u k n
o n e 9
Zone 9, Auskin, is located 16 km from the estuary and is the first Austnes beat salmon meet on their way up the river. It is partly double bank and can be fished from both sides.
The beat offers beautiful fly water in three pools and stretches for 1700 metres from top to bottom.
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 .
The magic of Auskin is first contact. Fresh salmon entering the Austnes water meet this beat before the others, and that gives every pool a special sense of possibility.
It is broad, varied and full of classic fly water.
Austnes Experience
h e C h a r c t r o f t h e B e a
Auskin has three pools with different access and character. The top part is only fishable from the north side, while the middle part is double bank and can be fished from both sides.
The lower part has a very nice pool after fast water, and the whole beat is fishable from top to bottom.
h y S a l m n o l d H e r e
Salmon hold in Auskin because the beat gives them repeated resting places after travelling from the estuary. Pockets, big stones, pools and changes in pace create natural lies.
Fresh fish can pause here before continuing upstream, especially where fast water softens into deeper pool water.
e s t T i m t F i s h
Auskin can fish well throughout the season because it is the first Austnes beat salmon meet. Fresh movement, early morning and evening are all important moments.
After rain or a lift in water, give the pools proper attention from top to bottom.
e s t W a t r o n d i t i o n s
The whole Auskin beat is fishable at all water levels. Low water highlights pockets, stones and careful presentation, while higher water opens softer edges and travelling lanes.
Because the beat is long, conditions can favour different pools on the same day.
o w t o F s h t h e B e a t
Fish Auskin methodically from the top where access allows, then work through the middle double-bank section and finish with the lower pool after fast water.
Choose bank and angle carefully. Beautiful fly water only becomes effective when the fly swims naturally through the lie.
e y H o l d n g W a t e r
The key holding water is in the three pools, especially around pockets, big stones and the lower pool after fast water.
The middle pool has beautiful fly water and can be especially interesting because it can be approached from both sides.
o w t o F s h t h e B e a t
Start short, cover the near lane and then build distance. On double-bank water, use the side that gives the cleanest swing rather than simply the easiest cast.
Work pockets and stones carefully, then let the fly swim through the pool tails before stepping down.
o c a l F e t u e s a n d H i s t o
Auskin is an important beat because it is where salmon first meet the Austnes water. It links the lower river to the lodge beats upstream.
The PDF notes good numbers of salmon landed here, and the structure explains why: long water, varied pools and many natural stops.
i g S a l m n o t e n t i a l
Zone 9 has strong big salmon potential. Fresh fish can arrive here with power, and the beat has enough depth, pockets and pool water to hold them.
A salmon hooked in the lower pool or among stones may use the full width and pace of the river, so stay calm and keep the fight organised.
i s h i n g u l s
Respect the access rules on each part of the beat: the top is north-side fishing, while the middle is double bank where permitted. Rotate carefully and leave room for other anglers.
Wade with care around fast-water tails, pockets and deeper pool edges.
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
Auskin gives a complete fishing day: 1700 metres of water, three pools, partly double-bank access and beautiful fly water across the beat.
It is practical, varied and exciting because it is the first Austnes chance at salmon moving up from the sea.