The four six-rod beats at Gordon Castle extend across five and a half miles of double-bank fishing, running from Orton to a point one and a half miles north of Fochabers Bridge. This lower section of the River Spey passes through wooded, environmentally protected landscape, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Each beat is equipped with an experienced ghillie, traditional “cobble” boats and a comfortable fishing hut providing shelter and lavatory facilities.
In accordance with established conservation practice, Gordon Castle is proud to operate a catch-and-release policy for all salmon and sea trout.
Why you need to fish here
The Gordon Castle Fishing Experience
Where heritage, landscape and world-class salmon fishing meet.
Nestled along one of Scotland’s most storied rivers, Gordon Castle offers an angling experience defined by tradition, exclusivity and natural beauty. With four exceptional beats, expert ghillies and breathtaking scenery, guests are invited to enjoy salmon fishing at its most refined.
Arrival & Welcome
Your experience begins at the Gordon Arms Hotel car park in Fochabers, where you will be warmly welcomed by the team of experienced Ghillies .
From here, you will be introduced with your allocated ghillie, who will guide you to your chosen beat and ensure every detail of your day is attended to with care.
The Beats
Upper Brae Water
Serene, secluded and rich in wildlife, Upper Brae Water borders the Orton Estate and is cherished for its sweeping west-bank escarpments and tranquil atmosphere. Guests may encounter otters, pine martens, osprey and deer as they fish this remarkable stretch of the Spey.
Upper Brae is productive throughout the season, with spring and early summer delivering exceptional sport.
Pools: The Flats • The Rock • Ewe • Lord March • Grassy Bank
Ghillie: Ian Stronach
Middle Brae Water
Middle Brae Water promises a blend of beauty and performance, boasting some of the Spey’s most iconic pools. The elegant hut overlooks Aultdearg framing the iconic Red Cliffs, offering a luxurious place to pause, relax and take in the river’s majesty.
Pools: Otters Cave • Aultdearg • The Pipe • Lower Aultdearg • Lennox • Cruive Dyke
Ghillie: Lewis Webb
Lower Brae Water
From the historic grace of Fochabers Bridge to the dramatic cliffs at the Intake Pools, Lower Brae Water provides a dynamic and rewarding angling experience.
Its beautifully appointed riverside hut offers sweeping views across the Spey, making it an oasis of comfort between casts. The Grilse Pool is ideal for those refining their technique, while the cliff-lined waters of Intake offer thrilling and memorable fishing.
Pools: Intake (Upper & Lower) • Grilse • Upper Dipple • Dipple • Lillies • Bulwark
Ghillie: David Graham
Castle Water
Steeped in centuries of heritage, Castle Water is renowned for its truly exceptional salmon pools. Stretching for a mile and a half towards the sea, it presents a blend of power, elegance and history.
The charming riverside hut overlooking Birks Pool provides an idyllic vantage point from which guests can savour the spectacle of fish being played and landed.
Pools: Bridge Pool • Upper Birks • Birks • Spoot • Slabs • The Quarry
Ghillie: David Buley