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Are you thinking of fishing in Scotland? Perhaps you also want to add some touring? We created this ultimate guide to a fishing and touring vacation in Scotland, to help overseas guests plan their trip.

Firstly, Scotland has over 30,00 lochs, and thousands of rivers. Indeed some of the world’s most iconic salmon rivers, and a fishing heritage that is unparalleled. We can help you target the right species, at the right time of year.

When is the best time for fishing and touring in Scotland?

Scotland has a temperate and oceanic climate. There are four distinct four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable but rarely extreme. 

Additionally, the weather in the last decade has got distinctly warmer. For example, we can enjoy hot summer days in April, and cooler days in mid summer. Naturally, it pays to layer up at any time of the year, and bring the right clothing. There is a guide below on what to wear for each season. 

A break down of fishing month to month

November to February – To begin, If you are happy with colder weather, Scotland offer much in the winter. You can fish for Grayling and Pike. Touring is easier as roads are quiet during the winter months. Moreover scenery and light can be breathtaking, especially during frosty or snowy conditions.

March to May – Scotland in Spring is a wonderful time to visit. Brown Trout fishing is outstanding in late March and April. The salmon rivers are in full swing as anglers go in search of an elusive Springer. In addition as we approach May, the days get very long and evening fishing and touring is possible. 

June to August – Mid summer is when the Highland rivers and lochs fish best. in fact, the River Spey, River Ness and River Dee all peak in these months. Also, for guests who are touring the days are long and the weather very pleasant. 

September to October – The Autumn or Fall is truly a majestic time in Scotland. Firstly because of the autumnal colours as leaves turn brown. Also the scenery can be outstandingly dramatic. In addition, the salmon rivers The River Tay and River Tweed are approaching their peak and large number of salmon enter the river systems to spawn. Lastly, touring is a good choice in Autumn. The roads are less busy, and the scenery and changing light is breathtaking. 

Ultimate Guide – What currency is used in Scotland?

To begin with, the currency is Scotland is the British Pound. One hundred pounds is written as £100 GBP (Great British Pounds).

Additionally overseas visitors can withdraw cash in GBP currency throughout Scotland in numerous ATM or cash machines. Lastly, credit cards are accepted everywhere. A small proportion of businesses do not accept American Express, but this is rare nowadays. 

Difference between USA and UK power supply

The standard UK voltage is 240v, whereas the United States standard voltage is 120v. Reassuringly most devices like iPhones and laptops will accept the higher voltage provided by electrical sockets in the UK. Also, you can use simple adaptors that converts the two pin plug to the 3 pin IK plug. These are easily purchased on Amazon if you search for “US to UK plug adapter” 

Ultimate Guide – Is Scotland a safe country to visit?

To begin with, Scotland is a safe country to visit. In fact, most of the crimes committed are confined to the large cities. The come rate in England and Wales is the highest in the UK. Lastly, Scotland’s crime rate has improved, dropping from 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people in 2002/03, to just 52.4 by 2021/22.

Generally speaking, you will find the Scots people, warm, friendly and humorous. Always willing to help and honest and hard working. 

What is the best airport for a fishing vacation in Scotland?

Most overseas flights arrive in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Understandably, Edinburgh is the best choice, as it offers easy access to the capital city and a vast portfolio of rivers like the Tay, Tweed, Spey and Dee. 

Edinburgh Airport is approx 30 minutes taxi ride from the city centre. Also its possible to get to the airport by taxi, tram and Uber. 

Alternatively, if you are looking to visit the Highlands only, Inverness airport is a good choice. Inverness is usually reached via a flight from London. 

Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Self Catering in Scotland

Throughout Scotland there are many great places to stay, but it’s important to understand, you should book well in advance. If you consider Scotland is a small country, with a population of about 5 million people, good accommodation gets booked up quickly. Naturally, you can book through channels such as Air BNB, Booking.com and other channels. However, its worth checking out this carefully chosen list, of some of Scotland’s best accommodation 

Atlantic salmon can be referred to as Rawners, Baggots, Kelts, Springers, and Grilse. Hopefully, this article will help you understand the various terms used to describe their remarkable life cycle.

This article will help you identify these various stages and life cycle of the salmon

The salmon is born in the river and spends the fist few year of its life as a salmon parr. Basically, salmon parr behave, and feed like trout and feed on fly life, shrimp, larvae and other insects. As they gain weight in the second year and approach early spring, a chemical change occurs in their scales, and they start to turn silver.

