FISHING

MONTCOFFER BEAT

The Montcoffer Beat is a 4-rod prime salmon and sea trout beat offering some of the finest salmon fishing Scotland has to offer among some stunning scenery.

The beat is on the Lower River Deveron, a very prolific salmon river that is without doubt one of the top five in Scotland.

The Deveron flows through one of Scotland’s least explored areas from the Cabrach plateau in the foothills of the Grampian Mountains northwards, finishing under the seven-arch bridge separating the twin towns of Banff and Macduff, on the magnificent Moray Firth coast.

The river can hold some large fish that run into the 20 to 40 lb class especially during the autumn run.

The Deveron may be less well known than its near neighbours, the Spey and the Dee, but rightly deserves its high reputation where anglers return year after year and generation after generation.

The biggest fly caught salmon and biggest fly caught brown trout were both taken on the Deveron at 61 lbs and 10 lbs 2 respectively.

Montcoffer beat extends to almost a mile of double bank fishing and is situated in a spectacular area around 3 miles in from the estuary in complete seclusion.

The bottom of Montcoffer is marked by the Bridge of Alvah, a magnificent 18th century single arch bridge, 60ft above the river level. At this point, the river is flowing due north through a narrow rocky gorge, from the Gibb Point to the Bridge of Alvah. A series of steps and concrete walkways have been constructed on the East bank of the river.

There can be no finer sound to get the adrenalin rushing than the echoes from the Gorge when the Salmon come crashing under the bridge and through the gorge.

The water is split into 2 beats which are rotated.

There are two fishing huts both with cooking facilities and the Gorge Hut sits among breathtaking scenery and has a sink and full size cooker with comfortable seating for six. There is also a w.c. for your use on the estate. Guests staying in Craig Cottage have the use of 2 quad bikes to get around.

The beat opens on 11 February and closes on 31 October.

Salmon can be encountered right from the opening day, although May to October are the best months.

The Deveron also had a huge sea trout run but this has diminished in recent years although there are still good numbers to be had in late May and June.

In April and May the wild brown trout fishing is spectacular although the river holds a good stock of brownies all year which can provide additional or alternative sport.

A hard track leads from the Bridge of Alvah to the two fishing huts and provides vehicle access along most of the beat although the beat is only a few hundred yards from the cottage.

All the pools from the Glide right to the New pool offer absolutly superb fly water and the Gibb,Gorge and Glide are well suited to the novice who can spin.

The banks and riverside are maintained in pristine condition by our ghillie, Jim Ross, from May to the season’s end, Jim has developed the beat into a easily accessible and highly productive beat and you will be looked after splendidly by him.

With magical days of salmon fishing and long evenings of sea trout fishing, there really is excellent fishing from May to the end of October.

The charm of Montcoffer lies in its seclusion, the beautiful surrounding countryside and woodlands, and the wide variety of wildlife in the area and, not least, the prolific and peaceful fishing.

What makes Montcoffer unique on the Deveron is that when the river has no water and everywhere else is really struggling we continue to catch plenty of fish from the gorge,gibb and glide pools.

We look forward to welcoming you to our “hidden gem”.

THE POOLS

The famous Gorge pool is fished from the walkways and provides a challenge to even the most experienced of fishermen to fish with a fly. Indeed, the Gorge pool is 50ft deep at its deepest point. A truly exceptional holding pool in low water conditions, this pool is also ideal for novices, as it can be wormed or spun.

The Gibb pool marks the turning of the river through a 90 degree angle, and as such, makes a whirlpool of a current. Again, this is an ideal pool for novices.

The Glide: well, what can be said about this pool? Truly legendary! In good water conditions the fish are clearly visible from the veranda of the Gorge hut. This is our best pool, and quite possibly the best pool on the river.

Above the Glide is the Ash pool, which is fished from the South bank, with the main lies under the ash trees on the north bank.

The Island Stream pool is fished from the north bank, wading a short distance out from the island. The fast water of the Island Stream produces excellent fly fishing and the tail end of the pool provides good sea trout sport.

The top half of the beat includes the Craig, Wires and the New pool, and generally fishes better in higher water.

The Craig is one of the most productive holding pools on the beat and can be easily waded or fished from both banks and along with the Wires have been taking lots of fish in recent seasons.