
Salmon and Sea-trout season- 11 February
2008 to 31 October inclusive.
Brown trout season 15 March to 6 October
Inclusive.
Once again welcome to another season.
Last year I put out a plea for more anglers to join
the Trust. Once again I do it again. The Trust is carrying
out valuable work not only on habitat improvement but also in
highly technical work required to assist/combat/ enhance the
multitude of bodies that are full of red tape and other threats
to the catchments. As a result of Mr. Richard Miller joining the
trust as our biologist we have been able to take part in the
Moray Firth Sea- Trout project which is to look at our sea-trout
decline and advise on measures to improve things.
The trust also runs the hatchery and after our horrific
winter of high water the redds have really suffered and
thousands of tonnes of gravel have moved on the river bed, the
hatchery fish will go a little way to ensuring we have some fish
to plant out.
Our voluntary code has also come under scrutiny. The
Deveron used to have one of the best catch and release rates of
any river in Scotland. It now lags behind and we are under some
pressure to improve it. The return rate is around the 50% mark.
Whilst I do not believe in 100% catch and release we need to be
around 65-70% to be comparable with our neighbours the Spey, Don
and Findhorn. The code is to be unchanged for 2008 - at one
spring fish per day with a Max of three per week and then after
June 2 per day but all hen fish to be returned after August 21.
Sea-trout is to remain at two per day but only one above three
pounds.
The PLEA is that the River Board would like to see 85
% of Spring salmon returned and the same for Sea-Trout.
If this is not met then the recommendation will be for only
One spring fish per week to be retained and one sea-trout per
day with none over 3 lb, for the 2009 season. To soften
the blow the Trust is giving away smoked salmon for every Spring
fish that can be verified as being returned.
As for overall catches 2007 saw well over 4000 salmon but
only 600 sea-trout being caught. All be it the Salmon were
crammed in from mid- August to mid October.
As for ourselves at Turriff Tackle we are now main dealers
for All Vision and Rio products. We try to be as competitive as
possible and offer excellent deals on Guideline rods as well as
Loomis. We do a mail order service via telephone or through our
web shop or can have your new tackle waiting for you to pick up
upon arrival.
We look forward to seeing you in 2008.
Update 29 June 2008
With half a months rainfall coming down on Sunday we were
bracing ourselves for a river running about 6 feet on the Monday
morning. It surprised us all at 2' 8 " but very black. A couple
of sea-trout were caught but most anglers waited it out. By
Tuesday it was + 10 inches but still very peaty although a 13 lb
fish fell to R Breakell at U/Netherdale and Avochie managed a
few to 10 lb. By Wednesday things cleared slightly and D Oliver
had a 10 lb sea-liced fish at Forglen, A Crow landed an 18lb
sea-liced fish at U/Netherdale Avochie had another four to 10 lb
and Carnousie , Laithers, L/Netherdale, Dunlugas and most beats
reported some action. By Thursday the river had risen again to +
10 inches and again turned heavily peat stained. For the most
part this turned the fish off again although a few were caught.
K Barron had two to 13 lb and D Coull had a 12 lb sea-liced fish
all off Carnousie and Netherdale and J Walton had five to 10 lb
and lost five off Mountblairy on Thursday. The sea-trout were a
bit scarce with the high water this week and most beats below
Turriff reported in about a half dozen each for the week. They
have appeared later in recent seasons but unless we get an
upturn this week and next it looks like our sea-trout are in
desperate straights. Thank heaven we get a run of salmon now at
this time of year to keep us all going.
I have two daily rods on Dunlugas for the next two weeks at
£50 per day per rod if anyone is interested and there are two
rods on Forglen this week and next on a weekly basis. I can also
sort out some accommodation if interested. Further ahead there
are still vacancies in August at Upper Netherdale and Carnousie
in August for weeks returning on average 25 fish per week and a
week for three rods at Lower Inverichnie 4 August
Update 24 June 2008
Levels opened last week at +9 inches and very peaty after
rain in the catchment on Saturday . Levels faded away to about
normal or just above by Saturday and the river fished very well.
