Please read the following excellent guidance on best practice for catch and release recently being promoted by a wide range of fishery organisations in Scotland. While the guidance is orientated towards Salmon and Sea Trout, the guidance is equally applicable to our Brown Trout Best Practice Guidance for Catch and Release (Jan 2025)
The Association offer fishing on approximately 15 miles of the River Devon in Clackmannanshire and Kinrossshire; from below Castlehill Reservoir in Glendevon to Tullibody .
The river provides good opportunities to catch migratory Salmon and Sea Trout, particularly in the later part of the season and the river holds excellent hard fighting native Brown Trout all to the stunning backdrop of the Ochils.
Additionally the Association is able to offer members and visitors bank fishing on Glenquey Reservoir in the heart of the Ochils.
The website is intended to provide information & news for members of the Association, provide a guide for visitors to the Devon & Glenquey and hopefully be of interest to all.
All Salmon caught on the River Devon must be returned to the river without exception.
For the latest news of the Association , River Devon & Glenquey plus other related snippets please see the DAA News & Blog tab.
The Devon Angling Association 
Here’s hopping they get refused.
#snpout
Just to let everyone know, I’ve been informed that the Reporter allocated to deal with the CEMEX planning appeal will be visiting the site at 10:30am on Thursday the 7th May, meeting in the Castlehill lay-by opposite the entrance road, unfortunately I will not be able to attend as I’ll be at work. However below are the main points taken from my Email to DPEA on this subject:
“I am a Civil Engineer by profession currently engaged on a construction site in Edinburgh as well as being an interested third party to this Application. I actually fish Glenquey Reservoir many times through the season. However, I am afraid I may have come to this issue somewhat too late for my opinion to be of any consequence, as I have not had much time to review all of the Appeal documents. There are however a few items over which I have immediate concerns.
• One: The documents I have read indicate that the first 170 metres of the haul road will be the existing reservoir access road and that to enable lorries to pass Cemex are going to install a number passing places. Putting my Engineer’s hat on I can categorically state that this road is of insufficient construction to withstand the heavy loadings of HGV traffic which will travel to and fro each day. It is merely an access road for the few residents who live in the Glen and those of us who wish to fish.
• Two: The Traffic Impact Statement (TIS) indicates that most of the material will travel South to the A91 and A977. I envisage that there will be more than the suggested number of trips heading along the A823 to the A9. Furthermore will the bridge over Rumbling Bridge Gorge withstand the suggested 42 crossings per day? If not who pays for any repairs, strengthening or disruption?
• Three: Clause 2.6 suggests that the material will be removed by “20 tonne tipper lorries”. Again with my engineer’s hat on I suggest that such vehicles will be articulated, as the normal tipper lorry is only able to carry circa 15tonnes. This is due to the “Bulking” of the material once excavated. If ordinary tipper lorries are used it will mean an extra 18 trips per day to and from the quarry.
• Four: the TIS states that the surrounding roads are of a high standard. In my opinion this is nonsense. The A823, towards the A9, has a camber on it that makes it totally unsuitable for HGV vehicles, and the road edges would break up in a very short time. As, I suspect, would many of the other roads mentioned within the Statement.
• Five: Clause 3.3 of the TIS states that the speed limit does not reduce from the 60mph through the village of Glendevon. If this is what the writer thinks then I suggest that they re-visit Glendevon, because there have been 30mph signs in place, at either end of the village, for at least 4 years, certainly before the TIS was written.
• Six: The TIS takes no account of the many cyclists who travel over these routes.
• Seven: I may not have found it but I cannot see where they intend to derive the required water supply from.This will be required to supply office and toilet facilities which they will have to provide. As well as a dedicated supply to their wash plant. Sand and gravel is of no use unless it is clean and for this to happen it has to be washed. Inevitably a residual volume of this water will end up in the adjacent water courses, with disastrous effect on the ecology of such. The death of rivers such as the Devon will take decades to overcome. Fish life in the nearby reservoir of Castlehill will be non-existent.
