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Fishing in Scotland offers great variety of species. A step by step guide to each month and what species to target. Where in Scotland offer these the best fishing rivers and lochs.

This guide breaks down each month and suggests the best fishing available in Scotland.

Fishing in January in Scotland – What species to target?

The salmon season opens on the River Tay in January, however there are low numbers of migratory fish, running the river at this time of year. Grayling fishing is still prolific, and if you are brave enough to embrace the elements, and wrap up well, you can enjoy excellent sport. Which grayling river to target in January? The Tweed and Tay are my choice in January, when river levels are close to normal. If the big rivers are running high, then the Teviot, Annan and River Earn are all worthy options. Hatching insects are few and far between, so nymphing techniques are most effective.

Winter pike fishing is also a good winter option. Pike are less willing to chase lures and flies though, and the best sport can be had, fishing with dead baits.

Fishing in February, Scotland starts to warm up

The River Tweed and the Spey salmon season opens in February for salmon fishing, and die hard anglers go and search early spring salmon. Though they are not prolific in numbers, when you capture one of these fish, they are in prime condition. Bars of silver straight in from the sea, broad shouldered and hard fighting.

February is still in my opinion a great month for grayling fishing, and you can enjoy good sport as the fish feed heavily prior to spawning.

Fishing in Scotland in March – (start of the brown trout season)

The season for river wild brown trout in Scotland starts on March the 15th and is eagerly anticipated by everyone with a passion for river fishing. Scotland is beginning to warm up. Insect life is developing nicely. Hatches of March Browns and Olive duns are short and sweet. Often around the middle of the day, when the sun gets a chance to warm the temperature a few degrees, it often triggers a swatch. Occasional hatches of LDO’s (large dark olives) and March Browns can be seen. The trout are waking up and starting to feed a little more frequently.

In the last few years, it seems like the month of March is getting warmer and warmer, and so it’s worth targeting trout in the early season, as the bigger fish can be caught easier,. early season trout look to pack on weight and regain form after winter.

The best early season trout rivers in Scotland, are the River Tweed, River Annan, River Tay and Teviot.

Where to fish in Scotland in April – (Salmon and Trout spring fishing)

Spring salmon fishing, improves in April, as numbers start to increase. April also offers first class trout fishing, especially with the dry fly. A highly effective tactic would be to target salmon on one of the big 4 rivers in Scotland, but also take a trout rod,. You should be armed with a 9ft 5 weight rod, a floating line and a box of dry flies.

Often, in the middle part of the day, the river can explode with a hatch of dry fly activity. That’s when you put the salmon rod down, and try to catch some of the large trout that feed heavily during a fly hatch.

There are some excellent spring salmon to be had in April, and whilst they may not be prolific., if conditions are right. The sport can be excellent. The best rivers for these tactics, are the Tay, River Spey, Tweed and River Dee.

In addition to river fishing, the large ferox brown trout of Loch Awe, Loch Arkaig and Quioch are worth targeting. There are some true monsters of the deep here, and trolling articulated lures are often the most effective method.

Where to fish in Scotland – Month of May

The river temperatures are rising in Scotland. Warmer days bring on more frequent hatches of insect life and and trout fishing is at its best. May is the month when trout fishing starts to improve in the Highlands, Speyside, Inverness-shire and West Coast. If you lust after adventure, and are keen to hike to remote spots, the North of Scotland, is a huge playground for wild brown trout fishing.

The trout fishing on the River Don and River Deveron would be my choice in May. These two Highland rivers offer fantastic sport on the dry fly. Fishing wets and spiders, are also effective, before a hatch, whilst prospecting for fish.

The River Spey in May is also outstanding. This is a river much in demand, and you should try and look to book permits in advance, as often there is little availability. You can increase your chances by booking and entire beat for a week, as this makes it easier for the owners and reduces administration and risk.

Fishing in June in Scotland

As the trout fishing in the rivers in central Scotland starts to wane, the fishing in the Highlands starts to improve. Rivers and Lochs in the Highlands take a month longer to warm up than Central Scotland, and the Borders. If you enjoy fishing amidst stunning scenery, then head for the Highlands and the West Coast. There are some truly stunning scenic locations. If you consider there are over 30,000 lochs in Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and the outer Isles, it opens up many options.

Sea trout fishing is also prolific in the month of June, the best fishing being in the early hours of the morning and in complete darkness.

If you would like to understand more about night fishing for sea trout, then read Hugh Falkus’s book on Sea Trout Fishing. A bible.

My favourite lochs to fish in June, are Loch eye, near Tain. The Limestone lochs of Caithness, and a selection of secret lochs we know if in the Highlands, that produce some very big wild trout.

If salmon fishing in Scotland is your focus, then the River Spey in June can offer the best fishing in Scotland. Permit availability is scarce, but if you have contacts, and knowledge of the beats, rods can be secured with forward planning.

Fishing in July in Scotland – Saltwater fishing and Summer Salmon

The temperature in the seas around Scotland are starting to warm up. This brings in an increase in bait fish, and with that, in turn, better fishing for predators.

Shore and boat fishing for pollack is excellent in Scotland in July and August. These hard fighting predators can be caught using lures, flies or fishing bait. Jig heads of between 15g and 25g are highly effective with soft rubber lures and grub tails. The most effective flies are closer minnow patterns, sparsely tied are best, as they tend to imitate sand eels. When bait fishing for Pollack, strips of mackerel float fished on a 2/0 hook is a highly productive ,method, also fishing king rag worm, either float fished, or with a jig head.

The best location in Scotland to fish from the boat in July is around the Mull of Galloway. There is such a wide variety of species to be caught here, as I understand, the boat we fish in have caught over 60 different species of fish, including:

Typical species of fish in Scotland (sea): Wrasse(4 different types), Pollack(Pollock), Coalfish, Ling, Haddock, Garfish, Spurdog, Skate, Gurnard, Tope, Mackerel, Sea Bass, Sea Trout, and Bull Huss.

Fishing in Scotland in August – What species of fish to target?

August arrives and offers new angling opportunities in Scotland. The Atlantic Salmon run is becoming prolific. You will get runs of Grilse. These are salmon that have sent one winter at sea and average 4-8lbbs in weight, as well as mature summer run salmon.

The Lower River Tay in August can be breathtaking. Some of our best days have been on the beats around Scone Palace. You can fly fish, spin cast or “Harl” for salmon on the Tay in August. Harling is from a boat, and involves trailing flies and lures behind the boat, and manoeuvring the boat over the lies of salmon.

These lower River Tay beats, fish better in lower water levels. Fly fishing is highly effective, using a double hand 14ft r 15ft spey rod, and floating or a slow 1.5 inch per second sink tip poly leader.

