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Firstly the River Tay is undoubtedly one of the world’s iconic salmon fishing rivers. As the largest and longest river in Scotland, the Tay holds a special place in the hearts of fishermen worldwide. This is an updated guide for 2025 and is especially aimed at overseas visitors from the USA looking to fish the Tay for the first time.

To begin with, the Tay is 117 miles in length and drains a catchment area of 2,500 square miles. The River Tay source is on the western slopes of Ben Lui, on the west coast, yet flows into the North Sea at Dundee on Scotland’s east coast. Without doubt the River Tay has earned reputation as the King of Scottish salmon rivers, and offers anglers an unforgettable experience.

How far is the River Tay from Edinburgh?

First of all it’s a pleasant 1 hour drive from the West end of Edinburgh. Along the way, you’ll pass Loch Leven, this is one of the world’s most famous trout lochs. For the main part, it’s all motorway to the village of Dunkeld. Furthermore, our guides can sometimes pick you up from an Edinburgh hotel.

For those wanting to make their own way to the Tay, there is an excellent train service. In addition Dunkeld is also a good stop en route to traveling North to Inverness and the Highlands.

Travel distances to the River Tay from Scottish cities

1. Edinburgh to Dunkeld – 1 hour drive – Motorway most of the way
2. Glasgow to Dunkeld – 1 hour 15 minute drive, mainly motorway and via Stirling
3. St Andrews to Dunkeld – 50 minutes smaller roads, an interesting drive
4. Stirling to Dunkeld 50 minutes – mainly dual carriageway
5. Aberdeen to Dunkeld – 1 hour 45 minutes, mainly dual carriageway via Dundee and Perth
6. Aberlour (River Spey) to Dunkeld – 2 hours a mixture of smaller A roads and dual carriageway

Is it possible for non anglers to come on a days salmon fishing on the Tay?

To begin with, non anglers are 100% welcome to come and enjoy the great scenery, and beauty of this Scottish river. Also there are excellent river side paths. If fishing near Dunkeld, Shakespeare lovers can walk from the beat hut to the Birnam Oak.

As well as the walks, and interesting sights, there are excellent fishing huts, that cater for non anglers. You can relax, enjoy a tea or coffee and put your feet up by the fire. Equally the village of Dunkeld is a short distance away and is an interesting village to visit.

Why the River Tay is Perfect for Salmon Fishing

First and foremost, the Tay is regarded as Scotland’s most accessible and fishable salmon rivers, thanks to its vast size. The Tay has consistent water levels, and numerous tributaries. Equally the river is suitable for both beginners and experts alike.

Furthermore, its numerous lochs help regulate water levels, ensuring that the river remains fishable even during the lowest summer flows. Similarly, the Tay remains accessible even after heavy rainfall. This is because these lochs act as natural settling tanks that reduce floodwater sedimentation. On numerous occasions, and in low water, the Tay will remain fishable, and this is important for our guests who travel from the US.

In addition to its impressive size, the River Tay is also incredibly convenient for anglers visiting Scotland. Thanks to its proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh, both just 90 minutes by car, the river is easy to reach for American visitors. Beyond fishing, the Tay offers a full Scottish experience, combining world-class salmon fishing with the charm of Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

The River Tay’s Legendary Salmon: Big Fish and Big Stories

It is no secret that the River Tay is renowned for its big fish, with its long history of producing some of the largest salmon in the country. For example, in 1922, a remarkable 64-pound salmon was caught in the Tay’s famous Glendelvine Beat by Georgina Ballantine. In fact this still stands as the largest rod-caught salmon in British history. More recently, anglers have landed fish in the 40-pound range proving that the Tay still has room for giants.

What’s more, many believe that salmon even larger than 50 pounds still make their way up the River Tay each year, particularly during Autumn. Although these massive fish are often found dead as “kelts” it’s a reminder of the potential for truly legendary catches in the Tay.

When to Fish the River Tay: The Salmon Fishing Seasons

When it comes to timing your fishing trip, the River Tay offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout its extended season. The River Tay fishing season officially opens on January 15th, with fresh run salmon appearing early in the season and remaining present through February. However, March is when the magic truly begins, as the arrival of warmer weather triggers a greater influx of salmon. As the river warms, fish begin migrating into Loch Tay and its tributaries, including the Isla and Tummel rivers.

By April and May, conditions are ideal for catching fresh Spring salmon, with March through May typically being the prime time for larger fish. Subsequently by June and July, the river often reaches its lowest levels, and sparsely dressed traditional flies like the “Silver Stoat” and “Blue Charm” prove especially effective in attracting fish. Furthermore, summer marks the arrival of Grilse These are salmon that have spent one winter at sea and average between 4 and 9 lb in weight.

As August and September approach, the river sees an influx of autumn salmon, with larger fish becoming more prevalent.

Finally for those fishing into October, the River Tay’s Autumn runs and big fish, with the cooler waters providing ideal conditions for salmon fishing.

Essential Gear for Salmon Fishing the River Tay

To ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience, it’s important to have the right equipment for the River Tay’s varying conditions. Here’s a list of essential fishing gear you’ll need for the River Tay:

• Breathable chest waders and studded boots: These are crucial for wading safely and maintaining grip on the slippery riverbed.
• Polaroid sunglasses: Essential for reducing glare, but they also help you spot fish, especially when wading. Sunglasses also offer eye protection when fly casting
• Wading stick and life jacket: These are always important for safety while navigating the Tay’s fast-moving waters.
• Salmon fly rods (14-16ft): Double-handed rods are ideal for fly fishing, paired with a floating line and sink tips to cover various seasonal conditions.
• Salmon landing net: A large framed net is necessary for safely landing your catch.
• Baseball Hat – Sounds silly, but you will need one for head protection.
• Warm Layers free from studs, buckles and belts for wearing under waders

The Best Salmon Flies for the River Tay

Undoubtedly, the River Tay is known for its array of salmon flies, each suited to different seasons. Here are some of the most popular patterns used by successful anglers:

• Spring (January – March): The “Dee Monkey” and Yellow and Black” flies, especially those tied on copper tubes, are extremely effective in colder waters.
• Late Spring (April – May): Smaller patterns lightly dressed are effective, so are surface patterns like the Sunday Shadow and Collie Dog.
• Summer (June – July): The classic “Silver Stoat” and “Blue Charm” work particularly well during the warmer months when water clarity is high.
• Autumn (August – October): Flies featuring orange or red hues, like the “Willie Gunn”, or “Red Francis”, are especially effective during the fall months.

Clothing to wear on a River Tay Salmon fishing day

Without doubt, you should dress appropriately for a day on the river. Especially when wading.

Even in the summer, wear layers, that can be removed or layered up as the temperature changes. The weather on the River Tay is unpredictable, and conditions can go south very quickly, so be prepared.

When wading, wear two layers on your legs and thick socks. Equally, try to avoid clothing with zips, buckles and as these are downright uncomfortable under waders. Bring a warm hat and we will supply you with a cool “Fishing in Scotland” baseball cap. Patagonia base layers and lightweight thermal jackets are excellent.