Working in the Construction Industry I am all too well aware of the need for such materials to be provided. I also understand the wishes of Cemex in wanting to win this resource, it is after all quite significant.
But there are astronomical volumes of recyclable aggregates that can be used in place of sand and gravel, such that areas like Glenquey can be left in its natural state.” (full text on DPEA website).
I am hopeful that once inspected the Reporter will have a greater understanding of my comments, with the result being a rejection of the appeal.
Folow on from yesterdays message. I should have added that the Osprey is back – a wonderful site- and Deer are roaming the hill. Who needs the fish !!!!!
Just back from another session on “The Quey”. Although the fish were not showing there was again plenty of action. I found the fish around 2 – 3 ft down. Used a Midge tip line with a Black Diawl #14 on the point with a standard Diawl #16 on the dropper. Most fish took the point fly indicating that they were feeding deeper. Final tally for the session was 10 and not one under 10oz. 8 were overwintered fish and 2 were stockies with there adipose fin removed.
Planning on going up glenquey this week and as I have never fished here before I am not looking for hot spots but areas to avoid this early in the season, happy to search for the trout but would appreciate some direction, cheers.
I will leave detail advice to the regulars (rivers rather than still water float my boat) but for a first visit I would follow the path to the south bank and work your way along the south shore which is a bit more forgiving than the north side
Thanks a lot
Sorry but this may be a little late. At this time of year you will only be able to fish from the South Bank. Waders of some sort are a must. Fly size’s 14, 16, 18. Make sure you have something black. Also carry some Olive patterns just in case there is a hatch. My three go to flies for the Quey are PTN/Black Spider/ Greenwell. I also enjoy success with “Buzzers” and GHRE Nymph.
Hoping to get up to glenquey for an evening on Friday hopefully the weather keeps up and I get a chance to get the drys on nice to see its fishing well so far
Hi fish of the devon ,there used to be catfish . Never very big.
I had a cracking day on Glen Quey on Saturday. Caught and released 12 on mainly black wets. They were great fighters. Not managed out on the river yet but will do shortly. Was wondering if anybody fishes the upper stretches with much success, from Crook of Devon up to Castlehill dam. If so where’s best and what works? Also is there any fishing on the stretches upstream of Castlehill to the Frandy? I know it’s not on the permit but was wondering if you can get permission anywhere.
Cheers,
Alex
Alex, great to hear you and other anglers hitting fish at Glenquey so early in the season; the river is still a wee bit slow going (I think the water needs to warm just a wee bit ……. which hopefully this last couple of days will be helping with!)
I do most of my fishing on the upper river, and know it fairly well. The first thing to bare in mind is that it is still recovering from the disastrous fish kill caused by Scottish Water allowing Sulphuric Acid to escape in to the Devon from their Glendevon WTW. The DAA have consciously not stocked the beat and have allowed native fish that were still in the burns and far enough downstream to survive to repopulate the river (and they really should be treated as a special resource). There are a few obvious honeypots, but fish tend to be spread about and super spooky; the best advice I can give is keeping travelling, exploring and casting! It is well worth trying not least for the scenery (ignoring the idiots and their mess in Dunning Glen below the reservoir)
The only fishing I am aware of above Castlehill Reservoir on the Devon is offered by the proprietors of Glendevon Country Park (the residential lodge park upstream from the Kirk). I am not sure it is still the case but they were offering day tickets (for I think £15/day) from the sales office; their waters extending from at least around the Kirk to around the Forestry Commission car park (their signs are quite prominent)
Cheers Graham, thanks for the quick reply. That’s good news about the upper stretches, I’ll definitely be giving it a try. I know what you mean about the mess in Glen Dunning, it’s a real shame.
Just needing more hours in the week to squeeze in the fishing!!!
Evening all! Caught a pike today (false hooked) just along from taits tomb! Is there anyway to upload pictures to this web page?
Well done you!