Fishing in Scotland in September – What’s the best species to target?

There are so many fishing opportunities in September. Trout fishing has a resurgence, as trout look to feed heavily prior to spawning. Trout also get aggressive and territorial and this can’t trigger feeding activity, when fishing attractor patterns of fly.

Grayling fishing starts to pick up in September.

Sea fishing is still prolific, as the sea holds a good temperature and head of bait fish.

Pike fishing is excellent, we tend to catch larger fish in September in the venues we fish. Pike will chase the fly and lure in warmer September days.

However if you were to single out a single species in Scotland to target in September, then it has to be the Salmon. The best rivers in September are the Tweed, The Tay, The River Dee and some of the smaller pate rivers in the South West of Scotland.

Salmon fishing in October in Scotland

Salmon fishing peaks in October on the River Tweed and Tay in October. There are huge volumes of fish running the rivers as well as a large head of fish that have run the system earlier in the season. The salmon start to display their spawning colours, and silver fish are rare. Sport can be fast and furious. October however is susceptible to weather variations and days are often lost due to spates.

The scenery on these river is spectacular. The autumnal colours and pleasant weather can make for some truly memorable days.

The technique in October calls for sinking polyleaders and heavier flies. Spin fishing is not permitted on the Tweed, however is allowed on the certain Tay beats.

Winter fishing in Scotland in November – Grayling

You can fish till the end of November on the River Tweed for salmon, although in my opinion this can disturb early spawning fish, unless you know where to avoid.

I would recommend grayling fishing in November and there are some truly excellent spots top target on the River Tweed Earn, Tay, and tributaries of these systems.

The techniques for catching grayling in November differs greatly from January and February. I’m not going to disclose my secrets on this blog, but can assure you we have some highly effective techniques for connecting with trophy grayling in November.

Fishing in Scotland in December

December offers two main species of fish in Scotland. Grayling and Pike.

The pike fishing in Scotland is on Stillwater lochs, and as fish are reluctant to chase anything, the most effective technique is fishing with dead baits and electronic bite alarms. It can be very relaxing sitting by the loch, with a dram, and some heat from a fire, waiting for the bite alarms to sound. It’s great to get out in December in the cold conditions and enjoy the diverse wildlife and scenery Scotland offers.

Grayling fishing is also excellent in December and not far away from as good as November. The problem you might encounter is that often the rivers are in spate. When they are fishable though, the sport is fantastic.

Fishing has always been there. Sometimes on the back-burner but nevertheless, still there simmering away for when I next need a hit.

For us all life is a roller coaster of love and loss. I’ve suffered the pain of loss many times now during the course of my fifty-three years. Cancer (my dad), suicide (my friend couldn’t handle lock down), overdose’s (17yrs old), heart attack (30yrs old) etc etc and on and on. Relationships have broken down; jobs have been lost. My cure. My solace. My constant has been fishing. My bolt hole is a river. Serenity in the arms of nature’s softly spoken language gives me my inner peace.

When in 2011 I wrote my first book – Terminal Chancer. It was both a cathartic process and also a message about pursuing what you truly love doing. Getting your life balance right seemed key. We can lose focus chasing trophies and forget it’s the process thats more important than the prize. 

Fishing to restore balance and escape the babble

We seem to live in an age of the worried well, self-help and middle-class guilt. The great outdoors has been unveiled and re-branded like it’s a new thing. From wild swimming to forest bathing, it’s all been supposedly just invented. Who knew! The outside can be quite relaxing! 

The cure is balance. The cure is pace. When I have fished a river beat from top to bottom methodically, I feel cleansed. Sounds over the top, and a touch dramatic, but it’s completely true. I’ve walked and watched. I’ve seen and I’ve heard. I’ve felt and I’ve touched. My eyes have widened, and my head has emptied. Cast and step all the way, into mother nature’s circuit board.  

Finding a place to think is hard. Our senses are bombarded by other people’s news, sales pitches, thoughts and ideas the moment you open your eyes. Radio, TV, signage and the advertiser’s little miracle – our mobile phones. Keep scrolling and don’t you dare die. All this has led to the new phrase of the digital detox. Imagine that 20 years ago.

The River is my church – Fishing is my religion

The river is my ashram, my church and my rehab. All I need is time. It’s important you engineer enough for the stuff that matters. The phrase – Find what you love and let it slowly kill you, sums it up really. It is a quote from the singer Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman.

Below is a letter featuring Kinkys quote, supposedly written by Charles Bukowski
My dear, find what you love and let it kill you. Let it drain from you your all. Let it cling onto your back and weigh you down into eventual nothingness. Let it kill you, and let it devour your remains. For all things will kill you, both slowly and fastly, but it’s much better to be killed by a lover. Falsely yours, Henry Charles Bukowski”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Check the river levels and take your head to the river.

James Gilbraith

James Gilbraith is an Author and passionate salmon angler on his home river in Lancashire the Ribble. His two books “Terminal Chancer” and “Hooked on Hope” are well worth reading. Ive just read for the second time “Hooked on Hope” – brilliant stuff. Laced with colourful characters, anecdotes and great stories, I was caught laughing out loud in public. This is a great book for anglers or mere normal humans. It even comes with a soundtrack!

Having spent a while thinking of a trip to the river spey. I say a while. What I really mean is twenty years. My thought process for a change is a foot race between Triggers brain and a tortoise in cement slippers. On my home river the mighty river ribble I can flog my guts out fifty to one hundred times a year and maybe get four or five salmon in a season.

So, when opportunity knocked and I was unexpectedly offered a place on the spey for a week in April I had a choice to make. Choose life. Choose to engineer a gap in time. Choose to juggle family and work life. Choose to think big picture. Choose to break the wheel. Choose to hit reset. Choose to exit the membrane of the grind.

Take the High Road to Speyside

Tackle in the car. Six-hour drive. Glorious scenery, palpable excitement, radio football commentary, playlist inspiring a cocktail of pleasant day dreams. What a drive. Man, I loved it. I arrive at the Mash Tun in Aberlour. My friends and fellow members of the escape committee are outside and beaming with broad smiles. We walk to the bridge and within seconds we see fresh salmon leaping. Plural. Fact. I can’t believe it. On the ribble if I see five salmon in a season, I pinch myself. Here I’ve already seen double figures. 

Our cottage was up the road in Archestown. Perfect in every way. Lovely rooms, parking, massive kitchen diner etc. You get the picture. I have booked half a rod – which means I share a rod with a mate. Mainly to keep the cost down but also, I don’t really want to fish for eight hours a day. Eight hours a day for five days….I’d be demented. Swapping every hour allows us both to stay fresh.  

A spring salmon off the Spey (second cast!)