It was still very cold at night for sea-trout but they were
there. The Turriff Angling Association (in the Trout and Salmon
for July for sea-trout fishing) produced fish at 4 lb, 5.25 lb
and a fish of 10.5lb amongst others for the week. It also
yielded a 12 lb salmon to B Arnold and a 9lb fish to J Wilkie.
Upper Netherdale, Bognie pool , Mountblairy , Kinnairdy, Forglen
, Dunlugas and Euchrie all reported sea-trout and some beats
were well into double figures for combined catches of sea-trout
and salmon. Heavy rain on Sunday saw us expecting water of over
6 foot on Monday it really was so heavy. Thankfully it did not
fall like that further west and levels although too dark to fish
were only 2'8" on Monday . Today levels are at + 10 inches this
morning and some fish and sea-trout are coming off- the
highlight so far a 13lb fish to R Breakell at Upper Netherdale-
returned. More rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow so it
may not be looking too great although there are plenty of fish
in the system.

Mr Denholm with the 10.5lb Sea-trout.
Update 15 June 2008
A bitterly cold week with northerly winds and showers at the
end of the week. With levels at normal level the weather made it
feel like winter. Temperatures were around 9 degrees and the
river was 7 degrees some mornings. I Masson kicked off the week
with one lost at the net and the second 9lb sea-liced safely
returned. Euchrie and Turriff reported sea-trout to 3 lb and
Turriff Anglers also returned a salmon at around 7 lb . Lower
beats also reported some sea trout. Tuesday saw Muiresk , Upper
Netherdale and Montcoffer feature with salmon and Sea-trout.
Wednesday saw a decent run of fish with J Mann landing two
sea-liced fish up river and I had a grilse at just over 4 lb
above Turriff. R Breakell returned a fish around 8lb off the
Castle Hotel water on Thursday and Upper Netherdale and a beat
above Turriff landed double figure numbers of fish and lost as
many between them on Thursday and Friday. J Mann also returned a
fish of around 15 lb on Friday. With heavy showers on Friday ,
levels were up to +5 inches on Saturday but still fairly clear.
A few fish came off early doors on Saturday with M Watt
returning three but it remained bitterly cold and showery all
day.
There seems to be a good run of salmon coming off the tides
and a few sea-trout are appearing. Our forecast is for more rain
- just what we do not want for the sea-trout but a little heat
would help and it looks likely to remain bitterly cold and windy
all week.
Update 10 June 2008
Levels have dropped away to just under normal levels and
finding fish is hard work and luck of the draw. Last week saw
Avochie take nine for the week. Upper Netherdale reported four,
G Small, S Smith, J McHardy and A Bruce had fish to 8lb at
Montcoffer. Dunlugas reported a sea-trout and I Masson took two
sea-liced fish at Muiresk early on Thursday morning. Turriff saw
L McTavish land a 3lb sea-trout and G Dublonski reported a fish
of around 16 lb at L/Inverichnie on Saturday. This week has
kicked off with hot weather at 25 degrees on Monday but early
risers have had fish. I Masson lost one at the net and then
landed a 9lb fish again at Muiresk ,
Euchries reported a sea-trout and Turriff returned a
sea-liced fish at about 7lb. Early reports today saw R McDonald
take a sea-liced fish at 7lb off Muiresk. Other beats have seen
the odd fish but nothing on the bank as yet. The weather is much
cooler today with showers and it is to get colder as the week
goes on with northerly winds. We just need the sea-trout to put
in an appearance now in greater numbers.
