The top two-thirds of the stretch is traditionally where the bulk of Wild Brown Trout fishing takes place, with the 8 named Salmon pools being in the lower third of the stretch.
Needless to say, Salmon are also caught in the upper section and trout frequently in the Salmon pools.
The salmon pool banks are cut/strimmed whereas the trout water banks are left wild, by popular demand.
The Don is definitely a river where Trout and Salmon rods should be taken, as the sport for both can be superb. (There is nothing more agonizing than a good hatch causing a great trout rise and not being able to take advantage of the situation!)
On the Fetternear stretch of the Don, fishing is by fly only.
Historically this stretch has been very under-fished, as is the case for much of the River Don. This has resulted in poor catch statistics overall, although a few rods who have regular access to the River on a seasonal or daily permit basis, regularly record sizeable catches. As always, it is a case of being there at the right time! There is no doubt that the River Don has great hidden potential.
The river Don is now a category three river, therefore catch and release is mandatory throughout the season for salmon and sea trout. In practice anglers have returned the vast majority of their fish for many years in any case.
Location and Accommodation
The Fetternear Beat is located on Historic Fetternear Estate, the site upon which the Roman Catholic Bishops built a Summer Palace, the remains of which can still be seen today.
Fetternear is situated directly across the River from the village of Kemnay at the top of the beat. Kemnay has a variety of shops including a bakery which sells cold and hot snacks, two pubs and one or two places to eat, including its golf club.
Only 10 minutes from Fetternear is Inverurie, a decent sized town with excellent shops, pubs, hotels and a good fishing tackle and outdoor clothing shop.
Accommodation available in a newly built, unique log house extension on Fetternear Estate, which has two king-size en-suite rooms upstairs, one of which also has a single bed. There is an extremely comfortable open plan living area downstairs, complete with log-burning stove and free wi-fi, all in walking distance (5-10 minutes) from the river bank.
There are other Hotels, Pubs and B&Bs all within a close proximity to Fetternear.
Single Bank only. (left bank)
Ghillie available by prior arrangement and season tickets are also available from the Estate.
Why you need to fish here
The Don is definitely a river where Trout and Salmon rods should be taken, as the sport for both can be superb. (There is nothing more agonizing than a good hatch causing a great trout rise and not being able to take advantage of the situation!)