Summary of what to bring for your salmon fishing day:

1. Sunglasses – this is Vitaly important for eye protection

2. Warm layers. Its also best not to wear jean under waders, soft joggers or thermal leggings are best, free from buckles, studs and zips

3. Waterproof rain jacket

4. Sensible footwear for when not wading (some fishing can be from the bank) wet grass with a good grip on the sole, i.e. walking boots or gore tex trainers

5 Lunch and drinks

The River Tay’s Towns, Hotels, and Accommodations

While fishing the River Tay is a highlight of your trip, the surrounding area offers much more. The River Tay flows through picturesque towns such as Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, with Perth being the main city where the river meets the North Sea. These towns offer a variety of accommodations, from charming B&Bs to high-end hotels, all within easy reach of the river’s best fishing beats.

Undoubtedly, Dunkeld is one of our favourite towns, not just on the Tay but in Scotland. A small village with a great community. There’s an 11th century cathedral, artesan shops, and great places to eat. Redwood wines is one of the best restaurants in Perthshire. There’s an award wining bakery and unique art galleries. The gallery in Dunkeld its on e of the few to stick original David Henty paintings. This beautiful town is right on the banks of the Tay. Not to be missed are the Taybank folk music pub and outside eating and local ales by the river.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for great accommodation in Dunkeld, the Atholl Arms is a great choice. It has been recently refurbished and sits overlooking the Telford bridge of the River Tay. Importantly you can walk to all the pubs and restaurants from here with ease.

Conservation and ensuring the Future of Salmon Fishing

In recent years, the River Tay management has made significant strides to protect the river’s salmon population. Through Catch & Release measures, these efforts have helped ensure that salmon runs remain strong and sustainable. Additionally, the Scottish Government has implemented a policy making it illegal to kill wild salmon until April 1st each year,. Therefore providing further protection to the river’s valuable fish stocks.

Thanks to these conservation practices, the Tay has seen encouraging salmon runs, ensuring that future generations of anglers can continue to experience the thrill of fishing here.

Fishing Methods on the River Tay

The River Tay offers several fishing methods to suit various preferences. Fly fishing and spey casting are the most traditional and popular technique, using a 14-16ft double-handed rod. Alternatively, spinning with a 9-11ft spin fishing rod is ideal for those who prefer a more hands-on approach. Another unique method is harling (boat fishing), which involves trolling with multiple rods from a boat to cover a wider area.

Equally a professional guide will advise on the best fishing approach based on the prevailing water conditions. Sometimes, deploying multiple methods throughout the day is the most effective way to catch salmon. This also ensures a varied and interesting experience, as you can mix spin casting with fly fishing.

Book Your River Tay Salmon Fishing Adventure

If you’re new to salmon fishing or want to refine techniques, you should consider booking a professional River Tay fishing guide. A guide will supply all the necessary equipment and expert advice to help you land your first Scottish salmon.

Furthermore it’s vital to book your salmon fishing day well in advance. It’s late December 2024 when I wrote this and we are already 60% booked for next season.

The History of Salmon Fishing in the Tay River

For over a thousand years, Salmon fishing has played a significant role in Tayside and Scotland. Initially, salmon were carved on stones by a Pictish craftsman at Meigle, near the River Isla. In fact throughout Scotland and particularly in the North East, the Salmon was a common Pictish symbol.

By 500 years ago, salmon had become an essential part of international trade, with the Tay involved in the export of salted fish to Europe.

In 1786 salmon packed in ice proved to be a game changer, boosting the market for Tay salmon. Consequently, ice houses were built to store the ice collected during winter.

Netting salmon on the Tay

Netting salmon on the lower river was common practice. As a result, this limited the fishing in the upper river. At Pitlochry’s falls, wicker baskets were used to catch jumping salmon. In fact, spearfishing became popular by the 19th century, especially during spawning time.

In the 20th century, the lower river had a large commercial salmon netting operation. However the net fishing on the Tay ceased in 1996, following a buyout scheme by the Tay Foundation. Naturally this greatly improved the fishing for sporting anglers on the river.

Lastly, by the late 20th century, angling became the primary method for catching salmon in the Tay, contributing significantly to the local economy. Therefore Today, fly fishing for salmon remains one of the top 5 attractions when visiting Scotland.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for American anglers, fishing the River Tay is more than just a fishing trip. In fact it’s a journey to one of the world’s most iconic salmon rivers. From its legendary fish to its stunning landscapes and rich history, the Tay offers an experience unlike any other. It matters not if you’re chasing a monster salmon or simply soaking in the beauty of Scotland. The River Tay will undoubtedly leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Finally follow this link to book River Tay salmon fishing trip today, we look forward to giving you a warm welcome.

Trout fishing near Edinburgh offers an array of river or Stillwater options. Firstly this is an updated guide based on what’s good right now in 2025 and useful tips on accommodation and common mistakes to avoid.

Because Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland it’s often the airport most of our guests arrive at from the USA and overseas. Equally Edinburgh is a great starting point for a tour of Scotland, so why not enjoy a day of trout fishing near Edinburgh. Especially as there are so man great options from Scotland’s capital city. Let’s delve into them.

Best river trout fishing near Edinburgh – River Tweed

To begin with, the River Tweed is approx 1 hour south of Edinburgh, and a scenic drive. Our guides usually collect guests at their Edinburgh hotel.

Arguably, the Tweed is one of Europe’s best rivers. Naturally the main focus on the Tweed for anglers is salmon fishing. However, the Tweed contains a huge population of Brown Trout (and Grayling)

It’s hard to pick a peak time for trout fishing on the Tweed, as fish can be caught throughout the season. However if I were to pick a month, April would win.

Firstly in April, trout go heavily on the feed to regain weight and condition that were dropped in the winter. Usually, there are big hatches of March Browns, Blue Winged Olives and these trigger feeding frenzies. These rises can be sporadic and short lived, but offer a real opportunity to capture a real specimen.

Dont be fooled into thinking Tweed trout fishing is only good in April! In fact, we catch trout all season using different methods. Our River Tweed guides are world class and know this river inside out.

River Whiteadder and other Tweed tributaries

Without doubt, the tributaries of the Tweed, offer the some of best small river trout and grayling fishing in Scotland.

First you have the River Teviot, one of the biggest tributaries. This offers some of the best trout fishing near Edinburgh. guests staying at the Schloss Roxburghe. Also the River Whiteadder is also a world class tributary, with Salmon, Trout and Grayling. Other worthy tributaries are the Leader, Gala, and Till.

The Teviot is the largest tributary of the River Tweed system. As well as an important salmon river in its own right, it offers good wild trout and grayling fishing. In addition you can enjoy sea trout fishing in the summer months.

The Teviot joins the Tweed at the famous Junction pool. From here, all the way up into the hills above Hawick, you can enjoy trout fishing in remote stretches. Lastly, the size of the Teviot, makes it a more manageable river to fish.

Equally the River Whiteadder is a gem of a river. Again, famed for salmon and again, holds good trout and grayling and the odd sea trout.

Best trout fishing near Edinburgh – River Tay – 1 hour North

To start with the Tay is only 1 hour North of Edinburgh and the biggest river system in Scotland. Furthermore, there are tributaries worth fishing like the Tummel, Ericht, Isla and Braan.

