5 year average catch 180 salmon and grilse
& 38 sea trout
1 mile single bank fishing
6 named pools
Maximum 3 rods
Full time ghillie and well-equipped fishing
cabin
Good access and easy wading
Description
Upper Arndilly ranks as one of the most famous
and prolific beats on the Spey.
The season on the Spey extends from 11 February
to 30 September. Whilst fish do enter the river in January,
the best of the spring fishing normally occurs from mid-April
to the end of May. The runs of spring fish merge with larger
runs of salmon which enter the river during the summer months
and provide quite outstanding sport.
The fishings are sub-divided into 3 beats
and a rotation of water has been established. The limits
of the beats will vary according to water height and condition.
The ghillie will decide daily on beat limits and will ensure
that rods rotate through beats on a fair and equitable basis.
Only three rods will fish the beat at any
one time.
The water is fished from the bank, by wading
and from the boat. Wading, for the most part, is fairly
easy.
Fresh fish run throughout the year and with
reasonable water levels, the whole beat holds and produces
salmon.
Upper Arndilly offers superb fly fishing and
the majority of fish are so taken.
The beat comprises six pools. Fiddich Mouth
is highly productive, is fished relatively easily from the
bank and tends to hold fish on the Arndilly side. The delightful
Heathery Isle is a superb fly cast which offers easy wading.
The Upper Dips is easily fished and offers excellent fly
fishing along its length – the glide at the tail has
produced some outstanding bags of sea trout over the years.
The river accelerates at the Lower Dips – a pool which
provides exciting fishing, particularly in the summer months.
Red Craig presents first-class fly fishing and almost ranks
with the Heathery Isle in terms of numbers of fish caught.
Lastly, the Ladies’ Haugh pool has been little fished
in the past but undoubtedly has great potential.
A conservation code is
in place in order to protect and enhance stocks. Until 30
June, anglers must return the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc. fish to
the river. From July, all hen salmon and grilse must be
released.
A spacious and well-equipped fishing cabin
is provided as is a boat which allows rods the opportunity
to cover water less easily reached by wading. There is a
good access road to the hut and beyond from the entry point
opposite the Fiddichside Inn. The upper pools are very close
to this road while Red Craig and the Ladies’ Haugh
are easily reached by foot.
