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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, FE 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

Pike fishing lures for use in Scottish lochs and rivers – a complete guide

When do pike lures work better than dead bait?

To start off with, pike can be reluctant to chase lures in colder temperatures. On the other hand, they can work if fished slower and deeper in the water column. Also, Spring, summer and Autumn are the best time to fish lures for pike. Moreover in warmer moths, pike will take lures from the surface. This can result in spectacular sport.

Pike fishing lures – Sub surface

Most lure fishing for pike is sub surface. Also, the speed and depth of retrieve is as critical as lure choice. Therefore it pays to experiment with depths, by counting the lure down and fishing it as close to the bottom as you can. Furthermore, if a lure fails to trigger an attack, it’s worth changing up for a different colour combination.

Secondly, it really pays to linger at the end of a retrieve before lifting out to recast. More often than not, a pike will follow the lure and take it right beside the boat. Keep this in mind when you at the end of a retrieve….linger!

Finally when boat fishing, cast towards the shoreline and land the lure as close to the shore as you can. Pike often bask in the shallows, and will spring into action if a lure is near their attack zone.

Sub surface pike lures that work

• Jig head and soft plastic – Gives you the advantage of changing colours quickly and adding scent to the lure
• Zalt – sinking pike pures. Superb and expensive lures from Sweden.
• Rapala – various colours. Matching the resident bait fish is the key
• Metal spoons – an old fashioned method and equally effective
• Salmo Toby
• Mepps spinning lures variety of colours
• Articulated lures
• Falkfisk Spoket– I started using these lures 15 years ago, they are brilliant. You can impart various actions on the lure adding tremendous variety.

Pike fishing lure surface lures

To start with, pike can be fished for with lures closer to the surface during summer season. As a result, this can make for spectacular sport.

Furthermore, focus on weed-beds, and in and around Lillies. Meanwhile if you are fishing weedless lures like the Bronzeye, cast on to the Lillies and drag the lure off and into the water.

Best surface lures for pike

• Argobast Jitterbug – a firm favourite. Articulated body
• Spro Brozeye from 65 – also ideal when fishing near weeds or Lilly pads
• Westin Spot on Top Walker – superb action on the surface
• Zalt floating lures – the best pike lures in Sweden. They work in Scotland too

How to fish pike lures

To begin with, cover as much water as possible, each cast should explore a new area. In addition, consider the depth you are fishing at. For example you can explore depths, by counting down the lure. If letting the lure sink for 10 seconds hits the bottom, consider 7 seconds instead, so you are fishing just above the bottom, and so on.

Furthermore, if fishing from a boat, keep the noise to a minimum and stay seated and out of the skyline if possible. This is especially important as pike often take the lure right next to the boat (unless they see you standing up)

It’s also worth using a fish finder when boat fishing. This will help you locate where the fish are and at what depth.

When fishing with surface lures like the Jitterbug, experiment with retrieval speed. There’s a sweet spot with speed of retrieve with most lures that gives them the most attractive action.

Do big pike take lures?

Yes they do. You can catch them or normal sized lures, there’s no need to go big with lure size for big fish. Make sure your terminal tackle is tong enough to handle big fish and sharp teeth. Avoid wire traces where possible, as the wire cuts into the flesh if the fish rolls. We use 110 pound test nylon which uses no damage to the fish.

What colour pike fishing lures do pike take?

When considering what colour to choose, consider what fish the pike is predating on in its habitat. For example, if there are a lot of perch in the loch, choose a lure that represents a small perch. Equally, if you are fishing in a loch, that is also stocked with rainbow trout, a lure representing a small wounded or crippled trout is a good bet. Despite this theory, sometimes a pike with take lures that look nothing like the resident food source, i.e. bright red, yellow and green etc.

Combining a fishing and touring vacation/ holidays are ideal for couples, and small groups looking to mix a vacation between fishing and touring.

In fact this is the perfection vacation for couples with an angler and a non angler.

Common mistakes when planning a fishing and touring vacation to Scotland

Firstly, a lot of visitors pick the same script, and its not always the best plan. To illustrate, they choose, Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness, Skye and back to Edinburgh again. By all means these are good destinations, but the plan misses so much that is good in Scotland.

Secondly, visitors try and book at short notice. Our mixed fishing and touring vacations are sold out for 2024 (this being early March 2024) In addition, we have two already in the books for 2025.

