Altyre Estate Salmon Fishing, River Findhorn
In addition to the other Middle Beats, we also have access to the delightful Altyre Estate Beats on the Lower River Findhorn, which are situated below the Poolie Falls at Sluie and only some five miles above the tidal sea pool below the Forres Angling Association water. The fishing here on Altyre Estate is divided into Upper and Lower Beats offering over two and a half miles of private fly fishing for up to four rods.
Salmon Fishing Availability Altyre
Click here for current salmon fishing availability
** NOTE – All anglers fishing at Altyre, River Findhorn, should be advised to bring or hire a suitable 4X4 or SUV vehicle to access the fishing beats, as the tracks can get quite muddy and bumpy **
Salmon Fishing Pools
There are some fourteen named pools winding through magnificent sandstone outcrops of outstanding beauty. The river here is easy to fish, which is therefore, perfect for the beginner, intermediate and more advanced casters. Access to all of the pools is also fisher friendly with vehicular access within easy walking distance of all pools and no rock climbing required! However, we strongly recommend a 4X4 vehicle as the access tracks can get a bit sticky in wet weather conditions!
Findhorn “Springers”
These beats have been very consistently fished over the early Spring months from March through to June. Findhorn “Springers” tend to be big and aggressive taking fish with our best salmon in recent years weighing around 34 lbs. caught and released from Palamore Pool on the Upper Beat in late April. The early Spring salmon tend to hold up below the Poolie Falls at Sluie until the water temperature rises above 42°F (5.5 C). Therefore, this means these early fish will often hold up on the Lower Findhorn beats of Altyre and Darnaway until water temperatures rise sufficiently later in the Spring to allow them to ascend the Poolie Falls. Learn more about River Findhorn fishing seasons and when to target different salmon runs.
Grilse & Summer Salmon Fishing
Altyre is also the perfect beat to fish for grilse and summer salmon from early July through late September. Given decent river levels and conditions, they will move upstream from the tidal pools below and often rest up in some of the deep holding pools on the Altyre Estate Beats before moving on upstream to the Middle and Upper Findhorn Beats. Being so close to the sea pool in Findhorn Bay, fresh fish will run off every high tide and move upstream. Therefore, all of our fish are usually fresh sea-liced salmon and grilse straight from the last tide. We can catch fresh salmon and grilse on Altyre Estate right up to the last day of the season on September 30th.
Altyre Estate & Darnaway Salmon Fishing
We are also able to offer some limited weeks with combined fishing on Altyre Estate and the Meads of St. John’s Beat, Darnaway on the opposite bank. This offers a great and rare opportunity to fish on both banks with complete exclusivity and without any opposition! For those seeking additional exclusive fishing, we also offer the spectacular Upper Home Beat at Darnaway, which features fourteen named pools including the famous Salmon Leap Pool at Poolie. Bed and Breakfast accommodation may be arranged at Bradbush House through March to September. Please contact us for details and information on all of our Guided salmon fishing and Spey casting instruction packages.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced caster, our comprehensive Spey casting tuition will help you master this essential technique for salmon fishing. We also provide guidance on selecting the right tackle for Spey casting to ensure you have the optimal setup for River Findhorn conditions.
Salmon Fishing Gallery
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About Your Guide
Ian Neale, known as The Speycaster, has over 40 years of professional experience as a salmon fishing guide and Spey casting instructor. Ian’s extensive knowledge of the River Findhorn and expertise in all aspects of salmon fishing ensures you’ll have an exceptional experience at Altyre Estate, whether you’re fishing for Spring salmon or Summer grilse.
Exploring Scotland’s Premier Salmon Rivers
While the River Findhorn offers outstanding salmon fishing, we also provide guided fishing experiences on Scotland’s other premier salmon rivers. From the legendary River Spey to the royal River Dee, we can arrange comprehensive salmon fishing holidays tailored to your preferences.
Beautiful Salmon Fishing River
“Surely there is no other river in the world so beautiful”
Charles St. John
Frequently Asked Questions About Altyre Estate Salmon Fishing
Is Altyre Estate suitable for beginner salmon fishers?