Ok – so bare with me. This is true. On my second cast with a fly on the river spey. I catch a gleaming fresh run atlantic salmon. As Roy Ayers sang Everybody Loves The Sunshine. Elated I sit out the rest of the day and have a few beers and sagely advise my much-maligned friend. While I do this, I also admire the landscape of this stunning river. The whole area is bathed in a special spring light that makes everything seem a touch brighter. From a world mechanised to mother nature luminous.

Our beat was split into two sections. Lower and higher. Our ghillie Davey rotated us each session. This worked superbly well. We covered the water worth fishing rather than wandering blindly. I’m a dab hand at wandering blindly. For the week we managed seven salmon to eighteen pounds. Ate out every night, had a few beers, lots of excitement and plenty of laughs.

20 years dreaming of the River Spey (a dream fulfilled)

I’m not sure why it took me twenty years to grasp this nettle. Don’t make my mistake. It’s a special place. Speyside is the perfect re-set button. Life can be like being trapped in a washing machine on spin cycle. In the wise words of The Spencer Davis Group – Gimme Some Lovin – I’m so glad we made it. You will be too.

—
James Gilbraith

James Gilbraith is an Author and passionate salmon angler on his home river in Lancashire the Ribble. His two books “Terminal Chancer” and “Hooked on Hope” are well worth reading. Ive just read for the second time “Hooked on Hope” – brilliant stuff. Laced with colourful characters, anecdotes and great stories, I was caught laughing out loud in public. This is a great book for anglers or mere normal humans. It even comes with a soundtrack!

Fort William and Glencoe offer many fishing opportunities, set amidst spectacular scenery.

There are numerous salmon fishing opportunities in the area. The River Lochy offers the salmon angler some of the most spectacular salmon fishing in the Scotland. The river is 10 miles long, and flows through the Great Glen with the backdrop of Ben Nevis (UKs highest mountain) and the surrounding peaks.  The Loch produces big spring fish with a typical average weight of 17lbs (7-8kilos).   

The River Orchy is located to the west of Glencoe and flows into Loch Awe. This is a truly spectacular, and smaller spate river. You can catch migratory fish and brown trout. This is a streamy, fast flowing river, tumbling over impervious boulders in some sections, and gliding through deep pools in others. The best fishing here is when the river is falling after a spate.

If you are staying at the excellent Glencoe House Hotel, then both of these salmon rivers are accessible. The drive to the Orchy is worth considering, if you would like to marry the fishing experience with a scenic driver through Glencoe or Glen Etive.

Trout fishing near Fort William and Glencoe

There are numerous trout fishing rivers and lochs in this area. North of Fort William, you can enjoy fishing on the River Garry, Loch Garry, and numerous hill lochs. Wild brown trout are abundant here. The fishing starts to become productive in April and peaks in May and June. Large Ferox trout can be caught in Loch Arkaig and Loch Quoich.

There are two of the best wild brown trout fishing lochs in Scotland. Fishing here is from a drifting boat. We can supply tackle, life vests and the knowledge to target these fish.

Loch Shiel is also accessible from Fort William. It is a 25 minute drive west. You can fish for brown trout traditional style from a boat here. It’s an area of outstanding beauty and with Glenfinnan monument and viaduct visible at the East

Fort William offers a few sea fishing charters. The sea lochs in this area offer shelter and depth, as well as a variety of species. Pollack, wrasse, mackerel, dogfish, skate and other species can be caught in these waters.

Non anglers can enjoy these Sea fishing charters too, and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife.

If you would like to arrange a day trip, we can provide all the very best equipment. We will also collect and drop off from your accommodation. Lunches can be provided, as well as professional photography.

Please get in touch to arrange a day.

Advanced tip and techniques

Scotland has over 400 notable salmon rivers, including the Big 4, The River Spey, The River Dee, River Tay and River Tweed. This article describes in detail, the Salmon fishing techniques we use throughout Scotland. 

Introduction 

I have fished all over Scotland for 45 years, and been a professional Orvis Endorsed Guide for 18 years. In 2004, I founded Alba Game Fishing and we have grown to become one of Scotland’s foremost provider of fishing trips. We offer tailored fly fishing experiences, for every species, throughout all geographic areas of Scotland. 

I decided back in 2004 to quit the corporate world as CEO of a software company in Edinburgh, swapping my suit and Oliver Sweeney shoes, for more appropriate  Tweeds and wellies. My idea and ethos for the company, was to create a new type of fishing experience, with focus on customer service, blending fishing with other elements like, delicious lunches, professional photography, high end tackle and transport in quality vehicles.

We pioneered this fishing guiding service, and work tirelessly to fine tune what we do, and improve continuously. Now as I write this in 2022, we have superb team of 21 fishing guides, located throughout Scotland.

Overview

1. Choosing the right river/ at the right time
2. Preparation for your salmon fishing day
3. Get into the right mindset to fish for salmon
4. Reading a salmon river
5. What salmon fly lines to use, flies and sink rate tips to select?
6. Techniques and how to fish the fly for Atlantic Salmon
7. Playing and releasing a salmon effectively
8. Photography 

What are the best salmon rivers in Scotland? (how to select the right river for you?)

How can you predict when the best time is to target each salmon river? The answer is you can’t. You can, however make an educated guess. By studying each river, and how it fishes at differing water levels, and marrying that with fish catch returns and historic data, you can start to draw some fairly accurate conclusions.

This allows us to offers our clients educated choices and the best opportunities, value and experience. Salmon rivers, are of course, an ever changing equation and need constant monitoring, for example, the river can change completely after a heavy flood, so constant monitoring is needed. Your finger needs to be on the pulse.

How to price a days fishing correctly?

I often get asked “how much is a day’s salmon fishing?” which is similar to the question… “how much is a ticket for the FA Cup?” Or “How much is a car?” To price a days salmon fishing, you need to start asking the following questions, to try work out the best options:

What date do you want to fish?

How many anglers and non anglers?

Where will you be based? (if your staying in Fort William don’t ask for a day trip on the Tay)

What is your expected budget? (A champagne beat on the Spey, doesn’t cost lager money)

What experience do you have of Spey casting? (Often none is the best – this way you don’t have to undo bad habits)

What is your main motivation for booking a trip? (Believe it or not, some guests want to focus on scenery, service and the all-round Scottish experience rather than a guaranteed catch)

A client made an enquiry for a salmon fishing day in August. He requested a day on the River Dee. I asked him where he was staying. He said Perth. I asked why the Dee? He said because a friend in the States said it was the best river. I explained the Lower Tay would be a heck of a lot closer to Perth, and more productive in August (and less expensive)and steered him to the Scone Palace fishings at Fishponds. Luckily the day worked out, he caught and released a grilse of 6lb and a salmon of 13lb both on the fly. It doesn’t always work out like that, but it’s great when it does.