Update 3 June 2008
Levels opened at +2 inches on Monday. Mountblairy produced a
12 lb fish and a sea-trout to R Walker and Tuesday saw three
Salmon to 12 lb at U/Netherdale and Carnousie. Wednesday saw I
Masson return an 8lb fish at Avochie and heavy rain Wednesday pm
saw levels at +10 inches on Thursday but running clear early on
at Turriff. S Ritchie and C Wyness Returned a 10lb and 17 lb
fish at Mountblairy before the dirt appeared around mid day.
Friday saw the river again very dirty but back at normal level.
Lower and Upper Netherdale posted more fish on Saturday along
with another sea-trout.
This week we are running at normal and a few sea-trout have
put in an appearance lower down the river and at Dunlugas. Upper
Netherdale report a couple of fish and Forglen and Dunlugas have
lost sea-trout and a big fish this morning. It is raining
heavily so we expect a rise overnight.
I have still some prime August Fishing at Netherdale and
Carnousie available with the Accommodation which usually yields
over 15 fish per week and now have 1 or 2 rods at Avochie w/c 20
October, this week has produced over 50 fish for the last two
years.
Last week also saw the Turriff Burn get some fish from the
hatchery for the first time. In all about 15 000 fry were
released in the area to help future stocks. In all around 350
000 fry were in the hatchery and some will be kept as fed fry
and released later in the season.
Fry from the tank
ready for release.
Releasing the fry.
Update 26 May 2008
The river has held up around the +4 to +5" mark for most of
last week. The week kicked off with N Cowie's 10lb at Scatterty,
I Stewart with one at 6lb at Mountblairy and myself with a
sea-liced fish at 9lb on my second cast on a conehead. J Donald
took one at 7lb off the Wrack and I Stewart managed another at
7lb off Mountblairy and one fell to B Parkin at Avochie after
loosing one on Monday. Wednesday saw two to 10 lb at Upper
Netherdale and I Stewart struck lucky again with one at 17lb off
Mountblairy. F Watt had one at U/Netherdale on Thursday and R
Adam took a cracking sea-liced fish from Forglen on Friday at 20
lb.
We continue to have dry weather and levels are around the
normal mark as we open the new week. Already a 12 lb sea-liced
fish and a 3lb sea-trout have come off Mountblairy today.
Update 18 May 2008
A slow week with cool easterly winds. Levels opened at 11
inches and dropped away to 5 inches by the weekend. Mountblairy
and Upper Netherdale produced fish to 9 lb but in general it was
very hard going.
However fish arrived off the high tides by Saturday and two
sea-liced fish came off Forglen on Saturday to Gary Dewar and M
Buchan. Lets hope some more arrive over the next few days.
Upper Netherdale and Carnousie still have some vacancies for
the accommodation and fishing (they must be taken together.)
Waterside lodge is available w/c 29 June , 3 August and 17
August, while Ferry Cottage is available 22 June, 27 July, 10
August and 31 August. If interested please be quick and give me
a ring on 01888 562428.
Update 10 May 2008
Levels this week have opened at +12 inches and finished at +6
inches and they have ran clear all week.
Mr. Watt had a 7lb sea-liced fish on Monday and J Jack
managed one at U / Netherdale. The second sea-trout came off
Turriff at 4lb sea-liced and this was followed by a 16 lb fish
on the Thursday. Also on Thursday Mrs. Collins took her first
ever salmon- an 8lb fish at Avochie.The hot and sunny weather
has not done us many favours this week but there are a few fish
there and a few early sea-trout all add to the expectation. Next
week is to remain dry but cooler. A few thundery showers this pm
may affect levels over the weekend.
Upper Netherdale and Carnousie------- After a very long
delay and confusion, this is now to be let on a weekly basis
for 2008. Nearly everybody who provisionally booked a week will
be offered it. At this late stage some have and others will back
out. So if you had an interest there may be something now
available from August to October.
