Spate · Mixed · Aberdeenshire (inland)

Don (Aberdeenshire)

Don (Aberdeenshire) terrain map
Terrain map

The Don runs parallel to the Dee but has a quieter, more intimate character — a smaller, winding river through fertile Aberdeenshire farmland with good wild brown trout and modest salmon runs.

Species

Day off — closed today

Reopens Monday. Use the day to walk the beats.

Closed — confidence not applicable today.
Water temperature for atlantic salmon
Cool — slow
7°C est.ideal 10–14°C
0°14°28°
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
7.3°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
13°C
Wind
SW 12 km/h
Light breeze
Pressure
1015 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
12.0 mm
Moderate rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for atlantic salmon
When
Morning into early afternoon.
Where
Pool tails, steadier runs, and any water with pace.
Method
Fish a sensible line-and-fly combination for the height and pace of water.
Kit
13 ft #8/9 double-hander in spate, 10 ft #8 single in low water. Floating line plus a fast-sink tip. 12–15 lb fluoro tippet.
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
March BrownHatch
2
3
2
GrannomHatch
2
2
Large StoneflyHatch
2
3
2
Yellow SallyHatch
2
3
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • General Scotland fishing licence
  • Don angling association and riparian owner permits
  • More accessible than the Dee.
Directions
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About this water

The Don runs parallel to the Dee but has a quieter, more intimate character — a smaller, winding river through fertile Aberdeenshire farmland with good wild brown trout and modest salmon runs. Known for its dry-fly trout fishing in the middle and upper reaches. Less prestigious than the Dee but more accessible and underrated for trout.

  • Mixed
Other water nearby · 5
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