Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Rivers & Lochs => Topic started by: Mike Barrio on 07/02/2017 at 12:06

Title: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 07/02/2017 at 12:06
Annual March to the River Don

The Annual March to the River Don at Inverurie to celebrate the start of the new season is on Saturday 11th of February.

This event is organised by Inverurie Angling Association and is open to all anglers, families and friends. The March will leave from the Kintore Arms Hotel at 9.30 am and head down to the Don Bridge to bless the river. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available inside the hotel prior to the March.

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_16_02_14_5_23_15.jpeg)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_16_02_14_5_22_47.jpeg)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Brian Brand on 10/02/2017 at 18:31
Hi,
See you tomorrow really looking forward to it.
Though you will all get a warm welcome you will need your winter woolies.
All the best,
Brian.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 10/02/2017 at 20:18
Who's heading out tomorrow?

The river looks in good shape. Hopefully the cold start will be worth it!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 14/02/2017 at 16:15
I hear they had a springer up at kildrummy yesterday , a good start this early
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/02/2017 at 11:37
Fished an ADAA beat on Friday, and unfortunately witnessed some of the worst behaviour by "fellow anglers" that I have seen.

Without names or membership numbers they cannot be reported.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mark Zhang on 20/02/2017 at 15:36
Fished an ADAA beat on Friday, and unfortunately witnessed some of the worst behaviour by "fellow anglers" that I have seen.

Without names or membership numbers they cannot be reported.

In my club, we will remind people every year. If you can't control yourself, please leave. I think it should be part of your annually news letter.

Regards,

Mark
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/02/2017 at 15:39
What happened Rob?

Last season it became clear that even with names and membership numbers certain individuals were above the law. 

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Iain Cameron on 20/02/2017 at 15:57


Quote from: Rob on Today at 11:37:00 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7663.msg64003#msg64003)
Fished an ADAA beat on Friday, and unfortunately witnessed some of the worst behaviour by "fellow anglers" that I have seen.


hi Rob,

Not good. 
I would in any case report any misbehaviour to secretary@adaa.org.uk  - stating time, location, description of incident and of anglers.  I know from my committee stint that we would sometimes get such reports  from a couple of sources, or sometimes committee members or beat conveners had been out and about, and cross referencing  helped  to identify  miscreants. No one likes telling tales, but the club rules are there to be respected.


Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/02/2017 at 16:54
I will report it.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/02/2017 at 00:05
I will stick a fiver on the incident being at Cothal.

I've only just rejoined the ADAA having taken a few years off but Cothal could sometimes be a bit of a mare with some of the older heads.

I've stuck to the Ythan so far this season,
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Andy Finlay on 21/02/2017 at 22:34
Fished an ADAA beat on Friday, and unfortunately witnessed some of the worst behaviour by "fellow anglers" that I have seen.

Without names or membership numbers they cannot be reported.

Wasn't my attempts at casting a double hander was it  :oops Went somewhere quite as well so no one could complain about my (lack of) technique.
In all seriousness complain, I saw a few things last year that pissed me off but didn't do anything about it but will do this year.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Neill Cameron on 23/02/2017 at 11:19
why  not  join   a  local  club  next  year.  kintore .   inverurie.  or kemnay.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 27/02/2017 at 10:00
Fished a middle Don beat on Friday.The water was coloured with snow melt so tried a wee spinner for Salmon.
This is my fourth after work session and I have yet to see or catch a Salmon kelt.
It appears that there is a lack of Salmon kelts throughout the Don which suggests a very poor spawning season.

On the plus side,i have picked up four seatout kelts so far, which might suggest that the seatrout run was good last season.I certainly hope so!

My two kelts from Friday.One of which is remarkably well mended for so early in the season.The other fairly typical.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/857-270217095937.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4010)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/857-270217100023.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4011)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Brian Johnstone on 27/02/2017 at 19:24
Kintore Angling Club
2017 Brown Trout Permits, now available:- Adult £70.00, Junior 15yrs and under FREE.
Two Free Guest Day Tickets for each paid up member. Download Application Form, Rules & Beat Map :-
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cv25xlw6jlfvity/AAC-HydPBhUHytDuJpF3lHgCa?dl=0
Contact Neill Cameron 07702 181416 or Brian Johnstone 07710 409629.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Pete Winn on 28/02/2017 at 19:53
Good to get out last Saturday, unfortunately no pot of Silver at the end of the rainbow!
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11350-280217195252.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4013)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 17/03/2017 at 13:42
Had a successful walk along the top of the sawbill cull area on the don today, shot straight & selected the correct ones to shoot,  a few less breeding fish eaters plundering the river now 👍🏻
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 27/03/2017 at 09:24
Friday afternoon, lower don, not a single fish was seen, by anyone. Very disappointing indeed.

Saturday, middle don, not a single salmon was seen, but, I did see a large hatch of March Browns and a group of trout, all around the 2lb mark, having a right feast not more than 10 feet from me. They were in an area where I have never seen a fish before. I could see a group of rocks on the bottom with sand round about and they were stationed behind these. Very fascinating to watch. They continued to feed for about an hour.

River is very clear indeed and bordering on very low.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 27/03/2017 at 09:58
But it's fishing fantastically Rob!  :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 27/03/2017 at 12:08
But it's fishing fantastically Rob!  :z16

 :z18

5th trip, still not met anyone who has had a fish, seen anyone hook one or indeed, even seen a fish move :(

ADAA is only reporting 6 Salmon taken on its waters since the start of the season.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 27/03/2017 at 13:37
5th trip, still not met anyone who has had a fish, seen anyone hook one or indeed, even seen a fish move :(

ADAA is only reporting 6 Salmon taken on its waters since the start of the season


Rob
Seems to be the same story throughout the river.It's a strange feeling fishing empty water with no kelts splashing about to give a bit of interest.
Suppose it's early days yet and the next rise in water could take in a run of fresh fish, but I'm not confident.At least we have the Brownies and sea trout to look forward to.Hopefully!

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 27/03/2017 at 13:47
Rob
Seems to be the same story throughout the river.It's a strange feeling fishing empty water with no kelts splashing about to give a bit of interest.
Suppose it's early days yet and the next rise in water could take in a run of fresh fish, but I'm not confident.At least we have the Brownies and sea trout to look forward to.Hopefully!

Duncan

I am glad I am not the only one thinking the river is not at its best just now.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 27/03/2017 at 17:57
Liam/Ali.

I think Rob needs some of your photo's from the weekend :wink

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/03/2017 at 08:13
Liam/Ali.

I think Rob needs some of your photo's from the weekend :wink

Sandy

Not after stockies ;) after silver tourists...and waiting for the season to open for the stockies ;)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 28/03/2017 at 11:50
That salmon fishing is child's play fellas 😂 
Sandy, il try and get it done, not quite as easy as Facebook for a computer idiot like me 🙈
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 28/03/2017 at 12:10
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120224.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4073)

The best of the day at 4 1/4 going back

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120342.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4074)

Liam getting off the mark with a stunning 3 1/4



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120459.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4075)

Another beauty from Liam



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120605.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4076)

A few others



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120702.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4077)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120742.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4078)






(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120905.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4080)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280317120959.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4081)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 28/03/2017 at 12:16
Not after stockies ;) after silver tourists...and waiting for the season to open for the stockies ;)

Sounds like a good excuse to me, that way, at least, you can always say there's nae fish   :z4

Sandy

Awesome fish Ali/Liam :z14 :z14 :z14 :z14

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 28/03/2017 at 12:29
Nice one Ali I still hadn't got round to doing it!  :z16

What are Salmon??  :z8 :X2

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 28/03/2017 at 13:15
What are Salmon??  :z8 :X2

That's those silver things we were catching on the dryfly back in September  :z16.
remember , they were a bloody nuisance......................
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 28/03/2017 at 14:06
That's those silver things we were catching on the dryfly back in September  :z16.
remember , they were a bloody nuisance......................

Oh aye those pesky buggers!  :z4 :z7

I remember now......  :X2
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/03/2017 at 14:48
Oh aye those pesky buggers!  :z4 :z7

I remember now......  :X2

Anyone can catch them on a dry...it takes skill to get them on a lump of copper plumbers tubing and a bit of dead deer tail.  :X2 :X2 :X2

Does a 6" Sunray count as a dry? lol
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 28/03/2017 at 15:32
Anyone can catch them on a dry...it takes skill to get them on a lump of copper plumbers tubing and a bit of dead deer tail.  :X2 :X2 :X2

Does a 6" Sunray count as a dry? lol

Yeah yeah ........  :X2

No that doesn't count unless it's got a wing or parachute post attached?  :z7

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/03/2017 at 15:49
Yeah yeah ........  :X2

No that doesn't count unless it's got a wing or parachute post attached?  :z7

 :z18

It has a 6" wing  ;)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 28/03/2017 at 16:02
It has a 6" wing  ;)

therein lies your problem....... its still too early for the Martin Hatch  :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 28/03/2017 at 16:15
Liam/Ali
Some stunning trout there.Well done.
With all the doom and gloom caused by the lack of salmon it's great to see something positive.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 28/03/2017 at 16:34
Am I missing something, thought brown trout don't start until 1st April?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 28/03/2017 at 16:40
Yes is the answer to that.

As I discovered last year, some of the upper river beats open for trout on the 15th of March and close on the 6th of October.
There are only a handful that do this (Fetternear and Kildrummy to name the 2 on Fishpal, there are a couple of others), but worth looking at :z16

 :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/03/2017 at 16:54
Yes is the answer to that.

As I discovered last year, some of the upper river beats open for trout on the 15th of March and close on the 6th of October.
There are only a handful that do this (Fetternear and Kildrummy to name the 2 on Fishpal, there are a couple of others), but worth looking at :z16

 :z18

Yet Fetternear is opposite an ADAA beat...perhaps the fish on their bank are different ;)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 28/03/2017 at 16:58
A bit late now but handy to know for next year.  Thought the whole system was April.

Not sure why I'm that concerned, probably won't temp anything like those in the photos.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/03/2017 at 17:11
There are a few beats that don't follow the norm ..... if I remember correctly, I think Monymusk doesn't open for salmon until April?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 31/03/2017 at 14:29
It is almost April today :X4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 01/04/2017 at 07:04
Tightlines for the season guys!  :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 01/04/2017 at 09:13
Tightlines for the season guys!  :z16

 :z18

I'll echo that, for all Don fishers  :z16 and all our friends from elsewhere, Have a great one :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Colin Sunley on 01/04/2017 at 15:54

Woosh  Timed it Just right to hide under Kintore bridge as the heavens opened up with a crack of thunder and hail stones, at the same time a little 10" brownie takes the hook,  I'll take that one for a first on Kintore this year.  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 01/04/2017 at 17:57
Perfect morning on the Lower river :z16

Hatch was in full swing when i arrived at 1030, with rising fish as well, great way to start off.
Got my first off the Don on cast number 3 :z18.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-010417175245.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4086)

The hatch continued right through till about half 2 with the odd rising fish still after that too.
A good mix of flies coming off, a couple of different sizes of Large Dark Olives and later on March browns.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-010417175419.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4087)

Lovely Day to be out and fantastic to see so many fish looking up and feeding off the top, nothing Huge but plenty decent ones to keep me amused.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-010417175609.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4088)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/04/2017 at 21:24
Great stuff guys ........... looks like this rain could colour the water up a bit for a few days though :z6

Anybody else enjoy some good sport today?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 01/04/2017 at 22:24
Yes Mike  :z16, I was out today with Liam and we bumped into Sandy later on in the day. Decent hatch of LDO's from the word go (9:30am  :z14), and it picked up later on when the March Browns appeared. Liam as usual found himself a solid fish, this one of around 3 1/4lbs.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11610-010417221805.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4091)

Picking away on the nymphs and dries was the answer today, and I was delighted to land my first LDO feeding fish. Hopefully the rest of this season proves to be a good one, especially since it's my real first  :z12

Cheers
Ash
 :z16

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Gavin Stevenson on 02/04/2017 at 11:47
was on river 9:30 this morning has some colour, saw no surface activity when I left 10:30

Gavin
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 02/04/2017 at 16:59
Yeah Gavin it was mucky down at parkhill this morning. A move up river around 10am paid off though!  :z16

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 02/04/2017 at 19:06
Yup it proved a shrewd move :z16

headed upstream to find clear water, after the chosen beat proved too murky,
Was much more like a normal April day out, although spring was very much in the air

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020417185805.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4092)

 Flies didn't really start till after 1pm so i took a walk on the dark side

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020417185932.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4093)

Picking clear water pockets proved to be a good move for most of the morning

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020417190026.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4094)

After some lunch there was several flurries of March Browns and a handful of LDO's, the fish didn't seem to mind to which

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020417190218.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4095)

Eventually managed to get a rise on the dry

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020417190327.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4096)

So a day that looked to be washed out at first, proved to be a nice day to be on the river, a far more normal April day than yesterday, with flies coming off from about 1pm to 3pm in small batches and the fish keying onto them for very short spells 10-15mins.
One or two good ones showing too, but all the fish were decent. :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-020417190550.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4097)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Iain Cameron on 02/04/2017 at 21:07
After a long day on the water on Saturday, and a late night Sat night, a long sunday lie-in was needed. Upshot, I wandered down to my local stretch at 12ish to find mucky waters. Ah well, it was sunny, water *was* dropping, so ever hopeful.... if nothing else it was great watching the ducks picking off a fairly decent hatch.