Moreover, all of the best hotels are unlikely to have availability, unless you book at least 6 months in advance.

Thirdly, fishing permits for the best beats on the rivers of Scotland sell quickly. Likewise you should be booking a year to 6 months in advance. To illustrate, you wouldn’t try and buy a ticket for the Super Bowl a few weeks before the event, and expect a decent and fairly priced seat.

In summary, the do’s and don’ts of planning a fishing and touring vacation in Scotland:

• Avoid cliched travel plans – (Edinburgh, Inverness, Skye) we can customise an imaginative itinerary
• Book at least a year in advance
• The best accommodation is limited and sells quickly – plan ahead
• Fishing permits for the premium Big 4 rivers of Scotland, require to be booked 6 months to a year in advance.

How to book salmon fishing on Scottish rivers

To begin with the number of fisherman on a river beat is controlled and never open to abuse. Furthermore, as there is no fishing licence system in Scotland, you will never fish shoulder to shoulder and experience overcrowding. Equally, because numbers of anglers are limited, the availability is scarce, and needs booked well in advance. To illustrate this, try and do an online search right now for fishing permits for the River Spey in May, June and July. You’ll find nothing decent available.

The secret is to plan well in advance. For instance you can contact us and highlight your target rivers and we can access permits and plan the non touring activities around this.

How many days are enough to vacation in Scotland?

10 days is an ideal length of trip to get a fully immersed Scottish vacation. Naturally shorter trips can work, if you dial down to focus on specific interests, and plan carefully.

What’s the best way to travel around Scotland?

Without doubt car is the best form of transport. Furthermore, if you are on one of our mixed fishing and touring vacations, we use Volvo XC90‘s luxury SUV. This is a safe and reliable luxury vehicle. At the same time, its spacious interior is ideal for couples, luggage and fishing gear.

How to pack for a fishing and touring vacation to Scotland – A concise pack list

Here is an ideal pack list for traveling to Scotland on a fishing and touring vacation:

• Good polarised sunglasses – these are vital for fishing and for touring.
• Warm base layers – even in summer, these are invaluable
• Lightweight packable thermal jacket, such as the Patagonia Nano puff
• Merino wool socks both thick and thin. Double up these socks when wading and use the thinner ones for touring
• A good hat
• UV sun cream – despite our temperate climate, you can get burned easily
• Good gore tex or waterproof trainers or walking boots. These are ideal for short hikes and walking in wet grass.
• A good rain jacket, lightweight and packable
• Waterproof rainpants
• A good camera or use your iPhone

What we provide on your mixed fishing and touring vacation

• USA to UK adapters
• Nikon binoculars
• Full frame photography of your trip, shared by Dropbox. Using a Nikon D850 camera and prime lenses.
• Quality breathable waders and wading boots. Boot shave tungsten studs for better grip.
• Wading staffs
• Crewsaver PFD floatation device, to keep you safe while wading
• Spare waterproof jackets
• Premium American fishing tackle by Sage Fly rods, Orvis and Redington
• If you are a fan of bamboo rods, we carry a stock of vintage bamboo rods, married with Hardy reels and Rio fly lines

Fishing for salmon in high water offers a real opportunity to catch otherwise stubborn salmon. Notably I’ve witnessed red letter days in high water, when other anglers have stayed in the hotel.

To illustrate, one day on the River Tay, the river was 4ft on the gage. Furthermore the water was coloured with debris washing downstream. In these conditions it’s easy to identify where salmon will be present. Simply look for calm even flowing water close to the bank and away from the intensity of the main current. Consequently, Atlantic Salmon will run in slacker water close to the bank as they look for an easier path upstream.

Furthermore, Ive always been amazed how close the bank, salmon will run in high water. In the same vein, long casting is not required. Meanwhile it is vital to present the correct fly and lure at these fish.

Best flies when fishing for salmon in High Water

Notably, choose a bigger and more visible fly pattern when salmon fishing in high water. Here are some highly effective flies for use in flood/spate/high water conditions:

• Red Francnsnaelda – Tungsten head for weight and feelers to vibrate and induce a take
• Willie Gun Francnsnaelda – Tungsten version with feelers
• Monkey tube fly – weighted
• Flame Thrower tube – weighted

A sinking poyleader will ensure flies are presented at the correct depth.