From what I understand there was once a healthy small population in the lower reaches which were victim to various incidents of pollution and that pike have only rarely been caught since! I know that Jack Pike have been caught in electrofishing high in the river, but they almost certainly were washed down from the reservoirs.
Pictures can only be posted on the site by the administrator (me) but I would love to post your photos on the website [just send to thedaa@talktalk.net ]!
Ahh cheers graham, will just them sent to you ASAP! First one I have ever seen on the devon, it was just a wee lean jack! With a fair bit off damage on its side, Cheers again!
Well its the opening of the quey, anybody heading up this holiday weekend? I could be off myself so might venture up. I took a run up a few weeks ago to see how it was looking and it looked great. Water was well up and I disturbed a big bird as a walked up, it flew away. But looking forward to wetting a line. 🙂 tightlines guys.
Hi onroutes
I’ll be heading up the Quey this weekend. Looking forward to trying some variants of well tested flies on the resident brown trout population
Tight lines
Andrew
Gents
Alan Graham was up there a few weeks ago on a work party and reported rising trout!
You will just need to wrap up warm!
Have a great season and importantly please read the post on Glenquey which will be posted shortly!
Aye me too Andrew. im off Monday, so could maybe be up a few days.
I just read the post on Glenquey Graham, What can be done to stop it? that would be a total disaster if they made a quarry.
If you feel strongly enough (you should) then please make a representation to the Scottish Government [details are at the end of the post https://devonanglingassociation.org.uk/2015/04/01/glenquey-a-new-season-beckons-and-a-fight-ahead/ ]
It doesn’t need to be a detailed argument, but anything from the heart always helps!
Twenty minutes of effort, writing an email will help and two minutes persuading others to make representations is just as valuable!
Yeah must have been a bit of confusion in the conversation, thanks for clearing that up
Hi Guys
I was up on Friday the 3rd fished from 9.30 till 2.30 had 17 on BLACK spider / buzzer size 16. The fish were up and feeding hard. Although still chilly it was a great session. At the South West corner / bank I saw an otter. I do not know who was more surprised it or me.
Tight lines and may your reel scream in 2015
Well its the opening weekend, bank holiday too. Is there many planing on heading up the quey for it? I took a run up 2 weeks ago to see how it was looking and it looked cracking, water was well up and im not sure what kind of bird flew away from the edge of the water as I walked up. could be off my self this weekend so might venture up 🙂
Hi there, i am wondering what the situation is regarding of how many permits you are allowed per person, im being told by the shop only 1 but when i spoke with the bailiff he told me if i wanted to have an extra rod in the water that i would need to purchase another permit to do so, can you confirm this please
Hi Steven
I fear that somewhere along the way there has been some crossed wires. If you take a look at the rules:
You will see that
In other words you are only permitted to fish with one rod at any time and that rod should be held in the hand at all times; and therefore you will only ever need one permit. It is not possible to be fishing the Devon with two rods simultaneously (though there is nothing to stop you carrying two rods, may be a spinning rod and fly rod, but you can only fish with one at any time).
I hope this clears things up
Out on the River to-day had one pull but failed to connect. There was a spares hatch of Large Olives around noon but then the sun disappeared and a cold wind got up. These Olives sailed down the river unmolested not a fish rose to them. For the nature lovers I saw a Woodpecker and a Kingfisher along with the usual Dippers and wagtails. Roll on next week when the Quey opens.
Hi and best wishes for the 2015 season. I was on the river to-day 18th March and did not see or touch a fish. What I did see was a Mink, Red Squirrel and 2 Adult otters cavorting around in one of my better pools.
Then I joined the work party up at Glenquey and yes the trout were rising all over the loch. Bet they disappear on the 1st April.
Where’s yer better pools about Alan? I was out today up by the salmon hatchery! Seen a large bird in the distance heading towards me, it then circled overhead about 150 feet up then sweeped away back in the direction it come from! Was defiantly an osprey which just happens to be my favourite bird of prey! P.S never had a nibble from a trout!