How to prepare for a fishing day

My Dad was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy and one of his well-used mantra’s was “proper planning and preparation prevents piss poor performance”. His wisdom is embedded in my psyche and his ethos underpins everything we do. Starting a day ill-prepared often leads to failure and time spent planning is time seldom wasted.

I confess I do like order, and am obsessive about detail. I like to spend time checking and preparing gear. It’s a vital discipline in the guiding game and trained into our team. A well organised fly box, containing confidence patterns that are appropriate for the river you are targeting. The correct sink tip/ leaders, you wouldn’t want to arrive on the river Thurso in summer, armed with only with 10ft/12ft poly leaders, when what you need are 5ft/6ft instead. Equally don’t turn up to the Tay with a 5ft leader for a 580grain line and a 15ft rod. 

Spare life vests and sunglasses in case guests forget there’s (they always do) Check all hook, clip off excess nylon. Freshen up leaders. Check the rod and reel for damage, have plenty of tackle to cover varying scenarios. Bring spare waders.

© Alba Game Fishing 

Best way to store tube flies

We use a lot of tube flies on the Big 4 rivers, the Tay, Dee, Tweed and Spey and I learned a great way to store them and get more into a box. Tube flies, Collie dogs, Snaeldas and sun rays are a bit of a nightmare to store, they get damaged, tangled and lose their shape when they get bashed around in storage. 

I learned a useful tip from John Richardson, one of our fly tyers. You’ll need a box of clear plastic straws, 8mm diameter. You’ll also need a cheap heat sealing machine. The whole set up can be bought for under £30.00 and it’s a real game changer. Importantly, when you take the flies out of the tube, they are in a perfect shape with no damage and they also dry out on the straws too.

© Alba Game Fishing 

Have the right Mindset when fishing

Whilst having the right salmon fishing tackle, and techniques are vitally important, you might as well throw everything in the bin, if you don’t turn up with the right mindset.

Salmon fishing can be a frustrating business, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. My Dad used to say, “Persistence beats resistance” this is salmon fishing in a nutshell. 

Buffalo Bill goes fishing

I met an angler on the river once from London, called Bill. To furnish his new found habit, he had splurged his credit card at Farlows tackle shop of Pall Mall in London. He was now armed with the very best rod/ reel/ line/ and waders. Everything looked new, expensive and out of place.

When fishing, and wading, he moved through the water like a buffalo sending shock wave out across the water. Every fish in the pool would have scattered. He then flailed away, thrashing the water into a foam, casting repeatedly in the same spots and clumping around the river bed with the finesse of an elephant. It was grim to watch, and we quietly went as far away from him as possible, making a mental note not to fish, where he had been.

When we arrived in the hut at lunch time, Buffalo Bill had ran out of steam, and was sat in the hut, on his phone, killing the mood by conducting business. The sanctuary and tranquility of the hut, was broken. We all come fishing to escape and switch off. To disconnect from noise and enjoy the moment. Be present.

The point is, that anyone hunting for for wild salmon should treat the challenge with respect and quietude, in a similar way to stalking a Stag. You have to move with stealth and focus, and enjoy the connection with your environment. You have to switch the devices off.

Your mindset should be like a hunter, relaxed and focused. It’s almost a zen like state, with pure focus and a clear head. I promise you, if you try this, you will catch more fish, it gives you confidence, and that is a vital component when salmon fishing. 

Cast within your boundaries 

It’s good practice not to over stretch your cast, and fish within your limits. A 60ft cast with delicate presentation will defeat a 80ft cast with a heavy landing. More than everything, you must quietly believe that at any moment, each cast might catch a fish, and stay true to this belief. For every cast that doesn’t catch a fish, and there will be many, just quietly shift focus on to the next cast. Stay focused, stay positive and treat the salmon with the respect it deserves.

How to read a river

Now we are starting to get into the nitty gritty. Reading the river is so important and this helps you understand where the salmon lies are and at what river heights. I fish the River Teviot in winter for grayling and whilst this is one of my great passions, I am also using this time to work out where all the salmon lies are.

The Teviot is also a great salmon river in it’s own right and sometimes a worthy alternative when the Tweed is unfishable.  The salmon lies are easy to spot in gin clear water and you can spot the depressions in gravel behind boulders. Consider also resting spots that still offer good oxygen, and deeper channels where fish might run and get protection from predators. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of gleaning knowledge from the resident ghillie. Treat these professionals with respect they deserve, and they will look after you too. Respect their knowledge, they live and breathe the river every day and they know where the fish get caught.

A good ghillie will also understand where fish will be on differing river levels. Yes you can usually work this out if your a competent salmon angler, but there’s always spots that will take you by surprise. The ghillie will know where they are. Equally if you have a guide, who fishes a river regularly he too will know the best tactics. 

What lines, flies and poly leaders to use on salmon Rivers?

It can be confusing deciding what fly line to use on a salmon rod. And knowing the differences between Standard Spey, Skagit, Short Spey (Scandi), Spey and Shooting head lines can be a challenge.

Standard Spey Lines

When I learned to Spey cast all those years ago (1980’s) my tutor insisted in using a 65ft head Spey line. This is known as a Standard Spey line in Scotland. In fact in the 1980’s we were still probably 15 or 20 years away from the advent of Scandi, Skagit and Shooting head lines.

Learning on a 65ft head Spey line is a great way to learn the basics, and a great examiner of your technique. These lines also offer the best presentation. They present the fly with more delicacy than the shorter and more aggressive lines. A 65ft head Spey Line also allows easy mends on the line, when controlling a drift.

Short Spey Lines (Scandi)

Spey Lines with a short head are sometimes referred to as Scandi Head lines. They have a shorter length head than a spey line. The weight of the head is to the rear of the line, for example 43ft in length (as opposed to 65ft) Scandi lines come integrated (better) and looped to a running line. The head as a longer more graduated taper and therefore better for presentation. However they are  not ideal for throwing heavier sink tips, poly leaders leaders and heavy flies. They are also easier to cast than a standard spey and ideal for smaller flies.

Skagit heads

Skagit heads have a more aggressive taper and a lot more mass at the tip of the flyline. The Skagit head is ideal for heavier sink tips and Skagit Heads of varying sink rates can be attached loop to loop. Skagit lines are ideal for casting large weighted flies.

In simple physics mass moves mass. A heavier head Skagit will turn over heavier tip and your fly with a lot more easier than a Short Spey Line. These are also easy to cast, and your guide can get you up and running safely and quickly for an enjoyable day on the river.

Shooting Head lines

Have a short, denser section of fly line attached to a thinner running (shooting) line. This offers offering minimal resistance, and drag on the head in flight. With the head positioned outside the rod tip, the cast will pull the thinner running line through the guides. Choosing a running line can be as important as head choice. Pick a running line that is easy to handle and does not suffer from too much memory. 