Also, due to its shear size (the Tay is 117miles long) its levels do not fluctuate as unpredictably as smaller streams. Therefore in summer, when other rivers are low, the Tay still has a steady flow and is fishable.

Equally, the Tay trout are educated. To illustrate this, Ive seen 4 people fish the same pool, the first 3 fail and the and the last one to fish it catch the fish. Having the right flies and right methods is absolutely critical and this is why you employ a guide.

Furthermore, you can enjoy catching the Grayling when fishing for trout here. The River Tay has a good population of wild grayling.

The best Stillwater trout lochs near Edinburgh

As well as the rivers, there are numerous trout lochs within reach of Edinburgh. The Pentlands hills are about 20 mins from the city and you can fish for trout at Glencourse and Loganlea Reservoirs.

Further afield, and about 1 hour from Edinburgh is Lake of Menteith. The “Lake” is one of Scotland’s best and a great option isa you are looking for truly iconic trout fishing near Edinburgh. It contains rainbow trout, pike and the occasional wild brown trout. Many international competitions take place here and fishing is from boat only.

Without doubt, one of the most historic trout lochs in the world is Loch Leven. Leven used to be home to a trout hatchery, and these trout were used to stock rivers and lakes all over the world. Loch Leven is a shallow loch and has a rich fishing folklore, that precedes many trout fisheries around the world.

Even today, Loch Leven is a premier trout fishery. Yes is can be temperamental and switch off, but when you hit it right, the fishing can be fantastic.

Two of our guides are able to guide here, both highly accomplished competition anglers and both have represented Scotland, at International level.

What mistakes to avoid when looking to fish for trout near Edinburgh

1. Don’t try and fish these venues without a guide – this will not only keep you safe when wading, but vastly improve your chances of catching
2. Book fishing well in advance – Scotland is a desired fishing destination and generally dates are booked a long time in advance
3. Wear the right clothing. See this useful guide to understand how to prepare.
4. Book accommodation in advance. We have a useful accommodation guide here on good places to stay

To begin, this is my 20th year fishing guide in Scotland, and running a fly fishing company and tour operator business in Scotland. Looking back, I would definitely have approached everything differently at the beginning.

Alba was founded in 2004 and back then, the path forward was a little unclear. As a result, I made many mistakes and wasted time and money on fruitless ideas. Equally, many opportunities passed me by, as I didn’t have the vision or knowledge to identify them. However some times the only way to really learn is by making mistakes. At least, this is what I am always telling my 9 year old son.

It’s often said, “mistakes are a process of learning” and I guess this is true when you establish and run any small business. Perhaps when I retire, I’ll do some mentoring and share my experience with the next generation of fledgling business owners.

Winter 20204 – a trip to America to learn how to build a bamboo rod

Typically our fishing season doesn’t really get going till March. However I found myself in Georgia in January as a guest of a regular client and friend Hart and Dee. They are two of the nicest, kindest and warmest people I have met. Hart has a property in the North of Georgia in the town of Blue Ridge, a sleepy little railroad town. Conveniently, this is where Bill Oyster runs his superb “Bamboo fly rod making courses”. The course was a huge challenge and one of the best things I have ever done. You can read my story on it here

I have to say, most men or women in their 60″s rarely push themselves outside the comfort zone. They delegate instead or just avoid doing the thing that makes them uncomfortable. That’s why this course was so rewarding. I found it very difficult, probably because I am a perfectionist. But, after 60 hours of hard work over 6 days, I had a beautiful 8ft 5 weight bamboo fly rod, I was really proud of.

What does a fishing guide in Scotland do in February during the close season?

Having arrived back in Scotland from America, it was time to dedicate to my family and my son. In between all of that, I managed to sneak in some grayling fishing. However mainly, my focus was gearing up for the 2024 season, and the enquiries were coming in thick and fast. In addition the order book was filling up. Somewhere in between all of that, we had to find time to develop new products, research venues, bolster stock and freshen the website up. 

We also had guests to look after both in January and February. 

Our first trip on the Spey was at Tulchan on February 12th and we also hosted a rare Japanese guest. I picked Hiro up in Edinburgh and it made for an interesting day. Mostly chatting through Japanese culture and learning about his life in Japan.

We also had guests to look after both in January and February. Our first trip on the Spey was at Tulchan on February 12th and we also hosted a rare Japanese guest. I picked Hiro up in Edinburgh and it made for an interesting day chatting through Japanese culture and learning about his life in Japan. Understandably, fishing for pike in Scotland in February is cold, especially when dead baiting of pike. So, I had brought along a Solo Stove fire pit and plenty of hot drinks. As Hiros wasn’t driving I brought a very nice Balvenie malt whisky. If the fire wouldnt keep him warm, the dram would.

Solo Stoves, drams, dead baiting and not looking after your guests properly!

Understandably, fishing for pike in Scotland in February is cold, especially when dead baiting of pike. So, I had brought along a Solo Stove fire pit and plenty of hot drinks. Also, as Hiros wasn’t driving I brought a very nice Balvenie malt whisky. If the fire wouldn’t keep him warm, the dram would. 

Hiro got more animated as the drams flowed and on the journey home he fell into what looked like a coma. When we arrived in Edinburgh I had to help him out of the car and across the street to the hotel. I felt a tad guilty and began to question just exactly how much whisky I had given him. It amounted to about three drams..

Meanwhile, Grayling fishing was slow in February. Unusually, the fish were harder to find, but when we did find them, they were good specimens. Despite this, many of our guests managed fish over the magic 3lb mark.  

Usually, March is a time of year when the moon cycles bring big tides and with that, big runs of bigger springers. 2023 saw us take our best Springer to date at 27lb, but 2024 yielded no such monsters. Our guests did however land a number of decent fresh fish. In addition to these gifts of nature, we landed some excellent March trout, including many over the 3lb mark. Most of them falling to the excellent Davie McPhail CDC olive dun pattern, tied by Cuillin Rae.

Was 2024 our busiest April to date?

Firstly April saw the start of the tours and the fishing days combined. Subsequently, my time away from home started. Our first tour in early April with an experienced lady fly angler in here 80’s was a challenge. The rivers were in spate for most of her week.

It was only the skill of our guide Cuillin that rescued the trip and he still managed to catch her fish every day despite the adversity. Unfortunately her focus was catching browns on dries, so with rivers in full spate, we had to resort to some “dark art” tactics instead. 

Unbelievably, despite all of this, she rebooked another tour for the same time in 2025. 

While Cuillin was weaving his magic on the Tweed, I was in Speyside and the Highlands on a tour and Scott was knee deep in clients on the Dee. In addition to all of this we had Andy, David and Mark looking after guests on Tay days. 

April was a month when we delivered over 50 gigs. This being a record month for Alba.

May and June – busy months for a fishing guide in Scotland

To begin with, let’s be clear, it’s bloody tough being away from home. However what makes it special is the beauty of Scotland. Also being able to re-live the experience vicariously through the eyes of our clients. 

I delivered 4 tours over this period, which were all well received and enjoyed by our guests. Deny and Shannon returned for a 2nd tour and this time we focused on the Spey and the Ness. Shannon lost a couple of great fish on the Spey, before landing a lovely springer at the Dochfour Weir on the Ness on his last day. 

