THIS YEAR’s Deveron Festival opened on Sunday April 29th with a tackle fair on the banks of the Deveron in Turriff, writes Steve Peterson.
The weather was surprisingly hot and sunny; the river looked in great condition and was clearing nicely after the recent floods. There was a definite buzz of excitement around the fair!
A marquee housed displays from top manufacturers, tackle shops and magazines as well as superb fishing-related artwork.
The main action took place on the river bank with tackle companies setting up demonstrator rods which could be tested and with qualified instructors at hand to help with casting issues.
Some of the best Speycasters in the sport demonstrated including Eoin Fairgrieve, Andy Murray, Scott Mackenzie, Jim Fern and Hardy and Greys Academy instructor Mark Roberts who gave a great performance highlighting the most efficient use of the rod.
Monday morning saw the start of the balloted anglers fishing. The Hardy & Greys team of Andy Smith, Mark Roberts and Steve Peterson were based on the beautiful Avochie beat of the river and welcomed 18 balloted anglers onto the beat. Casting tuition and help with setting up was given to those who needed it and a range of Hardy Zenith, Marksman and Greys XF2 rods were available to fish with. After a quick safety briefing the anglers were free to explore.
Unfortunately overnight rain caused the river to rise and colour up which did affect the prospects. We did hear of fish from the lower Deveron beats which kept spirits up.
Tuesday saw the Hardy & Greys team reinforced by former world Speycasting champion Ian Gordon who was on hand for tuition, help and advice to all on the beat. The day was rounded off with the festival barbecue on the beautiful Eden beat which boasts one of the finest fishing huts in Scotland.
Wednesday was the final day of the festival and the river was clearing nicely. A good hatch of olives and stoneflies around lunchtime brought the trout on and heralded some great dry-fly action.
The event was well organised by the Deveron Trust and participants expressed the hope they’d return next year.
Steve Peterson is the marketing manager for Hardy & Greys and added: “The Hardy & Greys team has had a superb few days on Deveronside once again – one of our favourite events of the calendar. It’s a very social event with anglers from all over Europe coming together to share their love of salmon fishing. The difference from Hardy’s point of view is we can actually let our customers try out our rods on flowing water and even fish with them. We have made many friends at the festival and I would recommend a trip to the Deveron for its superb salmon and trout fishing – and for its superb scenery and local hospitality.”