h u s t n s S t r e a m
o n e 3
Austnes Stream is a straighter, quieter continuation of the Austnes water. The flyfoto shows a long glide with defined banks, a darker central flow and softer margins where salmon can travel and pause.
This is not a beat for rushing. Work the available bank with short, accurate casts first, then lengthen only when the near water has been covered. The best fishing is in the subtle changes of pace, not in dramatic white water.
T h e m a g i c l i e s i n h o w t h e d a y b e g i n s , h o w i t e n d , a n d i n t h e m e m r i e s m a d e a l o n g h e w y .
At Austnes Stream, the magic is in the quiet work. The beat rewards anglers who notice pace, depth and small changes in current before they make the next cast.
It is a zone for patience: start close, move carefully, and let the river show you where a salmon is likely to rest.
Austnes Experience
h e C h a r c t r o f t h e B e a
The upper part of Austnes Stream is calm and composed. Further down, the river gains speed and begins to show the structure that makes the zone so interesting.
Large rocks, soft edges and changing current lines create a technical stretch where salmon can rest without leaving the flow. It is not the easiest water to wade, but it is full of character.
h y S a l m n o l d H e r e
Salmon hold here because the stream gives them shelter and oxygen at the same time. In the calmer upper section they can pause after moving, while the faster water below gives them cover behind stones and along the seams.
Many fish lie close to the farm side, so the best cast is often not the longest one. A short, accurate presentation through the right lane can be far more effective.
e s t T i m t F i s h
Austnes Stream is often at its best when the river has some life in it. Medium and high water help define the lies and make the current work for the angler.
Fish it with special confidence after rain, during a fresh rise, or when new salmon are moving through the system. Early morning and evening can be excellent when fish are settled but still active.
e s t W a t r o n d i t i o n s
Medium and high water are the most favourable conditions for Zone 3. At these levels the river gains speed, the holding rocks become more important, and the seams become easier to fish with control.
On low water, move carefully and reduce disturbance. On bigger water, keep wading conservative and focus on the safer, softer lanes where salmon can rest beside the main pressure.
o w t o F s h t h e B e a t
Begin with short casts and cover the near water first. This is a beat where a salmon can be lying closer than expected, and walking straight into the river can cost you the best chance of the session.
Fish the stream in small steps. Let the fly swing cleanly through the calm upper water, the edges of stones, and the transition where the river begins to accelerate.
e y H o l d n g W a t e r
The most important water in Zone 3 is found around the larger rocks and in the soft lanes beside faster current. These pockets let salmon rest while still facing clean, oxygen-rich flow.
Pay close attention to the upper calm, the first acceleration, the tails behind stones and the quieter edges along the farm side. If you hook a big salmon here, be prepared for an exciting journey along the river.
o w t o F s h t h e B e a t
Work from the top down and resist the urge to rush. Cast short first, then lengthen only when the close water has been covered properly.
A floating line with a controlled swing is a natural starting point, with fly size and sink rate adjusted to height, temperature and speed. The goal is a fly that fishes, not simply a fly that travels far.
o c a l F e t u e s a n d H i s t o
Austnes Stream is shaped by access, current and tradition. Because one side is not available to lodge anglers, the beat has a natural discipline: you fish the water you have with care and intelligence.
The stretch is also a reminder that salmon fishing at Austnes is not only about famous pools. Some of the best moments come from quieter water where a careful angler sees the lie before the fish shows itself.
i g S a l m n o t e n t i a l
Zone 3 can absolutely produce large salmon. The PDF guide says it plainly: if you hook a big one here, chances are you will have an exciting journey along the river.
That is part of the charm. A strong fish hooked in moving water can use current, stones and distance, so stay calm, move safely and keep steady pressure without forcing the fight.
i s h i n g u l s
Respect the access limits on this zone. Fish only the lodge water that is available, and do not cross to or fish from the eastern shore controlled by the local association.
Wade with care, especially when the river is high or coloured. The beat is most enjoyable when fished patiently, safely and with respect for other anglers and the river.
c c e s s , h e t e r a n d P r a c a C o m f o r t
Zone 3 is not a comfort beat in the easy sense. It is a proper fishing beat, where the reward comes from focus, good footing and thoughtful movement.
The lodge and farm surroundings are close enough to make the practical side simple, but once you are on the water the stream deserves full attention. Bring what you need, fish light, and move with purpose.