
Today was a different proposition.

Nice and warm, light breeze and the hatch started about 1pm, LDO's and March Browns. They continued to trickle off in small waves right through till about 4.

Sitting and watching was the way forward, spotting the rising fish brought me some great sport all afternoon :z16

My first Don fish of the season on a size 14 DHE, a lovely acrobatic 19"er

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020416182428.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3435)

Great way to start :z3, and closely followed by a few more 15"/16" fish, all targeted and only spotted after watching the water for a good few minutes to identify where they were.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020416182703.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3436)

Saw a few big ones too, but managed to miss most of them although i did keep picking up decent fish as i found them

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020416182800.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3437)

The fly that seemed to be the favourite today.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020416182909.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3438)

So a beautiful afternoon to be on the river and really pleased to see not too many changes and a decent amount of flylife for early April. If you are out take the time to sit and watch and you will see a few fish feeding :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020416183451.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3439)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 02/04/2016 at 18:51
Great stuff Sandy :cool:

All the recent posts and photos from everybody are just what we need to get enthusiastic about getting the waders wet :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 02/04/2016 at 19:36
Sandy those photos are even better on the full size monitor!!  :z16

The weather was kinder and the fishing was better today. I nymphed for a couple of hours in the morning and picked up a good number of fish doing so. Nothing big but still good sport early in the day. At around lunch time I took a wander up river and couldn't resist running my nymphs through what I know is  good fish holding water. I was just prospecting into likely looking  lies and plopped my nymphs to the side of a boulder. My line twitched, I lifted, everything went tight and then all hell broke loose! I eventually landed it about 100 yards downstream of where it was hooked,  after deciding to run the rapids.  :X1

My biggest Brownie to date on the nymph:


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020416192511.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3440)



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020416192631.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3441)



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020416192654.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3442)

Cuffed to bits I took a seat, changed spools and waited. A few flies began to appear around 1pm followed by a handful more.......  Soon there was a good mixed hatch underway, LDOs and MBs came sailing downstream but not many were intercepted by fish.
 
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020416193210.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3444)

I managed a few to the Emergers but nothing bigger than 14" or so.

Great start anyway, long may it continue!
 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/04/2016 at 19:10
I ventured out again today. Conditions weren't great in the morning but things turned out okay in the end. My usual 1-2 hours of nymphing in the morning didn't produce that much, a few dropped 1lb Trout and a Sea Trout of 1.5lb.

Same as yesterday I sat and ate something, changed line and fly and waited for the trout to rise. 1pm was again when the first flurry appeared and the hatch trickled off until 4pm. Pretty isolated in places so it was worth wandering and keeping your eyes peeled. I picked away at some nice fish on a Deadly Emerger pattern (special thanks mate  :z16) but kept on the move all the time.

My walking was rewarded when I came to a pool where several big noses were popping out  taking the upwings as they drifted past.  Most of the good fish were out of reach although I did have a 7-8lb salmon torpedo itself out the water at my emerger, I'm not sure if it went for the fly or was just coincidence.....  :z8

However there was one steady riser tight to my bank, on my hands and knees I crawled towards it and waited for him to show. He nailed the next two flies that past over him, paused and then took the next one. I covered him pitching the fly about 3 ft above his position, the drift was perfect - Gulp!!! I knew he was big but got a shock when he came out the water, holy s**t my knees were shaking and my heart was racing. After a good 10 min tussle I slid him into the net, let out a victory roar and had a few fist pumps!  :z4


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030416190437.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3445)



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030416190511.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3446)


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030416190530.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3447)

A solid fish which I measured at around 23" although I have a couple of sources double checking that. Weight wise I have no idea but as you can see from the pictures it was chunky.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 03/04/2016 at 19:16
Well done young man, thats a well won fish :z16

Cracker :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/04/2016 at 19:21
Thanks Sandy  :z16

You pretty much put me onto it yesterday!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/04/2016 at 19:59
Confirmed by 2 reliable sources at making 24" and being over 5lb!!  :z14

So thats a new PB for me!  :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 03/04/2016 at 20:05
Cracker :z16 The hours spent at the river bank are certainly paying off....well done, you deserve it :z18


Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 03/04/2016 at 20:16
Superb fish Liam! is that the monster Don Brownie you've been seeking?! Nice one  :z4

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/04/2016 at 20:17
I guess it is Iain yeah!  :z4  Although my goal for the year is a 6lber, I don't want to be greedy though  :X2

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 03/04/2016 at 20:21

I've had a couple of afternoons on the river this weekend. A few fish, some from lies that the flooding etched out.
Been interesting. Most have come to a size 14 emerger pattern, but today the fish were keyed into something smaller, and I dropped to a shiny-arsed size 18 emerger to tempt my first trophy 3lber of 2016:


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11431-030416201802.jpeg)



Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 03/04/2016 at 20:23
Quote from: IainCameron on 03/04/2016 at 20:21
, but today the fish were keyed into something smaller, and I dropped to a shiny-arsed size 18 emerger

was it dark?

I'm pretty sure i watched some Iron blues hatching later in the afternoon yesterday and they were small. quite a lot of black gnats as well.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 04/04/2016 at 04:15
Liam,

well done that is a belter you must be chuffed.

Iain,

that is a cracking fish as well.

Well done both of you.

Eddie. :z16 :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 04/04/2016 at 07:40
I really am doing something wrong!!! I had a 5 pounder, but it was a Pike. All winter fishing for them, and not one, switch to trout, and I catch them!  :z8

Saw two fish rise, and that was it from 1.30 until about 7pm on Friday.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 04/04/2016 at 07:53
Friday was really tough, Rob.
I only saw two rises all afternoon as well
The weekend was much better but even then the fish take a bit of spotting, we've mostly been finding them in Known lies and then waiting for them to show.
We still need a bit more sustained warmer weather to encourage things, but its still early doors another couple of weeks and things will hot up a bit more.

Well done on the Pike, not had one out of the river for years, brilliant to know there are still some there, used to catch Perch in some beats too, not seen one of those for years either :z8 Might have more to do with the change in tactics and style of fishing :cool:

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 04/04/2016 at 08:23


Quote from: Sandy Nelson on Yesterday at 20:23:32 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7170.msg61157#msg61157)
was it dark?
Naw, it was sunny...  :z12
Sorry... I squished a couple of upwings, and they were dark and small -  honestly can't say if they were Iron Blues, but given the very dark body, and that the trout were ignoring more obvious natural duns, it would be a reasonable guess.
I know I covered the 3lber well with a size 14 emerger, and he ignored it. I was standing just 2-3 rod lengths away, so I could see my fly drift passably well over its head. Ignored me, and there were two other smaller fish off to the side also blanking me. I *finally* stopped casting and had a look around, saw what was happening and changed the flee...


Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 04/04/2016 at 08:26
Quote from: Rob on Today at 07:40:28 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7170.msg61160#msg61160)Saw two fish rise, and that was it from 1.30 until about 7pm on Friday.
They were keeping their heids down to avoid that budgie thing you were throwing at them...

If you want to catch a trout, try salmon fishing :-)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 04/04/2016 at 09:12
Quote from: IainCameron on 04/04/2016 at 08:26
Quote from: Rob on Today at 07:40:28 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7170.msg61160#msg61160)Saw two fish rise, and that was it from 1.30 until about 7pm on Friday.
They were keeping their heids down to avoid that budgie thing you were throwing at them...

If you want to catch a trout, try salmon fishing :-)

Already done that...have had a few Trout on Willie Gunns!

I might try fishing for Roach with maggots this week ;)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Allan Liddle on 04/04/2016 at 16:23
Well done guys cracking fish  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 06/04/2016 at 09:07
hi


I had a quick 90 min session to the river yesterday late afternoon. Some rising trout, even in the coloured (and rising) water. Again, the trout were ignoring the MBs rafting past, and dimpling on small stuff. First fish straightened my hook a little - grrr - was a decent weight/shape, easily an NF+. Oh well, it's a solid hook style that's not let me down before, so swapped it out for another identical hook/pattern.


Next riser was very tricky, tight against bank, under trees, and above a riffle breaking over a rock. Came in at about 1lb plus, but satisfyingly tricky. Followed soon after by a splashy/messy riser that I underestimated... he again took ages (and one fly up a tree and subsequent change of leader) to cover cleanly - lots of side casting until I said "sod it" and gambled with an overhead cast between two branches.... neat take, solid pull, and this lump of 3lb came to the net:


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11431-060416090117.jpeg)


Was happy after that, especially as I had been balanced on a rock and couldn't see into the water around and didn't know if I could move safely, so I had to guide him to the net sloooowly.


Moved up, and just above a wee tuft of grass/weed, a fish was gently dimpling. Again, tricky casting directly upstream, with boulders and branches in the water. Sod's law, I got the flee stuck in the tuft of grass. THought I'd blown it, so not very quietly splashed up and removed the fly from the debris it was stuck in. 2 seconds later, and 2 feet away upstream, he dimpled again. Game still on, he succumbed eventually and came to the net at a pleasinly large 2.5lb - those small near bank dimples can be surprising!




Echoing what others have said - the trout don't seem interested in MBs at all. strange
 
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/04/2016 at 09:20
Quote from: IainCameron on 06/04/2016 at 09:07
those small near bank dimples can be surprising!

Thats a fact :z16

Sounds like a great couple of hours :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 06/04/2016 at 19:35
So having pre-booked some leave this week and finding myself Bored by 11am i decided to go out regardless.

Another weird kinda day, i have transversed 3 different beats and travelled between them by car in search for some rising fish.
Maybe about 5 miles on foot today, but finding the fish was tough.

Plenty LDO's and MBs hatching all afternoon so i eventually went and sat at a spot i know should have some fish and after yesterdays lesson on the Deveron about finding the fish on shallower water when its coloured, it seemed like a good spot to sit.

Well April showers is the best description of the late afternoon, it bucketed down and i started to think i may be perhaps starting to suffer from some sort of personality disorder. Why i could take such pleasure from sitting in the grass beside a brown river with a dryfly rod whilst getting drenched, when i could be at work........  ahhhhhhhh ... quite normal then :z7

Well after Staring at the water for about 20 mins, it beats goats... i saw a fish take a fly, and then another.......

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-060416191957.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3462)

Fooled by yesterdays deadly Plume tip dun. 12" and felt like a real achievement :z3

over the next hour i saw another 4 fish rise, one out of reach the other 3 were between 9 and 10" and all liked the fly.

About 4.30 the hatch of March Browns seemed to increase and they began to appear regularly, as we have noted the fish did not seem to be interested, but i was, so spent a while catching a few.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-060416192301.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3463)

This hatch seemed to be  steady flow right through till 6pm, about 5pm i looked at the queue of traffic and thought, i'm not at work why should i join them...... So i kept wandering about.

