The Smithston beat lies approximately 8 miles
south east of Ayr and some 15 river miles from the estuary.
Click here for location map
Summary
5 year average catch 116 salmon and grilse
2.5 miles of fishing of which 1.75 miles
is double bank
35 named pools
Maximum 6 rods
Full time ghillie and well-equipped fishing
cabin
Good access and easy wading
Description
The Smithston Fishings form one of the most
productive fisheries on the River Doon in Ayrshire. The
Doon is one of the best known of the salmon and sea trout
waters of the West of Scotland and follows a westerly course
from its headwaters in Loch Doon in the Southern Uplands,
flowing through charming, beautifully wooded country with
many well known and productive salmon beats along its 23
miles.
The river enjoys a good flow, partly supported
by the vast resources of Loch Doon above and regulated by
a dam there. The river is fortunate in that it enjoys a
compensation flow arrangement as a result of the hydro-electric
scheme centred on Loch Doon. The flow runs sweetly in summer
when other uncompensated waters dwindle and stagnate.
The fishings comprise some thirty-five named,
streamy and varied pools along their length. Smithston is
a noted summer and autumn salmon fishery which can provide
quite outstanding sport with the fly. In recent seasons,
the Thorntree, Ken’s Cast, Rabbie’s, Wilson’s,
the Lang Pool, Polnessan and McSevenies have fished well.
The season on the Doon opens on February 11th
and closes on 31st October. The first salmon are expected
from the fishery in June but the stock builds up in July
and successive summer runs bring fresh fish to the beat
in increasing numbers to the end of the season.
September and October are normally the prime
months. However in 2004, August provided excellent sport.
The catch of 42 salmon and grilse was the best ever recorded
August figure for the fishery.
Smithston is fished
as three beats, each taking two rods on a rotational basis.
The arrangement offers productive water to each rod irrespective
of the beat being fished.
A
conservation code is in place in order to protect
and enhance stocks. In the 2005 season, 59% of the
total salmon and grilse catch was returned to the
river. The upper and middle beats operate a recommended
fly-only policy. Spinning is only permitted on these
beats when the river is at or above 1’3”
on the gauge or exceptionally, at the discretion of
the ghillie. Prawning and shrimping are strictly forbidden.
All hen fish must be
returned
up to 31 May and during October. All sea trout have
to be returned throughout the season.
Freddie
Taylor the ghillie at Smithston
To complement the improvements to the river itself, a spacious
fishing cabin has been built on a site downstream of Carnochan
Farm. There is good vehicular access to the fishings.
The ghillie, a keen and experienced fisher,
not only advises and generally assists the rods, but also
works to keep the fishings looking at their best.
