Methlick Beat Summary

THE BEAT (see map)

This beat on the middle Ythan starts a few hundred metres above the road bridge in Methlick and stretches upstream on the North bank for approximately 3500 metres. For access to the lower part of the fishings, car parking is at the small lay-bys near the horse stable, parking for the upper section is off the public roadway just beyond the small bridge over the Little Water of Gight. (small burn)

The river, essentially a spate stream, is at this point, quite narrow, a mere 4 to 6 metres wide. The upper part of the river, adjacent to and above the upper car park, is, as it meanders through the valley, somewhat sluggish.

The lower section, downstream from the Waterloo Bridge and the Little Water of Gight, is much livelier, with some attractive runs suitable for fly-fishing.

THE RECORDS

The 10-year annual average combined catch of salmon and grilse is approximately 13, with around 60% of these being returned.

The sea trout 10-year annual average catch is around 50, with some 70% of these being returned.

The finnock 10-year annual average catch is around 200, with some 80% of these being returned.

WHEN TO FISH

The time of year – February and March, then from mid- July onwards.

Remember- following heavy rain the Ythan can often be fishable when it is impossible on the Don.

FISHING METHODS

Fly-fishing, spinning, and worming are all permitted.

Fly-fishing is not generally successful during the early part of the season, the water is cold and the finnock are not as active as they are later in the year. In the early spring most fish are caught whilst trotting a worm.

All salmon and sea trout kelts must be carefully released and returned.

At this time finnock are often in poor condition, and most are released.

From July to October, fly-fishing the streamy runs from the Waterloo Bridge near the car park, downstream to the bottom of the beat can be satisfying, and is best in a falling and clearing water.

A trout rod is all that is required, coupled with a floating line and 6 or 8lb cast. Suitable flies include (size 14 or 12)

Suitable flies include (size 14 or 12)

• Cinnamon and Gold

• Black Pennel

• Butcher

• Silver Stoats Tail

By early October most of the sea trout will be coloured and should be returned.

Silver finnock, however, can be in evidence until the end of the season.

THE FISH

At the start of the season on the 11 February the beat normally holds over -wintered finnock, sea trout kelts and salmon kelts.

These sometimes remain in this part of the river until the end of March/early April

Small numbers of clean sea trout can arrive in the beat as early as mid July following raised water levels, more generally, however, they are later, following substantial spates in August and September.

Methlick general upstream view

Methlick general upstream view. Ack Alec Paterson

Methlick from lower limit. Ack Alec Paterson

Methlick Looking Upstream Crook " A" Peel. Ack Alec Paterson

Since the middle of the last century spring salmon in the Ythan have become quite rare, whilst previously they were quite numerous.

The river, however, still has a small run of salmon in September/October, again depending on spate conditions to encourage them to run.

BEST CONDITIONS

An overcast sky, during, or following spate conditions.

The sluggish water in the top half of the beat is more suited to worm fishing or spinning, although spinning is somewhat tiresome, due to the repeated casting made necessary by the narrowness of the river.

Suitable lures include

• The Flying C

• Small Rapala

• Devon minnow.

Salmon normally appear in small numbers following any substantial spate in September and October, most being caught by worming, but occasionally by spinning or fly.

All coloured salmon should be released carefully and returned.