Fishing trips and touring throughout Scotland

Salmon fishing secrets of Scotland

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The Secrets of Salmon Fishing in the rivers of Scotland

This article highlights the secrets of salmon fishing in Scotland. Here are the main topics

  • Atlantic salmon in Scotland – an overview
  • What to expect, when fishing for salmon in Scotland
  • Why salmon fishing in Scotland can be so challenging
  • Ownership and access to salmon rivers.
  • Fishing rights, rules and permits

The Atlantic Salmon in Scotland – an overview

Salmon fishing has been an integral focal point in Scotland for centuries, it’s ingrained in our folklore and part of our culture. Long before the invention of whisky, before the mills created tartan and maybe even before we evolved to walking around on two feet, salmon ran the rivers in Scotland.

Salmon have been part of Scotland’s cultural heritage for tens of thousands of years. The salmon is ancient king of fish and a symbol of Scotland.

Recent years have seen a decline in numbers of salmon. This has led to a cultural shift in thinking amongst anglers. Most fisherman nowadays practise catch and release, when fishing for salmon. In fact most fisherman are extremely active in supporting bodies and charities that work hard to protect salmon.

Despite the pressures on the salmon, there is still some great sport to be had.

River Deveron, Mrs Clementina “Tiny” Morison, salmon, record, 61lb,
Biggest Fly caught salmon in the UK

Scotland – an ideal habitat

Scotland is blessed with clean running rivers and streams (burns) ideal habitat for salmon to return from the ocean to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch into small fish (salmon parr) which grow and feed in the rivers for a few years. The parr develop into young salmon (smolts), and then migrate to sea.

They travel to Greenland and the Faroe Islands, where the food source is plentiful. There is an abundance of krill, sand eels, squid, shrimp, fish and crustaceans in these water. This allows tohe salmon to quickly gain weight.

After a period of feeding (varies with salmon) they return to the river in Scotland where they were born. GPS could not compete with the accuracy of the homing instinct of the salmon. They are able to travel thousands of miles to return to the very stream where they originated, to spawn again. It is a remarkable feat and has baffled scientists for years.

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River Tay salmon fishing with a guide

A remarkable journey

Around 0.1% of the eggs laid in streams and rivers, result in a salmon completing this remarkable journey. Unlike Pacific salmon, a small percentage of Scottish salmon (kelts) survive this spawning process and return to sea, however the majority die. Scottish salmon usually range from 3 to 35lbs with most in the 6-15lb class.

Anglers in Scotland realise the pressures that the salmon faces and most practice catch and release. Certainly if you are a passionate salmon angler, this would be second nature. Most permits you buy will be catch and release only. This is a great thing for our sport. In an effort to protect the spring run fish, it is pretty much universal across most rivers, that all spring fish are returned.

There’s an expression in Scotland “dead fish don’t spawn” and because the salmon faces many pressures, we anglers want to practice sustainable fishing to preserve the sport, and protect this magnificent species.

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Fly Caught Atlantic Salmon released

What to expect, when salmon fishing in Scotland?

Salmon fishing in Scotland can be hugely challenging. This sport will not appeal if you are focused on quick wins, and catching large numbers of fish. Salmon fishing in Scotland is more of a quest and romantic adventure, a test of your will. River fishing in Scotland for Salmon is demanding and you need to be dogged, determined and focused.

These fish do not give themselves up easily. However the exhilaration of catching the ‘King of Game Fish’ is unforgettable. It ranks in the top ten things to do in Scotland (by VisitScotland) indeed the world! The good news, that if you speak to any experienced salmon angler, they would know that catching an Atlantic salmon in the home of fly-fishing is not easy. So hooking, playing and landing a salmon  will give you bragging rights worth sharing!