This change from a brown lustre to bright silver, is in anticipation of migration to the ocean. From this point forward, the young salmon will feed and gain weight in the ocean. Afterwards, and depending on the term spent at sea, the salmon will return to the river to spawn, as a Grilse or a mature salmon.

How to indentify a Grilse – Atlantic Salmon

Firstly, Grilse are salmon that has spent one winter at sea feeding and return to the freshwater river to spawn. They usually enter the rivers in early summer, between July and Mid August. However, this can vary from region to region and also river to river.

Girls arrive in the summer and late summer. Good number of these salmon enter the river systems and can make for some great sport. Remarkably, they fight very hard, often we have hooked and landed smaller fish, between 6-8lb, which seemed much bigger.

Typically these Grilse can range in weight from 2lb to 7lb, depending on the quality of their ocean diet.

Springer – Spring Salmon

Firstly “Springers” are the ultimate prize for any salmon angler. Secondly, these fish are strong, well conditioned and bright silver. “Springers” are strong and well conditioned, after sea feeding. Finally, their strength is needed for spawning and the arduous challenges ahead.

Generally Springers will enter the Scottish rivers from January to May. Understandably, catching a Springer in Scotland, is on every serious salmon anglers bucket list.

Springers are salmon that have spent 2 or 3 winters at sea, before returning to the river to spawn. Commonly these are know as Multi-Sea-Wintered Fish.

Autumn Salmon

Autumn salmon can look completely different in many ways to a fresh silver salmon. Some of these Autumn fish have been in freshwater for months, and therefore take on the colour of their environment. In addition a chemical change occurs within the pigmentation of the salmon’s scales, prior to spawning.

Firstly male salmon, develop a Kype, as you will see in the image above. Secondly this is a sex like characteristic, causing a curvature of the lower jaw in cock fish. Secondly, the salmon in the photo above, has also developed spawning colouration. Also, in Scotland, we call these salmon, “Tartan Fish” and this fish is almost in full breeding dress.

How to identify a Kelt – Atlantic Salmon

A kelt is term given to a salmon after it has spawned. Usually they display a distended vent. In addition they are much thinner than a fresh fish, having used their reserve in the process of spawning.

Atlantic Salmon Kelts, usually have gill maggots. Of course, these fish must be returned to the river safely and quickly, so they can return to the ocean, to regenerate, repair and gain weight.

Finally, a returned 2 sea winter kelt can return to the river again in the future as a real trophy salmon.

What is a Baggot?

A Baggot is a female Atlantic salmon who has failed to spawn. Sometimes, a salmon who has also started but not finished the spawning process. Typically, they can be identified by a soft under carriage, a darker head and enlarged anal fin.

What is a Rawner?

A Rawner is a male Atlantic Salmon that has failed to spawn.

Atlantic Salmon Parr

The Salmon Parr lives, feeds and grows in freshwater rivers for a couple of years. Naturally, its prime concern is in escaping predation, from Trout, Goosanders, Cormorants, Herons, and Kingfishers. Hence the camouflage marking it adopts.

Lastly, salmon parr do look similar to trout parr, and the two often get misidentified. Uniquely, the Parr, has a longer shape to its body, no orange on its adipose fin, a sharper snout, smaller mouth and a more pronounced fork in the tail. Thanks to Lizzie Harper for the two beautiful illustrations below.

Smolt – Young Salmon

To begin with, after a few years feeding in the river, the your parr goes through something akin to puberty and a physical metamorphosis. Secondly, this change is preparing it for the migration to sea. Also, this smolt migration happens in early spring and with good river levels, the smolts can get safely to the ocean and escape the mouths of hungry predators.

There’s a remarkable chemical change which occurs. Guanine crystals form a layer in the skin, and the scales change to a silver colour. Brown trout fisherman know only too well, that there are some very big predatory trout caught during the smolt migration.

This post reveals our top 10 trout flies for the River Tweed.

Top 10 – Best trout flies for the River Tweed

The Jingler

Firstly we start with a well trusted fly pattern, The Jingler. This fly pattern has been tied with CDC wings.

Recommended Size 10-16.

This fly can be used from the start of the trout season from march to June and the smaller size would definitely do well to the end of the season.

This fly is a great dry fly at representing March Browns , brook Duns and Olives .

The fly it’s self looks like a adult fly stuck in the surface film as it’s emerging and the trout find this a easy fly to take off the top of the water

The Para Dun Olive

Secondly the Olive Para Dun, a lethal dry fly pattern.

