Fish the RiverS Deveron & DON

Join Catskill Casts & Coverts for a week-long adventure in historic Aberdeenshire, Scotland!   

As the first and only outfitter in the UK to fish from western-style rafts, Catskill Casts & Coverts provides an exclusive opportunity. Floating is made possible by securing rights to both banks along extensive stretches of river—an accomplishment we're proud to offer. We've secured over ten miles of the River Deveron and eight miles of the River Don, offering access to prime waters that are otherwise inaccessible.

The Deveron and Don are renowned across the UK and Europe for their exceptional brown trout fishing. With exclusive access to over 18 miles of riverbanks, covering the best beats in the region, we provide a varied and exciting fishing experience. Some are within walking distance, while others are a short scenic drive away, all offering the best chances for success.

While brown trout are the primary target, there's also the potential to hook a spring salmon. For those interested in trying their hand at it, Spey casting gear is available.  

If there is fly on the water, then dry fly patterns—particularly deer hair emergers and the Scottish dry “Jingler”—rule supreme. The technical glides often produce the largest fish. During periods with no hatch, great success can be found by nymphing the riffles and runs, or by fishing streamers and spiders.

The main April hatches are March Browns and Large Dark Olives, both substantial mouthfuls and the reason why the largest trout of the season are nearly always caught in April. While they don’t give themselves up easily, there is potential to catch a trout of 25” or more on any of the beats we will fish.

We provide all the flies you’ll need, but if you’d like to tie your own, you won’t require a wide variety. For trout, expect excellent hatches of March Browns and Blue-Winged Olives. March Brown emerger patterns in sizes 12 and 14, along with BWO patterns in sizes 14 and 16, are very effective. A variety of bead-head nymphs are always productive.

For salmon on the Deveron, we rely on three main patterns: a black & yellow Monkey and a Willie Gunn tied on copper tubes (½"–1") with size 8 or 10 double hook, and a Cascade tied on a size 8 or 10 double hook.

April trout fishing is relatively relaxed, and each day will start with a cooked breakfast with anglers, fishing in pairs with their guides, leaving the lodge by 9.30 am. A light lunch will be taken in the field with fishers returning to the lodge around 5.30 pm. All rods, reels, flies & terminal tackle will be provided.  

The roe deer is a small deer which inhabits mixed arable and wooded areas of Scotland. Exactly the terrain that the Deveron flows through. Roe are generally stalked in either the early morning or evening, during the day they retreat into cover, and roe stalking outings are available by separate arrangement. 

Waterside is a purpose-built, and extremely comfortable, fishing lodge located just a stone’s throw from the river Deveron in the county of Aberdeenshire. The lodge has both a games room and a rod room, five en suite bedrooms, with views up and down the Deveron valley. 

The trip is full board and there will be a focus on local Aberdeenshire produce which is some of the best in the world.  House wine is provided and smarter wines can be arranged with advance warning.  Please bring any spirits you might wish to drink. 

Waders are a must-have and they are not included.   All rods, reels, flies & terminal tackle will be provided.  If you prefer to bring your own gear, our goal is to be able to fish the prolific March Brown and Blue Winged Olive hatches that have made the Deveron so famous. For that fishing, a 9’ 5wt is best. If, however, we have high water during the week, the streamer fishing can be incredible. A 9 or 10 ft 7 wt rod is perfect for streamer fishing. Lastly, there will be the start of the Atlantic salmon run on the Deveron in April. You can choose to target the salmon throughout the week. For salmon fishing, we use an 8 wt two-handed rod.  Feel free to bring your own equipment, however, GLoomis rods will be provided.  The weather in Aberdeenshire in April can be a little unpredictable and you should have layers for all weather.