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A day on the Spey, learning to Spey Cast

Why it can be challenging

  • Atlantic salmon in Scotland do not feed when they are in freshwater. They are fixated on breeding. They take a fly or lure sometimes through a conditioned response or aggression. There’s no rhyme or reason. There’s certainly no formula!
  • Access to fishing is somewhat complicated and being at the right place at the right time is part of the planning process. That is where our team at Alba Game Fishing can help.
  • Salmon fishing requires an element of skill. If you’ve never tried fishing with a double hand 15ft fly rod, don’t be phased! We can help and get you up and running very quickly.
  • Finally you will need to be persistent and focused. Reading a river and covering likely salmon lies requires experience and skill, this is where Alba guides can help. Salmon Fishing Packages Here.
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Salmon Rods – homemade rod holders

Ownership and access to salmon fishing in Scotland

Salmon Fishing in Scotland is controlled by the land owner, who also owns the fishing rights. Salmon fishing is spilt into stretches of the river, called ‘beats’ that are typically a mile or two in length, and from one or both banks.

For a full description of the beats along the length of the River Tay, read this article.

The fishing rights for a salmon river can be worth from thousands to millions of pounds, depending on how productive the beat of the river is. The river fishery board determines the number of people who can fish on each ‘beat’. Most beats employ a resident Ghillie, who manages the beat and controls the day to day running of fishing.

Fishing permits are sold by owners of salmon beats. Illegal fishing is controlled by water bailiffs. They also ensure nobody fishes without a permit.

A salmon beat of two miles in length, may allow a maximum of 6 rods. You never get overcrowding on Scottish rivers. Anglers buy permits to fish, as there is no license system in Scotland.

Kings Hut, vouchers, River Spey, Tulchan Estate
Tulchan A beat on the River Spey, Head ghillie John Anderson

Early Season dry fly action on Big Scottish Salmon Rivers

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Catch a trout on a Scottish salmon river

Firstly, there are some big trout to be caught on Scotlands big 4 salmon rivers. The River Tay, Tweed, Dee and River Spey are renowned for Atlantic salmon fishing.

In fact during March the spring run fish on these rivers are the ultimate prize. However at this time of year, salmon are not in abundance. If you hook and land a springer, bragging rights indeed, some say the ultimate accolade in salmon angling. These early salmon are pristine, sometimes elusive and very strong.

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A magnificent Scottish Atlantic Salmon, the ultimate prize.

Naturally, the wild brown trout on these big rivers don’t give themselves up easily. Survival is their prime instinct and they are always cautious and easy to spook. However, there are occasions when your changes of catching one increases. Usually, with trout, none more so than in the month of April.

Finally, fish are keen to feed after the winter and gain condition. Big hatches of Olives come on and trigger heavy feeding. In fact, Sea trout and brown trout, kelts and salmon kelts have all been known to join in the spoils it’s a bit of a frenzy!

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An early season brown on a dry fly during a frenzied hatch

Wild trout, the perfect interlude to a days fishing

Our fishing days are often complimented with cooked lunches and whilst meals are cooking, I take 10 minutes out, to make up a trout rod and a dry fly set up just in case a hatch occurs.

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A Viking Lunch for these Norwegian salmon fishers

Why? This is because, at this time of year in Scotland, we get tremendous rises of olive duns. I get tremendously excited when I see fish turning on the surface for dries anywhere, but none more so than a Scottish river. It an also add real spice to a days salmon fishing. An interesting interlude.

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One of the trouts favourite flies the Blue Winged Olive

Norwegian fishers on the River Dee

One spring, we hosted five very competent salmon anglers from Norway, members of the Norwegian Association of Hunters and Fishers. We were salmon fishing for springers on the River Dee, and the weather was perfect.

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Salmon fishing the River Dee

We broke for lunch and when everyone was tucking into a hot beef bourguignon, I sat outside in the spring sunshine and watched the rise come on as the first few olives appear so do the sporadic responses from the trout and a few rising fish here and there increase in frequency. I was watching a group of fish downstream of the hut on the south side of the river, shaded by big conifers. There looked to be some really big fish..

One fish, in particular, was easy to mark, he was 6ft from a rock on the shore. I was using Orvis Clearwater 10ft 4 weight rod. This works well with a Lee Wulffe triangle taper fly line. On the business end a size 14 CDC dry olive..

Heart thumping fishing

I got into position downstream of the fish, taking care to stay off the skyline and got down on my knees..it doesn’t matter how experienced you are at this if your hearts not pumping with excitement your dead! The first cast was a wee bit short, next one wasn’t and the head rolled over on my dry and I was into a good fish, but not a brown trout. This was a long sea trout kelt of about 3lb and I hurried it in to avoid too much stress.