5.15 and there was nice rise halfway across the river and then another a bit closer, it appeared to be taking the MB's so i chucked the Olive Dun at him as you do... First drift and Bumfff.................... 10 mins later.........

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-060416192642.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3464)

My first TF from the Don for 2016, not a monster but 3.25lb on the net and 20" against the rod
most of my pictures give too much away :wink but the fish was in great condition.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-060416193108.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3466)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-060416192834.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3465)

My late grandad taught me to fly fish and sometimes i feel him with me when i'm out, today had that feel and despite his fun sense of humour i think he persuaded me to keep walking when common sense said jump in the car. A big bit of luck helps but i'd like to think that somewhere the old man is having a Nip to celebrate a nice fish against the odds :z18

Sandy


Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 06/04/2016 at 22:34
Great report and ace pictures as always Sandy  :z16

Glad the rain didn't put them off, someone told me fish don't like getting wet!?  :z4 :z7

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 07/04/2016 at 08:58
Another Pike for me!!!!

I could cry with laughter sometimes...

Did not see a single rise, water was lapping the top of the bank and was coloured.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 07/04/2016 at 09:00
Quote from: Rob on 07/04/2016 at 08:58
Another Pike for me!!!!

Rob,

#you really need to stop trout fishing with dead baits.

Eddie. :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 07/04/2016 at 09:08
Quote from: Eddie Sinclair on 07/04/2016 at 09:00


Not deadbaits, a foot long live Brownie under a big float, trotted through the pool! ;)

This one took a small "Sex Dungeon"...I love Kelly Galloups naming of flies :)
Its strange, last year I was getting lots of hits to streamers (hits, not fish :( ) this time of year, at the moment, I am not getting anything at all.

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 07/04/2016 at 09:29


Quote from: Rob on Today at 08:58:06 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7170.msg61203#msg61203)
Another Pike for me!!!!

Pike magnet. Except when you're fishing for 'em...


Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 08/04/2016 at 08:19
I have decided that all the flooding has washed the trout down to Iain and he has netted off a section of river and is fishing in a "barrel" :)

Still no fish rising further up river, despite sitting and watching for hours.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 09/04/2016 at 00:29
I had the day off Friday so the kids and I headed down to the river around 11ish.

Conditions were better than they had been earlier in week. The water still had a good bit of colour but I was quietly confident of some surface activity.

I messed around with nymphs for the first couple of hours which only produced one lb+ fish :z8

After 2pm there was a flurry of olives and a few smaller trout started to show. After picking one off on the dry I got a shout from Lewis downstream who spotted a fish mid-river. I went to investigate, although that fish never showed again i did spot another feeding tight against the opposite bank. He looked a respectable 2lb/+ fish (I was well out with that guesstimate). With a long line out the fish lunged at my fly on the second pass but I lifted too quick :X1 I changed position for a better angle and waited, he was soon on the feed again, confidently picking off every olive that came his way including my emerger- bingo, I was in :z16 He bolted down stream, stopped then leaped 5ft in the air, it soon became apparent the fish was probably 3 x the weight of my initial estimate  :shock :X2 After a hard battle we eventually got this sturdy fish to the net, cheers mate :wink

My first Don Stonker of 2016 - those far bank rises can be deceiving :wink

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/8%20april2a.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/8%20april2a.jpg.html)

The trout was in great condition, a solid lump.

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 09/04/2016 at 00:32
Dude that fish is stunning! What a beezer  :z16

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/04/2016 at 06:54
Ditto :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 09/04/2016 at 10:24
Sweet jesus, that's an absolute screamer!

Congrats!

Steven.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Jeff Donovan on 09/04/2016 at 10:41
What an absolute belter!  :z16 Well done that man.  :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 09/04/2016 at 11:01
 :z18
Quote from: JeffD on 09/04/2016 at 10:41
What an absolute belter!  :z16 Well done that man.  :z14

Cheers, Yep a cracker, in fabulous condition. Here's a couple more pics  :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/8%20april1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/8%20april1.jpg.html)

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/8%20april3a.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/8%20april3a.jpg.html)

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 09/04/2016 at 18:27
That's better Scott!!  :wink :z7
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 09/04/2016 at 18:30
Scott,

magnificent fish, well done. :z14 :z14

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 12/04/2016 at 07:49
At last, I finally caught what I was fishing for...a wee brownie of about a pound! I can retire happy now lol.

Streamers (woolly buggers), nothing, nymphs (GRHE, PT etc), nothing so decided to have a few practice casts with the dry to get my hand in again. Used one of Mikes GT lines that had not seen the light of day for a few years and started to remember what a lovely line it was.  Started to roll cast to an area mid river, when all of a sudden the fly (DHE) disappeared with a "slurp".

Amazed to have a fish take a dry in such a cold wind.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 12/04/2016 at 08:20
Quote from: Rob on 12/04/2016 at 07:49
decided to have a few practice casts with the dry to get my hand in again.

Now you get the idea :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 12/04/2016 at 13:00
Quote from: Sandy Nelson on 12/04/2016 at 08:20
Now you get the idea :z16

Sandy

This is my version of the DHE ;)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/10426677_10152639152800806_3505766317541157535_n.jpg?oh=4f0d8349240dcb8802e526b8f30fa9fb&oe=5781D3F0)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2016 at 13:22
Doh  :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Simon Bruce on 12/04/2016 at 21:23
Had a day out on my favourite little stretch of the river today, got out the car and there was quite a strong upstream wind but it did calm down for a bit. About an hour into my little adventure there was quite a hatch of olives coming off and out of the corner of my eye could see a good fish rising a little bit upstream and quite close into the bank, covered him a few times the wind was making it a bit tricky, then bang he took the fly and screamed off to the other bank started to get a hold of him then the dreaded moment, a quick shake of the head and he was off, could quite of possibly been the biggest trout i have ever hooked into. Carried on fishing away picking of a few little trout of about a pound. Was about to call it a day as the wind had picked up a fair bit, but thought i would give one more stretch a quick cast with the nymph a few casts in and as my nymph was just rising in the water the line went tight and i hooked another good fish, gave a fair scrap and a gentleman who was fishing downstream from me kindly netted the fish for me :z16 Best fish of the season so far for me
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-120416212148.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3500)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-120416212250.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3501)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/04/2016 at 20:43
Interesting day today.

I tried a few beats and each one had different water clarity, in fact on a couple of them the water clarity was different depending on which side of the river you were on.
Lots of swallows and martens on the wing though, great to see the guys back, i guess the weather must be getting better :z5

Much wandering about, but when i stopped to eat a biscuit i became aware of a few fish feeding against the far bank. watching the for a while it appeared to be a pod with some pretty decent fish in it. Temptation got the better of me so i walked down until i found a spot i could wade across and then i fished from the opposite bank :z12

Quite a challenge to pick them off without spooking the rest, but they liked the scruffy olive again.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4130009.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4130009.jpg.html)

Average size was pretty impressive

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4130016.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4130016.jpg.html)

We are so lucky having such a quality trout fishery on our doorstep

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4130013.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4130013.jpg.html)

So hard work to find them again, but once on them, it was a great afternoon. Last one was picked off after a rise 12" from the bank on my way back to the car :wink

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4130028.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4130028.jpg.html)

Water had dropped about 2" by the time i left, so fingers crossed there is no more rain tonight and tomorrow might be a decent day too :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/04/2016 at 21:21
Great stuff Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 14/04/2016 at 07:22
I managed out for an afternoon session earlier in the week. Not the best conditions with a fresh upstream wind. There were some olives showing between gusts, which was enough to bring a few trout to the surface. All the bigger trout fell to the dry although I did have several smaller fish before and after hatches on the nymph.

My best of the day was a good bit smaller than last weeks stonker but every bit as strong.
His stubborn resistance was enough to open my size 14 Daiichi 1160  :z8
A sturdy 4lb 12oz in the weigh net :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/12thApril1_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/12thApril1_1.jpg.html)


Cheers for the photo Lewis, nice pic :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/12thApril2.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/12thApril2.jpg.html)

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/04/2016 at 07:45
I think i need a Lewis as well :z16

Did he spot it again? My spotter only spots girls and cars these days, but he'll grow out of that and remember whats important :z4

Great stuff Bud, fantastic condition again :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/04/2016 at 08:37
Great stuff Scott :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 14/04/2016 at 09:17
I also need a Lewis.  :z4

I think he will accept payment of video games and sweets in return for info on big fish locations  :z7 :wink :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 14/04/2016 at 12:45
I am just not seeing fish, let alone big fish! :(

Starting to think I am in the wrong bit of the river :(
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/04/2016 at 13:21
There isn't a "wrong bit of the river" on the Don or the Deveron in my experience Rob, you just have to spend most of your time walking and watching :wink

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Allan Liddle on 14/04/2016 at 13:45
Fantastic stuff Scott  :z16 :z16 :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 14/04/2016 at 17:43
Mixed results today but I was in good company.  I saw a fish that I hooked and lost yesterday again, it's a PB for sure! Unfortunately I put him down today and never saw him the rest of the day .   :X1

I noted a few more very good fish so will be back for them tomorrow.

I had good success on the dries during a mixed hatch. The usual 10-12" fish were keen, I also had several at around 2lb, a 2.5lber and a 3.25lber so another trophy!

Loving the Epic 580 as well so cheers Sandy!  :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-140416174937.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3506)


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-140416180908.jpeg)

 :z18
 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3507)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 14/04/2016 at 18:00
Rob start fishing proper dries. A ginked up Zoo Cougar doesn't count btw!!  :wink :z7 :z4

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/04/2016 at 18:33
Great stuff Liam :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/04/2016 at 19:04
It was a lot of fun Dude, had a great afternoon :z16

Especially now the water is clearing.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-140416185554.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3508)

LDO's again accounting for the fish despite a decent March Brown hatch.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4140017.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4140017.jpg.html)

Some crackers in amongst them including two TF's :z12

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4140004.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4140004.jpg.html)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 14/04/2016 at 21:10
Guys,

fantastic standard of fishing on your doorstep.

Who needs to go to New Zealand.