Update 4 May 2008
Monday got off the week off to a cracking start with R
Breakell taking a 7lb sea-liced fish off Upper Netherdale and D
Coull a 12 lb fish at Carnousie. Bridge of Marnoch managed one
at 12 lb again sea-liced and Laithers and Lower Netherdale also
had fish. Heavy showers on Tuesday saw levels at over 2 feet on
Wednesday and very muddy. Thursday opened the same but cleared
slowly and an 18lb fish was reported up river. Levels were up
again on Friday but Avochie managed an 8lb fish and Scatterty
managed an 8lb fish on Saturday. Next week is to be mainly dry
and a bit warmer so with levels tailing off we should see some
more fish coming off.
Update 27 April 2008
The River opened at 1foot 6 inches on Monday and was running
fairly clear. Upper Netherdale produced a 10 lb fish to D Coull
, Marnoch Lodge took a 15 lb fish and R Breakell returned a
lovely fish of around 17 lb . Tuesday saw some beats up river
produce fish with as many lost while Avochie had a sea-liced
fish at 6 lb and two at 9 and 12 lb came off Carnousie. Laithers
, Netherdale and Bridge of Marnoch all had several fish on
Wednesday and Mountblairy had a couple and lost as many on
Thursday. Jim Fearn one of the casting instructors for my open
day on Saturday struck lucky with a 9lb sea-liced fish at
Forglen again on Thursday. Upper Netherdale saved the best of
the season so far until Friday with D Coull taking a fish at 7
lb and then an absolute cracker of a sea-liced fish at 25lb.
With levels now settled at around 10 inches conditions could not
be better. There are plenty of fish in the system but with heavy
rain forecast for tonight (Sunday) and heavy showers all week
lets hope we are not washed off this coming week.-- I still have
some cracking weeks at Forglen and Muiresk available as well as
other places. I also have some people not to sure about
confirming weeks so give me a call if you are looking for
something.
Update 20 April 2008
Levels opened at nearly four feet on Monday but were
relatively clear. Reports of two more fish from Avochie and
Conniecleugh came through from the weekend. Levels dropped and
steadied around two feet for the rest of the week and fish came
off by the weekend. T Lawson had the first fish off Upper
Netherdale and Carnousie at 15 lb sea-liced, Laithers had
another fish and D Plumpton returned a 14 lb sea-liced fish off
his Castle Hotel Water at Huntly. G Eyres then returned a fish
around 8lb sea-liced and lost a double figure fish in the same
pool at Forglen on Saturday. Warmer weather is forecast for next
week so a few more anglers out may see a few more fish.
As reported last week an open day will be held at the
Turriff Angling Association water by the Deveron Bridge on the
Aberchirder road this coming Saturday the 26 April. Casting
instructors in both Salmon and Trout fishing will be present
throughout the day to give demonstrations and more importantly
some tuition so please do come along and make the day
worthwhile.
Update 12 April 2008
This week saw the river open at 3 feet and rising ,
Tuesday saw 4 feet , Wednesday 5 feet, Thursday 3 feet, Friday 3
feet and Rising and Saturday 4 feet. It was very dirty most days
and indeed after heavy rain Tuesday night we woke to three
inches of Snow on Wednesday. R Seed managed a small fish off
Turtory on Thursday and reports from the tail end of last week
saw a lower beat take two sea-liced fish at 8 and 16 Lb Laithers
had two , Forglen lost a sea-liced fish at the net and The Smith
Party at Mountblairy had four on Friday- the best 14 lb
sea-liced and R Fraser had an 8lb fish at Avochie. So the fish
are there and we need the water to settle a bit so as we can get
at them.
With help from the Turriff Angling Association I am having an
open day on their water on Saturday 26 April with
Guideflyfishing. There will be a couple of Angling Instructors
to show all Vision and Rio products and help you with your
casting problems. - More info to follow later.
Update 6 April 2008
The river has been a wee bit out of sorts this week- it has
been up and down and coloured some days. The snow of last
weekend melted early week and as temperatures went up the water
did the same and stayed up. It dipped on Wednesday only for some
showers to put it up again - although it dropped a foot
overnight by the end of the week. It has been blustery but two
fish came off Laithers on Thursday and a double figure sea-liced
fish was lost at the net at Forglen on Friday. The snow has
returned this weekend and we have a covering this morning .More
snow showers forecast for the early part of the week so I
suspect it will keep anglers at home until it improves.