Eventually spied a steady feeder in a slack spot. Turned out to be an extremely acrobatic sea trout, shining silver in the April sun as he leapt to make his displeasure clear. A pun and a half of fun.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11431-020417210623.jpeg)






Found some otter footprints. Listened the the woodpeckering. Picked out another steady riser, this time a plump trout of just over the pound. Cleared some flood debris then called it a day. Well, I do have the next 5 days to go fishing, so why rush...


Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 02/04/2017 at 22:48
I've just spent hours on FB posting fishing stuff and setting up my new page. Troutbum Guiding, please give it a like if you get a chance. As a result this will be short and sweet. Had to move to find clear water today. We found it, great hatch and a belter of a fish for myself on the dries.


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020417224631.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4099)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020417224704.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4100)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-020417224732.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4101)

What a stunner she was! Hoping for more of the same tomorrow.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 03/04/2017 at 08:22
5 good fish lost at the net...I am rather pee'd off to say the least!

Smallest around 1 3/4, biggest about 3lb. All hooked whilst Klink and Dinking on the nymph and all had the hook ping out after a minute or so as the fish was getting tired.

Hooks where either a size 14 grubber or a size 14 Fulling Mill Grab or Jig.

Using a 5 weight Orvis Zero Gravity which I am starting to think is too stiff in the tip for small hooks. I normally use the 4 weight version which seems to be much better at absorbing head shakes, but I could not find the right line so had to go with the 5 weight.

Might have to build myself one of those floppy fibreglass bean poles!

On a good note...at least I have found some good fish in an area that I have normally passed over :)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 03/04/2017 at 09:42

Might have to build myself one of those floppy fibreglass bean poles!


Or you could build yourself a Proper Glass rod  :z7 and get an Epic 580 :z16 it does make a big difference when you are after the big ones with small hooks and light tippets, you can land the fish faster too and get them released sooner, as well as having more fun and confidence during the fight :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 03/04/2017 at 10:54
Or you could build yourself a Proper Glass rod  :z7 and get an Epic 580 :z16 it does make a big difference when you are after the big ones with small hooks and light tippets, you can land the fish faster too and get them released sooner, as well as having more fun and confidence during the fight :z16

Sandy

I have been using cane and fibreglass rods for carp stalking for that very reason for some 40 years :) Even used down to 6lb line when surface fishing and landed carp over 20lb on them with no fear of breaking the line.

I did have a waggle of the Orvis glass "Superfine"...and put it straight back ;) I now wish I still had my old amber "Shakespeare Alpha" fly rod. I landed an 8lb Grilse on that using 3lb tippet and a size 16 dry Iron Blue Dun.

Off to speak to the bank manager...well...Cassie ;)...she got a bonus from work and it is only right I should get some of it..lol
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/04/2017 at 16:26
Rob  :z16

Glad you at least got in amongst them, shame about dropping them. Sell off that carbon crap and get a proper Troutbum rod. I can count on one hand the number of fish I have lost this season on the 580. Last season I could count on one hand the amount of fish I landed on my poker of Sage (I lost a shitload!) :X2

If you fancy a cast with any of the freshwater range 3-6wt give me a shout.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 03/04/2017 at 17:50
And this is why.......... :z12 :z12 :z12

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/04/2017 at 18:19
Looks vaguely familiar.....

Look at that bend! Ace video Sandy.

 :z18

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Filip Adamcio on 07/04/2017 at 12:00
Hi,
Do you know guys what are  conditions on lower Don?
Is water clear now?
Regards Filip
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 07/04/2017 at 13:45
Hi Filip

The whole river has been running pretty clear for a couple of days now :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Filip Adamcio on 07/04/2017 at 14:33
Thanks  :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 07/04/2017 at 19:16
With the weather so fine & a hour to kill I thought it best to nip to the river, be rude not too I guess 😎

Started off well, hooking this
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-070417190754.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4125)

Which turned into this

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-070417190907.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4126)

So I was well chuffed with the first 10 minutes, not long after, another abliging troot was hooked, all hell broke loose, I really thought I had a fish in the 5lb range on,  the old LC was put through its paces, until the net slipped under this

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-070417191236.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4127)

Not the 5lber but certainly in the class of the 4 1/4 I had last week. I guess it was a hen, it sulked like the Mrs for a minute or two before a kick of the tail had it heading back into mid stream

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-070417191456.png) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4128)

So all ready for the assault on another private beat tomorrow, this time the deveron
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 07/04/2017 at 20:54
A Leeda LC, that's a blast from the past.  Haven't seen one of those in years.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 07/04/2017 at 21:47
I like to think of it as a antique, rather than me being too tight to go all modern 😂 Il get a photo of it on Liam's epics one day
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 08/04/2017 at 22:02
Finally made it out for my first couple of days on the Don this season and its been all action from the off...

Plenty of trout in the 2-3lb range both mornings on the nymph. Switched to the dry fly in the afternoons and had some fantastic sport including my first Stonker of 2017...

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417214821.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4141)


A beauty in great condition... Always that bit more rewarding catching  fish this size on the dry :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417214940.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4142)


and a few more

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417215037.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4143)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417215154.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4144)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417215551.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4145)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417215851.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4146)


time to get creative at the fly tying bench

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-080417220025.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4147)

I see there’s plenty nice trout been caught since open day, well done everyone. The quality of fishing we have on our doorstep is fantastic

 :z18
Scott






Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 08/04/2017 at 22:42
Great stuff guys ....... and what a cracking trout Scott, nice one! :z12

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/04/2017 at 06:45
Well worth the wait then Dude  :z14 :z14 :z14

Cracking fish :shock that lucky charm of yours, sure does work  :z4

You are right, its some river where fish like that rise for the dry, the average size is something else as well.
we are all really lucky. :z3

Sandy

PS. superb photo's too :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 09/04/2017 at 08:30
Great fish Scott,  well captured with rod & camera.
A good sign that so many of these early season fish are in such good nick.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 10/04/2017 at 15:57
Many fish hooked, three fish landed, happy days once I had slackened off the drag and went into limp wrist mode when playing the fish!  :shock :X2

Two lost on the dry, both fish flat rodding me and then leaping on a tight line. One was very decent indeed  :z8

Other fish fell to tungsten PTNs under a Klink.

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 10/04/2017 at 17:42
Softer rod Rob!  :wink

I met up with Noel yesterday for a catch up and a fish or two. The catch up was good and the fishing was great. We came across a few bulging beasts but we couldn't tempt them. Subsurface nymphing seems to be the only reasonable explanation. Here's my best of the day,  21" and weighed 3.75lb. Taken on a you know what!

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-100417174157.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4153)

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 10/04/2017 at 21:03
Would have been rude not to have a few casts tonight after work. Fished a beat close to where I live in Aberdeen weekdays and managed to take two of these wee fellas

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11610-100417205919.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4157)

Liam's teachings have proven their worth on this solo flight   :X2  :z12

'Chucking stones' at fish does work!!  :z4  :z4

Ash  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 11/04/2017 at 19:24
Tough going in the wind today, but plenty flies.

Mostly LDO's

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-110417192204.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4160)

However later in the afternoon, the LDO's looked rather large, so closer investigation revealed my first spot of the Olive Uprights for the season.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-110417192316.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4161)

A few March browns as well, but the Uprights are early, so the hatch may last a good few weeks, which could mean some ace DryFly action in the weeks to come. :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-110417194916.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4162)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/04/2017 at 19:27
Great pics Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 12/04/2017 at 19:12
Tough going again in the wind today :z10 But we found some sheltered areas, where you could get a cast out.

LDO's hatching early doors, but the big hatch today was March Browns, the wind was not giving them much chance to get airborne, but only a handful of fish were taking advantage.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-120417190911.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4169)

The ones who did take an interest were taking every fly that floated over them, that helped no end :z7

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-120417191110.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4170)

Nothing huge for me  :wink but some good fish in nice condition.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 12/04/2017 at 21:20
Sandy talked me into joining him. Yesterday was a total write off in the wind so I thought why not. I'm glad I went out. The wind was still a problem but in a few places it was manageable. I fished hard through lots of water, I would say I fished it well also but nothing. 

Bugger it I thought. I was heading upto see Sandy when I decided to jump into a nice looking run. About a quarter of the way up it my dry dipped and I set. Lovely stuff!

22" and a touch over the 4lb mark.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-120417211609.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4171)

It was seriously a stunning fish!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/04/2017 at 21:52
Awesome trout Liam ..... and a cracking photo too :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 12/04/2017 at 22:06
It was a belter Mike thanks! I have other pics but they kept going up side ways. See my  FB post.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 13/04/2017 at 20:19
Today was tough going in difficult conditions, we eventually found some sheltered spots and my 11 year old fishing partner soon got into some action. Within 10 minutes of fishing  Lewis got the shock of his life when he hooked into his first ever trophy trout. After a good tussle Lewis managed to bring the fish to the side where a very proud Dad was waiting to scoop the 4lb 2oz cracker into the net

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-130417201755.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4174)

Well done Lewis you played that fish brilliantly, I'm chuffed to bits for you  :X4
See, there is more to life than Fitba and the Xbox  :z16




Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/04/2017 at 20:22
Awesome stuff, well done Lewis :z18
Brilliant to see you on the other side of the camera, giving the old man a run for his money :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/04/2017 at 20:38
Fantastic .................................. :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 13/04/2017 at 21:26
What a fish Lewis!  :z16

Scott is he free to give lessons sometime soon?

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 13/04/2017 at 22:44
Fantastic stuff guys  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Noel Kelly on 13/04/2017 at 22:55
Had to come out of hiding for this. Well done Lewis that's awesome!
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 14/04/2017 at 09:03
Fished after work last night. Started on streamers as there was a cold wind and nowt moving after 20 minutes of watching. Fished for about 10 minutes, but suddenly a few LDO's started to pop their heads out the water. I sprinted back to the car to get the 4 weight and dry flies.

5 minutes later it was finished! lol One fish rose twice and that was it.

Could not be bothered heading back to the car so used the 4 weight with smaller streamers.

Have to say a #4 SLX and a size 4 Woolly Bugger make a sweet combination.  Single spey and a wee tug sent it sailing out.