Eddie. :z16 :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Noel Kelly on 14/04/2016 at 21:34
Awesome fishing guys well done all and lots of great photos as usual.  I love having a look in to see the reports and some of the patterns that are working  :z16  I've a dormant membership of the ADAA so you'd never know maybe I will see some of you on the riverbanks again in the not 2 distant future.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 14/04/2016 at 21:47
Would be great to fish with you again Noel!  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 15/04/2016 at 09:12
Quote from: Mike Barrio on 14/04/2016 at 13:21
There isn't a "wrong bit of the river" on the Don or the Deveron in my experience Rob, you just have to spend most of your time walking and watching :wink

Cheers
Mike

I walk, I watch, I creep about, and I am not seeing much. :(

Last year I was seeing big fish on every trip in the same area. There were three bits where I could almost guarantee seeing (not catching) fish of 4-5lbs. They just have not been in those lies so far.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 15/04/2016 at 11:13
It could be due to the shifting in the river bed. What was once a great lie may be crap now. And vice versa...... The trout will still be around that location I'd imagine you'll just have to find them!  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 15/04/2016 at 12:38
Quote from: Liam Stephen on 15/04/2016 at 11:13
It could be due to the shifting in the river bed. What was once a great lie may be crap now. And vice versa...... The trout will still be around that location I'd imagine you'll just have to find them!  :z16

Still looking...lol
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 15/04/2016 at 18:09
i've really enjoyed finding trout in some new spots this season.


Was out today, a few up to 2lb despite a nasty downstream gusty wind. And hail. We had some hail. FIsh still happily coming to a size 18 emerger pattern, and not seeming too fussed about snaffling MBs.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 15/04/2016 at 19:17
Anybody who was at the river bank today needs their head looked at…. It was baltic !
I had a good excuse, I wanted to try a custom dubbing blend put together by Andrew Ellis :z16

There was a reasonable hatch of olives but I only spotted three  fish all afternoon
Fortunately one of them was a steady feeder and liked the look of my fly.
Another plump trout heading towards the 5lb mark.  :z16
I’m pretty sure I’ve caught him before :? Away to look through my big fish pics.

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/trout_1.jpeg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/trout_1.jpeg.html)


and thanks again Andrew I appreciate your help with the blend. Looks great and the fish liked it too :wink

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/fly_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/fly_1.jpg.html)

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 15/04/2016 at 19:18
What an angry looking Trout  :mad

Obviously really pissed at seeing you again :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 15/04/2016 at 20:53
Scott  :z16

As much as I like you I hate you right now!!

Well done mate another cracker in tough conditions. I know where you were  :wink :z7 :z4

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Andrew Ellis on 15/04/2016 at 21:54
What a fabulous fish to have christened your blend with Scott  :z16. An interesting brief, but we got there didn't we?  Now I've seen that fish I'm really tempted to start eating into the reserve stock. :X2

Soooooooo jealous of the quality of your fishing, as someone said earlier, 'who needs New Zealand'? Well done that man.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 16/04/2016 at 20:00
Not much to report today....

There were a few of these showing but the fish weren't interested, can't blame them. I'm still thawing :z19

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/march_broon_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/march_broon_1.jpg.html)

Took this pic in bright sunlight, kinda cool the way the fly glows :z12

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 16/04/2016 at 20:05
Now thats an awesome photo.

Perhaps this IRN BRU thing is not just a fetish :wink
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 16/04/2016 at 20:09
Yes .... cracking photo Scott :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 17/04/2016 at 15:19
Had a cheeky 3lber yesterday :-) despite the hailstones and vile wind and rain


Was walking the dug, saw a decent fish feeding... I had 30-45 mins to spare before heading into town... rushed home, grabbed rod (already set up and good to go), pulled on waders... back to river, scrambled into position, 2-3 casts, fish on. Jump, splash, net. Released it then home. Salmon anglers upstream must have been bemused as I arrived, cast, caught then left in less then 5 mins :-)


speed trouting at its best, and definitely the shortest, most efficient trip i've ever done!

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 18/04/2016 at 18:52
Quote from: IainCameron on 17/04/2016 at 15:19

speed trouting at its best, and definitely the shortest, most efficient trip i've ever done!


Now that does sound like fun :z16 Where can I buy the Speed Trouting gear?? I remember a flash of blue and red winging its way upstream on Saturday :shock It must of been you :z4

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/Speed%20Trouting3.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/Speed%20Trouting3.jpg.html)

Great stuff Iain, well done :z18

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 18/04/2016 at 19:03
 :z4 :z4 :z4  :X1...
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 18/04/2016 at 20:45
Just got back from chucking some streamers. Water was perfect for it as well after the rain/snow melt!  :cool:

I arrived at 6pm and headed straight to the hotspot. My first cast was a bit of a balls up, shit turn over and a pile up of line.....  But as I starting stripping everything tightened and I was in!

Not a bad start:
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-180416203542.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3515)

My night was made at that but I carried on and nailed some more similar to above and 8 fish around 10", the flies were about half the size of them!  :z4

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-180416204035.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3516)

A nice way to spend a couple of hours in the evening.

On another note,  anyone considering a do it all Streamer rod should seriously look at the 686!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 19/04/2016 at 08:41


Quote from: Scott Cumming on Yesterday at 18:52:02 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7170.msg61377#msg61377)
Now that does sound like fun :z16 Where can I buy the Speed Trouting gear?? I remember a flash of blue and red winging its way upstream on Saturday :shock It must of been you :z4
Great stuff Iain, well done :z18

Scott

I'm choking on my coffee here - that was hilarious! I might catch a quick trout, but you've been back in the big troot groove! nice
Saw a kingfisher twice this week - that's the real speed hero


Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 19/04/2016 at 10:39
Quote from: IainCameron on 19/04/2016 at 08:41
Saw a kingfisher twice this week - that's the real speed hero


I know exactly where that kingfisher nests  :shock The Caped Crusader has revealed his location :shock
I’m sure to spot the red and blue fisher hiding in the bushes next time I’m down that way.....  :z5

What does the C stand for?  :z8 oh yeh, yer surname, silly me  :z4 :z4 :z4

All good banter Iain, catch up again soon.... Good luck with yer next mission :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/04/2016 at 19:21
Well in Typical Don fashion

The water was ideal, the weather was lovely but the Olives didn't want to hatch today :z8
There were March Browns and Sedges coming off and there was the odd fish feeding on the aforesaid flies.

The young Un put a nice a bend in the glass rod
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4190005.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4190005.jpg.html)

While the spotter sat and took photo's  :X1, bonny fish though and well earned :z16
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4190007.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4190007.jpg.html)

After a lot of rejections from a beastie i spent 3 hours on, several flies and no solid takes, eventually one fell to a large sedge :z16
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4190008.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4190008.jpg.html)

Not the one i was after, but it rescued the blank :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 20/04/2016 at 07:37
Quote from: Sandy Nelson on 19/04/2016 at 19:21
Well in Typical Don fashion

No Olives? :z8 water temp dropped after the cold snap? I haven't been down to the river since weekend, hope things pick up soon. I like that Salsa rod Liam, told you the fish like orange :z16

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/04/2016 at 07:41
At long last, a fish that put a bend in the rod! Typically I had left the camera at home so had to make to with a phone camera.

Walked the beat looking for fish and had seen one or two, but they were not really feeding, just the odd rise every 20 minutes or so. Just starting to walk back when a fish popped out mid river. It looked small but I thought I would have a cast in its general direction. Slurp, lift the rod, and everything went airbourne! She must have made 5 or 6 jumps in the first 15 seconds.

Anyway, fly was a home tied barbless DHE, size 14,  using a Barrio GT line and my trusty Orvis ZG.

Please excuse the quality of the photo.

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12115802_10153373099490806_4478830741859983051_n.jpg?oh=d82386b8180c51e3637525f0b59633bc&oe=57B306D1)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2016 at 11:25
About time Rob, well done!  :z16

I was half expecting a big sale of all your fly gear.  :wink  :z7 :z4 

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 20/04/2016 at 11:30
nice one Rob! About time... :-)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/04/2016 at 11:34
Quote from: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2016 at 11:25
About time Rob, well done!  :z16

I was half expecting a big sale of all your fly gear.  :wink  :z7 :z4 

 :z18

Its difficult to sell gear that's been smashed into a thousand pieces in a rage ;)

Whats more, I actually saw a couple of good fish for a change...they just were not having it :(
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Simon Bruce on 20/04/2016 at 21:59
Had a day out on the river today and thought i would try something new to me Klink and Dink, never tried it before and have seen that it can be rather deadly on the right occasion. Went up to a beat on the middle stretch of the river and had good fun exploring with this new method plenty of fish in the 1Lb range and one about 2lb. Kept my eyes open for any fish rising but only seen one or two come up for the odd flee passing by. About 2 o clock headed to a beat on the upper reaches of the river, seen a few rising but nothing that would make me stick to the dry fly. So it was search the water time with the klink and dink a few more fish came to the method but nothing to write home about. Was searching a stretch that just looked fishy, when the line went tight thought i had hooked into a rock until the the line started to get pulled through the water, then all hell broke loose the fish jumped out of the water and started to head downstream and i started to follow about 15 mins later landed what is now my personnel best out of the Don
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-200416215504.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3524)

6lb 4oz on the scales
The girth and condition of this fish was amazing

Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2016 at 22:36
Holy shit that is a pig!!  :shock :z16

Well done Simon, the Duo is one of my favourite methods. As your report and  photo show it can be deadly.  Nice one!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Jeff Donovan on 21/04/2016 at 00:08
That's an absolute stonker   :o well done that man.  :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 21/04/2016 at 00:17
Amazing fish :shock well done :z14 :z14 :z14 Did you take any measurements? girth is ridiculous...  :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/04/2016 at 06:32
Stonking fish Simon :z14 Amazing condition for april :shock

Brilliant stuff on what was a tough day  :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 21/04/2016 at 08:00
That's it....I am putting my gear up for sale!! Stunning fish!!!! Well done indeed!!
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/04/2016 at 08:33
Great stuff Simon :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Simon Bruce on 21/04/2016 at 08:34
Cheers guys :z18
Didn't think of taking any measurements at the time just a quick photo then back into the water with him. My grandad always told me of big fish being caught up there and it's good to know they are still there :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 21/04/2016 at 08:48
Simon,

belter, fish of a lifetime.

Well done.

Eddie :z14 :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 21/04/2016 at 09:55


Quote from: Simon Bruce on Today at 08:34:56 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7170.msg61423#msg61423)
Cheers guys :z18
Didn't think of taking any measurements at the time just a quick photo then back into the water with him. My grandad always told me of big fish being caught up there and it's good to know they are still there :z16

that's a belter - what a
fat  well-fed trout!

