Excited for Our Fishing Trip in the Don – Need Some Tips!

[Gilles Carducci]

Hello fellow anglers!

We're a group of three French anglers, and we're heading to Scotland from May 6th to 14th for a fishing adventure we've been dreaming about for ages! We've decided to focus on trout fishing with fly rods on the beautiful River Don (though we did briefly consider the Tweed, but honestly, we've heard the Highlands are the most beautiful part of Scotland, and we just couldn't resist!).
Now, here's where we could use your help:

Fishing Permits – We'd love to know when and where we can get our fishing permits for the Don. Are there specific places in advance where we should grab them? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Accommodation – We're looking for a place to stay that's as close to the best fishing spots as possible. Any suggestions for cozy, fisherman-friendly places to stay near the river?

Local Tips – If anyone has any advice or hot spots they're willing to share for fishing the Don, we're all ears! We promise to keep it friendly and respectful. Maybe you've discovered a secret spot or two that's not in the guidebooks... (We won't tell anyone, promise!)

Thanks in advance to everyone! We're really excited about the trip and the chance to catch some amazing trout in one of the most stunning parts of the world.
Looking forward to hearing from you!

  Gilles Carducci.

[Jim Eddie]

Hi Gilles
Kildrummy Inn is worth a try
https://kildrummyinn.co.uk/fishing-info/

Regards
Jim

[John Wastle]

Hi Gilles,

I stayed here in Kemnay last year

https://www.bennachielodge.co.uk/

It was very nice. The room I had was a one room apartment with hob and microwave.

Well positioned for the middle river beats from Inverurie to Alford.

[Mike Barrio]

Hi Gilles, welcome to the forum

Have a look at Sandy's information and tactics pages in the 'River Don Fishing' section of our main website via the 'Sitemap' link in the top menu of the forum, there are lots of useful tips there.

It is probably still a bit early for all the beats to have released their fishing permit availability on the Fishpal website ( you can buy permits online at Fishpal ) but if you change the booking dates to April or May you should find some options are there already and others will follow over the coming weeks. Availability of trout fishing permits is not usually a problem on the River Don.

There are no 'hot spots' in my experience, you will find good fly fishing throughout the river. My personal preference would be for anywhere from Inverurie up to Strathdon, with each fishing beat being mostly about the surroundings.

Tell us about the fishing in your area, it is always great to hear about adventures on other waters.

Cheers
Mike

[Gilles Carducci]

Thank you fishermen friends, thank you Mike for this forum which gives us so much useful information. Some members have pointed me to accommodation, which is very cool. I still have one quick question: is there a river nearby where you can sight fish?
and also what do you think of the Deveron for trout?
thanks again for everything...
In a future post I will tell you about fly fishing in France.
Greetings

[Mike Barrio]

I still have one quick question: is there a river nearby where you can sight fish?
and also what do you think of the Deveron for trout?

Hi Gilles

We don't really sight fish (looking for trout deep in the water) but normal tactics absolutely involve sitting or walking the banks softly, looking for rising/feeding fish to cast to.

The Deveron is very much like the Don and has some great fly fishing.

Cheers
Mike

[James Laraway]

as Mike has hinted at none of the waters here are probably clear enough to 'stalk' trout by sight - its more looking for surface feeding fish...

[Gilles Carducci]

Hello, fellow fisherman. We booked a house in Keig at the beginning of May. The river runs right by. My question is: which association manages this area? Is it a good area? Should I book in advance? Thank you for your answers. Gilles

[Sandy Nelson]

Hi Gilles

Keig is nice and central on the river. The beats that run alongside are all Castle Forbes water as is everything within walking distance. These are superb beats and among the more exclusive parts of the river.
You are about 5-10mins by car, upstream from Monymusk estate and tillefourie beat with their wonderful waters and many beats as well as. and you are 5-10mins by car downstream from Bandley, Alford Angling association and south waterside beats.
So lots of close by top notch fishing which is all on Fishpal.
If you extend to 20mins in either direction then you include Littlewood, Kemnay and fetternear beats
Enough fishing there for many visits to the area.

Have fun, hope the hatches are good for you 

Sandy

[Gilles Carducci]

Hello fishermen!
I have a quick question. What happens if I get a salmon and sea trout license for a section of the Don River and I fish for trout? Thanks for your answers! I don't think there's this information on FishPal. THANK YOU.

[Gilles Carducci]

[Mike Barrio]

Hello fishermen!
I have a quick question. What happens if I get a salmon and sea trout license for a section of the Don River and I fish for trout? Thanks for your answers! I don't think there's this information on FishPal. THANK YOU.

Hi Gilles

If you have a salmon & sea trout permit then it also covers you for Brown trout fishing 

[Gilles Carducci]

Merci Mike !!!