FishPal – River Don Update July 2nd
River levels have now hit summer lows and the current hot spell of weather seen lately over Donside has done little to encourage anglers out for a daytime cast. Presently the best chance of hooking a salmon or sea trout is to fish early in the morning or late in the evening when air and water temperatures are slightly cooler. July has started with a return to heavy bursts of rainfall falling across the catchment, although it has made minor difference to water levels it has helped to cool the water temperature.
Over the past couple of weeks runs of grilse and summer fish have been inconsistent, an odd licer or two will suddenly appear unexpectedly but so far, no real head of grilse has arrived on the coast. Several resident springers have recently come back on the take, most probably becoming stirred up when a new arriving fish moves into the pool. Trout anglers have also accidentally tempted a staler fish or two whilst fishing nymphs in the faster neck of the pools, although most throw the hook after a brief fight it has opened a few anglers’ eyes to where fish will lie in the summer months during low flows.
Sea trout catches have been slow to build across the more favoured beats although the quality of fish landed has been nothing short of fantastic with several around 5-6lbs testing the angler’s skill, nylon, and hook to the full. They may arrive in better numbers this month but there’s a lack of the usual stamp of 2lb fish around.
Smaller brown trout up to 1lb have provided good sport to those few anglers heading out for a daytime cast, but the bigger fish have been coming on later to feed, normally when the bats start to appear is a good pointer to start fishing and several nice fish in plump condition from 3-5lbs have been landed from various beats up and down the river.
Any fishing news, catches or photos are always welcome please forward onto [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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Beat catches reported
(Last week)