Recommended Size 12-18 on barbless hooks.

Conveniently, this fly is easy to spot on the top of the water, with the white post.

Alternatively, you could use this fly as a searching pattern, on fast moving water to induces takes. In addition it’s deadly when fished like a static dry fly through flat glides too.

The Olive Para Dun looks like an insect trapped in the surface film. Generally, this fly is a good representation of all olive types of flies.

Ideally, this Fly pattern can be used from the start of the trout season in March all the way to the end of the season but again using smaller sizes, like 16 and 18. Lastly, the fly can represent anything from Duns and spinners. You can see how to tie this pattern on the video below:

The Emerger Dry Fly – one of the best trout flies on the Tweed

Here is our third choice, the Emerger dry fly.

Recommended Size 10-18 on barbless hooks.

You definitely need to have plenty of these in your box. When the fish look like they are rising to something and there is nothing on the surface , try this pattern. You’ll find the fish will confidently take your fly.

Often trout don’t take the insect off the top of the water they tend to take the insect as it hatches on the surface. Indeed when the fly is suspended in the surface film, trout are more likely to take the fly as its less likely to fly away at the last second.

This manifests as a little dimple rise In the surface . Mostly, we would use this fly from the start to the end of the trout season.

In March to June in the bigger sizes, and then smaller sizes from June to October. This fly could represent March Browns, Olives and Iron Blue Duns, therefore can be tied with hares ear body, or black to represent a greater range of insects.

Cinnamon Para Dun – trout flies for the afternoon and evening menu

Introducing the Cinnamon paradun with extended tail.

Alba recommend sizes Size 12 to 18 on barbless hooks

Usually this fly is spotted in the evening and afternoons. Therefore we tie it an orange sighter to make it easier to see.

The Cinnamon Dun represents any spinners that are trapped in the surface film.

Typically the Spinners fly in groups over the top of the water, and sometimes collide with each other, falling to the surface. Also, on windy days, the spinners can be blown onto the surface, where trout will rise to feed on them.

Often, fish will leap out the water to gobble these flies in mid air. Lastly, this pattern is used in may through to October.

To conclude, Brook Dun spinners are best in the bigger sizes. In addition Olive upright spinners tied in smaller sizes, would represent medium olive spinners, and blue wing olive spinners and others.

Black Klinkhammer

Our next fly is the Black Klinkhammer .

Our recommended sizes from 14-18 on barbless hooks.

The Kilinkhammer is good at representing Midge patterns, and also does well imitating the iron blue dun emerger . Ideally we would use this fly in May for the iron and blue Duns hatching off, and again in August up to October, when more midge and terrestrials are hatching. Definitely use this fly in size 16 and 18 from August to October.

The Pheasant Tail Nymph – surely one of the best trout flies ever?

The Pheasant tail nymph is a classic trout fly, on any water.

We tie these from size 12 to 18 on barbless hooks.

Universally this fly is used from the start of the trout season right through to the end of the season.

Collectively, this fly represents so many insects you find under the stones.

Most of the time the trout subsurface feed, feeding on these nymphs throughout the day.

Often if there is no surface activity, this can be fished under a dry fly. Secondly, if euronymphing, you can fish these in a team of 2 to 3 Flies. Finally, from July to October this fly is best in smaller sizes 14-18.

Woolie Bugger

The Woolie bugger is one of the world’s best trout flies, and it works well on the Tweed too.

Our preference is to tie in sizes of 6-12.

Typically after spring, when fish fixate on eating fish, this fly becomes effective.

Undertsandibly, Trout need protein and nutrients, lacking in small insects. Therefore they need a bigger meal to survive and thrive.

Also, bigger fly patterns are more effective after a flood. Ideally, you would add a sink tip to your fly line, to get the fly down to the target. To conclude, fish this as erratically and annoyingly as possible and use it anytime from March to October.

Water Hen Blow Spider – Soft hackle flies for the Tweed

A regular pattern when fishing the Tweed is the Water Hen Bloa Spider.

The optimum Size for these flies are 12-16’s.

Interestingly, this is a wet fly that can also be fished subsurface.

Generally, it’s great for imitating, a wide range of insects such as Olive patterns.

Preferably this is best fished, before the main hatch of insects, or at the end of a hatch of Olives. The reason for this, is that fish will be looking for surface flies, and anything in their window, is fair game.