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/04/2016 at 20:15
Much better day today, So went and explored a new beat (well to me anyway) :z12

Really nice hatch of March Browns about 1130 that brought quite a few nice fish on to the feed.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4210005.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4210005.jpg.html)

A few flurries of Olives and more march browns kept the fish interested in small bursts
Some nice fish showing as well.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4210008.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4210008.jpg.html)

So limited hatches, but the warmer water definately improved the chances, best of the day was another TF, best of the season so far and a lovely deep, well conditioned fish, it didn't fancy hanging around for too many portraits though.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4210011.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4210011.jpg.html)

A very enjoyable day in great company:z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/04/2016 at 20:21
Great stuff Sandy :z16 ..................... no dinosaurs today then :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/04/2016 at 20:30
Well..................... :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4, however i now know another beat that you will love :wink

We also think we saw some olive uprights later in the day, but didn't get close enough to catch any, so can't be sure, they could have just been anemic march browns

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/04/2016 at 18:27
Nicked a few hours this afternoon on a home beat.

Baltic in the wind, but there was a cracking hatch of LDO's from 1pm onwards right up till 4. If you kept your eyes peeled you could find a few feeding fish.
The Scruffy olive proved to be the medicene again, you can see why it works.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4220029.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4220029.jpg.html)

Some nice fish moving this one was a beautiful Blue Don Brownie and the best of the afternoon, pushing 2.5lb

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4220008.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4220008.jpg.html)

At least the flies and fish seem to be back on fettle again, even if the weather is doing its best to make things tough. :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Simon Bruce on 23/04/2016 at 21:57
Was out today (must be mad)
Weather was ok when i arrived and when the wind died down you could get a cast or two in before it started up again, had fun with the duo again picking off trout up to about the 1lb mark. Then it was all seasons in one day wind/ rain/hail/snow/ nice spells inbetween but didnt last long. Kept on with the duo just searching a likely looking spot and could see some fly life starting to appear on the water when the klink dipped in the water, a quick strike and i was in
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-230416213334.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3553)
After the usual quick photo with my phone and getting the fish back into the water, i could see some fish rising and some looked quite big. Quick change of leader and on with the dry (and a quick dry of the phone after it took a fancy for a swim :X1) Hooked into another good fish this time falling to an old favourite Greenwells Glory  :z16

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-230416215009.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3554)
All in a good day, but had to call it quits at 15.30 as i could hardly feel my hands and the wind was just driving me daft.

Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 25/04/2016 at 07:40
Saturday had me wondering why I do this for fun… freezing, wet and miserable, slogged it out for several hours with very little in return.

Weather improved Sunday and so did the hatches with several flurries of LDOs and some decent fish looking up….

Caught this Stonker on an emerger, my second fish over 6lb this season - well chuffed :z18

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/24april_a.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/24april_a.jpg.html)


A cracking fish in great condition. Another nice pic - thanks Lewis :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/24april_b.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/24april_b.jpg.html)


The day ended with a golden 3.5lber on the nymph  :z12

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/24april_c.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/24april_c.jpg.html)

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/24april_d.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/24april_d.jpg.html)

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 25/04/2016 at 08:33
Superb Scott :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 25/04/2016 at 20:25
Scott,

I am not in the least bit jealous looking at your pictures from down here in the deserts of the UAE.

Honest Guv,

Eddie :X2 :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 26/04/2016 at 19:40
And just as things were going nicely on our local rivers ........... this weather turns up :cry
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/04/2016 at 20:28
I lasted a whole hour on the river today. Am I brave or stupid!?  :z8

Saw bugger all, lost a couple of flies and thought time to go!  :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/04/2016 at 13:05
...................... and it's not getting any better :z8
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/04/2016 at 18:59
Well maybe's aye and maybe's no.............

Yesterday the water was spot on, but the wind and the cold slowed things down, still a few fish rising though :z16 Isolated for catchable, nothing exciting landed.

Today i managed a couple of hours late in the afternoon , the water was murky again, but the odd monster was out and about :z4

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4290031.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4290031.jpg.html)

Fantastic hatch of Large Dark Olives all afternoon and not a fish to be seen anywhere........

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4290026.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4290026.jpg.html)

Today was meant to be cold and horrible, but was just windy and mild, the Swallows made the most of the hatch, just a shame the trout didn't fancy looking up in the Murk, a couple of days without any more rain should hopefully bring the First week of May, conditions that will go with the hatches and we can get some of the best fishing of the year :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/04/2016 at 19:09
It's all about to happen .................... :z12
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 30/04/2016 at 10:29
Your Sun Dance worked then Sandy  :z4 ............. cracking morning today :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 04/05/2016 at 17:44
Well having taken some days off to go fishing, i have persevered despite the conditions.

So 2 blanks down and today brought some better looking water and a strong breeze :z6
The sun did come out at times and spring is very much looking pretty

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-040516172810.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3572)

Some good hatches of LDO's, coming off in short 10-15min bursts from 12 through till 3, i found a few fish at the tail of one pool, which were hard to spot with the wind ruffled surface, but if you could get the fly to them they snaffled it. Nothing huge best about 14"

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5040014.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5040014.jpg.html)
 
I eventually got sick of fighting the wind, so swapped beats to a more treelined one to diffuse the breeze. A decent walk and i found a good few fish feeding in a nice glide, much nicer for casting and the fish were keen.... a welcome change from the last couple of days. Nothing of any particular note, but a couple required the net :z16

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5040013.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5040013.jpg.html)

This one couldn't wait for his picture :z7

And this one turned out more like a painting, there is just something about trout and water, that inspires :z12

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5040005_1.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5040005_1.jpg.html)

The water still feels cold and i think thats not helping, but each day seems to be improving, fingers crossed it does :z16 i've a few more days to go yet

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 04/05/2016 at 20:02
With a bit of luck things will improve by Friday, wind seams to drop right off. Thursday night.
On a slightly different note I see Kildrummy had there first springer yesterday..
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 05/05/2016 at 17:57
A bit of an anti-climax and tough going again today, that water is still very cold, even though its running clear and a great height :z8
so i ended up taking photo's instead.
heres an orange tip butterfly

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-050516173038.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3576)

some impressive large brook duns were hatching too
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5050023.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5050023.jpg.html)

Still didn't bring the fish on, a small flurry of LDO's brought a few up to 14" but didn't see anything of any note.
So i started playing with some of the settings on the camera. :z12
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5050048.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5050048.jpg.html)

Might be a change of river in order, until the water warms up some. at least the wind is supposed to back off a bit for a few days, that should help too. I hate getting sunburned when i'm wearing 5 layers of clothes :shock

Sandy

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 10/05/2016 at 20:35
A beautiful day today, lovely and warm with a nice wee breeze :z12 So i spent the day on a favourite beat in great company.

Over the duration of the day we saw quite a few rising fish, but what they were feeding on was not always very obvious.
At first i thought it was the large dark olives that were trickling off late morning
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5100001.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5100001.jpg.html)

So did this guy, but then the others didn't seem to think so...........

Next up there were Grannoms skittering about and it looked like there was about to be a huge Grannom hatch, there was a good hatch but not the blizzard the conditions suggested might happen, At the start of the  hatch a small dhe fooled a couple

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5100006.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5100006.jpg.html)

Some real yellow Sally stoneflies were on the wing, but the trout didn't bat an eyelid at those
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5070005.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5070005.jpg.html)

The one decent size fish i sat on for several hours was feeding sporadically against the far bank, i tried all sorts of flies, DHE's , plume tips, CDC spiders and all were ignored in a variety of sizes. I even went down to a size 18 black smut and he looked at it but didn't convict to eating it......what to do  :z8 He went quiet for a wee while so i wandered off. When i came back he was still rising every now and then so i harked back to a paragraph i read in a Rene Harrop book about how sometimes a big terrestrial can fool a feeding fish. So a rake around my bag and i found a size 12 Hawthorn. There were none to be seen anywhere, but what the hell......... First cast.....
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5100018.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5100018.jpg.html)

Best of the season so far 21" and an on the line 4lb in the net :z12 Once he went back he decided to sit in front of me for several minutes, so i couldn't resist invading his recovery time..
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5100026.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5100026.jpg.html)

Bonny fish, well pleased after a weeks worth of trying in all sorts of conditions :z16
Late in the afternoon there was a sporadic hatch of Olive uprights and this time i managed to catch one to confirm it was them
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5100050.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5100050.jpg.html)

The fish kept rising, but very hit or miss and it was tough, but  i was almost tempted to stay and see what the evening brought, might keep that for tomorrow :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 10/05/2016 at 22:12
Nice one mate, you deserve it!  :z16

Big fly = big fish  :X2

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 12/05/2016 at 18:18
Last day off today, back to work tomorrow :cry So i got my jobs done early and nipped out for a few hours.
Don't know where the clouds we were supposed to get went too, but it was another glorious day.

Finally the sunshine brought on a really good hatch of sedges and some small olives about 12, a small size 14 SHE tempted a couple up.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5120001.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5120001.jpg.html)

The sedge hatch started to turn into a mini blizzard of grannom and the trout, albeit no huge ones, decided, despite the sunshine that the sedges looked tasty
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5120013.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5120013.jpg.html)

A change to a size 14 CDC and Elk really started to have an effect
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5120016.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5120016.jpg.html)

This one still has a wee bit of weed stuck in the deer hair, the trout seemed to know where it was every time i hooked one!

Best of the afternoon pushed 15" and was about 1.75lb put up a great scrap
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5120022.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5120022.jpg.html)

I finally managed to catch one of the sedges that had the trout rising, by standing in the river and letting it land on me
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5120024.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5120024.jpg.html)

So if anyone is out over the next few days, watch out for a sedge hatch from 12-2 the size 14 CDC and Elk seemed to be spot on.

Have fun :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 17/05/2016 at 20:57
I tied up a few flies over the last few days to imitate the Emerging sedges, so this afternoon i got out for a couple of hours to give them a whirl.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5170014.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5170014.jpg.html)

The fish seemed to like them. this one was a lovely golden bellied fish

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5170012.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5170012.jpg.html)

Plenty rising fish if you watched long enough, they were taking the sedges again and perhaps the Small dark olives that were hatching as well, some Larger OU's coming off and i think the fish that were feeding, were happy to take anything that looked like food, Again none of the big guys out to play, but some pretty decent fish were happy to take, this was the best of them.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5170006_1.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5170006_1.jpg.html)

The fly needs a bit of work yet, the fish really liked it, but they also wrecked them both, so i have to work on making it a bit more robust. I didn't get down till 2pm but there were fish rising when i arrived and they seemed to go off about 4, although there were still fish rising sporadically through till about 5.30.

Still not tried an evening yet, anyone else been out later on? is there anything happening on an evening yet?

Cheers

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 17/05/2016 at 22:24
Quote from: Sandy Nelson on 17/05/2016 at 20:57
Still not tried an evening yet, anyone else been out later on? is there anything happening on an evening yet?