Packed up at 8 and the car temp gauge said 4 degrees.  No wonder I could not feel my fingers.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 14/04/2017 at 17:02
Stocker of a fish for anyone to catch 👍🏻 What a way to get hooked on fishing & no doubt a very proud moment for dad
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 14/04/2017 at 19:17
Tough going again today, visited a few beats before finding shelter and fish. The temp increased slightly and the fishing did start to improve in the afternoon.

This was my best of the day, a solid lump in great condition...

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-140417191528.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4175)

 :z18
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/04/2017 at 20:30
Nice one Scott :z12
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Craig on 16/04/2017 at 09:58
Friday was hard work at times, with brief bright spells and calmer winds.

The morning was freezing and so I spent the morning walking the beat and fishing a PTN through likely runs. I hooked two fish, both of which had a big cross-stream leap and promptly came off.

From 1pm the day improved with a steady hatch of March Browns, although the fish that were rising didn't seem too fussed about those flies that had emerged and were drying off. I fished a DHE over a few steady risers, but think I spooked them all - The downstream breeze making it too difficult for me to get the fly up to them without getting within 30 feet.

The fish looked to key into the emerged flies later on as the wind calmed and a CDC Olive did the trick - I managed to drop another fish but shortly after managed to bring this chap to the net:

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-160417094904.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4179)

13" and about a pound and a half - I was pleased given the dropped fish up 'till that point, but still frustrating as some of those fish would have been a bit bigger. Still - that's my best Don Brownie yet and heading in the right direction.

James
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 16/04/2017 at 12:45
Dry shoes don't catch?? Well today they did, had a wee mole job to do, didn't take aslong as I thought, so thought I'd nip to the river on the way home.
On the last cast, right in the head of the pool, I hooked into a fish that shot off upstream like a grilse,  after a heart stopping moment when it got under a over hanging tree, I managed to turn it down into the main pool, eventually slipping it into the net..


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-160417124335.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4182)



Caught in the same pool as the good fish I managed last week, just another 15yards upstream, seam to hold a really good head of big troot 😎👍🏻



Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 16/04/2017 at 17:40
Ali you are you man! That is one stunning looking fish. Far better looking than my lump from today and it looks pretty close size wise!  :wink

Scott let's have it then buddy!?

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 16/04/2017 at 23:47
Well done Ali, thats a cracker :z16 a pool with a lot of big trout? I'd keep that one quiet, if Liam finds out he'll set up camp :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 17/04/2017 at 10:32
Here are some of my highlights from the weekend. Sunday being the better day catching several trout both on the nymph and dry.

The best of the weekend fell to the nymph. The power in this fish was amazing, it took off like a torpedo  :shock

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-170417102426.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4186)

A deep solid lump.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-170417102540.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4187)


and another on the nymph, size 16 olive quill.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-170417102644.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4188)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-170417102724.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4189)


Some dry fly action on Sunday afternoon too, caught this cracker on a CDC emerger....

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-170417102804.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4190)


With a mild winter and low water the weeds are going to be a problem this season. Landing fish could be interesting come June.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-170417102846.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4191)

 :z18
Scott C





Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 17/04/2017 at 10:39
Scott you are also the man! We already knew that though.  :z4 :z7

Yes weeds will be a massive obstacle come June.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 17/04/2017 at 11:09
Fair play Scott, in amongst the lumps again, that first one is a beast of a fish!!
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 17/04/2017 at 12:28
Well done Ali, thats a cracker :z16 a pool with a lot of big trout? I'd keep that one quiet, if Liam finds out he'll set up camp :z4

Mate these said pools are called honey holes. Tent was pitched last night.   :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 18/04/2017 at 17:51
Nice day for it today., especially when the sun warmed things up around lunchtime.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180417174642.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4195)

Lots of LDO's hatching from 1130 onwards with the odd sprinkle of MB's

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180417174754.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4196)

Plenty decent fish rising. Plume tip in a size 14 was the trick.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180417174850.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4197)

Best one of the afternoon, didn't want to stick around for his picture :X1

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180417175056.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4198)

After the relentless wind of last week, it was a nice respite today, hopefully it continues for the next few days. :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/04/2017 at 17:58
Great stuff Sandy :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 18/04/2017 at 20:32
Great stuff guys
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Grant Montgomery on 19/04/2017 at 14:22
Hi guys,

I'm getting away from my upper Clyde fishing adventures to come up and fish Kemnay for trout in May (as I couldnt get on Kildrummy which was my first choice). Has anyone got any tips or beat advice for that stretch of the Don? What dry patterns work best for the bigger fish?

Cheers,
Grant.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 19/04/2017 at 14:43
Hi guys,

I'm getting away from my upper Clyde fishing adventures to come up and fish Kemnay for trout in May (as I couldnt get on Kildrummy which was my first choice). Has anyone got any tips or beat advice for that stretch of the Don? What dry patterns work best for the bigger fish?

Cheers,
Grant.

A bit from Mike on naming specific beats that is posted in this forum. I know it may seem all secret squirrel like, but it is to protect the fish.

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

Wild Fishing Waters:

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

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

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

If you would like to know more about a given location mentioned in somebody's post, the question can be asked via the PM message system. :wink"
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Grant Montgomery on 19/04/2017 at 15:53
Apologies-point noted.

Thanks
Grant
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/04/2017 at 18:11
Grant

The flies don't really care about the beats, you will find the same patterns will work wherever you are, provided you are roughly matching the hatch. Taking the time to walk and find the fish is the key to getting the bigger ones.
Not many secret patterns, i mention the ones i use all the time, as do many others and we re-wrote the Don fishing guide this winter to reflect the new patterns we have been using. For any specific advice, then feel free to contact any of us by PM i'm sure we would all help point you in the right direction.  :z16

Cheers

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/04/2017 at 18:23
Cracking day for it today :z12
Lucky me, i got out on a great beat with Mr B (finally dragged him away from the computer)
Some cracking fish.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190417181756.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4205)

Water is fantastically clear at the moment, which makes thing a bit tricky, but is helping the photo's

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190417181903.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4206)

Scaling down the tippets, is a risk with the fish we chase, but seems to help, although a few tourists about today too, quite happy to pick the plume tip off the top.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190417182032.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4207)

The march browns looked particularly big today, and upsizing to a size 10 dry was the job.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190417182136.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4208)

The hatch ran right through till 4pm with selected fish still picking off the hatching flies when they appeared.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190417182259.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4209)

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/04/2017 at 18:32
Great photos Sandy ..... what a cracking day to be on the water, I really needed a day off :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 19/04/2017 at 19:03
Tough day , covered miles, but rewarded with this bonny fish and a few around the 2lb mark.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-190417190302.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4210)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-190417190339.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4211)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 20/04/2017 at 07:43
Doh! :X1 Stupid me, figured out why the March Browns looked big. They were Large Brook Duns.
I checked some of my other photo's from yesterday, the Forelegs are too wide and they have the purple stripes on the abdomen .

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200417074202.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4218)

I thought the wings didn't quite have a big enough clear patch in them, so i checked this morning. Pretty sure the fish didn't mind either way and they did seem to be taking the bigger ones even though its early for LBD's

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 20/04/2017 at 08:46
Excellent stuff guys, one thing though, is there any wee fish in our rivers this year ?   :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/04/2017 at 08:52
Excellent stuff guys, one thing though, is there any wee fish in our rivers this year ?   :z4 :z4 :z4

Here's one I released yesterday Allan :z12

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190417192224.jpeg)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Iain Cameron on 20/04/2017 at 09:53
plenty of fish, big and small, in the Don. 

I was in right places at right times to find a couple of 3lbers the other day. The first one dove into a weed bed and tangled us up for a while, much the amusement of a passing dog walker (who kindly cheered and gave a thumbs up when i finally coaxed the trout into the net).

The second one was feeding hard, and clocked in at 3 1/4, and around 18" and a bit, but was still very skinny; you can possibly see lack of depth/firmness in his belly, particularly around the dorsal fin. Compare that to the bruiser that Scott posted recently!  Guessing this lad has spawned, and been slow in chowing down.








Last Edit: 20 April 2017, 11:27:59 Attachments and other options  (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=post;msg=64760;topic=7663.50#)(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11431-200417093403.jpeg)[/size][/font]
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 20/04/2017 at 18:58
It was a lesson in the Class of Grass and Glass today.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200417184919.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4221)

Lovely day to be out, but not many rising fish, so it ended up being a day of picking pockets with Tungsten. Worked though :z12

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200417185054.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4222)

Liam had his biggest so far this year :z18

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200417185152.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4223)

But for once, i managed to go one better, and broke my PB  :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200417185740.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4225)

So an awesome day all round, the fish were all in superb condition, deep and solid, who needs to fly half way round the world :z14

Sandy

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/04/2017 at 19:07
Awesome ....... well done guys :z16
Maybe I should have tagged along today instead of yesterday :z4  :z4  :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 20/04/2017 at 19:32
Well done guys 👍🏻 Quality troots!!

But sandy, I parked on the bridge for 5 minutes just after lunch & saw 3 different fish rising in the pool infront of the cottage 🙈 come on, just admit it, young Liam's turned you 😂😂
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 20/04/2017 at 20:44
Not quite Ali, i did get on the dry today too  :wink

he is trying though, its very funny :z4 :z4

Another nice picture from today

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-200417204414.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4229)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 20/04/2017 at 21:09
Cracking fish, well done on the PB.

Eddie :z14
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2017 at 21:19
I've almost broke him Ali! Another couple of good fish will see those dries up for sale.  :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 20/04/2017 at 22:03
But for once, i managed to go one better, and broke my PB  :z16
Congratulations   :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 20/04/2017 at 22:09
Do you guys just spend every day fishing?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2017 at 22:14
When I'm not at college yes. I fish as often as I can, wouldn't have it any other way.


 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 20/04/2017 at 22:25
Thanks for the comments guys :z18
It's taken me 25 years to break that PB. So I'm still buzzing, I smashed it as well , by about a pound and an Inch.  :z3

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2017 at 22:40
Truly an awesome fish. Something that you'll never forget I'm sure.  The memory of seeing it surface and roll mid stream will stay with me for a long time. The bend in that rod was crazy, netting it was quite a laugh as well.

Proper chuffed for you, in case that wasn't clear today!   :z14

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 20/04/2017 at 22:41
With work and a young family I'm lucky if I get out once every other week.  I'm jealous. 

Still haven't made it out on the Don yet this season but hopefully get out for a few hours on Monday pending decent weather.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 20/04/2017 at 22:52
Good luck when you do get out :z16
My son is nearly 20 now so I don't have to book school holidays any more, hence having most of April off :z12 so it gets better :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 20/04/2017 at 23:12
To be fair once the proper light nights are in I will stand a better chance to sneak out when their in bed,
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 21/04/2017 at 15:06
Getting sick of being pestered by these wee fish 🙈
PB Smashed 😎
It's in my 26" salmon net


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210417150531.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4232)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210417150606.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4233)



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210417153947.png) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4234)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 21/04/2017 at 15:28
Another day, another PB... :z16
Cracker  :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/04/2017 at 15:32
Nice one Ali :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/04/2017 at 17:05
oooft  :z16
Nice one Ali. Thats a thumper :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 21/04/2017 at 17:17
Absolute stunner mate! Congratulations.

What was the weight? We now need exact digits, no rounding down!

Might be an idea guys if we start taking a reliable source along to verify........  :X2

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/04/2017 at 17:27

Might be an idea guys if we start taking a reliable source along to verify........  :X2


I vote we go for a new system.

Small, medium, big, huge and Epic.

Then it can be subjective and it would work like a sliding scale :z16

All these fish are beautiful and they all get returned safely, Thats what really counts :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 21/04/2017 at 17:38
All my trout are 'Epic' Sandy so I'd have to think of a different scale!  :z7

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 21/04/2017 at 21:54
Cracking fish Ali, well done.