Paradoxically you can fish this fly upstream on a floating line, or cast the fly straight across the river and let it swing in the current.

If you let the fly swing in the current, you will a savage take and tightening of your line.

In summary, use these flies throughout the season, aiming for bigger sizes until June, and then smaller sizes July to October.

The Worm Fly

Sometimes called the Squirmie Wormy, we prefer, “The Worm Fly”.

This more subtle version, is deadly when the river is high and has some colour on it. Following a flood, the worms on river banks get washed into the water, hence these flies become very effective.

Preferred sizes are from 12-14

Often bigger fish will be captured after a spate, with the Worm, as they prefer a bigger meal with more protein. Lastly, worth mentioning, this colour shows up very well, in murky spate water.

Balloon Caddis – Effective trout flies on the Tweed

Our final fly is the Balloon caddis dry fly

Usually we tie this on a size 10-16, using black , olive and hares ear for the body.

Sometimes this is effective as an indicator fly, when hanging a nymph underneath, The best size for this is 10 and 12 to give the buoyancy.

Secondly when using as a dry fly, the olive colour works at the end of April during a grannom hatch. Ideally fish them in a size 14 and 16 for this.

Ideally stick to smaller sizes during June to October. Typically Caddis swarm over the top of the water in big numbers during the evening, and find smaller numbers in the afternoon.

Whilst they are swarming and bumping int each other, the fall out gives trout the opportunity to grab them on the surface. Lastly the profile of this fly keeps it right in the surface film, mimicking a Caddis pupae emerging or adult insect stuck in surface of the water.

Flies tied by Alba Guide Cuillin Rae- article by Stewart Collingswood and Cuillin Rae © 2023

It’s the start of a new year, and I have been reflecting over the past year. What a year 2022 has been. 

After leaving my old job and becoming a full-time guide for Alba game fishing Ltd, I have become happier, more confident with myself.

I reflect back on all the jobs Alba delivered last year. 

It was certainly and unusual one, apart from being busy, we had to squeeze in two years of Covid reschedules. 

It’s great to see international travel come back again with guests all over the world . I have met so many great people along the way. Ghillies, guests, and other guides. I’ve made a few friends too.

My introduction to fishing on the River Tweed

I have been very fortunate to be brought up right next to the river banks of the famous River Tweed. I first learned to fish there, when I was 18 years old. 

I watched my brothers, catching small fish on their trout rods and thought that looks like fun, so ended up buying a fishing permit and giving it a try.  

I was friendly with a neighbour in our village, who give me a fly rod and fly tying kit. This helped me get started into fly fishing. 

I remember using this rod and I was fishing 2 spider flies and I swung them round under a bush, and then the line locked tight, and I connected with a fish . It was an amazing feeling because I had never experienced anything like it before, and couldn’t believe how hard these wild fish fight, and how much fun it was. 

As I got more into the Fishing on my local river, I bumped into a few members from the local Angling club. They had fished internationally for Scotland numerous times and I didn’t realise there was such thing as competition river fishing. 

Introduction to competition fishing

I went out with one of the guys in the club, who showed me some new techniques ,methods and set ups. I was amazed how many fish you could catch in a day. It was good to see what flies he used, compare to those in my own fly box. 

After going out on the river with an internationalist, I then started looking at better rods, reels and lines. I wanted to improve my casting, distance and presentation. I also wanted a rod that was more balanced for me. I ended up getting rid of the heavy 11ft #8 weight rod I was given by my neighbour. It was far too heavy for river fishing. After advice from our local fishing tackle shop the Border Gunroom, I opted for a lighter set up, more suited to river fishing, a 9ft #5 weight. 

Scottish National Flyfishing league

Once I had built up my skills and experience over a few years fly fishing for trout, I then decided to trial the Scottish National Flyfishing league, and entered as a guest rod to experience the competition. 

The competition was held on the river tweed and it was local to me, so I was familiar with some of the pools. I remember being very nervous because I had never competed in a competition before. 

I finish the competition in second place with seven fish. I managed to catch six in the morning and just one in the afternoon. That was a great result and I was really chuffed, so I decided to enter the Scottish National flyfishing league. I’m still in the league to this date. 

European Fly Fishing Championships 2018

In 2018 I fished in my first European competition in France, called the Five Nations. In 2022 I fished in the world fly fishing, championship in Asturias, Spain. I think after doing the world fly fishing championship, I am very keen to do another one again. Competition fishing has definitely helped me to think a lot more on fly selection, and set ups to help result in a better day is fishing to suite the conditions. 