In addition, we delivered another part of a tour on the stunning Island of Iona. This was a special few days. Our guests were into hiking and after climbing into the Hidden Valley in Glencoe, we were able to walk around Iona to some stunning beaches. In fact, over the years, the touring aspect of our business has gotten stronger. It’s a unique faction being able to combine fishing and touring for couples that have mixed interests.

Moreover with a provider that can deliver both of these experiences with real skill and experience. The photo below gives good example of this. I was with Jim and Jo and we hiked out to this beach and then I sent our drone up to capture this photo.

Mixed fishing and touring vacations in the summer and busy fishing days for the guides

Of course with summer in full swing, the bespoke tours were coming thick and fast. Despite running these for 20 years, I always think of ways to improve. I would never want to be accused of complacency and nervous energy forces me to strive to keep improving.

As well as the itinerary, there are all the little unexpected additions that can really spice things up and sometimes these are impromptu additions and other times driven by adverse weather and the necessity to change plans. Ultimately the aim is for a memorable experience for the clients. As an example, if we are in the Newtonmore area, we will surprise guests with an impromptu bagpipe session before breakfast with the inimitable “Spud the Piper”

Spud is a real characted, he is authentic and funny. Great stories to tell as well as wow factor with pipes in tuning locations.

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs and more gigs

By the time August had arrived, we had delivered over 300 days. Most of them day trips with small groups of guests. Furthermore, enquiries were still coming in between 10-15 daily. I guess this is why we have taken on more staff for 2025, because turning away business is really hard to swallow. When I had the dream back in 2004 to become a fishing guide in Scotland, I had no idea it would grow to this level.

We had our share of memorable guests this year and it’s always so rewarding meeting such interesting people from all over the world.

One of the challenging for a fishing guide in Scotland, yet the most rewarding was when a lovely young lady called Darine, who is blind and unable to see anything but faint shadows. This prompted us to write a risk assessment before taking her out on the River Whiteadder and Im pleased to say, she and her friend had a blast and caught fish. Cuillin and I looked after them both and we both learned a lot from that day.

One of the most rewarding aspects of guiding is without doubt helping clients to have memorable days and teaching techniques to overcome adverse conditions. Finally here is a selection of images from guests enjoying freedom, space, scenery and fantastic fishing on Scottish rivers:

Fishing Guide in Scotland and looking forward to 2025

As I write this, it’s late December 2024. The new season is weeks away and we are all working extremely hard to gear up for the year ahead. We have taken more guides on and recruited one of Scotland’s best anglers/ guides into our team. An official release will reveal who that is in the Spring.

The guides who have been working so hard are having well deserved down time and Cuillin ad his wife Soraya are having a baby and he is off for the month of January to spend time with the new arrival.

Here’s to all of our clients, past, present and future. A huge thank you form all of us here at Alba Game Fishing

Salmon fishing huts are an institution on the salmon rivers of Scotland. This is a short overview of some of Scotland’s most notable and our favourite fishing huts.

A Scottish salmon fishing hut is the true activity hub on all salmon beats. Furthermore all properly organised and professionally run salmon beats have one. There’s never two fishing huts that are alike either as they are all usually structured, designed & built differently. Salmon fishing huts often have real character and can instantly bring back special memories for many returning salmon fishers.

The role of the Head Ghillie

The Head Ghillie on a salmon beat usually personalises his hut. In that he makes sure the hut is clean, tidy, heated and has a source of hot water for tea & coffee and facilities for heating food for fishing guests at lunchtime. Often a salmon fishing hut will be carefully positioned on the riverbank above the known high waterline to keep the hut dry during flood. Certainly huts are usually positioned beside good salmon pools.

To begin with, I have been in hundreds of fishing huts throughout Scotland in my 20 years as a professional guide. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly of fishing huts. In addition, I’ve met some amazing characters. Furthermore, I’ve sheltered from rain, told bad jokes, and lunched with guests from all over the world.

In fact, would a day salmon fishing be the same, would it not be for the ceremony of meeting fellow anglers? Also sharing stories with the ghillies and impromptu networking with fellow anglers from all walks of life. In fact, the fishing hut is a great leveller. In that, it matters not what background you are from or what job you have. Because in the fishing hut, all men and women are equal.

Why do salmon beats have fishing huts?

Firstly, a Scottish salmon fishing hut is something of an institution on salmon beats throughout Scotland 

In addition, no two fishing huts are alike. In fact the resident beat ghillie will personalise his hut. For example adding coffee machines, or Bluetooth speakers or in one case a library of fishing books. Equally important to the layout of the hut how the ghillie makes you feel. With that in mind, an average fishing hut can become brilliant, if the ghillie has a good personality and high levels of service. Conversely there are some great looking huts with gruff unwelcoming ghillies. 

Often a salmon fishing hut is located next to one of the most productive fishing pools on the beat. Also they are positioned on the riverbank above the known high waterline to avoid floods in high water. However the high waterlines can be underestimated. To illustrate, many fishing huts I know, bear the marks on walls, where floods have breached these rules and risen beyond expected levels. 

Finally a fishing hut is a place to meet in the morning, have lunch in and gather at the end of the day. There is a great camaraderie with fellow anglers. A chance to share stories, swap ideas, network and talk about the ones that got way. In conclusion, all decent salmon fishing beats have fishing huts on their river banks. In fact, they get better and better as we (the anglers) become amore aware that salmon fishing is just about catching fish. Additionally there is an increased awareness on the need for improved customer service. 

Guests from all walks of life

To begin with all men are equal in a fishing hut. As Rabbie Burns wrote “ The Rank is but a Guineas Stamp” Over the 20 years our team have been salmon fishing guides in Scotland, I have met fellow anglers from all walks of life.

Once in 2022 we had a helicopter land beside the Fishponds beat of the River Tay and some of the top business men of Kazakstan arrive. We asked if they had any special requests. They asked if we could give them platefuls of raw chillies malt whisky and cigars! A few years ago, we hosted lunch with the late Christine McVey of Fleetwood Mac, she enjoyed lunch and some fine wine, while her family fished for salmon on the River Tay at Fishponds. 

Networking in fishing huts

Likewise some of the best business networking takes place in fishing nuts. Ive seen $million dollar deals agreed in principle. Furthermore, Ive seen people connect and go on to form meaningful business relationships. 

Cooked lunches for Groups

Often, we use huts to prepare cooked lunches and catering for groups of guests on fishing days. Naturally fishing huts don’t have the biggest kitchens and some are better than others. However the skill lies in making the best of the space and creating a lunch with limited space and resources. 

By all means, not all huts fall short. The fishing huts on the Prime beats of the Spey have kitchens, cookers, fridges and freezers, as well as vast table stop seat guests. The Hut on the Eden beat of the Deveron was one of the best I have seen. Also George was one of the friendliest and most accommodating Head Ghillies,a top bloke.  We hosted a group including Cathy Beck there in 2022. 