Eddie.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/04/2017 at 22:13
When it comes to the Don ..... everything is world class :z12

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Simon Bruce on 22/04/2017 at 00:18
Thats some cracking fish there, but it's not all about weight and size :z8
It's about having a great day on the river and having a good time,enjoying yourself and being in the great outdoors (whatever the elements). The Don is a great river to fish when she feels like giving you a bit of a surprise and she does on a regular occasion ( as can be seen) .  Well done on your PB boys  :z14

 :z18
Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 22/04/2017 at 08:38
Your right it's not, but if we are honest, catching fish of that stamp increases the enjoyment of fishing 10 fold 👍🏻
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 22/04/2017 at 09:24
I'm forever saying it's not all about the size  :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 22/04/2017 at 09:43
The last person I heard say that was the girlfriend!!  :z4 :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/04/2017 at 10:16
So Liam says..............................

But i caught him trying to hide his new thingamabobber the other day, the intent is obvious  :z4 :z4 :z4

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-220417101558.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4235)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Filip Adamcio on 22/04/2017 at 10:55
Hi,
Do you know Guys can I use New Zealand indicator for nymph fishing on Don?
Is it legal?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 22/04/2017 at 11:02
Filip  :z16

It's perfectly legal. That's what silly Sandy uses. Even though you can double your chances with a big tasty looking dry fly!  :z4 :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Filip Adamcio on 22/04/2017 at 11:12
Thanks  :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 22/04/2017 at 20:39
So Liam says..............................

But i caught him trying to hide his new thingamabobber the other day, the intent is obvious  :z4 :z4 :z4

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-220417101558.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4235)

Strike indicators for the short sighted?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 22/04/2017 at 21:03
Seriously big flies for serious fish!  :z4 :z7

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 23/04/2017 at 22:05
Finally managed to get out today, started late morning and lasted through to 7.30pm.  Had I been getting out more often I probably wouldn't have stayed as long.

The wind was brutal at times and it was cold throughout, always blowing into me.  Trying  to cast upstream was near impossible.  I really should have moved to another beat.

Anyway I persevered, stuck on the  intermediate and picked up a few small trout, biggest somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4lb.  Lost a few around that size also.  Had one thunping pull but it was on and off in an instant so have no idea what size it was.

Never really felt I was getting deep enough to bother any bigger fish.  Everything I got was picked up in the more shallow runs.  Still, giving the wind I can't complain and it was still enjoyable.

Was hoping to get out tomorrow as well but I see the weather is saying it's to be snowing.  It's almost May for Gods sake.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 24/04/2017 at 21:27
Ventured out again today.  One fish, 1.5lb which put up a lively fight.  Would post a photo but can't seem to get it to work from my phone.  I'm torn over whether it's a sea trout or not as it was more silvery and quite a chunky fish.

In between the hail and just before the snow really started chucking it down, there was actually a decent hatch and plenty rising for a 10 minute spell. 

I was still on nymphs and couldn't be bothered putting a dry on as I could see the massive dark clouds bearing down on me.

Got my kit off and into the car just as it turned white.  Giving the weather I was more than happy with that fish albeit I didn't touch anything else.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 24/04/2017 at 22:38
Is anybody else posting photos on the forum from a phone? ..... that can help Dave out with how to do it.

I've got an old style phone, so I can't experiment with this I'm afraid :z8
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 25/04/2017 at 08:28
I don't have a clue why it's not working.  I've gone through the process a few times, have the jpeg chosen, titled etc then when I click add picture nothing happens.  It just stays on the same screen.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 25/04/2017 at 09:03
Hi Dave, I see you uploaded this one this morning, was that from your phone?

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11483-250417082734.jpeg)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 25/04/2017 at 09:46
Yes that's my photo.  Where the hell did it go? 

I did try to upload to post, then tried to upload to the forum but both remained stuck on the same screen so I didn't think it worked.

Bizarre.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 25/04/2017 at 10:00
Hi Dave,

If you have uploaded one and it doesn't add the image text to your post, go to the Gallery, then the 'Add Image To Post' gallery and you should see your photo.

Yours is here https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4252 (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4252)
You can copy the 'Html Link' that is under the image and simply paste this in your post.

Hope that helps.
Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 25/04/2017 at 11:53
I do mine from my iPhone,  used the "add image to post & upload to gallery" link. Works fine 👍🏻
(Can take a minute to put link onto the post mind, so give it time)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 25/04/2017 at 12:43
Thanks Ali, I thought it should work OK :z16

There has been an issue with one other member in the past with this, so maybe it is possibly the same for Dave and he will sometimes need to go to the gallery to get the link. I wasn't able to solve it for the other member's account.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 27/04/2017 at 10:03
Was out at Fintray for a couple of hours last night.  Still pretty cold and the water was murky which was to be expected.  Got one fish just over the 1lb mark late on but didn't touch or see anything else.  By that point I was just stripping a rather large Teal Blue and Silver looking for a reaction ideally from something big.

As it got dark it was very calm but nothing moving on top at all.

I've been lucky to get out a few times this last week but I think I will leave it a few days see if the weather settles down. Looked like a fair bit of snow stilly lying on the hills.   

Hopefully Sunday will see better conditions but I'm totally fed up with this weather.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 28/04/2017 at 14:38
Went for a look at the levels at lunch time, still brown, with visibility about 18",  I got a couple of new flys off these dodgy geezers I met the other day, cough, cough.
Anyway despite feeling like a course fisherman with a fly rod, I thought I'd give it a go 😄

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280417143553.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4257)

What a tail it had on it, no wonder it went like stink



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280417143644.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4258)

The "fly"



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-280417143736.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4259)

Cheers Liam, you saved a blank 😂👍🏻
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Laraway on 28/04/2017 at 15:20
 oh no, not a squirmy wormy  :shock
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 28/04/2017 at 17:48
No idea what Liam he means....... Never seen those before in my life!  :roll

Nice fish mate!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 28/04/2017 at 21:50
Aye aye Liam, looks like yer 'Squirmin' there a wee bit  :oops :oops :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/04/2017 at 10:27
Well its been  fair old week :z10

Mr Ellis came up for a few days to have a go at our browns, So after months in the planning it was the Law of Sod that dictated the weather would play foul :X1

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-290417101315.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4262)

Nothing quite went to plan, the river was in great shape on monday but the relentless snow just when we hoped for a hatch, put pay to anything other than a trip to the pub to dry out.

Tuesday we headed for the Deveron as planned, see the separate Deveron post :z16

Wednesday we had left open to fish somewhere nice, but the Deveron was rising fast and the Don had gone up and come down over night, with the lower river still running in poor condition we headed for the hills to find the clearer water.
The upper river was in much better shape but running at 6-7degrees, so another day of nymphing with hardly a fly to be seen. At least we picked up a couple of fish. Still that nasty northerly wind, but we did see the strange yellow orb, initial thoughts of alien abduction relaxed as the air temp increased  :z5

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-290417101831.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4263)

Thursday was meant to be on the Deveron again, but the snowmelt had it running like Willie Wonka's chocolate river, so with the upper Don starting to do the same, we headed to the lower river and although slightly coloured it was fishable. Again the nasty wind had us working hard, Poor Andrew was starting to feel like we had been beasting him all week, but his loops stayed sharp.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-290417102224.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4264)

We even had a hatch of uprights to get us excited

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-290417102323.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4265)

One decent fish to get us warmed up, but that was all she wrote....

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-290417102420.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4266)

During the evening in the Pub, the river choose to rise significantly, rendering Friday a total washout on the Don, so the plan was scrapped , Again! and we went in search of fishable water...... (we did find some , but you'll need the Deveron half of the post)

So not the week we had planned, but a great time in fantastic company and the fishing was enjoyed by all, even if the fish spent all week sulking and we had to chuck Nymphs far more than any of us would have liked.

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/04/2017 at 10:38
Great stuff Sandy ...... fingers crossed for better weather for Andrew next time!

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Pete Winn on 29/04/2017 at 19:39
Great day on the river this morning, before the wind got up.  Given the recent high water I decided to get the trout spey rod and the 2" mini intruder streamers out, paired with an OPST 275 gr head. It makes casting streamers really easy on a 5 weight rod. Had 4 fish off, only managing to take a picture of this one. It absolutely nailed the fly on the swing and put up a great fight. A really fat, energetic fish in great condition for this time of year. All my decent trout this year have come to this intruder from Salar flies.

Cheers Pete


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11350-290417193253.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4275)
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11350-290417193705.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4276)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Simon Bruce on 29/04/2017 at 22:04
Wasn't too sure about going out today with all the weather we have been having lately. But decided to have a go and get to grips with my new(old rod) was a bargain on eBay( brand new g tec for a very cheap price) headed for the upper river as I thought it would be fishable and it was(running at a good level but coloured) had a few fish on the duo in the morning best probably a couple of pounds. By midday there was a sign of a hatch coming on but it never really kicked off as such maybe a 10 minute spell of a few fish rising, I thought I seen something rise out the corner of my eye so had a cast thinking that I might get it with the nymph and then bang it took the Klink quite a few heart stopping moments later I landed my best of the season so far. Don't know the size,weight or anything like that just glad to be in the right place at the right time
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-290417215609.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4280)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 29/04/2017 at 22:34
Simon there's something about you and stupidly fat fish! Where and what are you feeding them??  :z4 :z7

Cracking fish mate!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 29/04/2017 at 22:59
2 super fat fish lads, been feeding well 👍🏻
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Simon Bruce on 29/04/2017 at 23:09
As I said right place right time, a lot of the big fish up there eat well and the fishing pressure is very low( nobody fishes there as it's to far too go for many folks apart from me lol  :z4 :z16

Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Hamish Young on 29/04/2017 at 23:30
Couple of belting fish there  :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Simon Bruce on 29/04/2017 at 23:48
Here's a couple from earlier on in the season
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-290417233752.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4289)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-290417233834.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4290)


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1507-290417233940.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4291)

The last picture is a fish from today on the same beat as you can see the condition of the fish has greatly improved and the fish are feeding well and have plumped up :z18 Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 30/04/2017 at 09:22
I think I may have seen you the other day up by ally's farm?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 30/04/2017 at 10:16
Some stunning fish this season, love those fatties.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 01/05/2017 at 23:55
Was out for a couple of hours yesterday and the best part of today. The Don is clearing nicely and the water temp is on the up.

Caught several fish on the nymph both days...

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-010517234446.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4301)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-010517234532.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4302)


but when the Uprights made an appearance it was time to do some proper fishing, and the trout took a real liking to my dry fly... :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-010517234626.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4303)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-010517235013.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4306)


Wee Aaron wanted in on the action and helped play, land and return several fish  :wink

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-010517235104.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4307)


and he can take a good photo too

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-010517235206.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4308)


Cheers
Scott C
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 02/05/2017 at 08:24
I always hate putting catches up as I got home last night pretty chuffed with the fish I got, only to see what others have been catching which make my fish look tiny! lol

Anyway, out last night, fished a favourite bit for 3 fish, all around the 1lb mark on PTNs so decided on a move as a pesky Salmon was making a bit of a commotion.

Moved to a very fast section that is pretty deep and passed by most. On went a silly weighted GRHE that is more like casting a stone! First cast I hit a 19" fish that shot of down stream at speed. Not sure why but it went mental with loads of jumps. Glad I had a "proper" net with me!

Another Salmon started to pop its head up and after the commotion of the previous fish I nipped back to the car for the switch rod and Sunray Shadow.

Cast square, down stream mend, strip strip BANG. Something nailed the sunray 5 feet from the far bank in a big spray of water. Whilst I hoped it was the salmon I had seen 20 minutes before, it turned out to be a 16" Brownie that gave a pretty good scrap on the Switch.

