Dounie Estate is located 40 miles North of Inverness in the county of Sutherland. The closest villages, approximately 2 miles away, are Ardgay and Bonar Bridge. The Estate is located on the Lower Middle Carron in a blissfully peaceful location. Dounie offers visiting fishers riverbank accommodation, privacy, a mix of double and single banked fishing and the chance of excellent fishing. This is a much-loved beat, with many anglers returning year after year to enjoy the bird, plant and wildlife together with the excellent fishing.

Fishing 

The Carron is blessed with a strong spring run and the first fish at Dounie is normally caught in the first half of March. Late March, April, May and June are all months which can offer fantastic sport with fresh spring fish. Grilse then arrive through late June, July and August, and September can offer magic sport as falling water temperatures wake the resident population from their slumbers.

The Dounie beat is double banked for two thirds of its length, with one third being single banked, right bank fishing. There are a total of 22 pools which fish in different water conditions and which offer great variety. The open landscape of the upper section contains a number of large pools interspersed with rapids; in the middle section there is a series of slower pools in deep gorges; in the lower section the river banks open out through fields and woods.. The resident ghillie, Jamie Sawyer, will show new anglers the beat, and is available for advice if required. Two beats are let, each of two rods. Beats are exchanged at lunch time each day. Wading when required is easy, with some staging and platforms to help anglers cover the best lies.

Please note that Dounie is a spate river and given water fishing can be first class. In periods of dry weather, however, great stealth is required and your best chance will be either early or late with days best spent exploring the beaches and golf courses of the North.

Rod Size 

Spring- 14/15 ft rod, not for distance but for ease of handling heavy lines and flies.As the water drops it is down to personal preference.

Lines

Wise to take at least a floating, intermediate and sinking line. A decent multi tip will suffice. (Floating lines with polyleaders do not fish the fly deep enough in cold conditions)

Flies

Spring- Black and yellow, Kylie, Ice Maiden, Monkey, Willie Gunn- Generally tubes with a wing length of 1.5-4″ dressed on aluminium, copper, cone-heads size dependent on water height, temp and sinking speed of line. 

Summer/Autumn- Stoat, Silver stoat, Cascade, Red Ally, Kylie, Willie Gunn, Collie, small hitch tubes. A selection of sizes from 8 if the water is up down to a 14 in low clear conditions. 

Other

Thigh waders. (Chest waders for warmth in the spring)

8-25lb nylon. (Diameter dependent on size of fly being cast to ensure decent turnover)

In the spring the north of Scotland can be an inhospitable place and decent clothing- thermals, gloves, etc can make all the difference to the enjoyment of a week. 

Midge repellent/net. 

The Bard Cottage is a traditional cottage set just back from the river with lovely views over the adjacent mountains. The sitting room has an open fire and the property sleeps 4 in two twin bedrooms. It is a very short walk to the river. Prices start from £485 per week. Lettings are Sunday to Sunday.