Some of the best fishing huts in Scotland(in no particular order)

1. Tulchan B Beat River Spey
2. The new fishing hut at Newtyle (at planning stage) River Tay 
3. Tulchan A beat River Spey
4. Upper North Wark River Tweed
5. Fishponds River Tay
6. Pitchroy River Spey
7. Tulchan D Beat River Spey
8. Upper Farleyer River Tay 
9. Murthly River Tay
10. Fairnilee River Tweed
11. Eden Beat River Deveron 

The Great Tay Flood 1993

To begin the article, one of the first fishing huts I encountered was in 2004 and is the present fishing hut at Newtyle in the village of Dunkeld. This hut was formerly a wooden hut located on a nearby curling pond and it was also at one time a cricket pavilion. It survived many floods. It has had ghillies like Martin Ritchie, John Monteith, Andy Gunn, and now at present, David Gardiner. Before then, legends like Willie the Ghillie worked there, and his hat still hangs dishevelled above the fireplace.

However, the Newtyle hut days are numbered though. Planning permission has been granted to build a new hut on the same site. Furthermore, inside this old hut, you will find marks on the walls of the various foods that nearly washed it away. Like the famous Great Tay Flood of 1993, when the river rose 21ft above its normal level. It was good to hear that the same marks on the walls will be transferred to the new hut.

Salmon fishing huts on the River Tay

As well as Newtyle, Dalguise fishing hut holds a place in my heart.

When Moray McFarlane was the ghillie here, the hut was alive with stories, laughter and drams of whisky. It was a welcoming, warm place to visit. In addition to the banter, Moray had an excellent coffee machine. It wouldn’t have looked out of place in a top restaurant. He served real coffee to the guests and this was always really appreciated.

Also there was a library of interesting fishing books and always, boxes of flies and lures to generate conversation.

River Dee Kincardine

Firstly there are many great huts on the Dee. But for me, one of the favourites in the hut at Kincardine. This is because you get privacy with guests and autonomy to come and go as you please. Kincardine is a 2 man beat. Therefore booking the two rods, gives you exclusive access to the hut. Furthermore, there is no ghillie so you can pick and choose the pols to fish according to water levels and probability of catching.

In addition to the splendid view of the River Dee, there is a stove to keep you warm. Furthermore the hut is easily accessed from the main Deeside road, and cars can be parked right next to the hut.

Salmon Fishing huts on the River Spey

Without doubt some of the finest salmon fishing huts are on the River Spey. Firstly, Tulchan estate boast some truly brilliant hut on the 4 beats. In fact, they are all so good it’s hard to pick a favourite. If you are lucky to fish the A Beat with legendary ghillie John Anderson, then as well as the superb hut, you could ask John to take you over to the Kings Hut. Interestingly, visitors to the Kings Hut include King Edward V11, who visited Tulchan regularly and Teddy Roosevelt.

However B, C and D beats all have superb huts.

Where can I start on Iona? Earlier today in my driveway, I was cleaning insects from the windscreen my car and heard a Skylark chattering somewhere off in a distance field.

Immediately I was taken back to a week ago. I was standing on a cliff top in the Isle of Iona overlooking a pristine beach, turquoise water no sound but for the waves and of course the birdsong of the Skylark.(see photo below)

A place for restoration, relation and a pilgrimage

This was my first trip to Iona, although I have to confess it’s been my radar for over 20 years

Remarkably, despite having travelled throughout Scotland, this tiny island was the one that has so far thus eluded me.

Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, a short ferry ride from the Isle of Mull.  Iona is approximately 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles in length. 

Remarkably, there are only around 170 permanent residents on the island, despite getting approx 130,000 visitors per year. 

As well as the deep rooted christian history of the Abbey and the island, Iona is a place for contemplation, restoration and reset. 

Iona as part of a bespoke fishing and touring vacation in Scotland

So when my guests from America suggested visiting there during a hidden gems tour of Scotland, I was absolutely delighted.

We only had two days on the island, however we certainly made the most of it. First of all hiking to the top of the hill to gain an overall vista and viewpoint of everything.

Secondly we hiked to the west side of the island to discover a truly stunning remote beach.  Sandwiched in between all of this was a visit to the Abbey and a picnic lunch on top of the hill.

Best hotel on Iona

The Saint Columba hotel is truly a wonderful place to stay.

From the second walk in the door, there is a buzz Staff quietly get on with preparing food for the evening dinner sitting.

Interestingly, most of the produce that is used in the kitchen comes from the organic garden which is located adjacent to the hotel.

And what a wonderful meal it was

However don’t expect overly elaborate and luxurious accommodation in the hotel itself, it’s pretty simple clean comfortable and understated.

What makes this place so special is the warmth and friendliness of the staff, the clientele, the epic views the peace and tranquility, and most of all the exquisite food. Next door to the hotel is the St Columba Larder, which is a delicatessen and serves brilliant home made sandwiches,

How to get to Iona

Getting to the island, a short ferry ride from Fionnphort on Mull takes less than 10 minutes. The drive to Fionnphor takes approx 1 hour from the Craignure ferry terminal. Most of the road from Craignure to Fionnphort is single track. So you should read up on the etiquette of how to drive on a single track road.

In summary, you get a ferry from Oban, to Craignure, then drive to Fionnphort to catch a 10 minute ferry to Iona. You leave your car at Fionnphort, as cars are restricted to residents and trade visitors, to keep traffic down. 

When you arrive in the island, you are on foot. Dont worry, everything can be reached easily and the Saint Columbus hotel reception is a short walk from the pier. Also on departure, the hotel will drop your bags off at the pier allowing you to enjoy a walk down without luggage.

The Abbey

The Abbey is truly magnificent. Not only is it important religious centre, but a pilgrimage for many and a rich historic tapestry unfolds as you walk through it and learn some truly remarkable history.

Furthermore bird lovers will enjoy this island. We noted several species here, including the corncrake, cuckoo, And an array of seabirds, fulmars, shags, puffins and gannets..

Boat trips to Staffa

In addition it’s possible to get day trips from Iona to the Isle of Staffa. This will cost around £40 for an adult and you are allowed 1 hour on the small island to wander before returning to Iona. 

Staffa is a stunning small Hebridean Island, formed by volcanic activity and home to the world renowned Fingals Cave. In addition to the stunning clifftops, sea birds, including puffins, it possible to spot dolphins, whales, and porpoises from the Island. Furthermore Geology enthusiasts, can see some true stunning basalt columns here as well as the cave itself.

In fact Queen Victoria visited here. Also Felix Mendelssohn, which then inspired him to write the Hebrides Overture. Our very own author and bard, Sir Walter Scott visited here as did the artist Turner.

Fishing on Iona

There are some excellent spots around the Iona shoreline for sea fishing. It’s possible to catch hard fighting pollack (Pollock) wrasse, Ling and cod. Additionally in the summer, there is an abundance of mackerel around the shore line.

Schloss Roxburghe is one of the finest hotels in the Scottish Borders and sits within striking distance of a huge portfolio of fishing trips that we offer. We’ve been taking Schloss guests on trip around the Tweed system for 20 years. In addition this article highlights the fishing portfolio on offer for guests staying in the Kelso area.

Equally we have been recommending the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel to our guests for over 20 years. Last year with over 600 trips delivered, 70% of those guests ask for hotel recommendations and for us to arrange accommodation.

Our local based guides can pick up and drop off from the Schloss Roxburghe hotel and take you to a wide variety of fishing, much of it on private beats.

