Testimonials from our Clients
Read our reviews on Google · Leave us a review
Google Reviews — 4.9 ★★★★★ from 67 reviews
Read all our reviews on Google · Leave us a review
Joe Lamb — ★★★★★
“One difference between a good guide and truly great guide is that he cares more about you catching a fish than you do. Ian is a truly great guide. Another difference is that a great guide loves what he does, loves teaching, loves the camaraderie between guide and client, and, perhaps above all, loves the river. Loving the river is the only way to truly understand it, to understand where the salmon are, to understand what they are doing. Ian is a great guide.” — October 2026, via Google
Andrew Burgess — ★★★★★
“Four of us visited the amazingly scenic Findhorn the first week of July, fishing the Altyre Estate and Upper Home Darnaway. Arriving with a heatwave gripping the UK and a lack of rain for weeks expectations were obviously put into perspective but despite the low water levels we had a great few days under the guidance of Ian and his other ghillie Ali, who took us through the more arduous climbs in the gorge. Both knowledgeable and engaging, our game was certainly raised during our trip.
The scenery is spectacular and we never tired of it, even after a steep climb in and out of the gorge to fish the boiling pools in Upper Home, Darnaway. Not for the faint hearted in a heatwave and waders, the upper beats hold fish even in the low conditions and although we caught sight of a few hefty salmon we only managed a pluck here and there in the heat. Hardly surprising really, in such conditions, and I would love to see the same in cooler climes post spate – a fish in these pools would be quite something to experience.
We stayed at the Glenferness estate which was ideal, mainly self-catering but had a great meal at the Kimberley Inn, Findhorn. Can’t beat the seafood!
I can’t stress how beautiful this stretch of river is, even in those flatter moments when nothing was moving, one’s soul was lifted by the piercing call of an osprey, the fleeting glimpse of an eagle, goshawk or red deer. I was particularly lucky when walking back from the river to witness at close quarters an enormous fish eagle and a youngster – haunting cries echoing down the gorge leave quite an impression and have you wanting more!
We will definitely return.
Thanks again Ian for hosting.
Cheers
Andy” — August 2026, via Google
Murray Sutherland — ★★★★★
“My dad and I fished the Findhorn with Ian's team in August 26 and had a beautiful day out on the river. It was well organised and everyone was on time and the guiding was expert but well balanced too, which is what you want. We didn't get a salmon on the bank that day but this is a minor point, of course. They also went above and beyond to return some left items, thanks for that. Would recommend Speycaster if you're looking for some fishing up in Scotland.” — August 2026, via Google
Bryan Alexander — ★★★★★
“I have fished the Findhorn for many years but never the lower beats so I was excited at the prospects of fishing Altyre. When I arrived at the beat on 10th August my chances of catching a fish seemed remote. The river was down to its bare bones, the weather was hot and the sun was shinning; far from ideal fishing conditions! However, I hadn't reckoned on the knowledge and experience of my guide, Ian Neale. He took me to the Rowan pool and told me that I had a good chance of catching a fish. I was sceptical to say the least, but began fishing the pool down with Ian offering me advice on my technique. Half way down the pool Ian said "you are nearing the hot spot!". He was right because a few casts later I had an aggressive tug and a 4lb fresh run grilse on the end of my line which Ian netted for me a few minutes later.
Thank you Ian for sharing your knowledge and experience as well as for helping me improve my casting technique amongst the spectacular surroundings of the River Findhorn's Altyre Beat.” — August 2026, via Google
Matthew Benians — ★★★★★
“This was a day that fulfilled my father's long-standing ambition to fish a famous salmon river and it came about under the tutelage of Ian who's knowledge and patient instruction provided him with the confidence he needed to enjoy every moment. There could have been no one better to increase his knowledge, not only of the salmon; but also the river, it's wildlife the setting and history. I have no hesitation in recommending Ian to both inexperienced and experienced anglers.” — August 2026, via Google
Christopher Castillo — ★★★★★
“Ian is an amazing fisherman and teacher. Even when the conditions aren’t ideal for fishing he still made me and my wife feel at home on the river by allowing us to fish his beat for trout! He also gave an amazing Spey casting clinic, that apparently my wife is better at than I am 😂. A great experience and great company.” — July 2026, via Google
Amanda S — ★★★★★
“I had the best time out on the Findhorn with Ian! His casting instruction was masterful – I appreciated how attentive he was to the strengths and weaknesses in my cast, and his clear, motivating feedback helped me improve a lot over the 2 days we spent on the water. He is an absolute joy to spend time with and really cares. Can't wait to come back again.” — July 2026, via Google
Barry287 — ★★★★★
“By far the best part of my trip to Scotland and the best day I have spent on the water in many years.
