River Don Update - 9th May
We still await, as most rivers do a decent lift in water levels, the Don is nearing summer lows and with no sign of rainfall it’s just a case of going through the motions for salmon anglers. An odd rod on the upper and middle river is trying with single-handed gear later in the evenings but with so few fish around to target it’s been hard going over the past few weeks. The best hope of bumping into a fresh fish currently remains on the lower beats where the odd fish is at least being seen, a few have been landed from the ADAA beats but apart from that catches remain low.
The past few weeks have seen the arrival of some early running sea trout, fish up to 4lbs being landed and as well-known they will run upriver even in very low conditions so will hopefully provide some sport to anglers on beats above until the heavens open. The smolt migration has been very promising throughout April and into May with encouraging reports from most beats of fish popping in the pools. It might be a while before they navigate their way downstream in these low levels. A flush of fresh water would greatly assist them downstream and out to sea away from predation.
Once again, the brown trout fishing has kept the beats ticking over, both local and visiting anglers have been enjoying some great dry fly sport. Trout up to 6lbs have been caught with many in the 2-3lb range appearing across the river justifying the Dons reputation as a top wild trout river in the UK. Anglers have been reporting steady hatches over the past week with olive uprights, grannom and hawthorns appearing as well as a trickle of iron blues. Plenty choice for the trout to target although latest reports suggest they are now getting difficult to temp in the low clear water. Water temps are still thankfully on the cool side due to the dropping overnight air temperatures but one for anglers to keep an eye on if these dry warm conditions persist.
Any news, catch reports or fish photos are always welcome please drop an email to [email protected]
Tight lines,
Martin Webster
Helpful Information
Tackle Shops and Outfitters nearby.
Guides and Instructions on the river Don.
Where To Stay on the Don and the surrounding countryside.
Where To Eat on the river Don.
Fishing Permits for the Don and its tributaries
If you would like to share any interesting stories or pictures from your time fishing on the River Don for the purposes of this report, please feel free to contact us, via email [email protected]
Martin Webster
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Captures de battement signalées
(La semaine dernière)
