Little Blackhall and Inchmarlo

Location

Middle Dee, near Banchory

Summary

Five year average: 153 salmon/grilse
and 30 sea trout
Approx 1 mile of right and left bank fishing, 9 pools
Maximum rods 7
1 ghillie, 1 part-time ghillie, 2 boats, 3 huts, wc

Description

Little Blackhall, with its opposite bank Inchmarlo, is one of the prettiest and most attractive of the Middle Dee beats situated 2 miles up river from Banchory. Little Blackhall is approached via a two mile long private road on the south side of the river, and Inchmarlo is accessed from the north Deeside road

The famous Roe Pot Pool (mentioned in John Ashley Cooper's book 'The Great Salmon Rivers of Scotland') fishes well in all heights of water as do the other pools of the beat - mostly from the bank in high water but wading is necessary in the low-water summer months. The favourite beat being New Fawn from the Little Blackhall side, where a fly landed in a heap miraculously straightens itself out to give perfect presentation.

Head Ghillie Martin Hayward looks after the beat, now ably assisted by a full time Ghillie, Terry Paton

There is a deluxe fishing lodge at the bottom of the Inchmarlo side with cooking facilities, tables, chairs, etc and has running water, electricity, heating and wc facilities.

Little Blackhall side has a hut at each end of the beat, the main top hut is fitted with rod racks, tables, chairs, stove, etc with electricity, running water and wc facilities.

Two boats are available, mainly used for crossing the river, but sometimes used in suitable conditons for fishing from the Little Blackhall side.

A feature of Little Blackhall is the beautiful and newly converted lodge standing on the site of the old Blackhall Castle and situated in a wonderful setting of mature and varied trees which were part of the old castle garden. The lodge, 200 yards from the river, accommodates eight in four twin-bedded rooms with two bathrooms, shower room, cloakroom, Kitchen/dining room, lounge, etc. For those fishing Inchmarlo, accommodation is offered in Laird's Cast overlooking the house pool.