Here are some benefits of a shooting head system:

• Quick loading, requiring minimal false casting.
• Effective in confined spaces or when back cast room is limited.
• They punch well through the wind.
• Like a Skagit, Shooting heads provide more mass, handling heavier or larger flies easily
• Basically a shooting head allows you to cast further, with less effort.
• Flexibility of loops to loop different heads quickly, without changing over spools / reels.

Why does a salmon take a fly?

You will sometimes hear guides and ghillies say that fly presentation is more important than choice. Maybe so, but it shouldn’t be ignored that fly choice can be the game changer. Let’s start by asking why a salmon takes a fly? After all as soon as they enter freshwater, they do not feed. So why would a salmon bite a bunch of thread and feathers? Here are a few reasons we’ve worked out:

Curiosity

A salmon has no hands, so if something interesting appears in front of it it might be tempted to ‘mouth’ the object out of curiosity

Aggression

Spawning fish are territorial and aggressive at time. A fly might just piss off the salmon enough to force it to grab the fly out of aggression.

Pavlov’s Conditioned Response

A salmon fly might resemble a food source that it fed on in the ocean, i.e. a sun-ray (sand eel) and Shrimp pattern Red Francnsnaelda. This behaviour is more prevalent, then the fish first enter the rivers with the saltwater feeding behaviours still fresh in their minds.

X factor

Nobody can explain this one. Your client completely flops a cast, the fly lands in a heap with the tippet like a bowl of spaghetti, the salmon takes the fly!?

Consider also which colour flies work well in different water colours, if the water is peaty and dark brown like some of the West Coast spate rivers then often the patterns differ to the clearer rivers. 

The difference between Versileaders/ Polyleaders

Selecting the right Versileaders, Sink Tips or poly leaders is as important as fly choice and presentation. If you’re not fishing the flies at the right level, you’re not in the game. 

Let’s define the name firstly, that’s easy. Versileaders refers to the Rio range of tips, and Poly Leaders are the Airflo brand. These are essentially tapered leaders which are either coated with a tungsten material of varying densities, or a plasticised material for floating. A sink tip is generally a faster sinking tips, looped on to the end of a fly line.

Common sense applies to what tip to use with what rod and line. For example a # 8 weight Scandi line is going to struggle to cast the very heavy sink tips or Versileaders, and there will be some hinging on the cast stroke. This is because the Scandi head tapers and there is no mass at the end to move the heavier tip.

Here is the range of Versileaders and sink rate offered by Rio for Salmon/ Steelhead:

Best tippet material for salmon

No one tippet is the best, fact. It depends on the colour tint of the water you are fishing and the topography of the river. In most cases I use Maxima as its tried and tested and has a degree of stretch/ elasticity, which in my opinion is better than fluorocarbon tippet which is brittle and more likely to snap under sudden strain.

I use 15lb breaking strain for the bigger rivers (0.37mm diameter) and 10lb (.30mm) for the smaller spate waters. It comes in clear, Chameleon (brown) and Ultragreen. Here are some scenarios to help understand the thought process into what tippet to choose.

River Tay – Open Bankside with no trees – clear day light cloud cover and water running clear – Maxima Clear

River Spey – Closed banksdide surrounded by trees, water running peat coloured – Maxima Chameleon 

River Tweed – Sunny day, clear water – Maxima Aquagreen 

What you are looking for is the line most invisible in the water and against the skyline. Be tactical, think it through and don’t be a one trick pony. 

© Alba Game Fishing 

Techniques to fishing a Salmon Pool

Now assuming you have all the aforementioned components in place, you’re approaching a pool and ready to go.

Approach the pool with caution and stealth, think very carefully about where the salmon lies are and your approach. Stay quiet and stealthy. You are stalking a wild beast that has made an incredible journey and is a miracle of nature, so show it the respect it deserves.

How to wade safely in a big river

You should wade only deep enough to give you an anchor point for your spey cast. Avoid deep wading and disturbing fish. I see it all the time, anglers almost standing as deep as where the fish would run. If you can fish a pool from the bank without wading I would always recommend this. If you do need to wade, go slowly and easy, like you were sniper approaching a vantage point. Also never wade somewhere you can put your fly through first. 

Be your salmon fly and imagine in your minds eye the fly swimming under the water. It’s vital that you are swinging the fly with control of the fly at all times, and that there are no belly’s in the line and drags. The fly should swing even and true and you should target the pool with precision and optimism. On occasions a skated fly or a fly cast across the stream and ripped back quickly will work if fishing a sun ray or a hitched fly, but be aware of the technique you are fishing and the method you are using and stay in control.

How to set the hook

After each cast, take a gentle step downstream and allow the fly to swing approx 3 ft below where it was before. Casting a fly repeatedly in the same spot will not convince the salmon to take the fly and this also allows you to cover more water and search out those “taking fish” 

Don’t strike – When good tactics induce a take, you have to discipline yourself to react in the correct way. This can be harder for trout fishers, as they are used to “Striking” when they feel a take. 

It can take a lot of investment in time, money and effort to create the moment when a salmon takes, so don’t mess it up at this stage. Let the fish take, turn back to its lie and then set the hook properly with side pressure and a grip of the line on the handle or by holding the reel. Once you have hooked a fish like this, let the clutch take over, play the fish, and you have a very good chance of landing it, because the hook is set properly. 

Adopt the right tactics

Stay alert and focused to land the fish. Adrenaline will be coursing through you, and senses are working overtime. Stay calm and focused and take as much time as the fish needs. It sounds silly to say this, but play the fish, don’t try and rush it into the net. Some fish come quickly, and others fight like demons, its not often size related and some of the best fights off a salmon have been smaller fish. When retrieving line back on the reel try to do so in a smooth efficient manner, pump the rod smoothly and retrieve on the way down. 

It pays to plan ahead and look for slacker water to land the fish. Side pressure is more effective than the rod raised to the sky, and this helps steer the fish to where you would aim to land it. If shallow gravel is nearby, netting a fish is impossible, beach the fish instead. If you have a bit of depth, net the fish, then keep it in the net under water while you compose yourself and unhook the fly and plan for a quick photo.

Capturing the perfect fishing photograph

When fishing catch and release, you would want a good photo, but good pictures require planning. It’s a good idea to ensure your camera settings are correct and in place, before you cast a line. There’s nothing worse than fiddling around with your camera while the poor fish waits, and is put through more stress. 