I’m thinking about things like, on a bright day when the water is low, fish a longer leader and also downsize the tippet and flies to avoid spooking any fish. Or even a simple thing, like instead of using a bright silver, tungsten bead ,changing to a black or a coffee coloured bead.

From retail to the river bank

I used to work in fishing retail. This is where I was able to build up good general knowledge on angling as a sport. I worked for Orvis in Kelso for two years, and also worked for Edinburgh Angling Center for a couple of years too. 

All of these stores sold a lot of Salmon gear too. Here I learnt a lot more about the different lines used for salmon fishing the difference between the Spey lines, Scandi lines and Skagit lines. 

During my spell working for Orvis, I took a few “learn how to fly fish” courses there and also a few fly tying courses too. That in a way, was my first taste of guiding. I enjoyed learning new skills in the outdoors. 

You meet the strangest folk

Whilst working in Orvis Edinburgh, I met Stewart Collingswood from Alba Game Fishing Limited. We got on well, and struck up a friendship. We also fished together a few times, and he once asked me if I ever considered doing some part time guiding. 

I started guiding part time with Alba, to see what it was like and I really enjoyed the experience. I was working full time in retail, and guiding for Alba game fishing on my days off. Having the experience of doing both jobs side by side, cemented my desire to give guiding a try. I felt like I needed to be outdoors again and really enjoyed the days as I was given the opportunity to guide for Alba Game Fishing. 

A full time position as a guide – a new opportunity

In the September after Covid, an opportunity came along and I was offered a full position as a guide with Alba. I was a bit sceptical at first because I wasn’t sure if there was enough work for me. I felt like it was a bit of a gamble. 

Now when I look back at this. I realise that was a very good move and it was good to move away from retail and work in the outdoors. 

I really enjoy seeing the clients using my flies, learning new skills, look after them and keeping them safe and make sure they have enjoyable experience.

The challenges of being a guide

There have been many challenges I have overcome when Guiding. Time is critical, and punctuality and being organised are vital to the job.   When it comes to time, I’ve worked hard to be as punctual as possible. Working out how long a journey to a fishing venue takes, then adding in extra, in case of road snags.

Also allowing time to set up rods, so when the guest arrives, it saves them time and hassle.  By doing this, you feel more relaxed in your job. You might have to get up an hour earlier, to arrive an hour before the guests arrive. 

The river is in spate, what do we do?

The River is in spate – what to do now?

There are many challenges. None more so than when the rivers are flooded. You need to quickly come up with an alternative plan to still give your clients the best experience out on the water. 

I sometimes watch the online river levels like a hawk during the night, planning ahead for any change in conditions. On those occasions, when the river is unfishable we can sometimes shift to another river, still water fishery or reschedule. 

Keep calm and carry on fishing

The good thing about this job as it has built up my confidence. I now make my own decisions and take control of the day. It can get challenging, especially when a client is not enjoying an experience. The best thing is to remain calm, and find out what the client is looking for, to change the day around. It is not easy hooking fish for everyone, especially when you get novices. However with care, patience and persistence, we usually do well.

A lot of the rivers in Scotland, have wild fish and wild fish can be spooked easily. It;’s worth starting the day with a few lessons. Educating guests to stay quiet when climbing into the water. The aim not to spook fish.

Highlights of guiding in 2022 in Scotland

I had a father and son out  on the River Tay. The river was quite high that day, so they had to fish off the bank. Wading in flooded water is never a safe option.

The story behind this fishing trip was quite special as the Son was a recovering cancer patient. The cancer charity has paid for him to go out  Salmon Fishing with his dad. I got the Son casting in no time at all and they both were using fly rods at the time. The fly swung around close to the bank, then locked tight. He ended up catching the salmon off the banking. I remember his Dad saying that was amazing. The Charity was called “Dreams come true” Ut certainly did for them.

Once I was Guiding for American guest, who was himself a fishing guide in the States. This made me a little nervous. I felt a little bit of pressure on this job. I picked the client up from Gleneagles and when I turned up there, I was surprised to see another Alba guide John who was also doing a pick up at Gleneagles.

We both laughed and said what are you doing here? John’s reply was I was going to ask you the same question? We both had separate jobs from the same hotel. I picked up the client and I drove him to a beautiful that river runs through Glen Lyon . 