Brown Trout, River Deveron, Dry Fly
A typical brown trout from the River Deveron

I had two small sea trout in the next few casts and then the guest came out to have a try. He had a few sea trout too and lost a good fish. It made a great interlude to the salmon hunting. It was great to see the River Dee bouncing with so many fish. I’ve witnessed this on the Spey too, and last week on the Tay.

Lower Tay near Scone palace – big trout on the dries

We were on the Tay at Lower Scone for a day with the Orvis Endorsed Guides. One of our guides was not interested in the slightest by salmon fishing, and we chatted about the superb trout that can be caught on the Tay. He made up a Helios 5 weight and off he went, downstream in search of trout.

I stayed in the hut preparing lunch for my fellow guides, but was hearing murmurings later that he had a couple of trout, a sea trout and a salmon kelt all on a size 14 dry fly. He had hooked and released a 3lb wild brown trout, and dropped two other decent fish.

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Early Season Hunt for wild trout on dries

In conclusion, if you’re going to try to catch an early spring fish, do not leave home without a dry fly trout outfit. There will be an opportunity to enjoy a short session trout fishing in your day. Make sure you have an early lunch, and keep a window between 12-2pm (approx) you won’ t regret it!

Fishing in Shetland for Cod and Coalfish

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The Best Sea Fishing in Scotland Cod and Coalfish

Firstly sea Fishing in Shetland, was always on my Bucket List. I had heard stories about monster Cod and Coalfish being caught. I had seen the photos of huge fish. Secondly, articles in fishing mags, Youtube videos and chats with fellow anglers really fuelled my interest. .

Eventually, in 2015, I managed to persuade a client from London to fish in Shetland. We planned for a three day sea fishing adventure, with a bit of trout fishing thrown in.

The Shetland Isles are Britains most Northerly groups of Islands, culturally a million miles from London. However, don’t even think about calling the Shetlander’s British or Scottish. Their identity has Scandic roots, and they see themselves as simply “Shetlanders”.

Lastly, if you’ve never been to this archipelago then you simply must. This is not only a fishing Mecca in Scotland, but the people are amongst the friendliest and most authentic you will meet in the UK.

Over 100 visits to Shetland trout fishing

I first started going there in the mid 1980’s, and have been over 110 times since. Therefore, it now seems natural to me to host occasional trips there. Additionally, some of the most impressive brown trout fishing is in Shetland. Although you do need to know where to go. Moreover you need be prepared to fish in the wee small hours of the night, when these fearsome predators come out from hiding to feed.

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A perfect wild brown trout on a dry fly from a Shetland loch

Because these big trout feed at night, you need to wait till dusk to cat a line for them. As a result, your patience will be rewarded with some truly amazing sport. To conclude trout fishing in Shetland is not of the faint hearted, there’s the constant wind. Also fishing in darkness and fighting big fish. In any case, we were in Shetland for other quarry.

Preparing for a sea fishing trip in Shetland

Firstly you travel a long way to get to Shetland. Subsequently you’re praying for favourable weather conditions. In spite of recent storms, we got lucky. The skipper met us the night before and explained it would be a fresh southerly wind but fishable. Furthermore, those that might suffer from sea sickness were offered a remedy. A small plaster containing anti motion and sickness drug called Scopolamine.

You stick this on your neck the night before and next day it works it dark magic.

Early start and off to the North of the Islands

Firstly, we met the skipper early at the launch point, filled with optimism. Due to the rough seas, it was a bumpy ride North. A 1 hour sail to the north of the northern most island in the archipelago of Shetland, Unst. We headed to the north east side and the lighthouse on Muckle Flugga Lighthouse. This arguably the most Northerly point in the UK.

Secondly, the sea was alive with marine life. Due to the underwater features, the fish finder screen was loaded with promise. I couldn’t wait for the first drop, and on my first drop, I engaged the clutch on the reel and a 20lb cod took a solid hold of the Gummy Mac lure and we were off and running.