Update 29 March 2008
Snow on the ground early part of the week kept people
indoors and levels ran at 1' 6" above normal. As levels dropped
to 1 foot I Masson landed his third fish of the season at
Avochie. A fish of 12 lb. Mountblairy produced a fish to N Furye
at 9lb and 4 others came off a lower beat and were all returned.
Heavy rain on Friday saw the river rising and with a thaw
setting in by Saturday we were running at nearly 3 feet and
looking very dirty.
Hopefully if things settle down we should get a few more wish
next week.
Update 22 March 2008
The weather has been unkind to anglers in the last few weeks.
Heavy rain saw levels rise to nearly three feet on 11 March and
after falling to +6 inches on 19 March heavy rain/sleet and snow
have seen levels up to 5 feet on March 21 dropping to 2 feet
today. The wind has been very strong in the time as well and
bitterly cold. Two more fish came off a lower beat over a week
ago so the total now stands at 10. There has been twice as many
anglers out as usual for this time of year. So lets hope winter
is now past and we can encounter a few more fish in the
beginning of April.
Update 6 March
Settled conditions for the most part have seen the river
remain steady . We did reach 3 ft the other Saturday and heavy
rain on Wednesday night of this week sees the river at 3 ft
tonight. There have been plenty of kelts around with some
anglers picking up 9 or 10 for the day. There are a few
unconfirmed reports of clean fish last week but a fresh 7lb fish
was returned at Avochie on Wednesday by I Masson, caught on a
pot bellied pig fly.
Update 25 February 2008
The river continues to run around plus 9 inches
although the air temperatures are all over the place. Thursday
saw 15 degrees c and Friday saw snow showers and back to 12
degrees on Saturday. Two fish were caught around 7and 9lb off a
lower beat during the week and young Mark Ritchie caught his
first ever salmon on the fly off Forglen on Saturday at 14lb 4
oz.
Update 20 February 2008
The weather has been too kind and the river has held steady
at around plus six inches for about a week now. The numbers of
anglers out has been the highest for many a year but the
springers remain elusive. There was a fish lost at the net last
Tuesday covered in sea-lice at Lower Inverichnie and another
fish estimated at 12 lb lost at Avochie on Saturday.

Ian Masson presented with the Whisky for the first Fish and
the smoked salmon for its return by Deveron, Bogie and Isla
Trusts Robin Vasey.
Update 11 February 2008
The day dawned bright and crisp inland but there was fog
towards the coast. For the first time the Deveron had an opening
ceremony at Huntly Castle sponsored by Pernod Ricard, where
River Board Chairman Malcolm Hay introduced Professor David
McKay who gave a short speech to the substantial crowd on the
importance of keeping GS out of Scotland and the New Moray Firth
Sea-trout Programme aimed at restoring sea-trout numbers from
Sutherland to the Deveron. He then gave a toast to the river
before blessing it and Mr. Hay had the first cast to the skirl
of the pipes.

D McKay toasts the River

Malcolm Hay has the first cast.
The river ran at one foot above normal and was crystal
clear. After an early white frost the water temperature was
around 3 degrees, the sun shone and air temperatures reached
around 10 degrees. Plenty kelts were in evidence and a few were
taken up and down the river.
However we had to wait until 3.30 pm for I believe the first
fish to be landed. A lovely fish of around 9lb was landed and
returned at Avochie by lucky angler Ian Masson. His first ever
opening day fish. Close behind at 4.30 pm came George Anderson
with a fish of around 12 lb netted by his fishing partner R Ewen
at Forglen.
With the Dee having a cracking start with big fish lets hope
two on opening day is a sign of things to come for the season. |