I looked off the bridge and seen the water was starting to colour up a little bit. I set him up with a streamer, not long after starting, he said he had a couple of follows. We moved down river and to some faster flowing water where I changed his tactics and give him a Vision Nymphmaniac Euronymph Rod . 

First trout on a Euronymph set up for the guest

He had never used this set up before, I showed him how to cast flies and also follow the indicator. He then cast in the pool where I said, there might be a fish sitting and connected with a beautiful trout which he used the photo I took on his website. 

After fishing the pool we moved back up to where he had started. I said to him the river is now really changing colour, so I got him to fish the streamer again. I noticed there was a fish rising near some overhanging trees along the bank, but not up enough times for a dry fly. I then got him to cross the bridge and fish the streamer on that bank near the overhanging trees, and right at the tail end of the pool. He ended up landing five trout on the streamer. What a day he had.

I also remember taking out a mother and a son for a trout fishing experience on my home water. The water conditions were very low and I was a bit worried how my fish for my clients. I walked up to a pool that I have fished numerous times and had good success in there. 

I started one of the clients with the dry dropper method, and let the son fish that method as I could see he was a better caster. I then got the mother into the pool and I decided to put on a couple of spiders for her to swing, as I noticed she couldn’t cast quite as far. 

Didn’t take long till they both caught fish. They went up and down the same pool so many times and still caught fresh throughout the day. Was amazing to see how many fish were actually in that pool. 

Later on that day near the end of the afternoon the rain poured down and we all ended up hiding under a tree. At the end of the day, they thanked me, for making this on wonderful experience. They said they really enjoyed their day and it was good fun. I loved to hear that feedback, and it made me happy that I had made a memory for them.

Highlights of working as a fishing guide

There has been a few things that has been really enjoyable about this job and here are some of the things that I think make this job great. I really enjoy meeting clients from all over the world, and then helping them to make memories of their experiences. 

I get to travel to new locations and every day is different, some of the scenery and landscapes you come across can be really amazing. You get a chance to see new rivers all over Scotland, and in hidden and private location sometimes too. I really enjoy meeting some of the Gillies on different beats of the river, and also working with other guides in the team. 

I have enjoyed hearing clients say that they have never caught certain fish before like the grayling. And sometimes hear them say that is the biggest grayling they have caught too. I really enjoy seeing clients catch the Atlantic salmon and for me that is the most valuable fish species on the list. 

I have enjoyed getting some more time off at weekends with this job, so I can spend time with my partner which I didn’t get in my old retail job.

There is also some parts that I might not enjoy as much. I find during the summer it can get tiring, when having to get up early and coming home late. A 13 to 14 hour days can be standard, with all the travelling included on the day. I feel like you do lose your evening when you get back, and there is not much time to tie flies, or spend time with your partner.

I also find if you don’t sleep well the night before and then having to get up early , I can find it hard to function, especially when it is 5 am or 6 am in the morning. I suppose I have to balance this with the understanding that between November and March, there is less pressure and a lot of extra time off, a lot of time to sleep, and relax, and between the two it balances out.

Leaky Waders, broken rods, all in a days work

There is nothing worse when you’re out on the water and gear fails on the day. Definitely when the rod breaks or waders leak. I’ve learned to take plenty of spare gear with you.

It’s challenging when the fish are not cooperating and you can see the clients morale drop. This is when you draw on your experience and keep trying new methods and experimenting. Having confidence in my own fly patterns is key, and believing in the techniques. 

There are jobs, where the clients are challenging and have expectations that are not aligned with reality. My skill has been to learn how to manage this, and to communicate with the guests, and perhaps change direction and offer something else, if things are not working out. 

After all these challenges and experiences working full time for Alba Game Fishing, I’m excited to see what the future brings for me and looking forward to this new season ahead. I have definitely made the right career path, and I am certainly not looking back.

Cuillin Rae is a full time fly fishing guide with Alba Game Fishing Ltd and current member of the Scotland Fly Fishing Team.

Permit prices on all Scottish salmon river vary in prices, month by month. The pricing is set by likelihood of catching salmon. This in turn is determined by previous catch returns, for various weeks of the season.

In Scotland, if you own the land next to the river, then you usually own the fishing rights. If your property has river frontage, then you might own the fishing rights on one or both banks. These fishing rights are defined according to the title deeds of your property. In some instances, the fishing is sold off as a separate entity, and it can managed by a third party.