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Muckle Flugga Lighthouse

Following a battle through 175ft of deep water, I eventually hauled up a magnificent cod. In fact this was the finest looking cod I’d ever seen. My client was playing his first fish, a 15lb coalfish no less.

Go to the gym before Cod fishing here

The day went on and you had to ask yourself this question, not will I catch a fish, but have I the strength and energy to bring another one up? I hooked two different fish that were unstoppable and ripped line off the reel mercilessly – I had to eventually lock up the clutch and straighten to rod and break them off, no mean feat with 80lb braid and a 65lb shock leader.

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Cod fishing in the North of Scotland. A 27lb cod.

My client got into a real tussle when for some reason and without my knowing was given a cast with two gummy mac lures on. He was fighting two big Coalies that took a hold at the same time. I counted 37 minutes on the watch of socket wrenching, muscle sapping toil. He had two fish on, one 27lb and the other 25lb! Lesson learned, he returned to fishing one lure after that ordeal.

Personal best records broken

So in summary, three personal bests smashed in one day, a 27lb Cod, a 27lb Coalfish and a 15lb Ling, which might be a tiddler, but was the beast eating fish I have ever had.

To top it all, off, that night I had 1 hour trout fishing on the Secret Loch and landed and released a 6lb wild brown on a dry daddy.

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A good Coalfish caught from a boat in North Scotland

A friend put me in touch with Hamish at Shetland Transport, a top man, and I was able to ship back to Edinburgh a small box of frozen Cod, Ling and Coalfish fillets. This kept our family fed through the winter.

Carlsberg don’t do fishing trips, but if they did.

Best Pike Fishing near Edinburgh

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Where are the best Pike Fishing Lochs near Edinburgh?

Firstly, this is one of the best pike fishing lochs in Scotland.

This 286 hectares loch, nestles in the hills above the market town of Peebles. This loch has a healthy population of pike, trout, and perch. Moreover, guests can fish from the bank or boat at this venue. The loch boasts some outstanding scenery. It’s very private, and the perfect place to escape.  

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A stunning private loch offering pike and trout fishing near Edinburgh

In fact, the biggest pike caught in recent times was about 22lb. Although there are no monsters, there are plenty of pike in the “teens”.

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Showing Dad how to land a big pike

There is a beautifully appointed fishing lodge on the south shore of the loch, with kitchen, toilets, log fire and a dining area.

There are many stories to tell about this loch. A few years ago, we were filming a TV show for Belgium TV. The show was about a father and daughter, enjoying a fishing vacation in Scotland.  With cameras rolling and the pressure on, the first fish that came to the net was 15 Pounds in weight and a perfect specimen.

In a 2 hour session, we had 9 fish and when the cameras left fished for an hour and landed and released another 12. You can view this pike fishing footage on our videos page.

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Pike and trout fishing near Edinburgh

Careful catch and release

Naturally, we practice good catch and release methods with these fish. In fact, we use single hooks and avoid trebles, to protect the pike.The the excellent Varivas Semi Circle hook is the best hook for bait fishing. It usually results in a clean hook up in the corner of the mouth. In order to minimise damage to fish, we release fish in the water with no handling.

Secondly, when lure fishing we use a 110lb mono leader with clip rather than a wire trace. Wire traces can be damaging when a pike rolls during a scrap. However, the wire can cut into the flesh. In the summer the pike in this loch are switched on to anything on the surface. Fishing surface lures here is spectacular.

Meanwhile, if you are used to lure fishing for Bass in the states, this loch will be ideal. Trevor Topkin, a young competition bass fisherman, had a memorable day here. you can watch a video of Trevor Topken catching pike in Scotland here.

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A good pike fighting near the boat

To conclude, guided fishing trips are available here throughout the year. The days are complimented by professional photography and hot lunches. The well-appointed log cabin, is the perfect spot to relax, eat lunch and warm up by the log fire.

Lastly, our team of guides included many pike specialists, who have extensive experience fishing here. Your guide will pick you up, and drop off in Edinburgh.

Also, if you want to add in some touring, Roslin Chapel and Glenkinchie distillery are nearby.

In addition to the resident pike, there is a healthy population of trout in this water. In fact, years ago this was one of Scotland’s foremost trout lochs.

