Alford Angling Association offers over two miles of excellent fishing on the River Don with 10 named pools. The association was formed by a group of enthusiastic local residents in 2018 to manage the two beats at Alford.
Permits cover both beats on the middle and upper River Don. Waterside beat is 1.1 miles left bank and Haughton beat 1.1 miles right bank.
Both beats have a great variety of streams and glides offering excellent opportunities for both salmon, sea trout and brown trout anglers. Most of the pools are accessible from the bank but some wading may be necessary.
The salmon fishing on the Don starts on the 11th February and finishes on the 31st October. Fishing is good in favourable water conditions with Spring fish running from the start of the season. The river enjoys a Summer grilse run from May to August and larger fish towards the end of the season.
Sea trout start to appear from June through to the end of the season. The River Don is internationally renowned for its wild Brown Trout fishing with anglers from across the world visiting (Brown Trout Season 15 March until 6th October inclusive). Brownies up to 3lb are not uncommon and trout in excess of 5lb are caught every year. Sunday fishing is permitted for brown trout only.
Car parking is available on both beats. Most of the pools are accessible from the bank.
The village of Alford is close to the river and has a hotel, pub, restaurants and a wide range of shops. Things to include the Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Heritage Centre and nearby Craigievar Castle (the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy tale castle). Haughton Country Park is a large and popular green space with a caravan park and woodland walks. Alford also has an 18 hole tree lined golf course.