Salmon fishing permits can range from £50-£70 per day for less expensive beats, up to £450 per day on an expensive stretch of the river. Sporting estates are keen to sell salmon fishing as one-week let. If you were to book a week on the river, generally, but not always, you will be offered the same week next year in perpetuity. In addition, estates are keen to sell fishing and accommodation as a package.

On top of permit price, then you may wish to employ a fishing guide in Scotland. This can drastically improve your chances of catching. Keep you safe and make the day more rewarding. Most beats have a resident ghillie. See below.

What’s the difference between a ghillie and fishing guide?

Most beats have a resident Ghillie. As well as being an expert on their stretch of water (beat) The ghillie will dictate the rotation of rods, so anglers all get a fair crack at the best spots.

The ghillie knows his stretch of water inside out. He will understand the tactics and strategy to increase your likelihood of catching. The Ghillie will also look after the upkeep and maintenance of the beat, the river banks, vermin and work with bailiffs to keep an eye on poachers.

So where does a guide fit in with all of this? The work of the ghillie is invaluable however he must spread himself over the various guests on the beat. This can work well, if guests know what they are doing and stay safe. In my 18 years experience, more novice anglers need careful watching.

Safety when wading in rivers

I remember some guests from London fishing in September on the Tweed. They had all been told exactly where to fish, what to do and how deep to wade. One chap decided to do things his way and started wading too deep. He got caught in a strong current, and didn’t realise what he was wading on was a narrow spit of gravel, with deep shelve either side. Luckily he survived the ordeal, but it took some arduous and heart stopping wading back upstream, before heading for the shore. He could have drowned. The guide had only gone 100 years upstream to check another guest, and that was when it nearly went wrong.

So first and foremost, having a guide on your shoulder all day will keep you safe. In addition, most ghillies will not spend a while day helping you learn to cast. It would be similar to going for a meal and expecting he chef to spend all day teaching you to cook.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some very good ghillies, that are brilliant spey casters and will give guests tips and assistance. But if you are looking to make the most of a day and really focus on one to one learning, then a full day with a guide, will deliver more than a short spell with a ghillie. The ghillie is a busy man, and has other guests to deal with.

Why do salmon fishing permit prices vary?

Salmon fishing permits are similarly priced to tickets at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. You can buy a ticket for a first round game in the outer court, or a ticket for the mens final on Centre Court. The pricing matrix on tennis is set by the likelihood of witnessing a champion or a star player. Your chances of landing an Atlantic salmons by previous Catch returns and the quality of the beat.

Where can you find the best value salmon fishing in Scotland?

Are you looking for reasonably priced salmon fishing? Then here are some tips to steer you in the right direction. The upper River Tweed in Autumn offers great value and if the conditions are high, sport can be exceptional. Over the last few years, warmer weather patterns, have changed the migration of salmon. The Autumn Run is not as prolific, and aiming to fish the upper stretches in August and September.

It’s worth keeping an eye on the river levels. When the river settles back after a spate, this can be an effective time to target salmon. The pools are likely to contain fresh fish, and they are likely to be sparky and more eager to take. The upper Tweed and the River Whiteadder are worth considering in these conditions.

Everyone has an opinion, when it comes to choosing the best salmon fly. I’ve seen the most dog eared twisted and gnarled flies catch fish. Anglers lovingly grooming some tatty charred remains – Ben Gunn castaway that looks as though it has been fired out of a cannon.

Desperately trying to get it back into shape so it can repeat that sublime magic trick. Hooking a salmon. 

Choosing the right Salmon Flies in Scotland

Under-dressed, overdressed, too big, too small. Too heavy, too light, too long too short. Wrong materials, old patterns, new patterns. Hitched, un-hitched, rapala knot, single turle, double turle, lucky and unlucky. Slow movement, fast movement.

And all these observations every time you open your fly box. Your poor brain processing speed is like the wheel of death, buffering your live stream. If you are like me then picking out a winner is a tough gig. I catch so few salmon that experimentation is a high-risk occupation. So, I tend to go for flies that have done the business. The fish with an element of confidence ploy.

Variety is the spice of life..right?

The shear amount of salmon fly patterns should give you a clue. Books so thick that you could use them to stand on to change a light bulb, full of variants and variations. Potbellied pig, red Francis, cascade, atomic cascade, turbo stoats’ tail, pig Francis, cascading pig.

Who knows. Not me. Right place? Right time? Maybe. 