Best lures for salmon in High Water

At the same time, spin casting in high water is deadly. A carrot coloured Rapala, or Vision 110 lure is one of the best lure in spate conditions. Furthermore, it will catch sea trout, big trout as well. Equally important is to focus on fishing close to the bank and varying retrieve and depth.

How to read a river in high water and find fish

In contrast to normal river levels, high water ones up new fishing opportunities. In fact, sections of the river normally un-fishable due to lack of current, become prime routes for salmon to take. Therefore keep an open mind and treat the river with a fresh perspective. Seek out spots with steady calm water, that are less taxing for migrating salmon to move through. Invariably this will be close to the bank.

Why you shouldn’t wade in high water/ spate flood conditions

Firstly, wading in high coloured water is extremely dangerous. At the same time, as fish are located close to the bank, you will spook fish and send them scattering. As a result, the best approach is to fish from the bank and stay out of the water.

Firstly when salmon fishing in Spring, salmon anglers eagerly set their sights on catching the elusive springer. In fact, an Atlantic Salmon springer is considered the ultimate prize in angling.

Next, this article aims to equip you with the necessary tactics for salmon fishing in Scottish rivers. Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges you may face – fluctuating river levels, harsh weather, and unpredictable fish behaviour.

Lastly, maintaining the right mindset is essential. Remember, you’re matching wits with an ancient creature equipped with finely tuned survival instincts. Recognising this honours the remarkable journey of the salmon.

Table of Contents

• What clothing and waders should I wear?
  • Why you should wear a PFD when salmon fishing
• Salmon fishing tactics for Scottish rivers
• Selecting Poly leaders and sink rate
• Correct mindset when fishing for Spring Salmon
• Conclusion

What clothing and waders should I wear?

Firstly, it’s important to know that the weather in Scotland during February, March, and April can be harsh, but it can also be pleasant. North winds make it colder, while south winds or westerlies are warmer.

Regardless of the wind, the best time for fishing is usually in the middle of the day when the sun is highest.

Make sure to dress for the worst weather conditions to ensure a good fishing experience. Therefore, wear plenty of thin layers, that allow you to Laye run or down.

Meanwhile 20 years as an Orvis Endorsed Guide has taught me the importance of investing in good waders. The Orvis Pro Guides are my top choice. They’re comfortable, warm, durable, and last. Plus, they come with built-in removable knee pads.

Being a fishing guide can be tough on waders, but my current Pro Guides are in their third season and still going strong, having endured up to 10,000 steps most guiding days without any issues.

Why you should wear a PFD when salmon fishing

Furthermore, during Spring, water levels can be on the high side. It’s essential to wear a reliable Personal Floatation Device (PFD) that’s also compact and doesn’t hinder your casting stroke. To sum up, do not fish for salmon without a PFD it will save your life.

Moreover, staying warm is crucial. Start by layering two thermal leggings under your waders. Then, opt for quality merino wool socks like the OTC wader socks, but remember to size up and wear a thinner pair underneath. Additionally, consider going a size up on wading boots to accommodate the extra layers.

For your upper body, invest in good thermal layers that are breathable and not too bulky. Base layers by Icebreaker work well. The Patagonia micro puff and Nano puff jackets are our choice. Notably they are light and warm and not too bulky, but choose muted colours. The Orvis Pro Wading jacket is an excellent choice for enduring the wettest weather conditions.

It’s also worth remembering to prepare physically for a days fishing to avoid injury. Lastly we need your wader sizes, so we will supply you with a form which gets all your vital stats and helps us get it just right..

Lastly fingerless gloves help keep your hands warm, without compromising the ability to tie flies.

Salmon fishing tactics for Scottish rivers

Firstly, the best spring fishing for salmon is on the Big Four Rivers of Scotland.

Therefore a 14ft or 15ft Spey rod is an ideal length of Spey rod. We stock quality Spey rods by Sage, Orvis, Mackenzie and Vision. Furthermore we marry these with Rio Fly lines and stock short head spey lines or Skagits for casting tube heavier flies. It’s vital to have equipment that is properly balanced, so that casting doesn’t cause fatigue. In Spring this is more relevant, as the lines, polyleaders and flies are heavier, and more effort is required.

As I mentioned before, the best fishing is likely to happen in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point. Therefore, it pays to fish through lunchtime and eat later in the day. Consequently salmon are often caught when other anglers sit in the fishing hut enjoying an extended lunch.

