Finavon Castle Bulletin

We had good rain on Tuesday, and the river rose at least 12″ overnight. As always with the South Esk, it came down peaty and unfishable at first. Once the flood had peaked, the river started to clear and we began catching sea trout. Altogether, during Wednesday we had 10 sea trout, with the best of the fishing in the middle of the day. The fish are all in excellent condition and there were some nice three pounders amongst them.

With the river level now dropping, the water clearing and new fish in the pools, we can expect the night fishing for sea trout to pick up. The way things are looking at present I think there is a good chance that 2010 could be the year of major recovery of the South Esk’s renowned sea trout, after too many recent years in the doldrums. It helps that the coastal nets are not selling sea trout this year. Long may that continue!

TA

Conditions for fly fishing in May got worse as the month dragged on without any significant rainfall. Some sea trout started to creep into the main pools where, in places, there are now some quite good shoals, including some larger fish of 4lbs+. Salmon fishing came to a standstill.

We now need water and for the cold northeast wind to swing round to the south. Frosty nights at the end of May do nothing for the ambient day-time temperature. In my opinion the main sea trout run is yet to come, with the likelihood of the run peaking in late June. If we get some extra water – but not too much! – and if the weather gets warmer, we should see numbers of new sea trout starting to pack into the pools in far greater numbers than to date.

Other news from FCW is that our new wildlife pond on the north bank of Castle Beat is now settling in quickly, with lilies, rushes and wild irises all starting to grow well. The new hut on the north bank at Pheasantry – Scotland’s first tree-house-fishing hut! – is now under construction in the expert hands of local joiner William Wells. The new track from Haughs of Finavon Farm to Pheasantry is now well compacted and allows access for normal saloon cars, as well as 4×4’s. With a new footbridge under construction to replace the fallen Norway spruce, currently acting as a rather dodgy means of access, it will be possible to get to the new Castle Beat hut from the Red Brae car park dryshod in all conditions.

Wildlife pond: Castle Beat

The main fishing season is about to start. We still have some days left later in the season at FCW competitive rates. Remember, we do not let individual rods because we are committed to giving the visiting angler exclusive and unspoiled access to all the pools reserved for him/her on a particular day. We therefore let beats (for a  maximum of two rods). If you want to fish more rods then you can, if available, rent up to four beats for a maximum of 8 rods. If the river is in good order there is plenty of fishing space for a party of 8, but I’m afraid there aren’t many opportunities to rent all four beats left in 2010.

Foundation of Scotland's first tree-house fishing hut

Anyone spending a day on Castle Beat in the future will experience a truly wonderful natural setting. A great place to chill out and enjoy the wildlife – with the chance always present of catching salmon and sea trout. Come and try it! Why not give Moray a call on 07835 717 150.

TA