Most of us rotate the squad like Pep Guardiola on a European night. Most of our big guns get a run out during a session. The squad is punctuated by some new signing hot prospect. A hot shot that has rewritten the record books on the continent. A hot shot recommended by the scouts on a distant forum or caught your eye on Ebay. Another must have sure thing that will muster a fish like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat.

Tried and tested salmon flies, or experiment with new patterns?

These new signings don’t have long to make an impact. Alan Shearer is in your fly box, is nearly back to full fitness and he wants his place back. With each empty cast you remind yourself of Shearers glory days. Not long now until you bring the new lad off and put on the tried and tested war horse.

Stoats Tail (The Alan Shearer of the fly box)

My Alan Shearer is a street fighting Stoats Tail that looks like it’s been chewed by an escalator. Size twelve hook, tatty black hackle, silver wrapping now flapping with a hint of a clipped yellow stump. I think I may have found it in a tree. Those type of found flies are my favourites. Lost by an unlucky angler, and found by a lucky one. Or so I would like to imagine.

I start and finish every session with it. Now most of the time I use it on the dropper with a lightly dressed Willie Gunn on point. Are they better than anything else in the box? Who knows. Certainly not me. But when you do manage to perform the magic trick and actually hook an Atlantic Salmon. The fly that cracks the code is one that stays in the memory every time the box is opened. 

Terminal Chancer – James Gilbraith (author and fisherman)

This short piece written by James Gilbraith, author of two excellent fishing books. Terminal Chancer and Hooked on Hope.

Last September I was fishing for salmon on the Tulchan “A” beat of the River Spey.

It was a real please and privilege to meet Head Ghillie John Anderson. John has spent 40 years fine tuning his art on the river Spey. A man at one with nature, the river, and salmon. He has a deeper sense of understanding, than just catching fish.

John also looks after the “Kings Hut”. A small traditional fishing hut on the left bank of the Spey, accessible only by boat. A Mecca to anyone interested in classic river Spey salmon flies. I’m saying no more than that, to give away anything else, would spoil the surprise.

I was fishing with Pete and Emma Tyjas, and earlier that morning, Pete had had a brief encounter with a salmon, that sadly didn’t stick. “What fly Pete?” I asked. “A Lady Caroline”. I liked the look of it, and Pete kindly gave me one out of his box. Later that day, I had a salmon on briefly, on the same fly. This on a day when conditions were challenging with low water and bright light.

Later in the main fishing hut with John, a precious 30 minutes listening to John talking about the traditional Spey Salmon Fly patterns, and showing me examples of flies he had tied. I was hooked.

Classic river Spey Salmon Flies

We went through patterns including, The Lord March, Miss Grant, Logie, Jimmy, Countess of Seafield, Jeannie, Vivienne, Glen Lauren, Green Queen, and Lady Caroline. It was mesmerising to see the different patterns, and learn when to fish them. They are simple and timeless patterns.

If you’re interested in tying a Lady Caroline, check out this video by Davie McPhail.

John still fishes these classic patterns on the Spey and described what size and combination worked at differing water levels and conditions. It was fascinating.

As guides, we are always looking to experiment and embrace new techniques. I think sometimes it pays to look backwards. I can be highly effective to embrace the tried and tested traditional techniques that built folklore and history on these rivers. Flies that have bent rods for generations.

Tying River Spey and Dee traditional Classic salmon Flies

Such was my interest in these classic flies, that we decided to get tower and tie some up. Sourcing the materials was problematic, and many of the feathers used in these patterns are now prohibited or from protected species of birds. There are of course synthetic substitutes. Traditionally these flies were tied on heavy long shank single iron hooks, and in keeping with this process, it’s about finding a modern equivalent. We are in the process of sourcing materials, and tying our own Spey Fly patterns. I really do see that these have huge value and fish catching ability.

I asked John what would be a good source to study these fly tying materials, and he pointed us in the direction of two really excellent books.

“Spey Flies, by Bob Veverka” and Spey Flies and Dee Flies, Their history and Construction, by John Shewey.

I would conclude by this. There is something truly magical about fishing with Classic Scottish Fly Patterns. I know these are used throughout the world to great effect. Imagine the inventiveness, at the craft, the history behind each fly pattern. Imagine the green heart and split cane rods, that would have cast these flies, the silk lines, the Tweed, waxed cotton and sound of an old brass reel as a River Spey salmon pulls away on a run. As I write this, I cannot verbalise what it is about this type of angling heritage that is so special. You either get it…or not.

Enjoy your salmon fishing and given them a try. Tight Lines

Author Stewart Collingswood