Conditions on my day at Altyre were less than ideal. The night before, severe thunderstorms hammered the catchment with rain and sent a deluge of water and debris down river. Undeterred, Ian shuttled me from pool to pool. He pointed out the likely lies and coached me on how to cover them with my fly. He worked tirelessly trying to put me on fish. As a former guide myself, I knew the pressure he was feeling to get me into fish. I reassured him that I was having the time of my life – fish or no fish. But that didn’t stop him.
Our day ended with no fish caught. Ian had to leave but invited me to stay and fish for a few more hours on my own. I took him up on his offer and he suggested a few places for me to try. I spent another hour or so on the beat soaking it all in and thoroughly enjoying myself. Soon it was time for me to get back to Inverness. So I reeled in and headed back up the trail to the hut. What a fantastic day.
Everything at Altyre is first class. The fishing hut is in the classic style and is equipped with everything you need for day on the beat. Ian shuttles you from pool to pool in a beautifully restored, 40-year old Range Rover as his dogs dash down the trail, leading the way. The scenery is spectacular. The salmon pools all swing your fly perfectly. It is everything I imagined a classic Scottish salmon fishing excursion would be and more.
And then there is Ian. He is a consummate professional and an absolute wealth of salmon fishing knowledge. He is very attentive and will give you expert advice on fly selection, casting techniques, and picking apart a pool to find the best likely salmon lies. And he is a wonderful man as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with him.
I can't recommend Altyre enough. This was the best day that I have spent on the water in many, many years.
Barry S. Reynolds
Sheboygan, Wisconsin. USA” — July 2026, via Google
Bruce O'Donoghue — ★★★★★
“I have known Ian Neale now for (7) years and had the opportunity to be on the River Findhorn with him on (3) occasions. He is a fabulous guide and instructor, and we look forward to returning soon.” — July 2026, via Google
Charles Thompson — ★★★★★
“My wife and I had the pleasure of spending a day with Ian on the River Findhorn, on the Altyre Estate Beats. It was my wife’s first time fishing with a spey rod, and Ian was a fantastic teacher to us both. We very much enjoyed becoming acquainted with Ian and spending a day casting for salmon, something we enjoy doing here in the Pacific NW of the US. I can’t recommend Ian enough. We’ve spent a good amount of time with great guides over the years, and our time with Ian stands out as a singular experience we will not forget. We wish you the best and Tight Lines!” — June 2026, via Google
Caroline Hamilton — ★★★★★
“3 days on the Findhorn with Ian has been a highlight of the year so far. A stunning river, spectacular trees, and lots of birds and wildlife. Ian was the perfect guide and host, great company, endlessly patient advising us on our casting, and trying his utmost to help us catch a fish. We saw plenty but sadly this time none were interested! We will be back. Thank you, Ian.” — May 2026, via Google
Mark Schwarz — ★★★★★
“A once in a lifetime opportunity to fish for salmon on the River Findhorn, Scotland. Ian’s hospitality and guidance provided for a magnificent experience for me and my two sons to spend a day on the beautiful River Findhorn . From instruction in spaycasting, to placement in the pools Ian was spot on. A Salmon Fishing adventure provided by Ian is highly recommended for an experience you will never forget. Many Thanks Ian!” — May 2026, via Google
Ben Smith — ★★★★★
“We had an amazing experience with Ian. A true legend of the game. An honour to fish with him at Altyre. We had a Springer each day!” — April 2026, via Google
henry spence — ★★★★★
“We had the most fantastic April week fishing at Meads of St John’s (3days) and Altyre Lower beat for a week. Ian and Ali were perfect hosts who looked after us superbly. Both beats were an absolute delight to fish in idyllic surroundings.” — April 2026, via Google
Freddie Spence — ★★★★★
“It was a truly amazing experience fishing at Altyre on the river Findhorn. It was me and my dad’s second time going and each time had been a fabulous experience. It was a pleasure to be guided by Ian Neale and Ali foyers. Who were both very welcoming and helpful throughout the trip. I was lucky enough to hook into one on the 4th day of my trip in the famous garden pool which felt like destiny as Ian says. Then on my last cast in Clark’s I landed a beautiful 7 pound sea liced salmon to finish of a truly amazing week of spring salmon finishing at the stunning River Findhorn.” — April 2026, via Google
Jon McCleary — ★★★★★
“I had the great pleasure of fishing two days in September with Ian. We began with casting instruction and soon moved on to fishing. The water of River Findhorn is varied with deep pools, fast moving runs and boulder filled sections where fish may seek rest after ascending the lower river.
