Map of the river

The Deveron rises in the hills of West Aberdeenshire in the remote area known as the Cabrach, and flows north before being joined on its left bank by the Blackwater. It then swings in a north-easterly direction as it flows through Strathglass to Huntly. This upper section consists of fast gravelly runs, rocky cascades interspersed with deep, holding pools which is ideal for the early running spring fish.

As it flows through Huntly it is joined on its right bank by the River Bogie which drains the hills of Clashindarroch Forest and the rich farmland around Gartly Moor and the Coreen Hills.

The middle section, some 22 miles, is to Turriff via Rothiemay where it is joined by the River Isla on its left bank. The Isla flows through Keith which has several distilleries which draw water for such well known names as Chivas Regal. Other distilleries in this middle section include Glendronach on the Glendronach burn and Knock which is on the Shiel burn which rises on the Knock hill. 

At Turriff the Idoch Water flows in from the right bank. Finally it flows 11 miles through fertile agricultural land to its final destination to Banff/Macduff taking in the King Edward burn which flows from the east and is a productive sea trout/brown trout tributary.

The Deveron has a well deserved reputation as an angling river, with runs of spring, summer and often prolific runs of autumn salmon through to its season's end on 31st October. Its sea trout which average 3lbs with specimens up to 10-12lbs caught regularly also entice many anglers to the river.

The Deveron is not essentially a spate river, having no natural lochs, but is largely dependant on rainfall to bring fish into the system. With the decrease in substantial snowfalls during the winter months, the river cannot rely on snow melt to retain water levels in the spring and early summer months. However, it is very unusual for the water levels to drop so low that fishing is a complete waste of time as the system is supplied by well fed springs.

The recent trend of later running fish has put pressure on beats during September and October but some excellent fishing is still available in August. The traditional sea trout months of June and July are now becoming available to let as the runs of sea trout have declined in recent times and the grilse seemed to be appearing later. However, when they do appear some very good sea trout are caught in these months with perserverence and sleepless nights if one is prepared to fish through the night.  

Although brown trout numbers have declined as well, May is a wonderful time for the dry fly enthusiast with a very chance of a fresh run spring fish and early running large sea trout.

Suitable tackle for the river will vary according to the area you have chosen and the season.

A double handed 13'-15' rod will be needed in most beats below the Isla during the early season with a sunk line or sink tip with weighted flies such as waddingtons and tube flies. As the temperature increases one can change to floating line and reduce the size of flies to standard doubles in the size 6-10 range.

Upstream from where the Isla meets the Deveron at Avochie a single handed rod of 11' will be sufficient to cover most of the water. Above Huntly on the Deveron and on the Bogie a 9' rod will easily cover the lies

The Deveron River Board has issued a voluntary conservation code which we would ask all anglers to read and follow.