You’re a brave man to ask Alan to disclose his preferred pools (even though I suspect I know where he is talking about!) 🙂
We are so lucky to have in recent years resident ospreys in the Ochils. In the last ten years I have been lucky enough to see them hunting trout on the Devon just twice ……… once at the dam above the salmon smolt farm and most memorably in the big pool above the Dunning Glen bridge. If you take the time to look at the height of summer there is always a chance of seeing these magnificent beasts above Glenquey, Glensherrup, Castlehill,the Gledevon Reservoirs and of course Loch Leven
Ohh no Alan’s pools are safe I wouldn’t encroach his spots! When I know where the real fishing is (sometimes) haha! Just interested where he seen the otters! As I’ve only seen the one on the devon!
I have seen an article in the journal of The Forth Naturalist and Historian, which suggests that the otters are now wide spread along the Devon. Paddy Swan is an expert at spotting them, mostly I think as he is often out on the river at first light. As they are most active at dawn and dusk I reckon that is time to be out otter spotting!
The Ospreys are a joy to watch up glenquey on a summers night I’ve seen them a few times but the gulls bully them only seen one actually hunting
Did anyone manage to get on the river today I think I’ll leave it a couple of weeks yet before venturing out looking forward to the quey opening up again role on the long summers nights with fish turning everywhere trying to catch more than the ospreys
I got out on Monday for a few hours caught one wee broonie! On a copperhead patteren, Took very deep, Think I lost about 5 flies on snags!
Good day! plan on getting out today!! Got my permit but no map! Is the lease much the same as last year? Thanks bud.
Hope you get at least a tug today!
There are no changes to the extent of the fishery and the fishing maps on the website are up to date:
https://devonanglingassociation.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=76&action=edit
Once again graham to the rescue! Cheers mate much appreciated! Hopefully get some fun!!
Looking forward to the new season. I took a run into dollar this morning to get my river permit from the paper shop, then took a run to taits tomb to see what the river was looking like. looks good. ive never fished the river in the early part of the season…. is there any tips as to what flies work best and the same for glenquey when it opens. really looking forward to that too :-).
The waiting is almost over!
Everyone will have an opinion but I am expecting that with the water temperature still low and the fluctuating water levels of the last couple of weeks, those trout that are feeding will be deep down. I will be aiming to put a heavy nymph on (maybe bead-headed gold-ribbed haresear nymph) and run it down the main food lines. If you lookdown this page you will find some fly recommendations from some of Glenquey’s regulars!
cheers Graham, i done not to bad on the last 2 weeks of last season at glenquey but the water was well down. i will give what you said a try on the river though. looking forward to it.
Who has right of way,Anglers or canoeists ?
Kenny, since the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 came into force it is my understanding that anglers and canoeists have equal rights of access (though obviously anglers require additional permits/permissions to actually fish).
After that right of way is a matter of simple good manners. The Scottish Canoe Association advices canoeists in their Paddlers’ Access Code to
“Keep an eye out for anglers. If you see someone fishing, think about how you can pass them with the least disturbance. Whenever possible stop upstream and attract the anglers attention before passing. If they have a line in the water, wait for a signal to proceed and then follow any route indicated if safe and practicable to do so. An angler should point to the side they wish you to pass by on. Anglers wading in the water may want you to paddle behind them”
see http://canoescotland.org/sites/default/files/resources/documents/Where%20to%20go/Paddlers%20Access%20Code%20Leaflet.pdf
Apart from the slalom course canoeing on the Devon isn’t a big issue, though I have met the same pair of lads on a couple of occasions on the upper river using the very small canoes who on spying me in the river have simply climbed out of their boats and carried them a couple of hundred yards downstream.
Thanks Graham! Much useful info in your response!
This is a tricky subject as I’m not aware of any legislation that determines whether anglers or canoeists have right of way. Down South it is normally an agreement between angling and canoeing clubs. One of the biggest problems is that canoeists believe they have an inalienable right to put their boat on any stretch of water, no matter how large or small and the government is increasingly supportive of them, even though they pay no licence fee to use said southern waters.