For clarity, the Schloss Roxburghe sits on the River Teviot, but also very close to the River Tweed. Three of our professional fishing guides have represented Scotland at international level for trout and grayling river fishing. Without doubt, they live and breathe these rivers and have done since childhood. Furthermore the two salmon guides have fished the Tweed and Teviot systems for over 40 years each.

Salmon Fishing on the River Tweed and Teviot

The River Tweed is one of Europes premier salmon rivers. Furthermore, the Teviot is one of the main tributaries. Where the Teviot joins the Tweed, you have the world famous Junction pool. Undoubtedly, one of the world’s best salmon pools, in terms of numbers and salmon fishing folklore, and history. All of this salmon fishing magnificence, is within easy striking distance of the Schloss Roxburghe hotel.

Importantly, we can provide everything to make your day easy. By that, I mean, not cheap rubber soled waders with slippy soles, that lesser guiding companies offer. We will fit you with Orvis breathable chest waders, and sturdy supportive boots, with tungsten studs. For safety purposes, these tungsten studs, while being expensive, offer the best grip on the river bed when wading. In addition, we’ll supply wading staffs and brand new 165 Sport compact PFD life vests made by Crewsaver.

Finally your guide will bring a 13 or 14ft double hand Spey rod, made by Sage or Orvis, matched with a Rio line. Naturally, we carry poly leaders at various sink rates. Also hand crafted flies, and other necessities to improve your chances of an Atlantic Salmon.

Trout fishing on the river Tweed, Teviot and Till.

Without doubt, the River Tweed and Teviot offer some of Europes best trout and grayling fishing. Initially, the season kicks off on March 15th with the best fishing in April and May for trout. Alternatively, if you are targeting grayling, then Autumn and winter are the best times. However Grayling can be caught all year, I you know where to find them.

Secondly, the skills of our trout and grayling guides are unsurpassed. Both have fished at international level for Scotland and have been Brought up fishing the Tweed and Teviot. As a result, they understand how to catch fish at all river heights. Furthermore, they are passionate and enthusiastic.

The Till is a fantastic, sea trout, salmon, trout and grayling river. However it’s worth noting the wading is very challenging.

Finally, it’s unrealistic to expect that salmon fishing days will always go to plan. However a day on trout and grayling is more predictable, especially with guides who not only know where fish are, but have an array of skills to catch in different conditions.

Trout fishing courses for beginners

These courses cover casting techniques, safety, reading the river and the various techniques and understanding when to fish each technique and why. However, courses are tailored, so simply tell us what you want from the day. For example, if you simply want to get fishing as quickly as possible and catch a few fish, without going into the technicalities, we can do that too,

Salmon fishing Spey casting tuition

First of all, spey casting days can be tailored to guests individual requirements.

In 20 years of teaching, we understand, some guests want to drill down in the technical details of various spey casts and others want to learn how to simply get a line across the river and enjoy fishing on the day,

For basic lessons, the cast we focus on will depend on whether we fish the left or right bank and the wind direction.

For technical lessons, simple tell us the casts you want to learn or develop. Our guides can teach the basic roll cast, Single Spey, Double Spey, Circle C, Snap T, Snake roll, and switching to your left hand.

To keep things easy for guests, we use premium Sage rods and Rio Outbound lines. Or, we can teach how to cast full 65ft head spey line, cast shooting heads, skagits as well as our default short head spey lines.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a casting lesson from Eoin Fairgrieve, he is based at the Schloss Roxburghe. You can find his details here

Grayling fishing – learn a variety of techniques minutes from Schloss Roxburghe and Kelso

Without doubt, the Tweed is one of Europes best grayling rivers. Not far behind is the River Teviot. Both of these rivers hold a healthy population of grayling. However its vital to understand where these fish are located in the river and at what time. Furthermore, the fish migrate up and down the river according to many factors, so we can fist of all teach how to find fish at varying water levels.

Of course you can learn the following techniques to catch grayling – Nymphing, dry fly, dry dropper, swinging north country spiders and when and why to use each technique.

Our main grayling guide was brought up fishing the Tweed for grayling and competed in last years World Fly Fishing Championships for river fishing. He is one of Scotland’s most talented fisherman, and is a real grayling enthusiast,

Waders, tackle hire and transport for Kelso and Schloss Roxburghe guests

Alba are sponsored by Sage Fly Rods, Redington, Orvis and Patagonia. Moreover, all of our gear is lovingly maintained, kept fresh and each rod handle is thoroughly cleaned down with anti bacterial wipes after each session. We carry over 80 pairs of breathable chest waders and 70 pairs of boots in all sizes including kids.

Finally, we can offer pick up and drop off in new quality 7 seater SUV’s and for larger groups, Mercedes people carriers.

Our team of Fishing guides based near the Schloss Roxburghe and the Kelso area

Public Liability Insurance, First Aid qualifications and 20 years experience

Reassuringly, Alba carries £5 million public liability insurance. Also we operate to strict procedures and do not compromise on safety. All of our Tweed guides are registered first aiders. Graeme and Stewart carry PVG clearance to work with kids and all have been trained in Covid prevention and safety by the World Health Organisation.

A history of bamboo fly rods

This is a brief history of bamboo fly rods and how they evolved. How they are constructed. Why fishing with bamboo is so damn enjoyable and asking the question. Does bamboo have a future in modern day angling. 

I’m writing this not as an expert on bamboo rods, but as an enthusiast. However I might add, In January 2024, I completed a one week course learning how to build a bamboo rod in Georgia USA with Bill Oyster

What were rods made of before bamboo?

In the beginning, around the late 1800’s, during the industrial age, rods were made of solid wood. It was easy to mass produce solid wood rods, using machined lengths of Greenheart and other woods like maple.  These rods were heavy but reasonably priced. One of the down sides, was the tip sections tended to break easily.

In the second half of the 19th century some enthusiasts, usually gunmakers, began to explore and experiment with alternative materials and rod building methods. Primarily by using bamboo species becoming available from India – initially Calcutta bamboo, or Dendrocalamus strictus. However, unlike Tonkin bamboo, this bamboo species had a thin culm wall and many prominent nodes.

Furthermore, rather than continuing the precarious business of sold wood rods, at some point, someone stumbled upon the idea that to strengthen the tips sections of solid rods, they could form a stronger tip section of 6 tapered strips of bamboo. 

As rods developed, some of the earlier rods had a butt section from solid bamboo and a stronger tip section from tapered strips glued together.

The early bamboo fly rods

In Japan tenkara rods were and are made from whole bamboo culms, but for our Western fishing styles such rods were not really suited, so rod builders experimented with joints and sections  split and glued together for added strength.

Initial some of these rods were just two strips, then three, and finally four strips. (Nowadays 6 strips) 

Because Britain, had far eastern colonies, more bamboo arrived in Britain than than America. Therefore these early rod building experiments were done primarily in England and Scotland.

Why is Tonkin bamboo used for bamboo rod building? 

One of the popular misconceptions about bamboo fly is that they are incredibly delicate fact, this is not the case.

Tonkin bamboo does in the wild what it does in a fly rod. In the wild 40 foot lengths bend in the wind and snap back to a straight position. On a fly rod, the rod bends, loads and delivers a cast, returning to a straight position.

