There are three beats of the Findhorn at Cawdor (Dalbuie, Daless, and Ballacrochin) that are fished on a daily rotational basis and offer some of the best fishing on this often underestimated River - normally it is limited to 3 rods per beat but from the 19th August rods are increased to 4 rods per beat.
The Drynachan Valley, where the River Findhorn passages through the Cawdor Estate, finds the river in a transitional phase, leaving behind the spectacular mountain and moorland scenery of Coignafearn and Tomatin, soon to carve its way through the rocky gorges at Banchor, Lethen and Glenferness, before reaching the red sandstone banks of Darnaway and Altyre. The Drynachan Valley is famed for its excellent runs of salmon and sea trout; with these ‘middle beats’ of the River Findhorn being especially renowned for catches of sea trout.
The Cawdor Estate has three beats on its seven mile stretch of the River Findhorn: the top beat is Ballachrochin and Pollochaig; the middle beat is Daless; and the lower beat is Dalbuie. Each beat is provided with a nicely presented riverside hut in which meals and refreshments can be taken safe from the elements. The beats are traditionally let by the week; the three beats rotating over the course of six day’s fishing (Monday to Saturday) to allow fishermen to experience two days on each beat. A beat map and rotation document is sent out to guests on the Friday afternoon prior to arrival, and tuition and ghillie support can be arranged with an experienced Findhorn River ghillie - please ensure you enquire about that once your booking is confirmed.
Accommodation can also be arranged in one of the estate's holiday cottages. Many regular sporting guests find that Fisherman’s and Gardener’s Cottages, sited as they are on the banks of the River Findhorn on the Daless beat, provide the perfect setting for their fishing holiday.
The fly fishing season commences at the end of April, with the spring run, and closes at the end of September. Cawdor has a 75% catch and return policy, as do most Estates in the area, to preserve fish stocks for future years.
Due to the nature of the beats and access largely via Estate tracks and over fields, a 4WD vehicle is recommended and essential for the top beat at Ballacrochin.