Yes, Altyre Estate is excellent for beginners. The river is easy to fish with fisher-friendly access to all fourteen named pools. Vehicular access is within easy walking distance of all pools with no rock climbing required. The beats are perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced casters. We also offer guided fishing trips and Spey casting instruction with Ian Neale, who has over 40 years of experience teaching newcomers to salmon fishing.
When is the best time to fish at Altyre Estate?
Altyre Estate offers excellent fishing opportunities from March through September 30th. Spring months (March-June) are ideal for the large Findhorn “Springers” which can weigh up to 34 lbs. Early July through late September is perfect for grilse and summer salmon. Being only five miles from the tidal sea pool, fresh fish run off every high tide throughout the season, with sea-liced salmon available right up to the last day.
Do I really need a 4×4 vehicle to fish at Altyre Estate?
Yes, we strongly recommend bringing or hiring a suitable 4×4 or SUV vehicle to access the fishing beats at Altyre Estate. The access tracks can get quite muddy and bumpy, especially in wet weather conditions. While all pools have vehicular access within easy walking distance, a 4×4 ensures you can reach them safely and comfortably.
How many rods can fish at Altyre Estate?
The Altyre Estate fishing is divided into Upper and Lower Beats offering over two and a half miles of private fly fishing for up to four rods. We also offer limited weeks with combined fishing on both Altyre Estate and the Meads of St. John’s Beat, Darnaway, providing complete exclusivity with fishing on both banks without any opposition.
Can I book guided fishing with Ian Neale at Altyre Estate?
Yes, Ian Neale (The Speycaster) offers comprehensive guided salmon fishing trips and Spey casting instruction at Altyre Estate. With over 40 years of experience, Ian provides expert guidance on salmon behaviour, tackle setup, and casting techniques. He welcomes anglers of all skill levels from complete beginners to experienced casters. Contact Ian at ian@speycaster.net or call 01309 641658 to arrange your guided fishing experience.
What accommodation is available near Altyre Estate?
Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be arranged at Bradbush House through March to September for all fishing holidays booked on Altyre Estate. Bradbush House is conveniently located for accessing the River Findhorn beats and provides comfortable, fisher-friendly accommodation. Ian and Barbara can help arrange your stay when you book your fishing trip.
What fishing tackle and equipment do I need for Altyre Estate?
For salmon fishing on the River Findhorn at Altyre Estate, you’ll need a double-handed Spey casting rod (typically 12-13 feet), appropriate fly reel with disc drag, fly lines suitable for the conditions (floating lines for summer, sinking tips for spring), waterproof clothing, waders, and suitable footwear. Ian can provide specific guidance on tackle requirements when you book, and can advise on fly selection based on seasonal conditions. Quality salmon fishing tackle shops in the area can also provide advice and equipment.
How do I book salmon fishing at Altyre Estate?
To book salmon fishing at Altyre Estate, check current availability and then contact us directly. You can email Ian at ian@speycaster.net or call 01309 641658. We are now taking enquiries and bookings for the upcoming season. Early booking is recommended to secure the best dates, especially for peak periods. Provide your preferred dates and let us know if you need guided fishing or Spey casting instruction.
Why are spring salmon often found at Altyre Estate early in the season?
Early Spring salmon tend to hold up below the Poolie Falls at Sluie until the water temperature rises above 42°F (5.5°C). This means these early “Springer” fish often hold up on the Lower Findhorn beats of Altyre and Darnaway until water temperatures rise sufficiently later in Spring to allow them to ascend the Poolie Falls. This makes Altyre Estate an exceptional location for catching large, aggressive spring salmon from March through June.
What makes the salmon at Altyre Estate so fresh?
Altyre Estate is situated only five miles above the tidal sea pool below the Forres Angling Association water in Findhorn Bay. Being so close to the sea, fresh fish run off every high tide and move upstream, often resting in the deep holding pools on Altyre Estate before moving further upstream. This means all salmon caught at Altyre are usually fresh, sea-liced fish straight from the last tide – providing exceptional sport throughout the season right up to September 30th.
Contact Us
Contact us for more information about salmon fishing at Altyre Estate. For answers to more questions, visit our comprehensive FAQ page.