Tonkin bamboo is renowned of rod building due to its strength. This bamboo has unrivalled power fibres running the length, which when the bambooo grows, are capillaries to carry water up the plant. 

Early experimentations into bamboo rod building with 6 strips

In the beginning, early experiments with rods  made from six strips were done in America Some of the early rods by a gunsmith from Pennsylvania, called Samuel Philippe. This was around 1850. Unfortunately, none of his rods survive, although one or two made by his son, Solon Philippe, are kept in the American Fly Fishing Museum in Manchester Vermont.

And with that growing market, more rod makers began to emerge. Companies like Heddon and Montague, South Bend and Cross, Orvis, Leonard, Powell, or Granger all began to capitalise on the growing demand for fly rods. These were followed by the likes of Winston, Phillipson, Wright & McGill, PH Young, and others.Likewise in England, Hardy, and Ogden Smith, Allcocks and in France Pezon & Michel. 

The 1930s to 1950s of the 20th century were the golden years of splitcane. And if it hadn’t been for the embargo on Chinese imports in the 1950s (due to the Communist revolution) that heyday would undoubtedly have continued for a while. The glass fibre rods that were being developed during those days (the solid fibre rods invented by Dubois, or the hollow rods according to Howalds later patent, and later still the woven hollow rods)  were, at the time, significantly inferior to split cane rods. 

Production rods during the Chinese trade embargo on bamboo

During the bamboo trade embargo, the only way for US companies to service demand, was to continue the development of glass fibre rods. In addition other rods made from reinforced plastic,  were predecessors of CARBON FIBRE. 

However in England, the bamboo kept coming. And Hardy had a good stock of it, maturing on their shelves.

A good introduction into how rods were made industrially in the 1950s at companies like Hardy can be found in this fascinating documentary on the building process for fly rods at Hardy in Alnwick. 

But despite the shortage of bamboo in the USA, it did not completely die out. There were stubborn enthusiasts and artisan rod builder who made rods by hand. Equally companies that had thrived in the bamboo era but changed their business focus, like Winston and Orvis. Continued to offer bamboo rods. Perhaps out of a sort of nostalgic sentiment and to echo the heritage of the brand. 

But bamboo rods seemed destined for a certain, albeit slow, demise. Until, that is, in the early 1970s the book ‘A Master’s Guide to Building the Bamboo Flyrod’, by Hoagy B. Charmichael and Everett Garrison was published after the death of Garrison.

Garrison was a railway engineer who started making bamboo rods as a hobby in the 1930s. His engineering background, added with his quest for perfection, gained him great respect as a rod builder. He published a book which explained his approach to building bamboo fly rods in minute detail. Arguably this marked the start of a renaissance in bamboo fly rod building.

History of bamboo fly rods, J H Leonard the grandfather of rod production?

In the 1870’s the bamboo rod company J H Leonard, developed a beveler machine a machine that cut tapered section to fine tolerances. This in turn allowed him to increase the production of bamboo fly rods. 

Also in the early days, the surface apexes of these hexagonal rods were sanded round. This I think was for more aesthetics than practicality. 

However, somebody at Leonard came up with the idea to leave the rod in a hexagonal shape. From that time forward, marketeers proclaimed hexagonal rods to be the strongest. Because the best of the power fibres of the bamboo were still intact, the rod was stronger and cast more effectively.

Leonard was thought of as the grandfather of bamboo rod production. Because many fine American bamboo rod manufacturers cut their trade with Leonard and left to Strat production on their own. Hiram Hawes, F.E. Thomas, E.F. Payne, and  Fred Devine to name a few. 

Around this time, as well as large rod manufacturers, Leonard, Peek, Orvis, Winston smaller more bespoke rod makes began to spring up like John Payne and  Grainger. At that time in the USA there were probably around 150 bamboo rod builders in the USA, as well as the bigger manufacturers. 

Production bamboo fly rods

Cheaper mass produced rods by companies like Montague, rods Horrox Ibbitson Shakespeare can be picked up for a reasonable price. But in the main, these rods aren’t worth bothering about

The real sought after gems are the rods from the Goldenage 1930 – 1960 (that’s when fly rods became modern in their lengths, tapers and actions). With that in mind, a 9ft 6 weight will cost a third of a 71/2 4 weight by the same maker. Therefore 9ft rods, by reputable bamboo rod builders are very reasonably priced. You can pick up 9ft rods by Payne, Devine, Leonard and Hawes for under $500

9ft was the popular length for most old bamboo rods. Strangely, most modern day carbon fibre rods are 9ft too! 

Why did the production of bamboo fly rods slow down in the 1950s?

By the 1950s, many of the companies making budget priced low end, bamboo rods had disappeared. fly ‍rods and glass fibre rods became more prominent … ‍The ‍rise ‍of ‍glass ‍fibre ‍as ‍rod ‍building ‍material, ‍as ‍a ‍replacement ‍for ‍bamboo ‍might have been accentuated by the ‍(American) ‍trade ‍embargo ‍against ‍China ‍which started in 1949. This meant that Tonkin bamboo was less readily available.  ‍

Bamboo was the main material used to make rods right up until the 1950’s until glass fibre rods began to make an appearance. Fibre glass rods, rose quickly in popularity and then became the material of choice, for factory productions rods. 

At this point, the only bamboo rod manufacturers were smaller bespoke operations. It was thought that higher end rods should be made of bamboo and less expensive production rods of Glass Fibre.

Its maybe time to talk about the difference between, hand planed rods, and machine cut rods. Many die hard bamboo enthusiasts swear that hand planed rods are better constructed and cast better. In fact some consider the purest form of rod construction. 

The difference between a machined process and hand planing

Machining a taper into a section creates sawdust and rough edges. Whereas, hand planing creates smooth shavings. I know when I made my own rod, which was hand planed the sections fitted together so smoothly it was impossible to see the joins once the sections were glued. Still, you have to keep in mind there have been many machine cut rods that cast well, and equally hand planed rods that are real duds.

In the long run, it’s not just the quality of the rod that counts, but how good the taper is. All things been equal the taper is the heart and soul of a bamboo rod. It’s the defining factor on how the rod will cast. Tapers were calculated with maths and trial and error. Many tapers are closely guarded secrets and many have stood the test of time and remained unchanged since the late 1800’s.

If you really do want to geek out on tapers, take a look at this useful link to some interesting variations on bamboo rod tapers. https://www.bamboorodmaking.com/Tips-files/Rod_Selection-files/Payne_Tapers.html

Whats the best line for bamboo fly rods?

Firstly bamboo rods, prefer softer, supple fly lines. In fact rods manufactured in the golden era, were made with silk lines in mind, therefore the eyes are smaller diameter than modern bamboo rods. 

In my experience, the Barrio GT90 is a superb match for the bamboo rod I made. It really makes it sing. The good old Cortland 444 is very popular too, as is the Cortland Sylk line which is sized for older/smaller bamboo rod eyes. 

Secondly there are still bamboo enthusiasts that prefer traditional silk lines. The English company Phoenix, fly lines, still make lines.

How do you clean a silk fly line?

