salmon fishing
ON THE RIVER FINDHORN
Cawdor Estate enjoys seven miles of fishing on the River Findhorn as it winds through the Drynachan Valley. Here the river enters a transitional stretch - leaving the high moorland of Coignafearn and Tomatin before cutting toward the gorges at Banchor and Glenferness.
This is classic Highland spate-river fishing: varied water, defined pools and productive runs, with both salmon and sea trout present through the season.
Whether you’re returning year after year or planning a first trip to the Findhorn, our three beats offer a varied week on the water, with the comfort of a proper base to come home to each evening.
“When the sun is shining in Scotland, there is nowhere prettier. It is just so gorgeous”
Paul Whitehouse, BBC Gone Fishing - River Findhorn
8
Holiday cottages
(3 riverside)
3
Riverside huts
(1 on each beat)
8.8
Miles of river
3
Rotating beats
3
Rods per beat
75%
Catch and return policy
The Beats
Each beat has a well-maintained riverside hut for shelter and refreshments.
Fishing is traditionally limited to three rods per beat, increasing to four rods per beat from 19 August.
The beats rotate across six days (Monday–Saturday), allowing anglers two days on each stretch.
Hover over each beat for further details.
The most adventurous stretch, accessed via estate tracks over hill and moor. A 4WD vehicle is essential. Pollochaig offers additional walk-in water for those who prefer a more secluded feel.
Ballachrochin
- TOP BEAT -
More accessible water set among riverside fields and meadow ground near Drynachan Lodge. These beats combine classic holding pools with productive, fishy runs.
The river is famed for larger fish and a strong grilse run.
Daless
- MIDDLE BEAT -
More accessible water set among riverside fields and meadow ground near Drynachan Lodge. These beats combine classic holding pools with productive, fishy runs.
The 'bottom', Dalbuie beat has a more enclosed feel to the upper beats, with dramatic scenery all around and deeper pools which hold fish through the season.
Dalbuie
- LOWER BEAT -
River Findhorn
The Findhorn is a Highland spate river, meaning levels respond quickly to rainfall upstream - often triggering fresh runs of salmon.
In lower summer water, fish can still show in the pools and reward a quieter, more deliberate approach.
The fly fishing season runs from late April to the end of September.
Cawdor operates a 75% catch-and-release policy, in line with neighbouring estates, to protect future stocks.
Practical Information
Where to Stay
For anglers who want to pair fishing with the freedom of self-catering, several of our cottages make an ideal base. If being close to the water matters most, we have two self catered cottages right by the riverbank in the Drynachan Valley - both sleeping six.
For larger parties, Drynachan Sporting Lodge sleeps up to 22 across 12 bedrooms, included is a private chef and housekeeping staff.
RIVERSIDE
Fisherman’s Cottage
RIVERSIDE
Gardener's Cottage
RIVERSIDE
Drynachan Lodge
17 MINS DRIVE
Achneim Cottage
17 MINS DRIVE
Lochanshelloch Cottage
22 MINS DRIVE
Budgate House
22 MINS DRIVE
Ivy Cottage
35 MINS DRIVE
Resaurie
Book Fishing
To check availability and to book fishing on the River Findhorn, please use our booking partner:
For further enquiries, please contact our Bookings Manager:
T: 01667 402404
E: fishing@cawdor.com