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The last week of the season was fairly quiet for us and although we had good water levels the majority of the fish that were lying in the the pools had either moved on or dropped back but we did end up with a couple, with John Webb landing a 10lb cock fish on Monday and Steve Kettlewell landing our last fish of the season on Thursday, a 14lber, both from Rock Head and both on Allys Shrimps.  Water heights were 1' 3" on Monday and 1' 10" on Thursday. Water temperatures were 45/51 Fahrenheit. 

Overall thoughts on the 2026 season. Well we have had better seasons in the past but on the other hand we have also had worse seasons, so overall quite happy with 119 salmon and grilse. The early spring was the best we have had for the past few years but we struggled a bit in the summer due to prolonged low water levels. What we lacked in the autumn was a proper spate or two however the anglers saw plenty of fish and enjoyed the sport, surroundings and company  

You have to remember that salmon are wild creatures, and the weather and conditions can not be predicted but you can guarantee a good time at Cairnton and Middle Blackhall. We would like to thank everyone who chose to fish with us in 2026, your continued support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing you all again next season

Cheers Brian

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A lovely Autumn week with some sunshine, cloud and a slight drop in air and water temperatures which would normally switch the fish on a bit more and although we picked away they were pretty dour for the numbers that were lying in the pools.  We ended with 7 for the week, with the largest being around 10lb, Sunrays and small Ally's doing the trick.

Heghts were 1'1" on Monday,  dropping away to 8" on Friday and a small overnight rise giving us 1' 3" on Saturday.  Water temperatures were 46/54 Fahrenheit.

Let’s see what the last few days of the 2026 season brings. 

Cheers Brian

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Autumn is definitely here, the trees are turning, shorter daylight hours and more skene's of Geese being seen daily but air temperatures are still unusually high for this time of year. The fishing side of things were good the first half of the week but very quiet the second half. Although we saw enough fish each day they were really off the take latterly with an unsettled and peat stained river probably not helping.  Lucky anglers were Tony Chan landing 3. Jerry Oddie landing 2 and John Ritchie 1. Park Shrimps , Phatagorva's and Sunrays did the trick.

Water heights were up and down alot between 10" and 3ft. Water temperatures were 49/54 Fahrenheit.

We have a few rods left before the season closes so get in touch with Sarah if you fancy a last go. 

Cheers Brian

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Another fantastic week on the beat with guests of Delaney & Sons trying for the Macnab Challenge and although they all put in a fantastic effort and picked up the casting really quickly we couldn't connect with a fish. There were fish in all the pools but they just seemed to be totally switched off with us but the week was saved on Wednesday when Mungo Ingleby managed to rattle a 6lb er up on a Sunray.  Conditions over the week were pretty good, with a rise of a couple of feet coming through late on Wednesday which gave us great hope for the last 3 days but it wasn't to be.

Water temperature were 51/57 Fahrenheit and heights were 6.5" Monday, 5.5" Tuesday and Wednesday,  late pm 2' 9" and by end of play Saturday 1' 1".

A few rods available before the season ends, get in touch with Sarah to book. 

Cheers Brian

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We had plenty of typical early autumn weather this week, a mix of sunshine, rain and up and down air temperatures but the westerly wind was extremely difficult with only an odd lull over the week. However we did manage to land 4 for the week and a few encounters. Honours went to Darby Hannigan from the US  landing his first Scottish salmon in the Malt Steep on Wednesday and was 9lb. Gary Craig also managed a 13lb er from Grey Mare on Saturday. Water heights started off at 6" on Monday and Tuesday.  Wednesday was 1' 1" and within a few hours was up to 2ft but settling quickly by afternoon.  The following 3 days the river settled back fairly quick and by Saturday was sitting at 9". Water temperatures were 52/57 Fahrenheit.  Flies that did the trick were small Ghillies and Sunrays. 

Limited rod availability now before the end of the season, so be quick to snap up your chance of a last cast of 2026. 

Availability listed on the Cairnton website www.cairnton.co.uk

Cheers Brian

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Autumn seems to be here with some skene's of Geese seen this week, blustery winds and some of the trees starting to turn a bit.  Another week of the fish being pretty dour although we did have a rise in levels mid week which I thought would have gingered them up more but happy enough with 6 landed and as usual some lost. Highlights of the week were Kerry Finlay from Australia landing his first Salmon in Cottage Run (8lb), legendary salmon anglers Jorge and Miguel from Asturias in Northern Spain, although they were unlucky here, they managed a fish apiece further down river later in the week. Fred Campbell from Hooké Canada visited for a day on his Scottish travels. We also had the return of Ailsa Kiely's group who are so enthusiastic and passionate about fishing, Jock Holmes managed a lovely 6lb er in the Cottage Pool.

Flies that did the trick were Ally’s Shrimps and Cascades .

Water heights were Monday 3". Wednesday 8" rising to 1' 6" and by Saturday 9". Water temperatures were 52/54 Fahrenheit 

Cheers Brian

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Conditions this week were far from ideal with the low water and a lot of sunshine, however we did manage to land 7 fish for the week with the first 3 days being the better and the latter being pretty hard going.  All the fish were 5/7lb with Jerry Oddie being the top rod with 3 for his 3 days . Flies that did the trick were small Cascades and tiny black tube flies. Water heights were 2.5" to 4" all week and water temperatures were 55/59 Fahrenheit. 

Rods available during the last few weeks of the season if you fancy a last cast for 2026. Availability listed on our website then book with Sarah directly. 

Cheers Brian.