How big the problem is up here I’m not sure of, but I do not believe the Devon is large enough or even challenging enough for canoeists to use.
Personally I have never encountered any canoeists whilst out fishing either up here or down south.
Buzzing for the season to start! Been tying all sorts off tungsten headed nymphs to get doon tae the troot! Hurry up the 16th!!!! Does anyone know when permits go on sale?
Permits are back from the printers and are being distributed to the usual stockists
https://devonanglingassociation.org.uk/about-3/permits-2/
In addition there is a new tackle shop in Bannockburn (McCall?) who will be stocking permits. I will endeavour to find out if the permits are out at the outlets yet and report back on the website
Just in from a wee gander about the river and I rather think the heavy nymph, gloves and a warm hat will be the order of the day when the season opens!
Graham
Brilliant fantastic graham! Hopefully get a good start to the new season!
I’m looking forward to the season starting so I can get up to Glen Quey. Need to ask what the rules are regarding float tubes on the reservoir? Is it allowed? And also looking for information about Upper Frandy. I know it’s not stocked but where would I seek permission it cast a fly up there and does anyone know if it would be worth while or a waste of time?
Cheers, Alex.
Alex
I think everyone is getting excited at the prospect of being out fishing again …… the countdown is on!
You never know Glenquey might be free of ice by the opening day 🙂
The conditions on our lease for the fishing at Glenquey means that we are not able to permit the use of float tubes or for that matter any other craft on Glenquey for fishing. Our (very) local bailiff at Glenquey will ask any anyone using a float tube to leave immediately.
I have updated the Rules tab to reflect to clarify the situation.
Can’t help you with the Upper Frandy, other than perhaps trying calling Scottish Water or waiting to see if any of the other Glenquey regulars know anything!
Enjoy 2015 at Glenquey!
Graham
Hi Alex
I agree with Graham it may be worth speaking to Scottish Water or perhaps drop in to the lodge at Lower Frandy, where Ken would probably know. I’m aware that although not stocked it does carry a good quantity of Brownies, as does Lower Frandy itself.
Thanks for the replies gents. I was up around Upper Frandy for a walk today and it’s a lovely looking reservoir. I’ll try what you suggested.
Thanks.
Chinese fishing a vicars bridge with under size fish , no English could even get them to understand.
Wed 10/09/14
Kenny
Thanks for the report
I will get in touch with the Alan/Jim the bailiff’s and ask them to look in regularly in the area and try to nip the problem in the bud
Graham
Hi there, I was thinking of having a days fishing at glenquey, love the area. I seen the road up to it across from the castlehill laybye, can you drive up to it and is it £11 for the day? I only really fish catch and release. And whats been working well the last few weeks? Any help and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tommy.
Glenquey is a fantastic venue; if you enjoy brown trout fishing in a beautiful upland setting it is very hard to beat.
Yes the permits are £11/day for adults (DAA members pay £7/day). You can drive up Scottish Water’s access road (opposite the Castlehill Reservoir lay-by) and you will find our dedicated car park on the left hand side of the road just before you reach the reservoir.
Andrew and Barry (see comments below) have made a few observations on their trusted flies in recent weeks
Best of luck up there!
Thanks for the advice Graham I will do. I enjoy wild brown trout fishing, too easy to catch rainbows in fisheries and your right the scenery is cracking. I’ll read andrew and barry’s posts you mentioned. Thanks again.
Tommy.
I seen a sign tonight across from the salmon hatchery that says “devon angling association reserve no fishing both banks” any one know how far up this rule applies?
The reserve was in place upstream of Crook of Devon to Castlehill Reservoir during the 2012 and 2013 seasons following the major fish kill, and only lifted at the start of the 2014 season. The reserve signs were removed at the start of the season. I guess that this sign must have been missed at that time (and I will attempt to get this sorted out at the earliest opportunity)
Rest assured the fishery in this section is open and available for fishing this season
Ahh I see cheers!
Evening all! Just a wee question on how everybody is getting on up at glenquey? And what flies are working well?
