| Between the two stretches of river owned by Novar, Kildermorie Estate own about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) of single-bank fishing starting at the Blackwater junction and Ardross Castle Estate own a stretch of about 1.5 miles ( 2.4 km) directly below the Kildermorie waters. Both estates generally reserve their salmon fishing for estate guests though the Kildermorie water is also accessible to Alness Angling Club members. Alness Angling Club control about 2.1 miles (3.4 km) of fishing directly below the lower Novar beats to the estuary on the Cromarty Firth.
The statutory season begins on 11th February and continues until 31st October, however the Novar Fishings do not open until March 15th, and the Angling Club beats close on October 15th. The Alness has a small spring run of salmon and sea trout from late April until early June, and the first main grilse run traditionally expected in late June, is now appearing in early-July. The most productive part of the season is generally from mid-July through until the end of October.
The Alness is not a wide river, and a 12-13 ft AFTM #8/10 double-handed rod is generally sufficient, though 14-15 ft AFTM 10/11 weight rods can be advantageous in high water. In summer months, great sport can be had with a 10-11ft single-handed rod, but these should be of a minimum AFTM rating of #7/8. Favourite flies for low water conditions are shrimp patterns such as Ally's Shrimp, Yellow Ally's, Cascade, Stoat's Tail (and variants), Munro Killer, Willie Gunn and Collie Dog (and variants) tied on doubles, as well as small bottle tubes. Towards the end of the season and in higher water conditions, 1" to 2" brass and copper tube flies such as Willie Gunn, Findhorn Killer and Ally's Shrimp are preferred.
The River Alness typically produces rod catches of 500-700 salmon & grilse per year of which about two thirds are caught on the Novar waters.
The Alness also has reasonable runs of sea trout in summer months offering some exciting night-time fishing.
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Meadow Flats - Novar Beat 2
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