Similarly, fly choice is importantl. Larger, weighted tube flies work best in the Spring. Black and Yellow patterns work really well. An old ghillie once quipped “try black and yellow, if that doesn’t work, try yellow and black”. Monkey flies and Banana tubes work too. Also weighted patterns like this excellent RS Pink UV Tomic SuperSquid by the Helmsdale company are effective in spring. Especially if harling from a Tay boat. Finally if in doubt, speak to the resident ghillie about fly choice.

Selecting Poly leaders and sink rate

Lastly, it important to fish your fly at the right depth and speed. Therefore carrying a selection of polyleaders, will help you achieve this. In essence, in spring go deep, and in the summer go high. Also, polyleader selection, depends on the depth and flow rate of the pool you are targeting. Finally, if in doubt, ask your ghillie or guide. They will know what sink rate to select.

Correct mindset when fishing for Spring Salmon

Fishing for Scottish salmon needs patience and planning before casting a line. In other words, take a moment to check out the best way to approach the pool you are fishing. Start with short casts, then try longer ones. Move slowly in the water, like a heron, to avoid scaring the fish.

When you’re salmon fishing in Scotland, it helps to stay calm and not rush to catch fish. Relax and get into a steady rhythm. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Sometimes, when you’re calm and focused, that’s when a salmon bites. It pays to stay calm but at the same time focused. We call this staying in the zone.

Conclusion

Atlantic Salmon are not easy to catch in Scotland, however they remain the ultimate prize in game angling. Hopefully these tips will gear you for success and tight lines on your fishing adventures.

Written by Stewart Collingswood, Orvis Endorsed Guide and MD at Alba Game Fishing

Firstly the Spring brown trout fishing in rivers and lochs is outstanding.

During the last ice age, approximately 15,000 years ago, the retreating ice left behind features such as mountains, lochs and rivers. In fact, brown trout have been thought to have populated Scottish rivers and lochs since the last ice age. Remarkably, there are over 30,000 freshwater lochs in Scotland. Also many river systems. In conclusion most of these waters hold trout.

Table of Contents

• Where is the best Brown Trout Fishing in Scotland?
• Can you fish for brown trout in Scotland for free?
• What is the trout fishing season in Scotland?
• What is the best month for brown trout fishing in Scotland?
• Can you catch trout on Spinners in Scotland?
• What is the record brown trout in Scotland
• What are the best techniques to catch brown trout in Scottish rivers?

Where is the best Brown Trout Fishing in Scotland?

The most notable trout rivers in Scotland are the River Tay, River Tweed, River Deveron, River Don, River Spey, and River Ness. Moreover these are rivers with good trout populations, due to the abundance of food and well oxygenated water.

In addition, there are many notable lochs, like Loch Awe, Loch Arkaig, Loch Shiel, Loch Watten, Loch Navar to mention a few.

Can you fish for brown trout in Scotland for free?

Firstly, you should always ask the permission of a land owner, prior to fishing his water. Because there is no licence system in Scotland, it may also be necessary to purchase a day or week permit. These are sold on a rod to rod basis, and numbers are controlled to avoid overcrowding.

What is the trout fishing season in Scotland?

The season for wild brown trout in Scotland is March 15th to October 6th. There are some regional variations to this, but this is the core season.

What is the best month for brown trout fishing in Scotland?

Considering all factors, April is the best month to fish for trout in Scotland. To find out why, please check out this detailed article on spring fishing for trout.

Can you catch trout on Spinners in Scotland?

On the whole, fishing for trout in Scotland is fly only. However there are venues that allow spin casting. Furthermore we always advise to avoid trebles and debarb hooks if spinning for trout.

What is the record brown trout in Scotland

The record brown trout weighed 31lb 12 oz and was caught in 2001 in Loch Awe. This is also the record brown trout for the UK.

What are the best techniques to catch brown trout in Scottish rivers?

Firstly, dry fly is one of the most effective and enjoyable methods to catch trout in Scotland. That is to say, if you are fishing during a hatch and big trout are on the feed. I have observed that Scottish trout are easily spooked and therefore you require to be stealthy in your approach when fishing dries. Likewise fly choice and leader set up is critical. All of our flies are tied in house but our fishing guide who has represented Scotland at International level.

Euronymphing is a highly effective method to catch trout. Especially when there is a lack of surface activity.

Equally, swinging soft hackled wet flies and spiders can be deadly. Lastly, fishing streamers is an extremely effective method of catching trout, especially for bigger fish.