All the fish seemed to be turbocharged last night, fighting a lot harder than normal.

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18222228_10154289280645806_3451235628481613128_n.jpg?oh=799bc9c6d223dba7e5c4acc2bba5c0bb&oe=5979AB3C)

A size 10 facet tungsten bead with extra wraps of lead GRHE! Check the teeth!
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18194845_10154289280620806_6122677894063357091_n.jpg?oh=101f770379c03095d60bdf15c21e2679&oe=598A1DFC)

And finally the sunray smasher.
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18222358_10154289280655806_2388721017052092753_n.jpg?oh=bd50a9e34845a91f564af1eef7dd626d&oe=598A3A56)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 02/05/2017 at 08:33
Some very nice fish.  I was out on the Don on Sunday and just couldn't get going at all with the wind really gusting.

Even went seeking shelter but it just wasn't happening.  I couldn't get in the groove, got fed up with it all and quit early.  Wind aside, it was a nice day and the water was looking  good.

Last night I left the river alone and went on to the Parkhill fishery. 

Hopefully get out tomorrow, need to get me one of these bigger beasts.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Kevin Bell on 03/05/2017 at 11:59
Just got to say lads the quality of these fish is somethin else,absolute stunners

Been a long time since Ive been on the Don,gonna have to organize a trip up the road  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 04/05/2017 at 00:13
This solitary lump was the only fish to end up in my net today. It was a bloody belter though!  :z14

The upper river definitely has a proper trophy hunting feel to it. Thanks Ali for taking me along.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040517001030.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4311)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040517001110.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4312)

At only 22" it fairly pulled the scales. Huge across the shoulders and a big belly.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040517001314.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4313)

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 04/05/2017 at 08:13
Nice one Liam :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 04/05/2017 at 08:33
Just got to say lads the quality of these fish is somethin else,absolute stunners

Been a long time since Ive been on the Don,gonna have to organize a trip up the road  :z16

Better hurry, we had a muppet on Facebook last night telling us to kill them all because they are eating all the salmon...
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 04/05/2017 at 08:46
we had a muppet on Facebook last night telling us to kill them all because they are eating all the salmon...

Still beggars belief, whenever I hear that :X1 :X1 the Salmon and Trout have lived in the river since the last ice age, with no issues, just the interference of man that buggers the Salmon and thats not even in the rivers!!
Not just the Salmon either, the drop in the eels has been dramatic in the last 30 years and I don't think the trout are eating many of them either.

I will resist getting on the soapbox of the Don being a Limestone based Trout river that happens to have a run of Salmon more akin to the Test and Avon rather than being a 'proper' Salmon river, which is why it is historically cheap to fish for Salmon but Famous for its Trout. :z16
 
ooops  :oops couldn't help myself :X1

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 04/05/2017 at 08:49
Thankfully the fish mongers are now a dying breed. Long live the big beautiful trout!

 :z18

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 04/05/2017 at 10:23
Don being a Limestone based Trout river that happens to have a run of Salmon more akin to the Test and Avon rather than being a 'proper' Salmon river,

Which is why it would make the perfect Barbel river ;)

The "chap" saying this last night is well known to me unfortunately.  He used to be on a certain Deveron club Committee a good few years ago and I have seen him chap small trout on the head and throw them up the bank. He was not the only one back then either!

I am glad to say he is well into his 70's now and I very much doubt he has fished for a good number of years.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Laraway on 04/05/2017 at 16:57
never heard of the don being described as a limestone based river ?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 04/05/2017 at 17:28
Hi James

I did my Final year Geography project on the Don, at school , During the project I covered many of the feeders and did an in depth analysis of the water, to find out why it is so prolific when much of the surrounding high ground is Acidic based. We found that there are areas of limestone high in the catchment which contribute a lot of the nutrients to the river, hence the fantastic Ranunculus beds and huge insect population and why it fishes really well in its upper reaches.

When they did the last Don Mangement plan in 2009 they also picked up on this along with Sandstone And Schist which add to the flavour.
"2.2 Geology and Hydrology
The bedrock of the Don catchment is dominated by quartz-based acidic rock types and to
a lesser extent localised areas of granite, both of which are weathering-resistant.
Consequently they introduce relatively low levels of nutrients into the river and offer
little buffering capacity against acidic rainfall.
Some localised areas of the catchment are naturally more nutrient-rich. Basic rock types
such as the gabbro and allied types underlying the Urie and around Strathdon are
important for introducing nutrients to the water, as are areas of Old Red Sandstone
around Kildrummy and the limestone and hornblende-schists upstream of Strathdon.
Typically much of the water chemistry for the Don is reasonably good by northern
Scottish upland standards."

So perhaps not the classic Spring fed Limestone rivers of the south, but very much a limestone infused alkaline chemistry in an area where it is uncommon.

 :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 04/05/2017 at 17:35
That's why I fish with Sandy so often!  :z4

Everyday is a school day. Great post mate.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Laraway on 04/05/2017 at 17:41
Hi James

I did my Final year Geography project on the Don, at school , During the project I covered many of the feeders and did an in depth analysis of the water, to find out why it is so prolific when much of the surrounding high ground is Acidic based. We found that there are areas of limestone high in the catchment which contribute a lot of the nutrients to the river, hence the fantastic Ranunculus beds and huge insect population and why it fishes really well in its upper reaches.

When they did the last Don Mangement plan in 2009 they also picked up on this along with Sandstone And Schist which add to the flavour.
"2.2 Geology and Hydrology
The bedrock of the Don catchment is dominated by quartz-based acidic rock types and to
a lesser extent localised areas of granite, both of which are weathering-resistant.
Consequently they introduce relatively low levels of nutrients into the river and offer
little buffering capacity against acidic rainfall.
Some localised areas of the catchment are naturally more nutrient-rich. Basic rock types
such as the gabbro and allied types underlying the Urie and around Strathdon are
important for introducing nutrients to the water, as are areas of Old Red Sandstone
around Kildrummy and the limestone and hornblende-schists upstream of Strathdon.
Typically much of the water chemistry for the Don is reasonably good by northern
Scottish upland standards."

So perhaps not the classic Spring fed Limestone rivers of the south, but very much a limestone infused alkaline chemistry in an area where it is uncommon.

 :z18

Sandy

being a geologist by background  i hate to say it but i understand most of that !!! Not sure that some patches of LMST in the upper river justify the description of the don as a 'limestone based river though ?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 04/05/2017 at 17:51
being a geologist by background  i hate to say it but i understand most of that !!! Not sure that some patches of LMST in the upper river justify the description of the don as a 'limestone based river though ?

Cheers James :z18

I never it took beyond School, so you will understand things much better than I do.  As Liam says everyday is a schoolday  :z16.
I always believed the Limestone had a reasonable contributing factor to what makes the river different in the NE, I'm still sure it does, but maybe not quite as much as I have always thought.
Be interesting to know if Jamie has more information on the water chemistry.

 :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 05/05/2017 at 12:12
A picture paints a thousand words :) Might explain why the Deveron is very different in character to the Dee as well.

http://www.showcaves.com/english/gb/Maps/Limestone.html

(http://www.showcaves.com/maps/LimestoneOfBritain.gif)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Kevin Bell on 05/05/2017 at 12:52
This solitary lump was the only fish to end up in my net today. It was a bloody belter though!  :z14

The upper river definitely has a proper trophy hunting feel to it. Thanks Ali for taking me along.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040517001030.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4311)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040517001110.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4312)

At only 22" it fairly pulled the scales. Huge across the shoulders and a big belly.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040517001314.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4313)

 :z18

What a beautiful trout Liam,well done. Simply stunning.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Kevin Bell on 05/05/2017 at 12:55
Better hurry, we had a muppet on Facebook last night telling us to kill them all because they are eating all the salmon...

If I could catch trout like these I wouldnt care if I ever seen a salmon again.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Colin Sunley on 05/05/2017 at 19:57
If I could just catch trout 😁😁😁😁
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 05/05/2017 at 20:33
Better hurry, we had a muppet on Facebook last night telling us to kill them all because they are eating all the salmon...

A quick scan of his Facebook profile just highlights how much of an ill informed xenophobic pr#@k he is. Thankfully that attitude is dying out.

🍻

Steven
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Craig on 06/05/2017 at 22:43
I had a last minute opportunity to get out on the river today - with northerly winds and clear skies forecast, I wasn't expecting much. Fortunately, I turned out to be very wrong!

I made it to the river about 11am and there was already a good amount of fly life on the go  and a few fish rising here and there. By midday the place was alive with fly life and the fish were not shy on coming to the surface. There seemed to be flies of all sorts coming off at the same time; uprights, sedge, stoneflies, midge etc. Even some terrestrials in the mix with some Crane Flies drifting about.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-060517215240.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4319)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-060517215457.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4320)

There seemed to be a lot of little Sedge coming off, the gusting wind bringing them down stream in clouds - so plumped for a small Deer Hair Sedge. I missed a few fish on it so persevered, working up the pool, until I managed to net this chap:

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-060517215858.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4321)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-060517220052.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4322)

At just under two-an-a-half pounds I was really chuffed - a new best brownie for me!

After releasing him, I saw a fish further up the pool so started working up the edge of the bank. I took a few steps and just about stepped on a fish right beneath me. Seemingly not bothered, it slowly slinked its way up stream a few yards before it spotted a tasty morsel and nonchalantly sipped it off the surface. Mesmarised - I stripped some line off and somehow put a cast a four or five feet ahead of his snout. During what seemed to be an eternity, I watched him look at it, let it go by, turn and come back down stream for it, before snatching it and shooting off into mid stream. Carnage, and a sore arm ensued before fumbling him into the net.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-060517221652.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4323)

In the net at three and a quarter pounds and around 20". My first wild Broonie over 3lbs (the fish five minutes previously was my fist over 2lbs  :shock). A strong kick back into the current was the icing on the cake.

I spent the rest of the day farting about watching birds, flies and fish slashing the surface.  At one point I stood high on a bank and watched 5 fish of a decent size dart around in a slow but shallow pool, one moment rooting around amongst the rocks the next moment plucking something off the surface and at no point staying still! Various hatches came and went until about 5.30pm and   whilst I missed a few more fish (d'oh!), managed to net a few more on the dry too.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11450-060517223145.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4324)

A magic day on the water.

James
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 06/05/2017 at 23:04
Looks like you had a great day :z16 well done James   :z18

Scott C
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 06/05/2017 at 23:08
Great stuff James :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 07/05/2017 at 18:30
Great stuff James

It's magic when it starts to come together :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 08/05/2017 at 11:49
Friday was a bit difficult on the river. A strong wind and bright sunshine made the fish a little reluctant to show...so much so that I only saw one small fish splash.

Still, fished the usual holes but no joy. I suspect this was partly down to the kids on the bank who had been chucking in stones and balls for a couple of dogs to fetch.

Decided to move to the "new" bit I discovered, which requires a very heavy fly to get down quickly. Sorted, a couple of fish around the 1.5lb mark, but as the wind was being really awkward, I packed up early and headed for an early beer in front of the TV.

Ended up tying a load of Klinks instead coz telly was crap.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 10/05/2017 at 20:00
Perfect day for exploring a new beat today :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-100517195404.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4337)

Sometimes it all falls into place and you happen to be there to get the best of it

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-100517195546.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4339)

Massive Grannom hatch and lots of Uprights kept the fish on the feed, for a good chunk of the middle of the day.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-100517195507.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4338)

Plume tips and PTN's picked up plenty cracking fish including this fish which used its Spade of a tail to great effect, but didn't get the better of the Bamboo

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-100517195808.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4340)

So a Fab day in great company, with perfect conditions, what more could you ever ask for :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/05/2017 at 20:23
Thanks for a cracking day Sandy :z16
Pity I didn't pull my weight towards the catches :oops ...... I had enough chances :z4  :z4  :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 10/05/2017 at 21:39
They seamed to switch back on today,
Had a great few hours this afternoon, 9 between 1lb & 2lb


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-100517213725.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4343)

This wee fatty was the pick of the bunch, maybe just short of 3lb
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 12/05/2017 at 08:28
Last night we hit the lower Don, where steep banks and big rocks are the order of the day. The wind was awkward and the flies/fish not very forthcoming so the normal tactics were not working.

