River Don Springers

The River Don has fished reasonably well recently and with decent water levels early in the month there were a few nice fish landed. I am grateful to River Don bailiff Martin Webster, Kildrummy Inn proprietor David Littlewood and Ralph Green for the photos. Hopefully the good fishing continues through out the summer months and the grilse make their appearance shortly. We could be done with a lift in levels just to freshen things up again but returning sea trout should be appearing about now to keep anglers interested and I for one will certainly be putting in the odd late night to try and land these hard fighting fish.

For more details on fishing the River Don check out the FishDon website.

A lovely fish from Kildrummy Water landed by Richard Bagshaw.

Ralph Green playing a springer just as the light begins to fade.

A prize well worth pursuing. Ralph Green with a beauty of around 12lb.

River Don bailiff Martin Webster's first fish of the season from Breda.

Manar - River Don

The last Saturday of the salmon fishing season on the River Don at Manar is traditionally seen out with a BBQ at the hut. This year was no different and despite the lack of salmon running the river there was still a good number of us there to give it one last go before hanging up the gear for another year. As well as many of the Manar regulars, friends of mine, Bill Cook and Kenny Carr had taken day tickets to fish the beat. It was both their first time on Manar and they were very impressed with the set up and what the beat had to offer in terms of quality fly fishing.

The river was sitting at around 7" on the beat gauge when Charlie and I arrived just after 8am. The day started off with little wind and the river was flat calm, but just like someone had flicked a switch, the high winds which battered Scotland all week were back and this made casting very difficult at times. Regardless of the conditions, we all gave the beat a good going over before stopping around 3pm to enjoy the vast quantities of meat and alcohol back at the hut. The burgers, chops and sausages were expertly cooked by Fred and Charlie on the beat's BBQ. They went down well whilst sat in the hut enjoying a glass of Fred's delicious Damson Gin and mulling over what has been a dreadful season on, not only the Don, but a majority of rivers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unfortunately, these are the last pictures you will see of the Manar fishing hut. There was an accidental fire which sadly took hold once we were all gone and burnt the hut to the ground along with many years worth of memories and photos. A lot of hard work went into maintaining the hut year on year and it was a welcome place to enjoy your lunch in front of the fire on a cold spring day or to enjoy a drink after flogging the river.Still, plans are in place for a replacement hut and will look forward to seeing it come Spring time.

Bill Cook concentrating hard whilst fishing the Ree Pot.

Bill Cook, Mike McBain and yours truly discussing the fishing over a beer.

A decent turn out for the BBQ which went down a treat as per usual.

Ian and Duncan having a beer round the table.

A quick picture before the light disappeared. L>R Mike, Ian, Duncan, Pam, Charlie and me.

A Walk Along The Middle Don

Charlie Robertson and his friends from Manar had a winter walk along the middle beats of the River Don. He has sent me some pictures of their day out. Some lovely looking pools in this area and the Inverurie stretch is council water and good value for money. Some lovely salmon are caught here every month of the season. From opening day to the closing day. They also took a stroll along the Manar beat and it's a beat I really enjoy fishing. The lads who fish there are first class and a pleasure to fish along side. The hut is also very welcoming with it's wood burner and rogues gallery on the wall. Some beautiful fish have been caught over the years and just this season past, a sparkling sea-liced fish over 20lbs was landed. Here are the pictures from Saturday's walk.

Setting off in the morning. The famous Black pot pool on the Inverurie Water in the back ground. Lovely view from the top of the valley looking down to the River Don.

Having a look at the Kiepy Pool. Well worth a cast here. Good looking piece of water and can be very productive.

Time for a tea break. The lads stop off at Mike's farm for a cup of tea and to give the dogs a wee rest. From left to right, Ian, Charlie, Duncan and Mike.

A view of the Manar Fishings hut from the South bank.

After covering a good few miles the lads stop off at the Manar hut for a hot drink or something a bit more refreshing!