Check out this Guided pike fishing near Edinburgh page.

Predator fishing in the sea for Pollock in Scotland

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Predator fishing in the sea for Pollock in Scotland

Sea fishing for Pollock, Bass, and Sea Trout, is a fast and furious sport.

We have some excellent fishing venues available throughout Scotland. Our professional fishing guides and knowledge of up to date fishing tackle will help you maximize your chances of success.

I’ve always had a short attention span, however, fishing might be the only sport where I can exercise patience. A few years ago I completed a psychometric test which confirmed in communication I want everything bright, brief and gone.

According to Carl Jung, I came out with 98% Red Energy, i.e. I’m competitive, goal orientated and impatient. Qualities that might not be the best for a professional fishing guide. Pollack fishing ticks all my boxes. Never a dull moment and the sport is usually fast and furious.

Some years ago in my teens, I discovered just how exciting saltwater fishing can be for big predators. I had fished for Pollock as a boy, but mainly catching small fish from the shore, I was always amazed how hard these fish scrap. Furthermore, even a 3 pound fish will really surprise you.

Researching the best coastline sea fishing spots in Scotland

10 years ago we wanted to expand our sea fishing portfolio and our team spent a long time walking and hiking and prospecting remote locations on the west coast in Scotland seeking out productive shore fishing marks.

One particular day, after 7 hours of fruitless trudging through peat bogs and wet heather, we came across the first of many memorable marks. What happened then is something I will never forget, neither will my companion on that evening. I counted 45 fish in a 90-minute session and we lost several that we simply couldn’t hold on to.

Furthermore, this particular spot turned out to be an excellent winter shore fishing mark, produsing not as many, but still the big pollock that everyone seemd to think disapeared in the winter.

Pollack averaging 5lb

The fish averaged 5lb in weight and the biggest we had was a healthy 8 pounder. I lost two fish I estimated to be double figure and cursed not spending more time in the gym. We’ve not long returned from another trip to the North West and again the sport was fast and furious, the biggest fish of the trip was 6 pounds, no monsters this time, but enjoying spectacular weather.

Pollack fishing, pollock fishing, Highlands, shore fishing
Shore fishing for Pollack in the Scottish Highlands

So how do you fish for these superb predators? You can spin or fly fish for them. Let’s start with the fly. I’ve noticed that depending on the geography of the mark, the colour of fly varies. For example pale green and white sand eel patterns reap rewards in the South West and on the Berwickshire coast, however, the fish in the North West will seldom look at these flies. Simple black or black and orange clouser patterns work very well here.

The line you use depends on the mark, but you do need to get the fly to the right level. Also it pays to experiment and carry a wallet of sink tips. Ideally use a stiff shock leader of about 6-8ft. I use 35lb test and a loop knot to allow the fly to swim naturally. The best success is a varied speed retrieve and a rapid series of pulls followed by a long pause can be deadly. Watch this video to see why.

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TT Lures jig head
Sea Fishing for Pollack – you’ll need big rods!

Firstly, if spin casting – take a powerful rod, especially if you are fishing for pollock over 5 pounds in weight. These fish are incredibly strong, and you need to stop them diving to the Kelp on the floor of the seabed. You don’t play these fish, more bully them and battle them as hard as you can.

Moreover, drags are usually set very tight. We fish an 11ft spinning rod and a 5000 reel loaded with quality 50lb braid, an Albright knot straight to a 4ft length of shock tippet then tied on to a lure clip.

The Delalande Argrafe Rapide is the best, go for size 8 for big fish, this is loaded to 40lb breaking strain. This saves a lot of time switching lures when experimenting with colours. Jigheads of around 20-25 grams are my choice and soft plastics such as sand eels and Berkely grub tails.

Again vary your retrieve, and search the depths. It’s also worth mentioning that I try to avoid damaging these fish on the rocks and lift them into soft beds of kelp to unhook and release.

Also, when releasing, get them back quickly and throw them back head first to revive them and spark them into a quick retreat into the depths before those pesky seals can get a hold of them!

Finally if you would like to fish one of these venues, check this out. Pollock fishing in Scotland.