The Deveron ranks fifth in Scotland in the number of fish caught annually, and holds the record for the UK's heaviest fly-caught 61lb salmon by Mrs Clementina (Tiny) Morison in 1924.
The Deveron rises in the Cabrach and joins the Moray Firth at Banff. It is about 64 miles long and has a catchment of 480 square miles. Avochie lies about halfway up the river, just upstream from Milltown of Rothiemay. There are 24 named pools on the Avochie Beat, which is approximately two and a half miles of river, it is all double bank fishing.
The beats are for the most part, excellent fly water, with good variations of pools and rapids. The River Isla joins the Deveron at one of the best pools at Avochie, the Junction Pool, which was originally called the Meetings.
If the rods aren't fishing as a team the beat is usually divided into two beats at the river marker opposite the House. There is good vehicular access along most of it.
There are two large fishing huts - one per beat - complete with wood burning stoves, brew-up facilities, seperate rod rooms and toilets.
The Deveron is currently under category 2 restrictions, so catch and release is highly promoted. Fishing must also be conducted in line with the Deveron Salmon Fishery Board angling code for salmon and trout, which is available in all huts. A copy of the angling code is sent with the fishing packs.
Avochie Estate lies within the 'Castle Country' of Aberdeenshire; many of these are open to the public. Some are now semi-ruins, like nearby Huntly Castle and Kildrummy in Strathdon. Others are in a wonderful state like the fairytale castle of Craigievar and nearby Fyvie. All are worthwhile visiting.
Speyside, the heartland of Scottish Whisky production lies just to the west, and many distilleries welcome visitors.
Aberdeenshire, Banff and Morayshire abound with places of scenic beauty and interest, including the picturesque fishing villages of Portsoy and Cullen. There are outstanding sandy beaches at Sandend and Sunnyside on the Moray Firth only twenty minutes to the north. And you may even see some of the Moray Firth Bottlenose Dolphins!