Out came the streamer box! A 4 weight should not be able to put a leaded and cone headed wooly bugger across the river! Not only does it handle it, it positively enjoys it!

The SLX makes it easy! Where there is room, long casts are fired out with an overhead cast. Where the bank is high, a snap T or a plain single spey puts the streamer into the middle and beyond.

Whilst the Brownies were not playing too much, the Finnock were :)  8 or 9 hits but only a couple landed. Not reportable, but they saved a blank :)

My mate is finally getting to grips with the GT90 and its starting to be a pleasure seeing him cast. Unfortunately, he lost a decent Brownie on the Klink and dink, a fish about 2 pounds that leapt a few times before the hook pinged.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 12/05/2017 at 11:05
Me & the young gun had a day right up river yesterday for a change of scene.. too low for a lot of the water we walked, but picked up a few, not many big pools so when I hooked this one it took off down stream like a rocket, great to see in low clear water

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-120517110254.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4344)

One of the bigger pools



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-120517110505.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4345)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 12/05/2017 at 12:27
Great day and some seriously awesome water. I would like to fish it back end with a bit more water. I reckon that would reflect its true potential. Hint, hint Ali!  :z4 :z7

Here's my best of the day hooked a few casts into the first pool.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-120517122611.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4346)

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/05/2017 at 12:34
Nice fish and great photos guys :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/05/2017 at 15:30
That's better ........ and I enjoyed a coffee on the bank too :z12

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-120517152843.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4347)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Kevin Bell on 13/05/2017 at 20:55
Oh dearie me, I would do unspeakable things for the chance of one of these beauties  :shock

Crackin fish and photos again lads,well done.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 13/05/2017 at 21:51
Arrived today to find I'd been beaten to it

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-130517214344.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4363)

Not bad with phone through the binos, tried getting closer but that failed 😂


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-130517214506.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4364)

Got to the first pool & did a quick long range release on a good fish off the top, was truly gutted, seen him a few times now. One day!!

The next pool produced this, which fought real well, they are a different beast from a month ago!! 👍🏻



(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-130517214758.png) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4365)

Then hooked a beast which snapped me at the net 😢 Not my day I guess,2 best fish of the day dropped!!

Some huge hatches today, cloud after cloud


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-130517215006.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4366)


2nd time iv done the post as some photos went up on the side, if it's happened again, tuff 😂😂
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 13/05/2017 at 22:13
Snapping tippets means new rod time buddy!  :X2

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Simon Bruce on 14/05/2017 at 00:58
That's a nice picture at the end of your post Ali :z16
One of my favourite places to fish all be it on the other bank and I get a good bit further up :X2 Now on to my bug bear,people thinking they can keep fishing up and up,until they start fishing the next beat and continue going  :mad you are fishing in someone else's water( you haven't got written permission to fish that bit) I can't stand poaching and the arseholes that do it( there is boundaries on how far you can fish and your permit clearly stipulates that) study it before you go out.  I have a right good picture of a couple of guys fishing away and a wee video of them doing it( don't want to put it up on the forum)  as it might incriminate some folk.  And I really don't want to do that
Cheers
Simon
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 14/05/2017 at 06:28
Simon, a great bit of water.
But I think you should make it clear your not on about me with your post👍🏻
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 14/05/2017 at 20:52
Ali,  I didn't read that as being linked to you, but whoever it was really needs to wise up!

I've already witnessed a couple of idiots this season. One was well known to the bailiffs and was promptly dealt with. The other thought it would be a good idea to spin on a Sunday :mad I soon sent him on his way :X

If you witness anyone up to no good please contact the bailiffs Tel: 01467 642121, they are usually quick to respond  :z16

cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 14/05/2017 at 20:55
You know what folk are like, put 2 & 2 together & get 5.
I get too much free fishing to risk the confusion 👍🏻
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 15/05/2017 at 19:07
Trophy number 20 graced my net this weekend. I was over the moon after a 10 day dry spell I finally got my big fish fix again! :z14

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190156.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4369)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190240.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4370)

Lots of other nice fish were landed and there was some incredible hatches.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190406.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4371)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190436.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4372)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190528.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4373)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190623.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4374)

I'm starting to think about evening fishing now..... I can't be too far off.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 15/05/2017 at 19:09
Great stuff Liam ....... and nice pics :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 15/05/2017 at 20:00
Thanks Mike  :z16

I can't take any credit for the pics. I had my camerman on hand. Thanks Ash! 

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 15/05/2017 at 20:41
Thanks Mike  :z16

I can't take any credit for the pics. I had my Cameraman On hand. Thanks Ash! 

 :z18

You know me! I can't take credit for those 'bumper' trout though  :z7

Here's my favourite of that belter from Saturday;
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11610-150517204042.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4377)

Another great weekend!

Ash  :cool:
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 16/05/2017 at 07:59
Nice fish Liam👍 you get it on the nymph again?

Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 16/05/2017 at 10:11
Cheers mate!  :z16

Yeah I didn't know there was any other way to catch them!?   :z8

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 16/05/2017 at 11:08
Visits to the river have been few and far between this season. However the fishing has usually been good the times I have been out and I’ve been lucky enough to connect with some nice fish.

There has been some fantastic Grannom hatches lately but the fish are hitting them sub surface. The bigger fish I’ve spotted are surfacing to olive uprights and terrestrials.

This stonker fell to an OU emerger pattern. An absolute cracker, a deep solid fish :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517103924.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4378)


and a sturdy set of shoulders too :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517104018.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4379)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517104121.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4380)


Caught this one on the nymph between hatches. I thought this fish was a good bit bigger after the initial hook up, its huge tail fairly propelled it through the water, what a scrap!

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517105610.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4386)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517105734.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4387)


Back on with the OU emerger, not my biggest but one of my favourites, I loved the huge spots on this one

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517104417.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4383)


The distinct markings still clearly visible as it recovered in the shallows, cracking fish!

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517104505.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4384)


The next two were taken on gnat imitations.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517105256.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4385)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-160517104317.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4382)

 :z18
Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 16/05/2017 at 12:17
Awesome fishing  and great pics mate! That tail is massive.  :shock

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 16/05/2017 at 12:57
You guys are taking some magnificent trout,and it's only mid May.

Imagine the size of them come September, after stuffing themselves all summer!!

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 16/05/2017 at 14:16
Absolute belters Scott, I'm a tad jealous!

Ash  :cool:
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 16/05/2017 at 17:33
Trophy number 20 graced my net this weekend. I was over the moon after a 10 day dry spell I finally got my big fish fix again! :z14

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-150517190156.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4369)

Release Footage of this one going back, a cracking fish  :z18

https://vimeo.com/217482752

Ash
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 16/05/2017 at 21:05
I've just played about with some code ...... and I think simple URL links to Vimeo, YouTube videos etc should work now  :z12

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 18/05/2017 at 21:12
Tough old day today :z6

Perfect weather, lots of flies but fish were hard to find.
Lots of black gnats and hawthorn flies kicking about

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180517210519.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4388)

Also lots of micro caddis

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180517210609.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4389)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180517210640.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4390)

A few small Dark olives also coming off, but when we eventually found a few feeding fish, they seemed to be taking the black gnats

https://youtu.be/7-zwM8muQNQ

These guys responded well to a size 16 APT, this one was a real scrapper and brought some fun to a difficult day.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180517210907.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4391)

So a difficult day, with a few highpoint's some of which had us rather excited, but the only monsters i got pictures of, were the jurassic bugs .

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-180517211224.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4392)

 :z18

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 19/05/2017 at 08:51
Ever had an evening where it all goes wrong, but you still learned a lot! Last night was that evening!!

The gusts made presenting flies difficult and a klink and dink team proved problematic, losing me 4 fish before I realised that the klink was wrapped and fishing backwards!

Moved downstream and found another cracking run that had "STREAMER" written all over it. I did not disappoint it and on went a heavy cone head wooly bugger. Two really good fish hooked, two really good fish dropped!

However, on the plus side, I found some areas that I have walked past a few times and thought nothing of them, but this time I saw some good fish feeding. I also saw a few salmon in areas that I would never have thought they would sit, and it means some exciting fishing coming up :)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 19/05/2017 at 13:56
Ever had an evening where it all goes wrong, but you still learned a lot! Last night was that evening!!

The gusts made presenting flies difficult and a klink and dink team proved problematic, losing me 4 fish before I realised that the klink was wrapped and fishing backwards!

Moved downstream and found another cracking run that had "STREAMER" written all over it. I did not disappoint it and on went a heavy cone head wooly bugger. Two really good fish hooked, two really good fish dropped!

However, on the plus side, I found some areas that I have walked past a few times and thought nothing of them, but this time I saw some good fish feeding. I also saw a few salmon in areas that I would never have thought they would sit, and it means some exciting fishing coming up :)

Good to hear that there are some salmon showing.I don't think i've seen one this season.
It's also  getting very close to all night sessions for sea trout which can be exciting in the extreme.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Grant Montgomery on 19/05/2017 at 19:16
Hi,

Had a great day yesterday on the dry fly.  Just visiting the river-had a couple around 1.5lbs and this fatty that gave me a bit of a runaround.

Today-not so good!

Grant
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 21/05/2017 at 21:16
My first day out this week continued my run of losing good fish, this one was the fish of my season, hooked under the rod tip in a wee pot of a long set of Rapids, after its initial jump it took across the rapid & round a boulder, my 8'6" just couldn't lift the line high enough #ping 😢 I know where you live now boyo 😉
Next pool produced this wee fish with funny spot pattern, didn't make up for the heart ache though 😂

 

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210517210229.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4402)

My I phone effort at these fashionable but awkward 1/2 & 1/2 photos 😂🙈 (see the bottom photo🤔)



Today I had a few hours after the rain yesterday,  not much happening on top, but the 2nd pool gave up this one


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210517210815.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4404)

Again I fished a wee run i usually wander past, hooked this on the crease & what a fight for a 17" fish, mainly because of the current, but landed it about 40 yds down stream, what a gut it had on it




(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210517211133.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4405)







(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210517211243.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4406)

Back into the same spot & hooked its brother, I decided to try & bully it into the net, missed my first attempt & the klink caught on my cuff & ping went the tippet 😤

Anyway tomorrow's another day on another (free) beat 😂 It's all who you know in this game ..... 😉
I'm sure it will produce a 🏆 Or 2

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11364-210517212116.png) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4408)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/05/2017 at 21:48
Nice fish indeed.

I went out to Parkhill for a couple of hours late afternoon but stupidly went on the north bank and ended having the wind blowing into me once I left the sheltered area. 

Saw a couple of fish sipping and the ripples suggested these were lumps of fish, but too far away from me and in areas that were just too deep to try and wade. 

I ended up getting frustrated and left early.  Think I need to change my tactics, I'm a bit of a stickler for fishing down and across which just doesn't  seem to work in a lot of these very slow moving areas.

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 22/05/2017 at 13:06
Outstanding stuff guys, fantastic fish  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 23/05/2017 at 08:28
Another windy night as well as a couple of torrential downpours! Only one fish of about a pound and a half on a PTN. Only small fish rising.