Wrap your forefinger and thumb around the knuckle of the tail and avoid bending the tail against the body. This will put less strain on the tail muscles when you lift the fish up. Rather than gripping the tail you are simply forming a sold loop with your finger and thumb and avoiding squeezing too much. It’s worth also washing your hands in the river prior to handling, do this when the fish is resting in the net, it will help remove bacteria from your skin and transferring it to the fish.

All too often I see fish in November with skin disease and the areas of the fish impacted are where hands of anglers have been during grip and grin photos. Finally cup your hand gently under the belly of the fish and find the centre of gravity, again do not squeeze the belly of the fish, simple lift it up from the net and minimise the time out of the water. I can rattle off a few photos in a matter of seconds with good planning and then be looking to release the fish.

A quick photo before release © Alba Game Fishing 

The correct way to release a salmon

Finally, feeling elated and bursting with excitement, the final act of kindness and respect, is releasing the salmon back to its environment, safely and without fuss. Using the same method of holding the fish you adopted for catch and release, hold the fish under water in the stream so that oxygenated water runs through its gills, allow the fish time to recover.

You’ll know when this is, and it varies depending on how long the fish was played out and how strong the fish is. When the fish is ready, it will kick to get away from you. Seeing a these magnificent creatures swim safely back to their element is one of the most rewarding aspects of angling. The King of fish.

So there you have it, front to back, the process of preparing for a day, approaching the water and fishing a pool, catching and releasing. I hope 2021 presents many exciting salmon fishing opportunities for us all, and we can get out on the rivers again and enjoy freedom, open space, camaraderie and good sport. Tight lines and have a great season.

River Tay beats – from Estuary to Loch Tay

This is a comprehensive guide to the different salmon fishing beats on the River Tay system. Starting at the estuary and working upstream, ending at Loch Tay.

Almondmouth beat, is the closest salmon fishing beat to the city of Perth, and one of the most prolific salmon beats on the river Tay. Salmon can accumulate here in big numbers, ready to run the River Almond. The river Almond is one of the Tay’s main tributaries.

Lower Redgorton beat accommodates 6 anglers, and is 1.35 miles long. This is excellent fly fishing water, with 20 named pools. This salmon beat is timeshared, however, rods do occasionally become available to let.

Waulkmill is owned by Scone Palace, and located on the North bank of the Tay, close to the Palace. The beat is split to ‘Goldcastle’ and ‘Waulkmill’. Fishing rights are shared with the owner on the opposite bank. So Waulkmill and Goldcastle are fished on alternative days. There are 22 named salmon pools on the beat, a good hut and access is easy. Boat fishing is also available for people with mobility issues. 

Salmon beats near Scone Palace

Upper Redgorton is a beat fished from the south shore of the Tay. The fishing starts at the Sochie Burn and runs up to the Craigs. There’s a small and iconic old stone-built fishing in situ.

Salmon fishing is shared in a rotation system with Fishponds on the opposite bank. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Fishponds fishes the upper part of the beat from the Fishponds hut to the Craigs, and on Tuesday, Thursday and Sat Upper Redgorton have access to these pools. Knowesbank is the lower section from the Fishponds hut to the Sochie burn. 

Fishponds beat, in my opinion the is one of the best summer/ autumn salmon beats on the River Tay. The best of the fishing is from late July onwards, when big runs of grilse arrive, and the salmon numbers multiply.

A highly productive late summer beat

In August 2020, Fishponds had 71 salmon caught and released, and this was remarkable considering it was lightly fished due to covid. I enjoyed some outstanding days there, fly fishing. One day in August our guest hooked 8 fish on the fly, and landed 5. The successful fly pattern on that day, was a red Francnsnaelda.

Benchil Beat on the tay

Downstream from the village of Stanley, is the Benchil beat. It is the next beat upstream of “The Craigs” on Fishponds, and accommodates 4 rods of double bank fishing. There are 10 named salmon pools, including Skellies, Aitken Head, Plain Water, Ship Linn, Long Shot, Tail of Shot, Ewelundie, White Craigs, Little Shot and Todholes. Benchil shares fishing in the Spring with Catholes, on a rotation basis. In Autumn, there are two boats available, and 1 full time Ghillie. 

Catholes is the next salmon beat upstream. It is located approx 6 miles upstream of Perth, and the tidal water. This is a short beat, at only 1000 yards of double bank fishing. Accommodating 4 rods and 13 named River Tay salmon pools, including The Slap, The Pot, Gean Tree, Little Cast, Catholes Stream, Black Stones, Back Dam, Lucknow, Eric’s, Geoff’s, Freddie’s Woodside and The Little Head.

The Pitlochrie beat is located near the village of Stanley, and accommodates 4 rods. There are only nine named salmon poolsl. Two boats are provided, and there’s decent anchored fishing from the boat. Pitlochrie fishes four rods, and has a hut situated overlooking the Wash House. There are productive low water pools, the  ‘Corner Pool’, the ‘Dyke’, ‘Kirkie’ and the ‘Woodside’. ‘Horsey’ is a good high water salmon pool. 

Upper Scone Beat River Tay

Upper Scone beat is an excellent spring beat. This is located upstream of Benchil. Upper Scone accommodates 6 fishers. The beat has two boats, two ghillies, and fishes in rotation with Pitlochrie and Benchil. This is a timeshared beat, and occasionally rods are let on an ad-hoc basis. 

Burnmouth salmon beat, is accessible through the village of Stanley. This is small sized beat, primarily best for Spinning. There are two boats on the beat and a full time Ghillie called Geordie Stewart. 

Stobhall has double bank fishing, downstream of the River Isla. There are 29 named salmon pools. The most famous pool is the Linn Pool,. There’s also ‘Stank End’, ‘Kill Mou’ and ‘The Major’s Cast’ pools. The Stobhall beat sit next to historic Stobhall Castle and Taymount House. This beat has a rich salmon fishing history, and is famous for catching some huge salmon.

Taymount beat on the River Tay

Taymount is one of the most famous salmon fishing beats on the river Tay. The beat is divided into upper and lower sections, alternating with Stobhall. The Linn Pool is an excellent spring pool, especially when the waters high. There are 6 rods available to let, 2 ghillies in residence, 2 boats and 1 hut per beat. 

Ballathie is a well known and productive salmon beat on the River Tay and is adjacent to Ballathie House Hotel. The hotel offers excellent accommodation, and dining near the river. There are two double-bank beats, 1.25 miles long. The beats are fished on alternate days, by 6 rods, with 2 ghillies, 2 boats and 1 hut per beat.

Ballathie begins with the ‘Bridge Stream’ pool, a long stream which and ideal fly water with a deeper channel on the inside, making it easy to fish. The rest of the beat, is quite flat as the river runs over a shelf of sandstone rock. There are many holding lies for salmon in this half mile pool. Ut can also be highly productive in lower water, as it may hold fish waiting to run upstream.

