[JRLA]

This is probably a foolish question given the current weather..... hoping some body could suggest a bit of guidance......

Need to cast a fly in my 3 weeks leave (i.e. get away from the house)

Is there anywhere where there is chance of catching a wild fish on the fly with an hour or so drive from Aberdeen in the second half of February?  game, coarse or saltwater

1) Obviously not brownies.  Grayling would be an option but do not know where to look?    ???

2) I have joined ADAA but I assume it is too early for any fresh migratory fish....could be a bit soul destroying 

3) Not really familiar with any potential SWFF species this time of year.....from the shore/estuary.....Netherdon?
 ???
4) Pike seems an option but I have no idea where to try...
 ???
If no wild options the Haddo fishery would be the obvious choice or stay in and drink single malt!

Cheers

[Jim Eddie]

Haddo is not an option as it closes for the winter

Tay will be open for Salmon as well as the Helmsdale

Grayling would be your best bet, contact Kate Fleming's in Blairgowrie for suggestions, permits in that area.

 

Jim

[Matt Henderson]

I think the ADAA Stocked fisheries are open year round if ice free.

[JRLA]

Thanks for replying.

So definately not Haddo.  Most 'sensible' option is the stocked fisheries...guessing dead drift buzzers?

Are there enough fresh fish running the Tay in February to make the hardship worthwhile?  Lower river regions?

I will contact Kate Fleming as well.

Would anyone advise having midday sessions on the ADAA river beats ?

Many thanks

[Graham Ritchie]

The Don will certainly be worth a try, Kemnay usually produces a few early fish.

[Hamish Young]

I'd second that, latter half of February on the Don has to be worth a punt.
Tay definitely worth considering, plenty of day rod opportunities too.

H

[adambrain]

I would suggest Corby loch, but you better take your A+ game this time of year as its hard to fish at the best of times but every now and then a cracking fish comes out. It's a syndicate loch so it's not brimming with stockies a fair few resident browns I've caught to about the 3/4lb mark. You can get a day ticket from the guy can't remember his name now.
It's very shallow and you will need your waders!! Although boat is the best option.

Regs
Adam

[JRLA]

Thanks for the encouragement.

Will definately have a punt on the Don then.  Three or four of midday sessions on the beats at Kemnay and downstream could be interesting.  Not too far to scuttle back home either if its too nippy.

Are the ADAA Dee beats worth a look?

Normally use lightweight needle tube type flies, guessing these are too light for the time of year.......copper Gold Willie Gunn perhaps for this time of year? Or Silver Stoats?  Or Cascades?

Corby looks good but try not to go near boats out of work  



   

[Rob Brownfield]

ADAA? Last years ticket I presume?

[JRLA]

No Rob.  Will be new member.  Hoping to collect membership card in early Feb

[Rob Brownfield]

No Rob.  Will be new member.  Hoping to collect membership card in early Feb

Ah right...I was a bit confuses as I knew that renewals could not take place until the 1st of Feb.

[JRLA]

Well 3 weeks after asking this question, it is clearly a stupid one

Conclusion: Definately worth the effort to fish early in the season