I’m heading up the Quey tonight for an evening session. I’ll report back any catch and the successful fly or flies
you wont ever go wrong with size 14 spiders blace greenwells ect black pennels kate mclarn and a bibio
Thanks for the replies gents! Will get up soon!
I would agree with Barry’s comments regarding fly choice for Glenquey. I was up there on Sunday evening and took a few fish on a difficult session from along the dam on pheasant tail nymphs. The fish weren’t big, mostly around the 1/2lb mark but they do like to scrap on light tackle
Don’t really know where else to report this as I’m just a new member but i spotted three people fishing on Sunday at the road bridge just down from Castlehill Reservoir. How strictly is the no Sunday fishing rule enforced?
Simon
Thanks for the report which will be passed onto the committee and the bailiffs.
Sunday fishing is not permitted anywhere on the river and the DAA endeavour to remove such individuals (who normally dont even own a permit).
Hi,never fished here before,i was wondering if there is bait fishing on this river and not just fly,thanks?
Martin, all legal methods are permitted for trout fishing on the Devon but Glenquay Reservoir is a fly only fishery. The river has a number of skilled practioners of bait fishing!
Couple of recent days on Glenquey, had great fun with baby and teenage brownies and successfully bagged one of approx a pound and a half.
Fabulous top of the water fun, with a size 14 Terry’s Terror doing the trick.
Look forward to next time.
Had and evening session last night. Fish rising in every pool I visited. End the evening on 12 to 14 fish to hand. Best just over the pound mark. Most came to a CdC emerger with a pale yellow body. (10 I think) the rest fell to a PTN.
Also saw a Mink just down from Vicars – swimming across the river. In all a great night out.
Evening all! Was out last night at taits tomb! When to my surprise i had a stare off with a mink! First one I have ever seen there! So yet another challenger for us anglers at the good auld tomb!!
Thanks for the report (I will endeavour to make the estate aware and see if some traps can be set). Unfortunately there are a few in the area (I spied one a couple of years two foot directly above my head in a tree by the Haugh …… I am astonished just how brazen some mink can be!)
Hopefully the otters will help displace them too 🙂
No problem! Funny you should say that about the otters because when I first saw the mink it was staring at what looks certain to be an otter den! Then it spotted me and took off back up towards the bridge!
Had my first trip this season to Glenquey on Tuesday. Couldn’t get up there until after 2pm as my friend with the car to get us there was working until lunchtime. As a result we arrived to bright, sunny conditions, the only advantage being a ripple on the water thanks to the SW breeze. A couple of hours of fruitless thrashing with wet flies (me with a gold-ribbed hare’s ear on the point and good old Kate on a dropper) failed to yield anything. I eventually switched to a goldhead PTN and got an almighty subsurface tug near the boathouse, eventually landing a lovely brownie just over the 1lb mark. This annoyed my more experienced angler mate who then quizzed me on wet fly techniques (he prefers dry fly fishing). Despite giving him some info. he didn’t connect and was losing interest. I then got another hard take to what must have been a similar-sized fish but it came off after a minute. My friend later admitted to being secretly relieved at this. But he had his moment and eventually did better. We had a break as the evening came on, and then the rise started. Lots of fly life in evidence, including pond olives fluttering across the surface film. My mate was now in his element and popped on a long-legged black gnat further up the bank, which got him a very nice fish of around the same size as my previous one on wets. He was using relatively light tackle – 4-weight rod and DT line, while I had my 6/7 and just couldn’t seem to get as delicate a presentation as a result, as well as the fact that my arm was tiring a little and my spirits flagging somewhat. He then got another on the same fly about 15 minutes later while I tried many permutations and drew a blank! So that day I was king of the wets and he emperor of the dries. Incidentally, his dries came from a supplier called Island Flies. Some good (and relatively inexpensive) selections and individuals for Scottish fishing. In the interests of balance there are of course many other very good fly suppliers 🙂 But altogether a fun day in relative tranquillity, seeing as we did, only two other anglers, who left by late-afternoon, so that until dusk we had the glen to ourselves. Great stuff.