Been out a couple of times, still pretty quiet. Caught this one last week on the dry

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

Shouldn't be too much longer before the proper evening action starts...

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/05/2016 at 20:26
Miserable day today, but the gloom brought a huge hatch of Iron Blues this afternoon

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5190027_1.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5190027_1.jpg.html)

The trout keyed onto them from 1.30 through till 3

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5190023_1.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5190023_1.jpg.html)

Lots of good fun on a very technical piece of water, hard work but well rewarded

After 3 there was a good hatch of LDO's as well as the first Yellow Mays i've seen, of the season

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5190042_1.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5190042_1.jpg.html)

The same size 14 Scruffy olive plume tip covered both hatches  :z16

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5190034_1.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5190034_1.jpg.html)

So battling the wind and getting soaked and cold was well worth the effort :z18

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5190035.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5190035.jpg.html)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: James Craig on 20/05/2016 at 11:00
I managed to get on the river for a few hours last night after work. There was a hatch of Yellow Mays starting as I arrived around 6pm and by the time I entered the first pool several fish were rising steadily. I spotted what I think were a few LDOs coming downstream too.

I tied on a s14 scruffy CDC olive tied with a yellow head (with thanks to those who posted about it under the Fly Tying section) and missed a fish on my first cast. I picked up a small brownie further through the pool until I spotted a fish making a bit of a song and dance underneath a gorse bush on the far bank. I floated the fly past it a number of times until it picked off a natural a few centimetres away from my fly  :shock. I had a rummage and found a similar fly that I tied up with light cahill thread and no dubbing - which did the trick and brought this guy to hand:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-200516104556.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3599)

It's no monster, but I was really chuffed. The hatch slowed shortly after he was returned and I switched to a GRHE and picked up another small fish down stream.

I'm new to fly fishing and so I've still got a lot of the basics to learn, but it was a satisfying evening. Third time on the river and first time using dries which was great fun.

James
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/05/2016 at 11:03
Great stuff James :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Simon Bruce on 21/05/2016 at 21:51
Decided to head out a bit earlier yesterday, was on the river at 7.30 and to my suprise there were quite a few decent fish rising, was set up with the Duo so decided to give it a bash before changing over to the dry fly. Had 3 fish in the first 45 mins smallest being about a pound, and this one just as the sun burst through the clouds and trees
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-210516213926.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3601)
By mid morning  there was a huge hatch and it seemed like the fish liked what they were seeing, fish rising in some very strange places and most of them a decent size
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-210516214642.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3602)
Had a 3 about this size and quite a few between the 1/2lb to 1lb mark. Wind picked up about 2.00 and was blowing downstream and kind of put an end to what started out as a cracking day

Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/05/2016 at 01:06
Out on the water with Brian this evening, was a tad windy to start off with, but it turned out really nice :z16

Found a couple of pods of fish from 5.30-ish, but rises were sporadic and the fish picky. A wee shower around 8 seemed to produce clouds of wee sedges, we were literally covered in them.  Seemed like a few more fish were rising now, but we didn't crack it and were mostly met with refusals, although the odd fish would slash at our flies as they started to skate downstream.

Started the long walk back towards the car around 9 and found a nice pod of fish on the way.  Watched them for a few minutes and decided to have a go with a DHE ......... still found them somewhat picky to be honest ( I obviously wasn't doing something right )  but that last hour was great fun and produced a nice fish or two :cool:
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/05/2016 at 19:49
Nothing exciting to talk about from the last couple of afternoons

Some short hatches of LDO's and uprights with Grannom and Iron blues sprinkled in, nothing to get the fish feeding steadily.

Some huge squadrons of Olive upright spinners

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5200021.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5200021.jpg.html)

Don't think the fish were taking them in the afternoons, but may well be after them later on, or first thing in the morning, judging by the quantity, there have been some big hatches of uprights. Pretty looking flies.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5200016.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5200016.jpg.html)

Going to have make an effort to get out on an evening later this week :z3.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Grant Montgomery on 22/05/2016 at 19:57
Hi

I am meant to be on Kildrummy tomorrow but at Alford this evening the river was a bit high and a bit grey looking.

How long does it normally take to fine down a bit as it looked pretty bleak tonight.

My first time ever on the Don so hoping for the best!!

Cheers
Grant
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/05/2016 at 21:03
Grant

If it is just rain from today it will be fining off tomorrow, TBH a bit of fresh water will do her no harm.
The river often fishes best when its the colour of tea.
I have my fingers crossed for you tomorrow.
The guys have been seeing a few fish rising after 9:30 at night as well, so always worth popping down again later on. :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Grant Montgomery on 22/05/2016 at 21:19
Thanks Sandy,

Im really looking forward to it, fish or no fish!

Will keep you posted on how it goes.

Cheers
Grant :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Grant Montgomery on 23/05/2016 at 19:36
First Don trout on the dry fly maybe about a pound and half. It was tough going out there today-really was 4 seasons in one day.

Got my first-next is a big one (hopefully).

Cheers
Grant
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/05/2016 at 19:44
Great stuff Grant :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/05/2016 at 23:24
Near bank midge sipper from tonight. Size 18 shuttlecock fooled him. He was sitting 2ft off my bank in less than 18" of water.


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-260516232225.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3612)



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-260516232311.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3613)

A prime condition fish just shy of the 20" mark but over 3lb.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 28/05/2016 at 09:35
It was a tale of two trips yesterday.

Sandra had the dentist in town at lunchtime, so i had a couple of hours to burn. Urban trout hunting was the only solution.
I got on the water about 1230 to find a nice hatch of small dark olives and some happily feeding fish.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5270004.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5270004.jpg.html)

Lots of cover and crafty casting required, but the rewards were there

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5270012.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5270012.jpg.html)

Only did an hour but the fish were still rising when i left, so at least there was a decent hatch during the afternoon :z16

After tea i went back down on a different beat, plenty insects about but the fish were were few and far between, until after 10pm then there was a nice steady hatch of medium size sedges, i tried a size 14 emerging sedge pattern again, this time it lasted a bit better :z16 although got quite well chewed. Another Use for Scruffy Buzzer dubbing, pretty versatile stuff and the fish seem to love it.

I had some cracking fish and got broken, which using 5x tippet and a nice soft tipped rod was quite a surprise, but they were very aggressive. Best of the evening went wild and i thought it might be a sea-trout, but it was a another nice brown, it was Pretty dark by then. :z18

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5270007.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5270007.jpg.html)

Looks like things are starting to get going  :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/05/2016 at 09:47
It was a great evening to be on the water Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 30/05/2016 at 17:57
Well after the Haar killed everything last night, before it got going, i thought i'd pop down this afternoon for a bit of recompense.

Lovely afternoon for a walk along the river, not a huge amount to be seen despite some good hatches. I did find this Olive upright spinner hiding in some flowers

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5300018.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5300018.jpg.html)

There were sedges and some small dark olives hatching off, a small f-fly seemed to do the trick for a wee while

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5300001.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5300001.jpg.html)

I've been trying to get a decent photo of a Small dark for a couple of days, finally managed one this afternoon

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5300010.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5300010.jpg.html)

very small a size 16 or 18 was required, but it seemed that the fish were more interested in the small terrestrials.
So i tried one of Paul Proctors flies called an APT in a 16. the fish loved it.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P5300023.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P5300023.jpg.html)

Not all of the wee fish that i cast at turned out to be 8" long, one or two were a tad bigger and proved quite a surprise, so i just kept casting at everything.
This was my best on the APT, and provided some serious excitement on the wee flees

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P4210002.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P4210002.jpg.html)

On the whole a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/06/2016 at 12:55
Not liking today's showers ...... there goes any plans I had for a weekend in the tent :z6
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 03/06/2016 at 17:20
don't you want to know if its water-repelant ?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/06/2016 at 17:39
Quote from: Marc Fauvet on 03/06/2016 at 17:20
don't you want to know if its water-repelant ?

Yes Marc ..... but I don't need to know if it floats :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 04/06/2016 at 08:58
haha !  :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 11/06/2016 at 10:38
The river is running clear and low, a stealthy approach (well, I try my best) is required under the cover of darkness.

Managed to tempt these 2 on the dry, some recent experiments at the fly tying bench seem to be paying off :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/trout_2.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/trout_2.jpg.html)


This fish had started to develop a fungal infection on its head. I was fumbling around in the dark so didn’t notice until I took the return to water shot which is pictured in the thread ’Injured or diseased trout’ Keep an eye out guys
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/trout_1_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/trout_1_1.jpg.html)

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 11/06/2016 at 10:40
You have got stealth I see  :z4 :X2

Nice reel as well mate  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 12/06/2016 at 10:06
A welcomed splash of rain yesterday, hopefully theres lots more to come, the river is in need of a freshen up :z16

There were some fish showing last night although they were difficult to spot. The trout were hitting sedge subsurface -  a cdc shuttlecock sedge thingy did the trick.

Waited for 1.5 hours before casting a fly then i spotted this one ...
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_1.jpg.html)


followed by another soon after
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_2.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_2.jpg.html)


then all went quiet for a bit before catching my best of the night …
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_3.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_3.jpg.html)

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 12/06/2016 at 12:48
That is some evening out Scott lad :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Allan Liddle on 13/06/2016 at 22:58
Crackin troots Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 15/06/2016 at 19:25
https://www.facebook.com/126678230742982/videos/1039509696126493/
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/06/2016 at 12:44
Looked like a grand evening to be on the river last night and light till about midnight too ....... but I was really busy and didn't have time :cry

Anybody out, how did it go?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 22/06/2016 at 13:29
Quote from: Mike Barrio on 21/06/2016 at 12:44
Anybody out, how did it go?

I’ve been out the last couple of evenings - it’s been dour. The few fish I've seen have been taking spinners, there’s been very little sedge.

Can’t complain though, spotted this nice fish which fell to a size 16 rusty spinner.
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/Trout_1_4.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/Trout_1_4.jpg.html)


(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/Trout_2_2.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/Trout_2_2.jpg.html)


The water is still settling down after all the rain, think it will get better as we get closer to the weekend!

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/06/2016 at 14:08
Cracker Scott :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 24/06/2016 at 10:38
Nice one Scotty!  :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: allabootthetroot on 26/06/2016 at 16:15
The 2016 UK Rivers International for river fishing is coming to the Aberdeenshire Don this year. The final is on the 24 June.