Cargill Beat River Tay

Cargill is a highly productive salmon beat on the Tay, located near Ballathie. The beat fishes alternate days, and shares the fishing with Ballathie. In 2021 Cargill anglers will fish upper Beat on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the lower Beat on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  On week 1-11 there will be one Ghillie, and thereafter 2 ghillies. There’s a well appointed hut. Access to the beat is easy. Some of the pools on Cargill beat are legendary, like the ‘Pot Shot’, ‘Rumbling Stone’, ‘Cobble Croy’, and ‘Clocksden’. 

Islamouth one of the Tays best beats

Islamouth could be argued as the most famous salmon fishing beat on the River Tay. This is mainly because it is located at the junction of the River Isla. The best beat on the River Tweed is also at the junction of two main flows, the Tweed and Teviot.

In low water the fish will accumulate at the junction. The salmon will then progress up the River Isla when the levels are sufficient. This is some of the best fly fishing water on the tay. In high water conditions, spinning is sometimes allowed. There is an excellent fishing hut, 2 ghillies and 2 boats. 

Meiklour and Upper Islamouth is a lovely middle Tay beat, with 1.7 miles of fishing. The beat allows access to both banks. There are two boats and 2 full time ghillies. There is also an excellent fishing hut, located beside the bridge over the Tay. 

Middle River Tay Beats

The Kerkcok beat offers 2.25 miles of double bank fishing. Kerkock has a 5 year Catch return average of 132 salmon. The beat can accommodate up to 10 rods. In 2013 a 45lb salmon was caught here on a Devon Minnow, it was 49 inches in length. This has been the largest Tay salmon in the last 20 years.

Delvine/Burnbane beat is located just downstream of the Caputh Bridge, and offers 1.5 miles of fishing. There is a new fishing hut with improved facilities. Fishing can be from the bank or boat, and fly fishing and spinning are permitted. 

The beat that produced the record salmon

Glendelvine beat is perhaps the most famous beat on the Tay. In Autumn 1922 Georgina Ballatyne caught a 64lb salmon. This is still the current UK record. You can stay in Miss Ballantyne’s old cottage on the banks of the Tay. The cottage sleeps 6.

Murthly 1, Stenton and Murthly 2 beats are split as follows. Beat 1 is split between the Top Water (five rods) and Low Water (five rods). Beat 2 splits to alternate days on Stenton (three rods) and the Top Water (five rods. This is some of the finest fly fishing water on the Tay, with spectacular scenery to boot. The 5-year catch return average stands at 318 salmon and 17 sea trout. 

Newtyle Salmon Fishing beat River Tay – Dunkeld

Newtyle is located downstream of Dunkeld. This salmon fishing beat is located close to Birnam Wood, where you can see The Birnam Oak from Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth.

Newtyle has 12 named salmon pools, and the fishing is from either bank. The left river bank is accessed by a short boat trip. The Newtyle fishing hut is iconic. It was formerly an old cricket hut, before being used on a curling pond. Finally it was relocated again to the banks of the River Tay, to its present situation.

The fishing hut has survived many epic floods, and the heights of high water, are still marked on the walls. At time of writing (February 2021), there has been a small flood, 8 inches of water in the hut. There’s a variety of fishing for everyone, with streamy fly water, deeper pools and pools that produce salmon in all river levels.

Dunkeld House Hotel Beat

The Dunkeld House stretch of the Tay, accommodates 8 anglers, with fishing on the left hand bank only. The beat runs between Thomas Telford’s bridge in Dunkeld, and the new bridge over the A9 road to Inverness.

There are two boats, and bank fishing is permitted. Salmon are often taken fly fishing from an anchored boat. ‘Harling’ is also a successful technique. This is where the boat is manoeuvred over salmon lies by the ghillie. Dunkeld House beat has spectacular views. It is located in prime “Big Tree” country. The ‘Gauge pool” is very picturesque, located opposite Dunkeld Cathedral.

Dalmarnock beat is located upstream of the bridge over the A9 road to Inverness. There are 3 miles of fishing, with 15 named salmon pools. It’s possible to fly fish or spin this beat and the beat is available for let on a daily or weekly basis. A superb fishing hut is easily accessed from the A9. This is a great beat, but worth appreciating that it’s close to the A9, so lots of traffic noise.

Dalguise Beat on the River Tay

Dalguise beat is located upstream, near the village of Dalguise. A beautiful and scenic salmon fishing beat, offering 9 named salmon pools, and a mixture of fly fishing and spinning water. Easily one of the best fishing huts on the Tay, that can accommodate up to 7 rods. Lunches can be provided and the Head Ghillie Moray McFarlane is friendly and knowledgable and always happy to offer guests an end of day dram from a selection of Malt Whisky. There is also the option of a boat and this can give access to some unique spots. 

Lower Kinnaird beat

Lower Kinnaird is downstream of the River Tummel, it offers some spectacular fly fishing in iconic and famous salmon pools, including ‘Ferry Stream’, ‘Plantation’, ‘Swimming Pool’, ‘Island Stream’, ‘Green Bank’, ‘Ash Trees’, ‘New Pool’, ‘Fir Trees’, ‘Kindallachan pool’ and the ‘Guay’. ‘Head Ghillie Martin Edgar has managed Lower Kinnaird for the last 10 years. Martin is a real gentleman, and one of the better known River Tay ghillies.

Upper Kinnaird is also owner by Kinnaird Estate. This is a good section of water to target in high water. There are 17 names salmon pools including ‘Middle Pool’ & ‘Mikes Run’ on the River Tummel. This river Tummel stretch of the beat is classic fly fishing water, amidst some truly spectacular scenery. It is Right hand bank fishing on the Upper Kinnaird beat and left hand bank fishing on the river Tummel. Access is easy with little walking involved.

Upper River Tay Beats

Weem beat on the River Tay, offers 1 mile of private salmon fishing on the following named salmon pools ‘Twin Trees Pool‘, ‘Deep Holding Glide’, ‘The Groins’, ‘Substation Pool’, ‘Island Pool’ ‘Tail and ‘Bridge Pool‘.

Edradynate Beat River Tay

Edradynate and Upper Grandtully offers salmon fishing on the upper river Tay. This stretch of river runs between the village of Grandtully and the town of Aberfeldy. There are 6 notable salmon pools,. The ‘Tom-an-Droighne’, ‘Cluny’ Ferry’, ‘Poltewan’, ‘Glide’, ‘The Pot’ – and the ‘Church Pool’ have produced some very big salmon over the years. There are two miles of left bank, and two miles of right banks fishing. You can fly fish and spin cast here, and there is a boat available.

