Scotland – Fly Odyssey

Paul Procter recently completed a course for our clients on the River Don on Brown trout fishing in the UK. Here is his report… Our Fly Odyssey UK river trout course recently took place on the banks of the Aberdeenshire Don at Kildrummy. This stretch offers a variety of water well suited to all tastes whether nymphing, dry fly or spider fishing are your preferred method. Naturally, being late May, we were hoping to connect with hatches of Large Dark Olives and Olive Uprights, yet a nagging breeze tempered any biblical hatches so renowned on these middle reaches. Whilst the fishing might not have been firing on all fours, participants gained valuable knowledge on every aspect of trout fishing for rainfed rivers. In particular, tackle preparation and set up seemed extremely popular with knots and leaders generating lots of discussion. Of equally interest was the enthralling session on entomology, which not only gave an important insight into invertebrates that are present throughout a trout stream. This in itself gave attendees confidence in better fly selection for the future, rather than the usual lucky dip affair. Eventually the breeze eased back allowing Mike Ferrell and David Murray to put theory into practice using a range of dry flies. Admittedly the Don’s real giants kept a low profile, but with trout topping to modest numbers of black gnats and olive uprights the group enjoyed long awaited sport. As for Kildrummy Inn, outstanding service and food, all washed down with a wee drop of quality whisky. Paul Procter June 2016