However, I did spot a tail sticking out from under some weed and sat on the high bank above the fish for a good 15 minutes watching. Not saying how big it was, but it would have put a serious bend in a rod. Its head was well under the weed but every minute or so the weed parted to reveal the whole fish.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 23/05/2017 at 10:11
No need to say how big just say where good sir!?  :z4 :z7

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 23/05/2017 at 12:44
One from the weekend. Was it big or does the angle play in my favour......?  :z8


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-230517124354.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4410)

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 23/05/2017 at 13:23
No need to say how big just say where good sir!?  :z4 :z7

 :z18

I don't mind sharing Liam..you were good enough to take me up to the Deveron.



The fish was just upstream of the Bridge of Don and downstream of Glen Avon. It was sat right in the middle of the river to the left hand side of the right bank. You will find the spot as there is a distinctive sheep standing on the bank and a duck 11 feet 3 inches above the fish, just downstream of it, can't miss it. 

If you can't find the spot, I have included a map below. Hope this all helps.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@57.2111728,-3.2425332,9z (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@57.2111728,-3.2425332,9z)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/05/2017 at 13:27
Perfect ........................... :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 23/05/2017 at 14:48
Ace!  :z4

See you there tonight Rob?

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 23/05/2017 at 15:42
Ace!  :z4

See you there tonight Rob?

 :z18

Can't make it tonight, prior engagements. However, watch out for the penguins. They were a bit frisky last night!
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 23/05/2017 at 17:21
Ah penguins. I know exactly where you are!  :z14

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 29/05/2017 at 11:20
The Don Salmon from Thursday..... a real manky bugger. Any one any thoughts on its condition?


(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-290517111851.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4419)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-290517111921.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4420)

In proper condition that thing would have gone some. Hooked just at the tail out of some fastwater.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 29/05/2017 at 12:00
Is than not UDN starting to make an appearance?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mark Zhang on 29/05/2017 at 14:45
Need to remove the fish from water to prevent the disease.  :cry
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 29/05/2017 at 16:57
Gents,

I had a seatrout off the don a couple of weeks back with a couple of small white lesions on its head which I (optimistically) put down to maybe rubbing off of rocks etc as it made its way upstream but perhaps not... :z8

Cheers,

Steven.

 
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/05/2017 at 19:37
The Spey is having a similar issue

http://www.speyfisheryboard.com/fish-health-concerns/

Seems to me to be the same issue as last year, with low water and warm temps, increasing the effects of a naturally occurring fungus. I had a Brownie with a touch of this 3 weeks ago too, but so far just the one and it wasn't badly affect, just a bit on the upper jaw and the Left pectoral fin.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-290517193434.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4421)

I've taken the view that with low water and warm temps i'll restrict my fishing to cooler times of the day so the fish can recover better and have reduced the amount of time i'm on the water. Hopefully we get a few days of rain to freshen the water up and lift the levels and drop the water temp to give the fish a better chance.

Sandy
Title: First Don Salmon
Post by: Pete Winn on 10/06/2017 at 19:58
Evening All,

Managed a few hours on the Don, on the Council beat at Kintore this morning. Hard going at times in the wind but managed to get my first Don salmon. Caught on the fly, an Olive intruder. Fish put up a good fight and went back strong. Hopefully the rise in water this week will encourage a few more fish in to the system.

Cheers

Pete
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11350-100617195726.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4435)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Filip Adamcio on 16/06/2017 at 15:28
Hi,
Do you know guys what are  conditions on the Don?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Scott Cumming on 22/06/2017 at 10:09
The evening rises have been slow so far this year, I would expect better sedge hatches by now. However, there has been some decent BWO hatches lately which have brought some nice fish to the surface.

This Bruiser was caught on a size 16 BWO emerger. I thought this fish looked familiar when I brought him to the net as I don’t catch many big fish with red spots... :?

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-220617095749.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4461)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-220617095945.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4462)


I’ve searched through my fish pics and can confirm I caught this trout 3 years ago about 150 yards upstream. The trouts been in a few scrapes since its last capture and lost part of it’s tail, but this didn’t stop him putting up one hell of a fight.

Heres how it looked on the 29th of June 2014. It was a strong, sturdy fish back then! :z16

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-220617100110.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4463)


Using the rods in each photo as scale I’ve come up with an impression of how the fish would look side by side. Over the 3 years it has grown into a solid lump.... :z18

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-220617100300.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4464)


I’ve had several others similar in size to this one too...

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/10940-220617100428.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4465)

So a decent start to the evening fishing for me but I think the best of the action has yet to come.

 :z18
Cheers
Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/06/2017 at 10:16
Great stuff Scott, interesting to see that growth scaled photo :z16
Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Felce on 22/06/2017 at 10:51
wow!  :z12
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 22/06/2017 at 11:47
Very interesting 👍🏻 Great post
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 22/06/2017 at 19:44
Thats pretty cool dude :z16

Loving the mashed up photo, shows how they change shape as they grow, especially the head. Well spotted :z5

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Euan Innes on 24/06/2017 at 23:42
CSI Don!
It is like finger printing with spots.
You say the fishing is slow so far. Just back from Ravenna, Italy, where I have suffered in 32 degrees plus for the last three days (work not holiday before you moan) and tonight in Edzell Woods is bloody freezing. OK, so not "freezing" but there is a cold wind about.
A Russian boat I went to in Kirkenes, Norway (look it up) in the first week in June was delayed by three weeks as the seas round Murmansk were still iced up. Any relationship to the rivers here?
I don't want to start a climate change / global warming / weather argument on this, but would just like to state the facts (like Dragnet!)

Euan  :z1
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 26/06/2017 at 07:36
Excellent stuff Scott
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 26/06/2017 at 15:08
Out for a few hours last night in the wind :( One fish hooked and lost on one of those PTN things that a certain person raves about ;)

Disappointed not to see any real fish, just 3-6" things splashing about.

River was incredibly low :(

Out again tonight before the daughter returns and creates merry hell :(
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 27/06/2017 at 08:30
Fished the lower Don last night, and I really wish I hadn't. The amount of rubbish laying around was heartbreaking.

Just upstream from Grandhome bridge the banks are littered with alcohol bottles, BBQs, sites of fires and more worryingly, home made bongs and needles.....and I meant littered. There are at least 4 separate sites where drinking/drug taking have taken place in groups.  In addition there are bits of burnt foil scattered throughout the area along with what I can only presume are stolen chairs from either the rugby club or a local community centre.

I was approached by three teenagers who started to ask questions about how much my gear was worth. This was on the road bridge itself and they were positioned so that my back was against the bridge and they were blocking my way. It was a tense 5 minutes before they got bored of me saying it was cheap stuff I bought on ebay. In reality I had £1000 in my hand! (Helios and a Mirage) and probably the same again in waders, jacket, pack and net.

I know the association cannot do anything about it, but guys, please be careful down there and probably best to fish in at least pairs through the summer months.

I then headed to the Pump House Pool on the Dee to see if there were any trout rising there or maybe a salmon or two. This time it was bonfires, booze and towels left laying around.

I headed home rather p!ssed off!
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Felce on 27/06/2017 at 09:05
that's pretty scary stuff, Rob: glad you're okay. & glad i don't have to worry about that kinda' thing here (yet....)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 27/06/2017 at 10:37
Yeah that's not good, but it's the very reason I don't fish anywhere lower than Dyce.  And for me, even Dyce has too many people going about.

Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 27/06/2017 at 12:01
I had the same happen on Saturday. Luckily I was with someone.

There was some sort of junkie/alkie convention going on. I think had I been on my own there could have been trouble.

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 28/06/2017 at 16:52
Fished there last night and no such excitement for me however I did get a real scare from a ferocious beast I found lurking in the undergrowth, didn't hang around too long to see if it was pissed, spaced oot or just sleeping
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1774-280617165049.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4469)

On the plus side troots were responsive and had a cracking wee evening with the dries (proper fishin) and no wee boys methods used :)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/1774-280617165148.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4470)

No 'Jakies' or 'Zoomers' were harmed in the making of this evening  :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 04/07/2017 at 16:42
It has been quiet both on here and the river of late. Hatches have been iffy and the rises have mostly been poor or very short lived. I've never timed it right and stumbled across anything sizeable yet.

The daytime action has been pretty good fun. Bouncing nymphs down the really fast water mainly with the occasional riser to throw a dry at. Nothing huge has been landed by myself of late. Guys I've had out have had some nice fish and I landed my first trophy for some time yesterday.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040717164135.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4480)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-040717164213.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4481)

Now where to head tonight.....?

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Allan Liddle on 05/07/2017 at 09:08
Cracker Liam
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/07/2017 at 09:37
Interesting evening on the river, I found a few good pods of fish, but I think they must have been nymphing on something just under the surface as no matter what size/type of dry I tried I couldn't get any interest at all ...... probably just bad angling :z4

Was anybody else out and did you find the answer :?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Noel Kelly on 20/07/2017 at 09:04
Interesting evening on the river, I found a few good pods of fish, but I think they must have been nymphing on something just under the surface as no matter what size/type of dry I tried I couldn't get any interest at all ...... probably just bad angling :z4

Was anybody else out and did you find the answer :?

Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike! I know this problem very well! I've faced it many times this time of year and I know how frustrating it can be.  I didn't find a solution either despite trying every approach I could think of.  :z8
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/07/2017 at 09:59
Maybe I should've tried spiders Noel ............. :z8
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Noel Kelly on 20/07/2017 at 12:28
Spiders didn't work for me in those situations, nothing did! It used become my trigger for a break from the river for a few weeks! I'd love to hear of anyone having a successful approach to the scenario.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 21/07/2017 at 22:27
It's just not fishing well, hasn't been for a while now.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 26/07/2017 at 14:22
A few days of cooler temperatures and a bit of rain too ....... things should be looking up on the river :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 26/07/2017 at 17:31
Hopefully things are changing for the better!

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 26/07/2017 at 17:34
Hopefully things are changing for the better!

 :z18

Cool ..... you are still fishing Liam, I thought you'd given up, or simply disappeared :z4  :z4  :z4
Yes, the fish do seem a bit more active again :cool:

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 01/08/2017 at 12:40
The last 2 months could be special. Daytime hatches are back on and the fish are looking up.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-010817123932.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4534)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2193-010817124026.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4535)

I'm actually tying dries again!  :z4

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/08/2017 at 12:44
That's a bonnie fish Liam :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 02/08/2017 at 22:40
Went out for a couple of hours tonight despite the weather.  Hadn't been on the Don for a good few weeks as I've been hammering rainbows during the warm weather, so I was determined to get out.

First hour wasn't actually too bad, a few fish were moving about.  I was fishing dries, hooked a fish close to the far bank which quickly buried down and it was soon off again.  It felt reasonable.

As darkness approached, the wind and rain really picked up and killed it. 

Hopefully we get decent weather through to end of September.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 08/08/2017 at 00:03
Was out again this morning for a few hours.  The water was absolutely bubbling around lunchtime, fish of all sizes feeding well at the surface.

But could I get any to take any of my offerings?  :mad

Got to the the point I was getting frustrated as I would cover fish, just for them to seemingly move by a few feet.  I became increasingly careless with the presentation as a result.

Loads of fish though which was a good sign. 

That's me been out a few times now in recent days but struggling to tempt anything bar a couple of small fish. 
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/08/2017 at 22:01
August can be a tricky month on the river, the fish can be feeding on just about anything in my experience and they've so much to choose from ......... possibly the most difficult month for working out the puzzle? :z3

Of all the months in the year, this is possibly the one that requires the most observation?

Am I alone with these thoughts?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/08/2017 at 10:51
The 'little black beastie' Corn Lice are around in huge numbers in Inverurie just now ...... loads of these are bound to end up on the water too.

