Fishing news

Although it was a long time coming, the hot, bright weather at the beginning of the week was not welcomed by the ghillies.  Despite this, fish were still caught and Tuesday produced 10 fish across all beats.  Castle Water is now showing its full potential with 4  fish being caught one morning before breakfast.  The Brae Water Beats 3 and  5 are neck and neck for the most fish caught title but all beats are now consistently producing fish so clearly the low water continues to be advantageous.  Sizes 8 – 10 Cascades, Toshs and Posh Toshs seem to be the most effective flies with the odd fish still being taken on a Sunray Shadow.  Orange, black and yellow seem to be the colours that are attracting fish in these water conditions.  No really large fish have been caught so far this week but quite a few have been around the 14lb mark.

The abundance of wildlife on and around the river provides a pleasant distraction when the fishing is  a bit slow.  Kingfishers, dippers, ospreys, red squirrels, roe deer and otters are regularly seen.  One of the ghillies reported seeing a pod of fish being casually followed by a group of three otters yesterday afternoon.

For those of you at a loss for a Father’s Day present, we still have some availability at the end of this week or start of next week, both on the Brae Water and Castle Water.  For more details, special offers (reduced to £80 for 13 – 15 June and to £95 for 17 – 19 June)  or booking, please contact the Estate Office on 01343 820244.

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Here is a copy of  Trout and Salmon’s February 2012 issue in which photographer and fishing enthusiast Matt Harris relives his visit to the Gordon Castle Brae Water beats and his first ever Spey “Springer”.   Download a pdf of the feature here.

Trout and Salmon’s Autumn issue in 2011 also featured a full page interview with Blair Banks, Ghillie on Beat 5  on the Brae Water. Blair is a recent Scottish Spey Casting Champion.  Download a pdf of the feature here.

Roy Arris has produced a short video on the Brae Water. You can see it by following this link.