Any news on this event.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Kev Graham on 26/06/2016 at 19:30
Well judging by some of the fish I`ve seen on here ......If Scott Cummings is fishing for Scotland.....then the trophy is ours   :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Alan Urquhart on 26/06/2016 at 23:15
Scotland won with 48 fish followed by Wales with 44, England  with 38 and Ireland with 26
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Barry Robertson on 27/06/2016 at 00:17
http://www.sanacc.org.uk/2016-river-international.html

Follow the link to see all the catch details and figures from the Teams competing.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/07/2016 at 11:02
Wish the weather would settle for a few days ............ :z6
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Brian Johnstone on 05/07/2016 at 20:32
From the end of the 2016 fishing season, Aberdeenshire Council are giving up the leases on the Salmon and Trout Fishings at Kintore.
Kintore Angling Club would like to take over the lease for these waters and retain them for the people of Kintore and have subsequently expressed this interest to the Council Fishings Committee.
They have in turn made a recommendation to the Area Committee that they offer the lease to a properly constituted Angling Club.
We currently have an agreement with the landowner to fish for Brown Trout on the left bank from sections 5 to opposite 13 and on the right bank sections opposite 1 to 13.  We currently have around 50 members registered for Brown Trout and we expect this to rise considerably as the salmon rights pass to us next year, as there is a large number of fishermen, still taking the council permit this year for salmon fishing.
To encourage younger generation interest in fishing, we allow members 15 years and under to fish for free and relax the rules regarding worm fishing etc. to make it more appealing to youngsters.
We are committed to promote the River Don at Kintore as an excellent Salmon and Brown Trout river and will offering season and daily permits for both next year.
We will of course be required to comply with the Don Fishery Board and Brown Trout Protection Order designed to conserve and improve stocks and all members are encouraged to release all fish caught.
We recently upgraded the fishing hut on the left bank and will do the others as required.
We are required as part of our application to show community benefit and carry out a community consultation on our plans to lease Common Good Property.
Can I ask for your support please.
Comments are requested in writing and placed on the forum or can addressed to:-
Neill Cameron      Chairman      cameronneill@rocketmail.com
Brian Johnstone    Secretary / Treasurer   brianjohnstone54@btinternet.com
Thank You




Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Simon Bruce on 06/07/2016 at 09:14
The river has been real dour lately, not much happening at all nothing rising and the fish not willing to take anything, lots of walking the beats and trying lots of different methods with not very much to show for it. But things seem to be picking up a bit, last couple of trips out have noticed a few fish rising in the afternoons. Monday arrived at my favourite little stretch and the water was alive, i couldnt believe it there were some right stonkers of fish rising and leaping out the water and some within inches of the bank. It was hard to get your fly to them as soon as it touched the water it was being hit, quite a few fish in the 1/2lb to 1lb mark and the best of the day
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-060716090753.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3654)
Hopefully we start to see a bit more in the way of fish rising now  :z18

Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 06/07/2016 at 16:07
Out on Monday evening for a few hours of Switching for Sea Trout/Salmon. No fish but amazed at the amount of decent trout making their presence known. I did throw a few streamers at them, but it was never going to work as they were up top on the hatching beasties. All sorts of flies coming down, from tiny black or buff "gnats" through to inch long sedges skating across the river.

A few Salmon moved through around 9, followed by a display for a couple of sea trout, but no fish caught by me or the others on the pool.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: James Craig on 07/07/2016 at 10:54
I've also found the river very quiet lately - certainly in terms of fly life, although I have been fishing in the evenings.

I got out on Tuesday evening and there really wasn't a whole lot happening on the river. I was please to catch this guy on a caddis pupa nymph in some fast, deep water.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-070716105230.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3657)

Later on I managed to snap my rod trying to stop the dog from chasing a rabbit...  :X1

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 11/07/2016 at 13:07
Guys

Landed a nice sea trout late on Friday night from a local middle beat.Unfortunately,no camera or weigh scales.
I did get an accurate length measurement of 26 inches and I would describe the fish as being 'normal'  girth.
I'm fairly certain that the fish was 6lb plus but how much more I don't know.
Is anyone aware of a sea trout length to weight calculator for local rivers as I can only find a couple for Welsh rivers?

Duncan

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 13/07/2016 at 08:07
Hooked a suicidal trout last night whilst swinging flies for Salmon. It had a 50p sized open ulcer on its left flank, about 3-5mm deep.

Unfortunately as I was sorting the camera to get a photo the thing jumped out the net!

Never seen anything like it in 43 years of fishing, rather nasty wound.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 13/07/2016 at 11:06
Guys

Out last night at the same beat and couldn't believe my luck.Another sea trout at 26 inches in length.
Remembered to take my camera but not a great photo.Fish starting to colour a bit
(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/857-130716110538.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3661)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 13/07/2016 at 12:03
I’ve been out a handful of times over the last 2/3 weeks and found it tough going. Some evenings there’s been nothing to aim at. The sedge hatches have been very poor so far this year..... might be a result of the winter floods?? :z8
 
There was a 10 minute window last night when fish were surface feeding....
This was the best of the night which took a liking to my size 14 sedge.

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_2_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_2_1.jpg.html)

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_2b.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_2b.jpg.html)

It was nice to get something weighty on the end of my line again, hopefully things will pick up soon.... :z16
 
:z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 14/07/2016 at 08:10
First day back on the river for some time today!

Hoping for some reasonable action on the 376........

Report to follow  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 15/07/2016 at 08:46
I managed to tag along yesterday for a couple of hours around lunchtime.

This guy was having a bit of success.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P7140026.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P7140026.jpg.html)

So was this one, with his Duo combo. The glass sure does bend, awesome fun, even watching it is exciting. That particular fish was about 12" and was followed by a slab, who obviously thought it might make an easy meal

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P7140013.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P7140013.jpg.html)

I stuck with the dry and managed to pick off a couple of decent fish that were picking off what i thought were hatching olives. Not many rising but there were a few. We finally managed to catch one of the flies and it wasn't an olive but a Large Green Dun (the correct name). interesting fly like a cross between a March brown and an Olive

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P7140024.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P7140024.jpg.html)

Not a common fly it seems,  but there were plenty on the river yesterday and the odd fish was nabbing them.
The Duo, out fished the dry, but it was nice to be out after a busy few weeks.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 15/07/2016 at 09:58
Nice to see Mr Liam has found his way back to the river :z4 :z4 :z4

Headed out for the last hour of light yesterday. It was a similar story to previous outings, 10-15 mins and it was over!

Spotted this fish on arrival and was lucky enough to hook him on my first cast of the evening....  :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/trout_1_3.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/trout_1_3.jpg.html)

another nice trout safely returned...
(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/trout_3.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/trout_3.jpg.html)

There were a few more fish moving but they were coming short to my offerings :z8 The trout were feeding just below the surface so different fly/approach might be required for my next visit

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 15/07/2016 at 11:10
Your trout look in great condition Scott.

Haven't had any diseased fish since the original outbreak so hopefully whatever it was has come and gone.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 15/07/2016 at 12:40
Quote from: Duncan on 15/07/2016 at 11:10
Your trout look in great condition Scott.

Haven't had any diseased fish since the original outbreak so hopefully whatever it was has come and gone.

Duncan

I reported a diseased fish on Tuesday. :(
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 15/07/2016 at 13:03
That's bad news Rob.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Bill Wood on 16/07/2016 at 00:12
Whats an MB?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 16/07/2016 at 10:08
HI Bill

I assume its my acronyms you are looking at, a bad habit  sorry. :X1.
MB's are March Browns
If you are looking at any others as well, this might help.
LDO's are large dark olives
SDO's are small dark olives
OU's are olive uprights
BWO's are Blue winged olives.
I don't think i use any others, but i if do just shout :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 16/07/2016 at 17:16
and here I was thinking it meant ManBits.....    :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Allan Liddle on 18/07/2016 at 13:55
I've also known you to use the following Sandy when referring to what you are fishing with:

DHE; Deer Hair Emerger
DD; Dirty Duster
FBS; Farkin Big Streamer
SW; Squirmy Worm

 :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 19/07/2016 at 09:31
Conditions were near perfect yesterday, but the hatch/rise didn’t live up to expectations :z8 There was a small burst of sedge late on which brought some fish to the surface. The fish were refusing a size 14 but I managed to connect with some trout when i dropped down to a 16.... :z16

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_1_1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_1_1.jpg.html)

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_1a.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_1a.jpg.html)


This bonny golden trout with bold markings was the smaller of the two fish but felt a good bit heavier during the fight, its strength was deceiving!

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_2_2.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_2_2.jpg.html)

(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/klinkhammer/2016/Trout_2a.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/user/klinkhammer/media/2016/Trout_2a.jpg.html)

Things are still hard going but if you are willing to persevere it eventually comes good

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/07/2016 at 09:41
Great stuff Scott :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/07/2016 at 11:06
Pretty dark out there just now ...... that's gonna give the rivers a flush :z3
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/07/2016 at 17:01
You're right there Mike...... Not a good day to forget your jacket, I was drenched!  :X1

The river was on the rise and had started to darken when I left.

The fishing was great though, it's been my first real enjoyable day in a while. Back to basics fishing the Duo again. I dropped a substantial fish 2nd cast on the nymph. I was a little disheartened but I knew it could only get better. A lot of fish to around 12" were keen on the drifting nymph and a few slashed at the dry.

Around 10am these guys started to hatch.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-200716164146.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3666)
 Did someone say 'Match the Hatch'!? :z7 :z4

The first proper fish of the day came from an unusual spot. A good 18" and very solid, some scarring on his nose which looked like it had been rubbed against rocks gravel. Probably foraging for bugs?



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-200716164703.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3667)



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-200716165233.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3669)


A short while later I connected with another lump. Again it took the nymph and gave me an awesome fight on the little 376!

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-200716165531.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3670)

This next photo turned out cool!

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-200716165801.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3671)

I'm off to re-stock  the box for next time.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 21/07/2016 at 20:45
Is that not one of the infected fish?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 22/07/2016 at 08:29
Quote from: Alimac on 21/07/2016 at 20:45
Is that not one of the infected fish?

I thought the same.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 22/07/2016 at 08:41
Rock rash from foraging I reckon. I'm no expert but I've seen it before and others have confirmed this. I'd be confident if I was to catch this fish in a months time it would have healed nicely.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 25/07/2016 at 17:27
Just wrote a big report but the page refreshed on its own and I lost everything!  :X1

Here's the short version.... I fished today and caught a big fish. It made me very happy!

25" bruiser that  took a PTN.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-250716172222.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3682)

A mug shot.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-250716172302.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3683)

One for girth.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-250716172409.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3684)


Sandy I think I could have done with the 580 on this one.... The 376 managed nicely, I've never had it bend like that!  :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 25/07/2016 at 17:37
Great stuff Liam :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 25/07/2016 at 18:18
 :z14
Awesome fish Liam :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 25/07/2016 at 18:33
Ditto :z16

 :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Duncan McRae on 25/07/2016 at 23:38
Lovely fish Liam.
Has the look of a coloured sea trout.What do you think?
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2016 at 10:46
Quote from: Duncan on 25/07/2016 at 23:38
Lovely fish Liam.
Has the look of a coloured sea trout.What do you think?