Making my first trip up the quey at the weekend to blow the cobwebs off the rods absolutely love the place hopefully the weathers not too bad and I land a few fish as well
I’ll be making a trip up the quey this weekend also. According to the Met Office, it’s supposed to be alright on Saturday so here’s hoping it stays that way
Probably be Saturday I’m there as well m8
Had a 5 hour session on “THe Quey” landed 7 brownie’s -8oz to just on the 1 pound. Flies -PTN and Black Spider both size 16. Occasional fish rising – most fish in the top 3 feet of water. Used Floating Line with Clear Intermediate Poly Leader to 3lb bs. Gusting West wind which wascold at times with bright sun and some cloud cover later on. Fish where only 20 – 30 feet from the bank so careful if you decide to wade straight in !!!!
I ventured up the “Quey” last Saturday for my first session of the new season. Fish were moving all along the south shore and not far out at all. Actually spent some time stalking with dry fly on my knees the fish were so close. Ended up with a couple of dozen in the 8oz range that fell to the charms of a size 14 Black Pennell and a size 14 Mallard & Claret. The dry fly (Black Bob’s Bits) did get a few as well.
Great site! A few questions and friendly advice would be welcome
I have fished the Devon down at sterling mills for last couple of years and have ventured around Tait’s tomb a few times, I have caught plenty of parr, a good would be 10-15 down at sterling mills where as the odd time I went to Tait’s tomb I only managed a few 6-8oz brownies, not that I’m complaining, could anyone guide me to other areas and what tactics they would use, cheers
Ta very much. Hopefully you will get advice in plenty (even if some of us contradict one another 😉 !)
For what is worth most of the best fish I have caught on the river have been caught on dry flies (fly of choice is a parachute fly tied in Adams, Iron Blue Dun or Greenwells Glory style) in pools and riffles with a good depth of water and some cover. To target the better trout as soon as their is a hint of hatch and rise I step back, watch the water and try to spot a decent fish rising before covering it (cast upstream). Otherwise I suffer the parr and concentrate at the head of pools casting a bigger dry fly upstream into the main food line and hope for Devine intervention!
Hopefully other will offer wildly opposing advice look all good anglers should 🙂
Best of luck and keep us posted!
Thanks a lot for coming back, will definetly give those tactics a shot, looking to go up next week and will post on how I got on, cheers
I always fish the streamy sections at Tait’s Tomb ,you will find the better quality fish there rather than in the slow pools . Gold Head Pheasant Tail Nymph this time of season.
Well had just had to go fishing in my NEW WADERS to-day. Boys and toys sort of thing. Had a nice plump little brownie around the 8oz mark in very good condition. Olives hatching around mid-day. Gold headed ptn #14. River low and clear and still cold.
IS anyone else Fishing !!!!!
Well done ……… just be careful near the banksides in those shiny new waders 😉
I was out in Argyllshire today with work and on my way home spied a cracking huge brownie rising on the Orchy to a very sparse hatch ………. sadly there wasn’t a rod in the car. Inspired I shall be heading out tomorrow somewhere on the river hopefully for something more than a walk with a rod 🙂
Just be aware that the address for Mr Mudie is 19 Norwood and not 23 as it shows on this website,great site to have for info , well done
Frank – Thanks for that; I really appreciate you taking the trouble to correct me (the perils of cut and paste).
The error has been corrected 🙂
Better site than the old one,
Had my 2nd outing to-day. As I drove over from Dunfermline I could see the Snow on the Ochils. But I pressed on. The River was high – but not badly coloured – so I tackled up. On went a couple of Gold Head PTN’s #14 and I set about the river. By 1 o’clock I was cold and feeling like packing in. As I retrieved line – It Happened – A Brief Encounter of the Trouty Kind. As I was pulling the fly away from the fish and striking did not get a good hold but it did splash on the surface and put a bend in the rod. So I will say my season is up and running.
