The Fishings

There are a total of 6 beats with 4 on the lower river. Beats provide fishing for up to a maximum of 3 rods and rotate on a daily basis enabling fishers to enjoy the full variety of the river. On the upper river only 1 beat, `Craggie` is available for let. Typically this is taken in tandem with a beat on the lower river or alternatively is paired with accommodation at Strathview Cottage for guests who also wish to enjoy the local trout fishing.

The Halladale is a classic highland spate river and in the right conditions (usually  7-14 days after rainfall) catches are often substantial. In the past 3 years there have been a good number of weeks when over 50 salmon or grilse have been landed and just occasionally the total has exceeded 100. The river system includes 3 useful sized lochs with dams which are used to extend water flows by up to 10 days following a spate. This combined with a major pool improvement programme over the past 10 years means that it is worthwhile fishing in low water, albeit not so productively.

The principal runs of fish are in July and August but the Spring fishing in recent years(with the  exception of the 2007 season) has been improving steadily. In 2006 over 200 fish were landed in the period to the end of May. A small hatchery has been in operation since 2000 with the specific objective of improving Spring fishing,

Fishing Record

The chart below shows the rivers catch record over the past 10 years.

Conservation Policy

Catch and release policy is continuously under review. Up to the beginning of July there is a strict policy of releasing the first fish and retaining the second. From July onwards this sequence is reversed. If there is an abundance of grilse (consult the Superintendent if in doubt!), additional, especially smaller grilse can be retained for personal consumption.