River Ythan 2026

[Duncan McRae]

Got fed up waiting for the Don river levels to rise ,so recently decided to return to the Estuary in the hope of getting a seatrout or two before the summer ends.

First thing i noticed was the abundance of Eider ducklings.
Some years there is barely a duckling to be seen.Probably wiped out by the herring gulls.
Great to see them this year.





A couple of the local lads told me that it's been a poor season on the Estuary and i too have found it hard going.
Still ,i'm getting out for some fishing in glorious surroundings and managing to pick up a fish or two.




Duncan

[Ivor Duffus]

Nice fish Duncan.

Not surprised to see you take a ticket for the estuary again.

Another dry year and no water    . Haven't been out for 6 weeks myself and only been out 4 times since April.

Rain this week but probably won't be enough for the Don to get much of a rise. Certainly not enough to give it a proper flush out.

The Don may fish good if it does get a decent lift as the Grilse appears to be late this year. Had a few walks down to the Brig o Dee and the Pump house pool is only started to hold fish in the past week or so.

Ivor

[Duncan McRae]

I fear that these low waters conditions might become a regular occurrence each season Ivor.

Maybe time to think of angling alternatives?
I was watching some guys enjoying sport off the rocks at Cruden bay last weekend.
Looked like good fun.

Duncan

[James Laraway]

The issue I always had when living in Aberdeenshire was the lack of (wild trout) lochs as an alternatives when the rivers were low without a long drive being involved 

[Ivor Duffus]

The Ythan has got a decent lift with yesterday's rain. As did the Deveron.

The Don seems to have missed out again with only a small lift   

[Duncan McRae]

The Don has gone up another 5 or 6" from yesterday.

The Ythan was up around 11" but is dropping back fast.
Had a walk up the river today and the water is very dirty.




Duncan

[Ivor Duffus]

That's fairly murky on the Ythan.

I had a couple hours on the Don this afternoon. It was also murky as you would expect. Never caught anything and didnt see any Salmon. The odd trout breaking the surface.

Fine to get out again before the next drought starts.