Fishing FAQs
I am a fly fishing beginner, what equipment do I need to fish on the River Deveron?
A small rod, of around 10′ with a floating line is sufficient for fly fishing on the River Deveron at Aswanley. Rods can be hired from Turriff Tackle. Waders are helpful for crossing the River but you don’t need to do much deep wading on our stretch of the River Deveron.
I would like to go fishing with my kids – is the River Deveron a good river to learn on?
Fishing the Deveron is an ideal place for kids to learn salmon or trout fly fishing – it is a manageable size, fly fishing tuition is available from an experienced ghillie and its proximity to our self catering fishing lodges means that outings can be as short or as long as you wish. It can be as informal as you want – the rest of the family can bring a picnic and watch from the River bank. Fishing tuition is available for beginners to experts from a local ghillie. He is used to coaching every age and will show you how to get started and give you some top fishing tips. The lower beats are best for young people to learn.
What fly size is required on the River Deveron?
Fly size is dependent on water height but generally you are unlikely to need any fly larger than size 8 and more frequently down to size 14. A handful of medium sized tubes in similar patterns for higher water might be useful.
Which trout and salmon flies are recommended for the River Deveron?
Please see our page on recommended trout and salmon flies for the River Deveron.
Is the river bank accessible by car?
Access is better on the bottom two beats where 4WD vehicles can drive to the river bank. The upper two fishing beats are quite a challenging walk and we recommend suitable footwear and clothing – but it is a really rewarding experience if you have the stamina!
When is the salmon fishing season in Scotland?
The salmon and sea trout fishing season runs from 11th February to 31st October. On the River Deveron, salmon generally arrive in early May and continue to run through to the end of the fishing season. The grilse run traditionally starts around July. Sea Trout can be caught from June.
When is the trout fishing season in Scotland?
The trout fishing season runs from 15 March to 6th October.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
In line with the conservation code of the River Deveron Fisheries board, we ask that all salmon caught before June 1st are released and encourage all fishermen to release everything they can thereafter. Wild salmon stocks are vulnerable. Following a catch and release policy helps ensures that the sport is sustainable.
What is a ghillie?
A ghillie or gillie is a Highland name for someone who accompanies you fishing, is knowledgeable about a particular stretch of the River and can provide instruction if required.
What is a grilse?
A grilse is a salmon that has been at sea for one year only.