On day two, David Johnstone and I fished together. I had the honor of netting two fish for David. The first, a 6 pound grilse and later in the fading light of dusk, a grand 18 pound salmon.
This was my first time fishing Scotland and I am planning my return for next spring. I enjoyed the company of Ian and his two charming black labs, it is one of my great fishing memories.
This is a magical place because of its natural beauty, history and traditions, I feel honored to have experienced it. Thank you, Ian.
JM” — October 2025, via Google
James hilton — ★★★★★
“We had a fantastic time learning to fish with Ian (and of course his two lovely dogs) on the River Findhorn. He had my daughter Spey casting within 30 minutes. Beautiful scenery in a part of Scotland we have never been to before.” — September 2025, via Google
Lem Stevens — ★★★★★
“I had a great day of speycasting lessons and salmon fishing on the Findhorn River with Ian. I highly recommend him as a guide! If you want a fine guide and water to yourself then go with Ian.” — September 2025, via Google
Jordan & Marloes — ★★★★★
“Absolutely fantastic! I can't recommend enough.
The trip was tailor made and we had Ian teaching us the basics of salmon fishing, while our son, who is a far more accomplished fisherman, was given personal instruction by Ali all day. We enjoyed it thoroughly.
Aside from the fishing, what was also incredibly impressive is the fact that Ali saved the entire trip by clearing all the trees from the road after storm Floris.
Our only wish was that we had booked a longer trip.” — August 2025, via Google
Richard Ashby — ★★★★★
“I highly recommend Ian as a guide. His knowledge, expertise and advice is second to none. He knows this water like the back of his hand and had me fishing the right places at the right time of day for the day's river height. I landed 2 grilse and lost another, which would otherwise have been like finding a needle in a haystack! Ian also took some superb photos and videos of me fishing, playing and releasing the fish which went above and beyond and are a brilliant memento from the 2 days. Many thanks again Ian and looking forward to returning next year!” — August 2025, via Google
Greg Stone — ★★★★★
“Fabulous river and overall experience, with very identifiable pools and runs, and when the conditions were in favour, many running fresh fish. Will be back!” — July 2025, via Google
Scott Broad — ★★★★★
“I moved to the Highlands at the start of 2025 and had fished the Dee and the Spey hard since February 11th—without seeing a single fish. That all changed on July 25th when I spent the day with Speycaster.net and my guide, Davie. Within an hour of fishing the Altyre beat, Davie had me on a fish. His river craft and local knowledge are second to none.
The experience was outstanding from start to finish. If you're looking for a guided salmon fishing day in breathtaking surroundings, you won’t be disappointed. Huge thanks to Ian and Davie – highly recommended!” — July 2025, via Google
Mark Rodick — ★★★★★
“Fishing the Findhorn was an absolute treat An amazing river with spectacular scenery. We were fortunate with some rain and the result was the glorious spectacle of many fish making their way upstream. Thx Ian” — July 2025, via Google
sian hamson — ★★★★★
“I booked this fishing for my husband. Ian was a fantastic guide, he really knows his water which made all the difference as the water was in drought conditions and bright sun. Despite this he took us to the right pools when the sun was off the water and we managed 2 sparkling fresh salmon. The Findhorn is a marvelous river and Ian is the perfect host. Looking forward to our return” — July 2025, via Google
Jens Fischer — ★★★★★
“A wonderful fishing trip to the Findhorn! Good flows and wonderfull nature! Old trees, sandstone cliffs, blossoms and good flow in the river! Spring time :)!!!
One beautiful sealiced springer landed and more grabs and pulls! Very exciting and expert guiding!
Many thanks to Ian and we will be back!” — June 2025, via Google