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/08/2017 at 11:03
Well after 10 weeks, i finally got my arse in gear and popped down the river last night.
Lovely night to be out.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-130817105826.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4543)

It was tricky old evening, with the usual suspects proving elusive until much later on, plenty fly changing going on.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-130817105942.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4544)

A good hatch of Blue winged olives, in amongst the sedges seemed to be the focus of interest.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-130817110058.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4545)

Although they seemed to get bigger later on and once they started appearing to be about a size 14, then the fish started to feed steady, mind you it was right at the death from about 9.30 onwards. Some good ones too, but the weed is a nightmare for trying to land anything substantial  :z6

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 13/08/2017 at 20:22
I packed up just before 9pm, but there was certainly plenty moving early evening a little further down.

Struggled to tempt anything once again though.  Plenty of fly changes indeed to no avail.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 22/08/2017 at 13:52
Was out last night for the first time in over a month and a half at least.. work commitments have meant my head has been out of the game as of late. Nice rise last night on a local beat, small olives and some huge sedges brought up some nice fish in tricky places just as the sun was setting. Managed to spook one or two rather big fish  :cry but did land a fish in total darkness on the dry - a first for me on the river  :cool: Cast, listen, strike  :z4

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/11610-220817134933.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4555)

Ash  :wink
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 09/09/2017 at 21:13
(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/16-100917083123.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4609)

Hmm, still not got the hang of this photo malarkey.  I got it uploaded into my personal gallery from my phone, expected the photo to appear above and it's only a link.

Anyway, went out today despite the weather which at times was bloody awful.  Wasn't surprised not to see anyone be else.

Water was murky early doors but did start to clear around mid day.  Very little seen moving on top, caught quite a few small trout plus the one in the photo.  Not a monster but giving the conditions come afternoon I was grateful.  Lost a slightly bigger fish moments before I caught that, think it might have been a sea trout as it was definitely more silver in colour when it lept out of the water only to slip the hook.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Hamish Young on 10/09/2017 at 08:33
Dave - that should be it sorted now, it had been added to a personal gallery rather than 'add image to post' gallery  :z16

H
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Dave Robb on 10/09/2017 at 10:10
Thanks for that.

More rain forecast for today and tomorrow.   Wonderful.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 14/09/2017 at 08:00
Fished a very soggy upper Don with my boss yesterday. Never stopped raining and the river was on the rise. Managed 6-7 small fish to about a 1.5 lbs from some very interesting pools. Mt boss still remains fishless :(

Three biggest trout to woolly buggers, the rest on dries (although they were wet before I had even tied them on!!) and tungsten PTNs. Probably had about a dozen fish actually on, but the smaller fish flipped off the barbless hooks.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 19/09/2017 at 22:00
Finally managed another day on the river, where the weather had not totally buggered things up :z5
And it was a beautiful afternoon to be on the river, the water was like Dark Tea and running a wee bit up, but these are good conditions for dryfly :z16

Huge hatches of Rosebay willow-herb greeted me as i arrived.

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190917215347.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4622)

And in amongst the seeds the fish were happily supping down a hatch of LDO's, very small and pale but definitely LDO's

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190917215458.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4623)

Managed a few nice fish,

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190917215642.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4624)

And found lots of Sedge hiding in the reeds, i don't think they interested the fish as there were Chocolate olives on the menu, but i enjoyed getting up close and personal with the Caperers (i think)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/19-190917215845.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4625)

Now hoping that the weather tomorrow is OK so i can get out on Thursday too :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/09/2017 at 16:49
Different day today I suspect Sandy?
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 30/09/2017 at 19:43
Last day of the Brownie season on many beats ..... so a day not to be missed if possible :cool:

We arrived to find a fairly brisk upstream wind this morning, something that doesn't usually fill me with confidence. Then enjoyed a walk up and down the water for a few miles in search of rising fish, but no such luck today, only spotting a couple of 'One-cers' that failed to make a second appearance :z6

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-300917191945.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4637)

A great day to be out in the fresh air in good company ( Cheers Brian ) the coffee and sandwiches were good, but the fishing just didn't get going for me today ...... such is life, roll on next time :z4

Had fun trying a couple of flies ( and tactics )  that I haven't fished for a while :cool:

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-300917193125.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4639)

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-300917193201.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4640)

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 08/10/2017 at 10:39
Ventured out yesterday to swing some flies in the hope of a back-end tourist - nothing doing so I ventured to the dark side and out came the spinning rod  :oops

About four or five casts in I connected with something rather strange yet powerful. The fish was just charging about the pool and refused to surface. When it eventually did I couldn’t believe my eyes, nor was it a salmon or trout but a rather plump pike

Managed to net the fish and take some measurements as I haven’t ever landed one before. Spoke to a local pike angler who estimates it’s weight to be around the 3.5/4lb mark. Just wondering how much of them actually are in the river?

Cheers,
Ash  :z16
Title: River Don 2017
Post by: James Laraway on 06/11/2017 at 08:34
I see that the Don has been designated a Cat 3 river for 2018....so 100 % C&R. What a sad state of affairs. Back when i started fishing the Don, in 2005 at the backend of the season at Kintore the river used to be 'jumping' with fish. Sadly no longer...
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 06/11/2017 at 12:24
Ventured out yesterday to swing some flies in the hope of a back-end tourist - nothing doing so I ventured to the dark side and out came the spinning rod  :oops

About four or five casts in I connected with something rather strange yet powerful. The fish was just charging about the pool and refused to surface. When it eventually did I couldn’t believe my eyes, nor was it a salmon or trout but a rather plump pike

Managed to net the fish and take some measurements as I haven’t ever landed one before. Spoke to a local pike angler who estimates it’s weight to be around the 3.5/4lb mark. Just wondering how much of them actually are in the river?

Cheers,
Ash  :z16

A few...but many end up on the bank :(, although that situation is changing :)  I had two this year, both about 4lb, although one was badly damaged. I suspect someone had stepped on it and just pulled the lure free as one side of it had a bad abrasion  and the mandible (lip) was hanging off and bleeding badly.

Largest Pike I know of on the Don was a fish of 23lbs killed on an ADAA beat at least 25  years ago. My biggest river pike in Scotland was a shade over 30lbs. I was given permission to fish a lower Dee beat for Pike many many years ago, but never caught.

I understand there are Perch too, as well as Dace and Gudgeon.
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 06/11/2017 at 12:35
A few...but many end up on the bank :(, although that situation is changing :)

I see - I had always wondered how many of them were kicking about. The one I caught was in prime condition and my very first so was a real surprise when it eventually surfaced. Went back like a train.

Ash
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 11/12/2017 at 13:29
Hi Folks

A few years back,there was word of possibly setting up a roving ticket for Brown trout fishing which would include several Don beats.I think it may have been the Don trust which was trying to organize this but my memory fails me.
I thought it was a great idea at the time but for whatever reason it did not come to fruition.

It seems to me that this might be a good time to resurrect the idea.
With both salmon and salmon angler numbers at an all time low, beat owners might be more willing to get involved in anything that will bring in revenue?
It's sad to witness such a decline in Salmon fishing on the Don but if it sparks a resurgence in fishing for our magnificent Browns then that can only be good.

Anyone any thoughts?

Duncan



Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Hamish Young on 11/12/2017 at 17:01
Duncan,

It was originally the RDBTIA (River Don Brown Trout Improvement Association) that tried to set up the roving ticket scheme.
As I was the 'Secretary' of the RDBTIA back then, I started the 'negotiations' on the roving ticket scheme in late 2007. By mid-2009 I left Aberdeenshire with work and I estimate I was about 80% of the way to actually making the roving scheme a reality for the 2010 season.

My original idea was to make the scheme an affordable way for anglers to fish C&R exclusively on beats across the length of the river.
Naturally some beats were not going to offer their fishing as they already had more rods than water available. Well, so they said at the time :!
But it was looking good.....  :cry There was significant interest from the smaller beats as the RDBTIA would have taken on the role of 'facilitator' along with FishPal who would have potentially been 'the' outlet for the tickets.

River politics can be fascinating and maybe the concept was too ahead of the game for some, unfortunately the momentum was lost and the initiative didn't materialise - probably as much to do with getting the River Don Trust up and running fully than anything. I still think that the roving ticket scheme is very much the way forward - not only for the Don but other rivers and I still think it should be 100% C&R.

However, it would take someone with serious Don connections to start up the idea again (effectively from scratch after a decade) and make it happen. The timing though, is bang on as the desire to make it happen should be strong. The ADAA effectively have a roving ticket scheme on their waters which came along and (to some extent) could serve as a rough framework for a river-wide scheme as its in operation and works.

H :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 12/12/2017 at 10:53
Hamish
A real pity you had to move when completion of the scheme was so near.

On a different note,i was sitting in a queue of traffic on the old Port Elphinstone bridge this morning looking down on what used to be the Inverurie paper mill water.
The mill closed around seven years ago and since then the water has remained unfished and as far as i'm aware, unavailable for fishing.
The beat must be around three miles long and must be one of the best Brown trout fishings on the Don.What a waste!  :cry

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Laraway on 12/12/2017 at 15:46
it will be interesting to see how the Don brownies survive as they have gone 100 % C&R on the salmon....
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 12/12/2017 at 16:57
How will 100% C&R for the Salmon have an effect on the Browns?   :z8

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Colin Sunley on 12/12/2017 at 17:37
Am with Liam on this one, if anything the fewer numbers of salmon have  increased the numbers of trout, we're seeing far bigger trout on the don these days.
So I can't see how a C&R of fewer fish has any effect at all.

Edit: I might add that Liam has poached most of the big trout this season  :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/12/2017 at 17:46
The bigger trout have always been there ........... ask Duncan :wink
It's just that you younger folk are starting to learn how to catch them now  :z4  :z4  :z4 - and I'm starting to forget :X1
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 12/12/2017 at 20:47
Hi Mike
Seems like an awful long time ago when I used to enjoy my trout fishing.I might need a refresher course from some of these young guys. :z4
They really do take some tremendous fish.Will 2018 be the year us seniors make a comeback? :wink

I don't think the trout will suffer as a result of the Salmon ban.There will always be an odd rogue but most anglers realise that these fish,especially the big one's,are too valuable to kill.

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 12/12/2017 at 21:22
I might need a refresher course from some of these young guys. :z4

Now that i very much doubt :z14

Sandy (former Duncan stalker) :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: James Laraway on 12/12/2017 at 22:21
How will 100% C&R for the Salmon have an effect on the Browns?   :z8

I was thinking along the lines of if people can't take a salmon home the next best option would be a trout. I hope not but...

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/12/2017 at 09:35
When the broom is in bloom ....................

(https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2-181217093528.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=4726)
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Hamish Young on 18/12/2017 at 19:45
.... you might catch something  :z16
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/12/2017 at 22:17
Good try Hamish :z16

A slightly better clue:
When the broom is in bloom, use a ...... ...
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 18/12/2017 at 22:31
Yellow may?

 :z18

Steveb
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Liam Stephen on 18/12/2017 at 22:31
Use a yellow fly.  :wink

 :z18
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Mike Barrio on 18/12/2017 at 22:36
Well done Liam :z14

Yes Steven, I think we must let Yellow May qualify too :z12
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/12/2017 at 09:19
When the Broom is in bloom.....use a worm!

I am not sure where I heard the yellow fly saying, but it must be a good 30 years ago. Maybe Browns Tackle?

A bright yellow 6" Butt monkey streamer always works  :z7 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Neill Cameron on 13/01/2018 at 22:30
kintore angling club agm .  sunday  28th January  11am  the  bothie alandale  gardens.   salmon  plus  trout  fishing  this  season.see  us  on  face  book .
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Duncan McRae on 14/01/2018 at 11:03
Hi Neill
I notice that your trout fishings have been extended.
Are you able to give any more information on this?

Duncan
Title: Re: River Don 2017
Post by: Neill Cameron on 15/01/2018 at 09:01
yes  our  new  website will  be  available  shortly.