WELCOME TO ABERDEEN & ABERDEENSHIRE www.visitabdn.com @visitabdn | #visitABDN Fishing on the coast ITINERARY Our crystal-clear lochs, two snow-fed rivers, great estates combined with sea angling and stocked trout fisheries mean that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is one of the best places to fish in Scotland. Anglers come from all over the globe to fish these wonderful rivers that are woven into the cultural history of Aberdeenshire and play an important role in our communities. Here are our suggestions for how to spend 48 hours in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire: River Dee Where to fish The longest river in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is the River Dee which flows over 87 miles (140km) from the heart of Cairngorms National Park to the North Sea at Aberdeen. The River Dee is one of the most famous rivers for fly fishing for salmon in the fast flowing, pristine waters that are home to a succession of salmon pools. The river is split into three reaches which vary throughout the seasons and water conditions. More information can be found at FishDee. Where to eat Refuel for lunch at The Boat Inn in Aboyne, the 5* B&B serves scrumptious locally sourced food and drink overlooking the River. Keep an eye on the events calendar as the bar frequently hosts live music. Where to stay After a tranquil day of catching fish on the river, enjoy a stay at the luxurious Ballogie Estate. Ranging from cosy cottages that sleep up to six guests to the grand Ballogie House set in beautiful private gardens. Ballogie Estate manages three fishing beats so you are never too far away from the calming sound of the River. River Don Where to fish The River Don also rises in the Cairngorms National Park and trickles past Alford, Inverurie and Aberdeen for a total distance of 81 miles (131km). It is one of the best wild Brown Trout rivers in Europe thanks to the fast flowing streamy runs and rocky pools. Where to eat Savour the taste of a meal at one of Scotland's top fine-dining restaurants at the Kildrummy Inn. The exciting menu is prepared with flair and imagination using the very best of seasonal Scottish produce served in a cosy bar. Where to stay For an overnight stay with a twist check out Castle Forbes, not only is the castle set in a 6,000 acre estate but it offers special rates for fishing tenants spending time at the Castle Forbes beats. For archaeology lovers, a few hundred yards from Castle Forbes is Cothiemuir Hill where a Neolithic recumbent stone circle remains. Fishing in the countryside ITINERARY River Deveron Where to fish The River Deveron runs for 61 miles (96km) and is a prolific salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishery and holds the record for the heaviest fly caught Atlantic Salmon in the UK. From 4 - 5 May Deveron Trust will host the Deveron Trout Weekend 2019 where trout fishing will be available on a number of beats over the weekend for fly-fishing and fly-tying. Deveronside Fishings not only offers a resident ghillie to accompany guests at the Waterside Lodge and Ferry Cottage but they also have two private trout lochs stocked with brown and rainbow trout that can be used when weather disrupts fishing on the river. Next to the lower River Deveron beats is Montcoffer Fishings set in a stunning location incorporating the famous gorge and The Bridge of Alvah. The gorge pools are great for fly fishing and spinning is also allowed. Where to eat Cullen is the birthplace to the iconic soup Cullen Skink, sample the culinary delight at the reigning champion of Cullen Skink with a twist at The Cullen Bay Hotel. Or in Banff take a visit to Bridgeview Restaurant in The Spotty Bag Shop for homemade goodies. Where to stay Ideally situated for anglers, just a stones throw away from the fishing beats is Craig Cottage which is nestled into its own secluded area on the Duff House conservation border and has a wood-burning stove in the living area for cosy nights in. For larger parties don't miss a stay at Craig Alvah Lodge boasting floor to ceiling windows in the kitchen, table tennis and pool tables and did we mention that there is also an indoor heated swimming pool? River Ythan Where to fish Sweeping over 35 miles (60km) from Ythanwells to the estuary at Newburgh. The main beats include Methlick, Ellon and Newburgh and the four mile long estuary is where the fishing is more concentrated with up to 2,000 sea trout caught each year. Where to eat and stay Enjoy a meal at a Michelin Guide accredited restaurant, family owned, The Cock and Bull. Featuring a menu that champions local produce including fresh seafood and meat it will be sure to satisfy you after a long day on the water. The Cock and Bull also offer on-site accommodation in the newly refurbished Blairton Cottage. Local activity parks If you are new to fishing and would like a lesson, be sure to check out one of our local activity parks. Deeside Activity Park offers lessons for learning or improving your casting skills on its picturesque loch 'Big Fish Loch'. Lochter Activity Centre boasts not one, but three lochs stocked with rainbow trout and also offers expert tuition and fishing tackle on site. Greenwood Loch Activity Centre has a fully stocked fly fishing loch and also onsite accommodation. For more inspiration on fishing in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire click here..