Nice one Alan …….. you can’t beat the first tug of the season!
A great idea! Cannot fish for a few weeks so following the website will help to curb my impatience. Well done the DAA computer experts. Tight lines! Graeme Burns
I don’t know when I’ll have my first cast on the Devon, hopefully by mid April. However, this website is the next best thing while I try to curb my impatience. I am going to enjoy checking it regularly to see what is happening. Congratulations to the members who set it up.
Well yesterday was a bad day. First up the dog had a fit about 5am next my PC crashed just as I was due to Skype Thailand. Next the car had a flat. Yeah you guessed I was going fishing. By the time I arrived at the river I was worn out. and then there was this upstream GALE making cast problematic. Ah well I got the whole season to look forward to.
Well To-morrow is Opening Day. Boy it sure feels like it’s been a long time coming
Does anybody fish above crook of devon and if so what are the best tactics. Just looking to fish a different bit of the river this year
Derek – Until the pollution incident I fished this section of the river a couple of times every month of the season. It is a slow starter (cold water from Castlehill) and can appear rather dour, but appearance can be deceptive! There are (at least were) fish throughout this bit of river. From seeing the first rise of the season anywhere on the river I will generally use a dry fly (normally parachute adams or greenwells glory parachute) and try to induce a rise. Even on the dourest and fishless day its a grand spot for a wee wander!
Thanks for the info I will give it a go when it warms up a bit. Also where is the best place to park.
A work party was out at the “Quey” on the 26th Feb and the water is FULL TO THE BRIM and looking good
Nice to see “Flyfishers” passing on their knowledge to everyone. Interesting that the size’s are all in the same range and the colours as well. Tight Lines and Screaming Reels for 2014 and hope to see you all “On the Bank”
Great website and really identifies who the DAA exactly are. I agree with George that it would be good if we were able to get Glenquey permits from the website, but I’m sure that could happen in the future.
In respect of useful flies I would suggest that a Terry’s Terror, an essential fly to have on southern UK waters, in sizes 14 / 16 provided me with great sport amongst the brownies on the river last season and hopefully will do so again in 2014.
Fantastic new web site -well done to all!
Are there any plans to introduce a page where it would be possible to renew your season ticket and purchase day tickets to fish Glenquey (perhaps allowing you to print off your season/Glenquey day ticket at home)? I would find it really useful -how about anyone else?
I like small flies for Glenquey -14/16/18 and in natural colours especially olive/browns and dark olive flies. If you can incorporate a small touch of orange in a fly that seems to work really well. Usual patterns are spiders and PTN types (tied on curved/super sedge hooks) dries and emergers also seem to work well too.
Tight lines -roll on the 2014 season!
Excellent new site. Well done DAA! Great to see. Only 47 days to go!
I’d concur with your flies Alan. I’d add nice, buggy hares-ears in the same sizes. I use gold-heads quite a lot too, although there are some almighty snags in places so I proceed with caution there 😉
The ubiquitous Black Pennel – again in small sizes – as well as my tiny size 18 Blae & Blacks, seem to do well too.
Looking forward to (hopefully) a great season!
Three flies I would never be without for both the River Devon and Glenquey. PTN Nymph, Black Spider and Greenwell Spider or Glory. In sizes 14 – 16 or 18. I know these will catch fish and I have know doubt that everyone out there will have their own personal list SO lets share the knowledge
Last season the most successful combination for myself on Glenquey was a size 14 Kate McLaren on the dropper with a size 14 Black Pennell on the tail of a two fly cast. The Mallard and Claret, again size 14, was a good change fly. During the olive hatches, I found that a size 14 PTN or Endrick Spider fished well with a dry Greenwell’s Glory on the calmer days providing constant action.
ill agree on glenquey the size 14 kate mclaren works wonders snatcher types aswell for me anyway on the river most of my fish were taken on a dunkeld size 14 i noticed really agressive takes when using orange patterns
Thank’s to the people who made the Web Site .Top class.
Bryan Anderson
Big improvement on the previous site.