Wash thoroughly with hot water and detergent. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Dry with newspaper or paper towels. Air dry for 24 hours. If line still feels tacky repeat process. When you are satisfied that the line is clean, you then treat it with Red Muslin,

Who are the best modern day bamboo rod builders?

John Bradford, Rod, maker, and restoration expert, from Texas

Charlie , Jenkins. Mike Clark and Bill Oyster. Bill actually hosts excellent bamboo rod building classes, but you can expect to wait over a year to find a slot. 

There are many superb artisan bamboo rod craftsmen around the world, often with different styles. Dr. Henk J.M. Verhaar  in Holland, actually uses bamboo ferules and impregnates rods with a vacuum process, using a methylmetacrylate resin. 

Interestingly, some of the Hardy Palakona rods had an ingenious metal spike concealed on the butt section of the rod. You could screw it in and then spike the rod into the ground so it stood upright and visible.

Are bamboo rods good for beginners?

To begin with yes they are. The slower casting stroke of bamboo is slightly more charitable. It’s easier to feel the rod loading on the back cast, whereas, sometimes, with faster, graphite roads, beginners may have to look behind them to see when the rod loads.

Bamboo absorbs minor, casting flaws rather than magnifying them

In fact, a good bamboo Rod will feel alive and friendly, where is a good graphite will feel a bit detached and efficient.

John Geiriach wrote “the weight of a bamboo rod acts like a hammerhead seems to telegraph the loading of the Rod, magnifies the leverage, seems to do more of the work while I do less”

A bamboo rod lobs nymphs more gracefully than a graphite, even when fishing straight nylon, Euronymph style without a fly line. On that subject, I was easily able to fish a small creek euronymph style with my 8ft 5 weight bamboo rod. I could really feel everything at the business end, and had less tippet wrapping round the end eyes. 

Is bamboo durable and a strong material?

Bamboo is an incredibly strong material and most rod breakages occur around your car or river bank. With slamming in a car door coming out top of the list, followed by stepping on the rod when laid on the ground. 

Summary – do bamboo rods have a place in modern angling?

Finally don’t take my word on it. Go on to eBay and buy a £100 bamboo rod, something like a Martinez and Bird 8 or 9ft. Or an old Palakona, or even a Sharpes of Aberdeen. Balance it with a reel and line that work and take it out on the river and just enjoy the experience. You really will be surprised how enjoyable it is and how connected you ar etc the art of fly casting. 

Who knows it might even spar a deeper interest and then god help you..

Tight lines and good luck!

I recently acquired an Orvis Zero Gravity 8ft 6”, #5 weight at an antique fishing tackle auction. I have to confess, I really do think I have unearthed a true classic.  It was bought on a whim. I guess motivation might have had its roots in my sub conscious.  Shortly after I first established Alba Game Fishing up in 2004 the Zero G was the first premium rod I bought for use by our clients. 

So where did I find this sought after beauty? My main focus was bidding on bamboo rods, and lot no 247 came up. There it was a Zero Gravity and a two piece at that. I had previously owned the 8ft 6 #5 – 4 piece version, which I sold 10 years ago. Probably because I convinced myself that my clients would prefer the new Helios range of fly rods.

Zero Gravity arrives…in mint condition

The auction listing described it as great condition. In reality it was absolutely mint. I studied it hard and couldn’t find a single mark on it, anywhere. It looked un-fished. The handle was the smoothest, highest quality cork Ive seen on a rod for a while. In fact, I took an anti-bacterial wipe over it and it didn’t leave a mark. I also forgot how good the reel seat was on these Zero-G rods, an uplocking screw seat, with a stylish heritage Orvis Logo.  Furthermore, a beautiful Maple insert and spliced inlays.

Orvis added a silicone carbide stripping guide and the snakes eyes are hard chrome. Lastly the finish on the blank was exquisite. A deeply appealing maroon colour, and that’s hard to admit being a Hibs supporter.  (Two football teams in Edinburgh, big rivals. Hibs play in green and Hearts play in Maroon)

What makes the Zero Gravity so good?

But the real surprise came when I cast this rod for the first time.

Sometimes you just know when something is going to be good. The feel of the taper and mechanics of a rod in your hand either feels right…or not. Ive said this before, but the heart and soul of a fly rod is its taper. Equally I’ve always believed that a 2 piece rod performs much better than a 4 piece. Because its lighter, and there are two less ferrules to interrupt the action of the blank.

I was in a cottage on the River Deveron with friend and business partner Bill. The fishing was blown out and the river swollen. So to console ourselves, we were talking rods, tackle, and reels and looking through a haul from the auctioneers I had driven down to Birmingham to collect, a few days earlier. 

Alan Partridge at the Linton Travel Lodge – FFS!

Actually, that was a ball ache of a journey. A 10 hour round trip and a sore arse. I broke it up by staying in a travel lodge by the M6. At one point I was so bored, I contemplated a stroll down the M6 to a service station to buy a Scotch Egg and then retreat to my room to dismantle the trouser press. I was Alan Partridge and this was the “Linton Travel Lodge” 

I always shout for joy when crossing the border back into Scotland.Its been a habit since childhood. After that, I then headed for the Deveron after a rendezvous with Bill at Newbridge.

A cast on the Deveron (in flood) with the Orvis Zero gravity

Why don’t we take it out on the water for a cast, said Bill. So in the pissing rain/ sleet and paired with a Sage trout reel and a Barrio SLX 5 weight line, I walked all of 20 yards to the water side from the cottage to gave it a try.

Carbon fibre rods are often guilty of feeling functional and detached. This was the opposite. The feel of the rod was immense. The Mid Flex loads deep, and whether it be short casts or long casts the rod performed beautifully, delivering tight accurate loops. It really sang to me. Like all good fly rods, you forget you have a rod in your hand and you just cast. Furthermore, the less you push this or force this rod, the better it performs. It likes a smooth relaxed casting stroke. 

“I shouted Bill over and demanded he has a cast. I had the 4 piece but this is a different beast” Bill was amazed, and loved it too. 

The history of an Orvis Zero Gravity Fly rod

Now lets take a wee step back to the history of the rod. It was launched in 2005 and was the predecessor to the Helios rod. The rod came with a 25 year guarantee and was lovingly presented in a soft cloth bag. I always like the green cord against the beige bag. The Orvis logo really oozed class, and Heritage. The rod came in a hard aluminium tube, in the same appealing maroon colour and a gold logo. 

At the time the Orvis marketing machine hailed the Zero Gravity as breakthrough technology. Power and control all packaged up in a light rod that weighed in at 2.5 ounces. 

The Zero G was released when the Orvis Brand was clear and defined. Heritage fly fishing gear, for discerning anglers. This was the fag ship rod…it still is!

Conclusion the Orvis Zero Gravity 8ft 5weight rod

This is a peach of a rod. If you can find one on eBay grab it. You wont be sorry. I and is it better than a Helios? Well in truth, its just different. They too are great rods, but if you want to feel connected and you enjoy fishing trout rods like the Sage LL that really have a great feel and feel invisible in the hand. Then shoot for one of these.

Tight lines and happy fishing adventures – Written By Stewart Collingswood Orvis Endorsed Guide and Owner Alba Game Fishing