Thanks Duncan.  :z16

Definitely not. Don't think it could've anymore brown trout like if it tried. Butter yellow belly, blue hue to its cheeks.....

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Scott Cumming on 26/07/2016 at 11:37
100% BROWN  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Andrew Ellis on 26/07/2016 at 12:18
That is an awesome fish Liam, and on the 376 too!  :z14 Think I might take mine for an outing having seen that, it'll be nigh on the first time my 476 has been 'rested' this season, but just imagining the bend that fish put into that wee rod makes me want to go fishing.
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2016 at 12:55
Thanks Andrew!   :z16

It's something I'll never forget. Like I said earlier I have never seen it or any rod for that matter bend like that before...... Sandy's in the final stages of completing my 580 and I also have my eye on a 476 after hearing  great things about them. It will be interesting to see which of them I prefer.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 26/07/2016 at 14:46
Quote from: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2016 at 12:55
I have never seen it or any rod for that matter bend like that before......

Go cane....they even creak when at full curve :)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2016 at 14:51
Quote from: Rob on 26/07/2016 at 14:46
Go cane....they even creak when at full curve :)

They are too pricey and don't look half as cool as the Epics!

 :z18

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Andrew Ellis on 26/07/2016 at 15:32
Quote from: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2016 at 12:55
'..... I have never seen it or any rod for that matter bend like that before...... '

Here's a Swiss guy (I think) with an Epic 686....  :z4

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n585/Peldonman/EPICBENDO.jpg) (http://s1141.photobucket.com/user/Peldonman/media/EPICBENDO.jpg.html)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Noel Kelly on 26/07/2016 at 15:50
That's a great trout Liam well done! 👍😀
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2016 at 21:57
Thanks guys!  :z16

Here is the fly that continues to produce for me:


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-260716215548.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3686)

I carry a few more different bead colours but I'm not giving away all my secrets!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 01/08/2016 at 10:02
Quote from: Liam Stephen on 25/07/2016 at 17:27

One for girth.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-250716172409.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3684)

To put some real scale on that, those measuring wraps are set at 3" apart, so that really is some brute of a fish :z14

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 01/08/2016 at 17:29
I must admit I thought my luck had changed after that belter. However normal service resumed today as I
dropped the two better fish I hooked!  :cry

One for the second time, so hopefully next time it will be third time lucky! I'd like to get a proper look at him, I reckon 3lb from what I've seen. The other was hooked in a bit of water I've never fished before.......  He was a fair old lump and in heavy water with a light rod I was never really in control. Both found the weed and were able to transfer my nymph from their mouth into the thick green stuff.

New rod tomorrow, my luck has to change again.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/08/2016 at 21:34
Today I received my 580 around lunch time and headed for a beat I have only fished once before. I chose to fish the Duo and focused on the faster water.  From the off I picked up fish from all the seams as pockets I pitched the flies into. It was going to be a great day!

It was awesome sport and it gave me a good chance to really get a feel for the 580 and GT90 combo (Sandy fantastic job as always and Mike the line is magic).

I lost count of the fish I caught but the majority went from the usual 8-12", with a few pushing 15-16".

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030816212137.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3708)

I was really enjoying exploring the new beat. I had kind of got into a rhythm of cast, track and move when my dry landed and disappeared...... I thought I had hit a rock or a patch of weed so gave it a yank.

The line sliced through the water and whatever was on the end was pissed off! The fish charged about deep and I had a bit of a job getting his head up. Then I saw him and my heart started racing. The rod was doubled over in the heavy flow and I was stuck with my stupid little net again.  I messed up netting him twice and was shitting my pants as I could see the fish was very lightly hooked.

It seemed my luck was back and what better way to christen the 580!


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030816212942.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3709)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030816213039.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3711)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030816213247.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3713)

Guys buy an Orange rod they are big fish magnets!  :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 04/08/2016 at 00:16
Great stuff Liam ....... cracking fish! :z14

My day felt a bit more like jungle warfare as we battled our way along the banks ....... I'm getting old :z4
But a most enjoyable one in great company ..... and the DHE helped me find some spirited wee opponents :cool:

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-030816231033.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3714)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: James Craig on 04/08/2016 at 09:28
Liam,

Absolute belter of a fishing report.

"I messed up netting him twice and was shitting my pants as I could see the fish was very lightly hooked."

...had me laughing out loud at my desk. This line alone captures the spirit of why I go fishing....
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 04/08/2016 at 09:44
Quote from: Liam Stephen on 03/08/2016 at 21:34

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-030816213247.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3713)


This time those wraps are 4" apart :z16 Thumping fish :z14 well done young man. You are going to need a bigger net though :z7

I managed to find a couple of decent rising fish yesterday, (couldn't get into the nymphing thing, but i will keep trying)
The jungle warfare made things interesting, including (literally with the murky water) a leap of faith to net my best fish :shock

The bigger one i spooked first time, left him for half an hour and went back and hooked him, true to form i managed to drop him, provenance for not being out much of late :X1 Huge fun with an acrobatic display prior to throwing the hook.

The smaller one did the same but i managed to get him to the net

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-040816094122.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3715)

Bright orange rods rule :z12 and emerging sedges are very handy things to have :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 04/08/2016 at 10:38
Yes, the 'bigger one' was a nice fish Sandy, it certainly took off in style :cool:

"The jungle warfare made things interesting, including (literally with the murky water) a leap of faith to net my best fish"

Love it, that leap of faith could so easily have gone very wrong if it had turned out to be shoulder deep! ..... and something that I learnt yesterday is that it might be a good idea to keep my fags in a top pocket in future :z4

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-040816100905.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3716)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/08/2016 at 00:02
Couple of hours on the river with the GT90 #3 today ...... leaves everywhere, it's like Autumn already :z8

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-110816235128.jpeg)

Headed back down this evening, but it just rained and rained ..... I should have quit while I was ahead :z4  :z4  :z4

I got a good soaking :z3 and stayed on till dark. No sign of any life on the water, or fish for that matter, just a brief spell of sedges in the last light.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-110816235933.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3721)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-120816000121.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3722)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: James Craig on 12/08/2016 at 10:44
I was out too last night on the upper reaches. The water was up and it didn't stop raining, but the temperature also hovered around 18 degrees for most of the evening so it was bearable. I was chasing salmon (unsuccessfully) but had lots of wee brownies. 

I'm  sure there were more fish about in the deeper pools, but I couldn't get down deep enough with the kit that I had...  :X1
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/08/2016 at 21:01
Out this afternoon, not much rising, in fact very few and nothing over about 8" so i thought i'd give the  NZ style nymphing thing another go.

This time i managed to get it to work, picking some pockets with the tiny PT nymphs supplied by the very kind Mr S :z16

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P8190020.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P8190020.jpg.html)

Had quite a few but this was the best one, 19"and over 3lb, this time i got him to the net (despite the weed, rocks and current) :z3 I spent a solid 2 hours working the water and had lots of small stuff but this one was the icing on the Cake.

I guess PT nymphs can no longer be called my Bogey fly :z16 Cheers Dude

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P8190018.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P8190018.jpg.html)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 19/08/2016 at 22:44
Sandy  :z16

This made me smile!  :z4

Glad you gave it another try. Great fish and awesome pics.

PTN- the only nymph you need.  :wink

Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/08/2016 at 10:18
Great stuff :z16 ........ Hmmm, maybe time to dig out a few spiders :z3

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/08/2016 at 12:48
Go deeper Mike!  :wink

I've just placed an order for a whack of Tungsten. I'll put a handful of PTNs in the post once I get them.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/08/2016 at 10:37
Well Yesterday was a completely different day to Friday, typical Don fashion :wink

The rain on friday night meant the water was carrying a touch of colour on saturday afternoon, so i started where i left off and tried the nymphs again, picked up a couple of wee ones but nothing like friday.  As I was working through some of the riffles i spotted a small pod of rising fish which were taking the small upwings as they were being pushed into crease.

So i very happily changed back to a small dry (size 16 plume tip) to match what i though were BWO's

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P8200044.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P8200044.jpg.html)

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P8200034.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P8200034.jpg.html)

Good move, A nice 12"r which was bigger than i expected and a very pretty fish. The pod kept feeding so i picked off a couple more including another 12"r

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P8200039.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P8200039.jpg.html)

During the course of the afternoon i worked my steadily upstream, watching, instead of casting this time :z5 and spotted several good fish picking off the wee olives.
I missed one, hooked 3 and dropped all of them, so back on Form  :X1 there were plenty good fish sipping the duns if you took a lot of time to watch the likely areas and they were Good fish :z16 One of them i thought was a salmon showing at first, but not when he rose confidently for the wee dry, just a bugger that i couldn't hold on to him. :cry

Eventually i managed to get close enough to one of the flies to rescue it from the water and to my surprise it wasn't a BWO but a small Large Dark olive, these were size 16 not the size 12's that we get in April and May

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P8200047.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P8200047.jpg.html)

Swapping from Reaction strikes on Nymphs, to Dryfly and remembering to pause is tough :X1 But it was great to be picking the fish off the top again, even if i only managed to get the smaller ones to the net.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 05/09/2016 at 07:31
been out a couple of times on the lower Don; it's settled and low and clear. Certainly much less weed compared with previous years, which is presumably a result of the heavy winter water.


Fish are here &  there, but not showing in great numbers. Lovely little pocket glide in midst of fast water revealed a few dimples one evening when walking the dog; was back there early next morning to pick up 3 cracking trout averaging 1.5lb in quick succession.  Got some pics somewhere (actually remembered to replace the SD Card into the camera, something that I had failed to do the day before... doh!)

Here's a 1 & 3/4lber that I caught one morning, then again one evening a week later

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11431-050916162016.jpeg)

Evening sessions have been slow, mostly. There's a little flurry of 10 mins of trout just as the sedges come on, and just as the light drops. A little CDC emerger pattern has been working. Its wing got chewed off by a wee trout last night. I didn't have torch. Light was fading, eyesight already faded. Spent a comedy tragic 10 mins trying to thread on a new flee and another painful period securing the knot. Fish popping away all the while. Fly *finally* on. Fish had gone off. Doh!!


september; only a few weeks of trouting left!

Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 07/09/2016 at 10:00
and that exact same trout - distinctive cheek pattern -  one week and 12 hours later, from the exact same lie and on the same fly


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11431-070916095929.jpeg)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 07/09/2016 at 16:40
What have you called him Iain!?  :wink  :z7

 :z18
Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Iain Cameron on 07/09/2016 at 20:45
i'll call him Don, Mr Don Brown!
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/09/2016 at 21:23
Well............. its been a funny old month so far :z8

The weather has been doing strange things involving a rather unusual yellow orb in the sky. My last couple of trips have involved nothing but tiddlers and i have really struggled to find any good sized fish rising.
There has been hatches of LDO's and BWO's but not in any numbers and the warm weather seemed to have the fish sulking.

Today i was in the garden when the clouds appeared, so i had to nip down late afternoon just to see if the temp drop and overcast conditions would bring things to life :z5 What a difference the change in weather makes.

About 5pm the BWO's started to trickle off and at last i spotted a good fish. Managed to spook him by getting into position, but i know where he lives for tomorrow :z12
Next one upstream, i missed.... I started thinking here we go again, confidence sliding some more after the last few decent fish being dropped :z6

The first one i managed to get in wasn't a monster, but was a portly wee fellow with great colours and very pretty.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9190063.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9190063.jpg.html)

As i looked upstream amongst the weed and rocks i could see quite a few decent fish nailing the BWO's as they began to hatch in earnest at about 6. On with the a size 14 Plume tip as i couldn't see the 16 in the low light.
The next one that rose, started to re-float the old confidence.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9190078.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9190078.jpg.html)

as did the next  one and the one after that

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9190090.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9190090.jpg.html)

every fish i spotted rose confidently for the Plume tip right up till about 7.15 when the last one , another portly wee fellow seemed to bring things to a close.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9190101.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9190101.jpg.html)

Lots of fat, golden fish today with a couple well up near the 3lb mark. I came home buzzing like a Kid eating sherbet  :z7 I have a couple of fish marked for tomorrow night as the forecast is for more of the same.
Bring on the BWO's and hopefully i can reach the Lump from the bank without disturbing the water :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/09/2016 at 21:59
Great stuff Sandy ..... fingers crossed for a good September Spurt :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 20/09/2016 at 21:36
Fantastic Hatch again tonight  :z16 but about an hour later than last night. I think the brighter day kept the fish low, but as soon as the sun disappeared the fish started to hoover up the BWO's

No decent Fish shots as it was getting a bit too dark, but i did get a shot of one of the BWO's earlier on when the sun was out.
they are very pale and my dry has been a lighter olive than usual. Going to have to tie a few more after tonights fish being somewhat more angry than yesterdays ones. :wink

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200916213332.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3749)

Great fun, even if a lot of the fish are so close to the weed its a real challenge to get the fly to them, quite a few of the fish are actually in the weed and rising for flies that are trapped or being swept though tiny channels.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 21/09/2016 at 08:41
Andrew's Scruffy Cinnamon is the closest I have but I reckon it will be just fine!


(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-210916084021.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3750)

A few nymphs to top up on them I'm off out.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/09/2016 at 20:16
Well continuing on the theme she was a different beast again last night.

Weather much the same apart from the wind, water looking pretty much the same, even roughly the same hatch.....or so it seemed :z6 Yet despite my best efforts i blanked. It gets you thinking...why.............. :z8

4 days fishing in the last 7, 1 day of tiddlers, not even seeing a decent one, 1 day of world class dryfly action that could make a season, 1 day of wondering which one to catch next and then a blank :shock

Well even after 30 years of experiencing the Dons many moods, it still baffles me from time to time. I did start to wonder if the fish had changed from the BWO's to the many sedges that were about, it didn't look like it, but something was definitely different. Maybe they were taking the pupa but it certainly looked like they were still picking off the BWO's, yet the killing fly from the previous 3 days wasn't touched.
I guess thats what keeps us going back for more.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9150056.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9150056.jpg.html)

Sandy


Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/09/2016 at 20:54
That's my experience of the river too Sandy ...... sometimes she just doesn't want to play :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/09/2016 at 21:18
You know... Come to think of it...... I did have a different hat on for a change yesterday  :X1

Mystery solved  :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 23/09/2016 at 17:34
I had a good few hours on the Don yesterday. When I arrived at 1ish there was a great hatch of B.W.Os under way and the fish were rising to them. Although they were rising they were very picky and I couldn't figure out what stage of the hatch they were keyed in on. I tired my usual emerger pattern -nope, my usual dun pattern - nope, my usual spinner pattern - nope, I even put a couple of tiny very light weight nymphs across them....... Eventually a Waterhen Bloa did the trick and I started to get in amoungst them.

Fish came fairly steady for about 30mins then the Bloa stopped producing (this may have been physiological or poor presention)  :z7)

Strange, I sat and watch and spotted 2 what looked like good fish rolling over flies steady. These one were definitely taking the duns! On went the plume tip and I hooked one straight away.   A strange fight followed then this fella came to the net.

A nice cock grilse of around 2.5lb, he was very long and lean.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-230916172602.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3751)



(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-230916172648.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3752)

Funny how we were talking about salmon on dries the day before Sandy.... Fate?  :z4

I fished on and caught lots o nice fish,  all the while thinking of the main event. The rise at dusk. It happened and the water was littered. I didn't have any huge fish but plenty at 2lb and this one at 18" so I guess around 3lb.  This fish was actually spotted from a vantage point above sitting in front of a rock I've seen fish at before. It took me about an hour to get a clean drift where I could actually see the fish take my fly to hook it.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-230916173024.jpeg) (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=3753)

I good but challenging day and I'm looking forward to getting out again.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/09/2016 at 21:18
Great stuff Liam :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/09/2016 at 18:02
An interesting week to round off my very interesting season.

We've had wind, rain, bright sun, warmth, coolness and calmness, but none of this has deterred the BWO's from hatching in large numbers, some times more than others, but the fish have been feeding pretty steadily on the continuous stream of flies coming down. Still its all feeling very autumnal.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9280073.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9280073.jpg.html)

It took me a wee while to figure things out on Monday night, as there were a lot of very gentle rises which seemed to me , to be be better fish than they appeared, well trying my usual flies did not seem to elicit the desired response, so i got to wondering if the fish were feeding on Spinners rather than the many duns floating down.

Turned out to be a good plan, a wee size 16 orange spinner was just the ticket and i got  a couple for more trouble.
With this knowledge up my sleeve, wednesday was to be one of the best days of the 2016 season. Lots of beautiful fish in the 10-14" category with a handful of 16+ hoovering up spinners. Looking fantastic in the breeding colours

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9280084.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9280084.jpg.html)

Not all the steady risers were locals either :z16

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9280069.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9280069.jpg.html)

It turned into a day of spotting fish from the banks and then getting into position and stalking them, brilliant fun and some rather good fish about too. The Young Gun was having a great time bending his glass stick again, lovely fish too about 16" :z16
 

from Alexander Nelson on Vimeo.


We met up with Mr Cameron later in the day and he was doing much the same and had spotted a rather special fish picking off the flies quite close in. The kind gent that he is ,  :z14 let me have a crack at it. This one ignored the spinner, but was picking things of the top with regularity, so after a wee thought i went for a size 16 APT. First cast and he sidled over and sipped the fly quite nonchalantly. the water erupted and the fight ensued.
2nd best of the season and a good 21-22"long, well chuffed  :z3 , the photographer needs some lessons in how to use my camera though  :z7
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9280090.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9280090.jpg.html)

A great way to bring the season to a close, but still another day off beckoned  :z12

Well today has been bloody windy and rather wet, but the fish continued from yesterday and despite the river getting more coloured as the day went on, the spinner continued to fool the fish and my very last fish of the season from the Don was definitely one of the prettiest.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9290068.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9290068.jpg.html)

A lot of sea trout in pods feeding hard on the duns and spinners, but we had a lot of fun stalking more fish, Young Mr Stephen was extolling the thought of getting one last good fish for himself on the way back to the car when we spotted it, but thats another post as i have a video to share which is a rather fun.

Oh, and the weirdest catch of the week, was the oddest catch of the season.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9280098.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9280098.jpg.html)

I thought i'd hooked a leaf, but this was not what i expected to find on the hook :shock Twas dead though.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/09/2016 at 18:25
Anyway back to our walk to the car.

So just as he is bemoaning the fact he could do with a good one to wrap things up we spot this.


Dejavu from yesterday except this time i spotted and handed the chance over :z16

After a few covers without a movement from the fish, she pitched up and snaffled the fly. awesome fun watching the scrap, another great way to round off the season. Another 21-22" fish but looking very lean almost like post spawning already, with a hollow belly.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9290076.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9290076.jpg.html)

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9290080.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9290080.jpg.html)

Well done young man :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 29/09/2016 at 18:31
Seriously awesome reports there Sandy!  :z16

Thanks for a brilliant couple of days to round off a bloody great season.

It will be nice to look back at these posts in the next few months and dream. Tying season is now open!

 :z18
Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Liam Stephen on 29/09/2016 at 19:23
Sandy  :z16

I've just noticed how shit my picture from yesterday is. Bloody hell I'm sorry!  :X1

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/09/2016 at 20:18
 :z4 :z4 :z4

Given the two fish were almost identical in size, its funny to see the photo's  :X1

You'll get there in the end, still the comedy was good, spot the invasive species :z5

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/skuesapprentice/P9280081.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/skuesapprentice/media/P9280081.jpg.html)
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 30/09/2016 at 09:14
Thanks for sorting the video Mike, just the one in the main report as well please :z14
 :z18
Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/10/2016 at 16:14
Sorry for the delay Sandy ....... I think it is sorted now :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2016 & Kintore Fishings for 2017
Post by: Brian Johnstone on 27/10/2016 at 20:16
Kintore Angling Club
Subject to agreement on the lease for the Council here are Kintore Angling Club's proposed ticket prices for 2017.
 Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout fishing, approx 1 mile on left bank from top of Balbithan Island to cattle pens above bridge, Brown Trout both banks from top of Balbithan Island to one park below the bridge.

Season Ticket Sales

Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout. £135
 Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout- Senior 65+. £85
 Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout – Disabled. £85
 Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout - Junior 15 & under. £20

Weekly Tickets

Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout. £100
 Brown Trout. £55
 Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout - Junior. £20

Daily Ticket Sales

Salmon & Sea Trout - Feb to Aug. £30
 Salmon & Sea Trout - Sep to Oct. £50
 Brown Trout. £15
 Junior Salmon. £10
 Junior Trout. £5

For more information contact Neill Cameron on 07702 181416,  cameronneill@rocketmail.com or Brian Johnstone on 07824 834193, brianjohnstone54@btinternet.com
Title: Re: River Don 2016
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/03/2017 at 20:43
I'll move this down now, to make way for this season's thread :z16

Cheers
Mike