The Lower Grandtully beats

Findynate beat is a smaller salmon beat, consisting of three named salmon pools. One of the pools, the ‘Findynate’ is 300 yards long, and a first holding spot for salmon that have ran through the Grandtully Rapids. 

The Lower Grandtully fishing is made up of two beats. Findynate beat holds 3 rods, fishing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cloichfoldich beat accommodates 3 rods on Tuesdays Thursdays and Saturdays.  

Bolfracks, is a beat downstream of Aberfeldy and with the following pools, Neils, Dalrawer Island, Bolfracks House, Haugh and Home Farm, which famously produced a 28lb salmon two years ago. 

Farleyer salmon beats on the Tay

Lower Farleyer , The Lower Farleyer Beat is the downstream half of what used to be called The Farleyer Beat, now split into Upper and Lower. This salmon beat is located near Aberfeldy and offers right hand banks wade fishing using fly or spinning rod. 

Upper Farleyer is one of the best salmon fishing beats of the Upper River Tay system. This is located near Aberfeldy. The beat has one of the most iconic fishing huts, which features in the book “Fishing Huts”

This is wonderful fly fishing water, fished from left hand bank. The salmon can gather here, prior to running one of the main tributaries the River Lyon. The beat is 1.25 miles long 

Is the Orvis Clearwater the best value euronymphing rod?…read on..

The Orvis Clearwater 10ft 2 weight nymphing rod, was a nymphing rod I eagerly awaited, and due to limited stocks I had to get two shipped over, from Orvis in America. I was like a kid in a sweetie shop when they arrived, but sadly the rivers were too high to fish, so I had to wait a few weeks till the levels dropped.

The day finally came when I was able to assess this rod, on the River Tweed. The river level was decent, and the wind not too strong. This was September, and a beat I fish regularly for salmon was empty, so a quick call to the Ghillie and I was on my way.

I’m very conscious to avoid disturbing salmon fishermen, after all, they pay premium. If a salmon angler is on the opposite bank, I’ll have a quick chat and explain where I was thinking of fishing and check if that works for him/ her.. Quite a few beats on the Tweed are single bank fishing, and this means that the fishing rights are divided on opposite banks, so a good deal of common courtesy, common sense and good manners are required.

Not that rivers ever get busy in Scotland, its rare to encounter another angler but if you do, just work with him, and remember they are paying top dollar to fish for salmon and Sept to October is prime time.

Fall in love with the Clearwater?

Anyway back to the Clearwater….it didn’t take long on my first outing to fall in love with this rod. I quickly got into the groove with it, and it started to make my 3 and 4 weights feel rather insensitive. The first fish I hooked was a lively 12 inch grayling and it felt like a 2 pounder, the soft rod absorbing the pressure and protecting the grayling’s delicate mouth. The Clearwater has a mid flex action and playing a fish allows the rod to bend right through the blank. This first grayling session on the River Tweed with the Clearwater, produced around 20 fish, and mainly because the rod performed so well and gave great sensitivity and feel.

After 30 sessions fishing on Scottish rivers, I am happy to report this is a rod I now wouldn’t be without. It’s a superb tool. In fact, the Clearwater 102-4 is in my opinion the best value nymphing rod I have fished with, at a meagre £239.00 it’s an absolute steal. For that money, you get a 4 piece rod, sectioned rod-tube and 25 year guarantee.

How does the Clearwater compare to the Sage ESN 10ft 2 weight?

If you’ve fished with an ESN it’s safe to say the SAGE is the ultimate nymphing rod, I have never enjoyed fishing a rod so much. It’s not just my opinion, but that of many of my fellow guides. But you should keep in mind the Sage is £950.00 GBP and the Orvis £239. The Orvis comes with a solid 25 year guarantee, and Orvis are always great to deal with when rods encounter any problems. The SAGE is covered by a lifetime, original owner warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.

Where the Sage and Orvis rods differ is as follows:

Rod weight comparison Sage ESN vs Orvis Clearwater

The Orvis feels a little tip heavy compared to the Sage, the blank certainly has a thicker diameter, and you should try to balance the rod carefully to counter this. I find the Orvis Mirage reel or Sage ESN reels both work well. If like me, you use a Sage ESN reel, then its perfectly balanced on the 10ft Clearwater without any of the Sage counter weights. That balance comes from using a minimal amount of backing and a nymphing line (low diameter).

Tip recovery Sage ESN vs Clearwater

The SAGE wins this particular battle hands down, and this is partly due to the blank and also due to the action of the rod. The Sage has a beautifully designed tip section, if you flex the rod, you’ll see it bends towards the tip, whereas the Clearwater bends through to the middle of the rod. However when playing a fish, the SAGE will bend through the middle of the blank as well, how they do that, I don’t know, but that’s how it is in the real world. Considering these differences, keep in mind the Orvis is almost a quarter of the price, and offers exceptional value. The Orvis still performs remarkably well, and if you are looking for a rod to begin your Euronymphing journey, this is it. The SAGE is also a more accurate casting rod, and when fishing three flies with a total weight of perhaps 2 grams, it delivers the flies to target with real accuracy. You’ll get less tangles with the ESN when fishing a 3 nymph rig, due to smooth stroke of the rod ti, whereas the Orvis there’s a degree of wobble in the rod tip, and this results in a few more tangles.

However all that said, the casting of the Clearwater that is a joy. When Euronymphing you can feel the weight of the nymphs on the back cast with a slight pause before pitching them upstream into the drift. It helps you get into a rhythm of effortless casting tangle free. This is something I always struggled with with other rods, feeling a little detached and sometimes missing the timing.

Aesthetics Sage ESN vs Orvis Clearwater

Both rods look great. Naturally the Sage has the edge. The cork on the Clearwater is standard grade, and if like me, you tend the attach your flies to the cork handle when walking to a different pool, you’ll find the handle can break up if not careful. The cork on the Sage is superior as are all the finishing and finesse of the rod. Nether rod has a clip for the fly, which is bloody annoying! I will probably install small rubber bands to both rods, or the cork will not last very long! The black nickel aluminum reel seat on the Orvis, is down locking and very effective. The SAGE has a Stealth Black anodized aluminum down-locking reel seat. The Orvis has a fighting butt.

Feel of the Sage ESN vs Clearwater

This is where the differences are les obvious. The SAGE has the edge, and the Orvis offers brilliant value here. You really can feel everything that’s going on with both rods. It’s easy to differentiate between snags, takes, stop takes and when you pick up a twig. The Sage does feel like a ninja weapon, perfectly balanced and in tune with all the elements. The Orvis come close and for the money, you couldn’t complain.

My Euronymph set up is a 20ft length of 8lb Amnesia (colour Sunset) nylon, leading to a length of indicator tippet terminating in a tippet ring and on to a cast of two/three flies.

To avoid tangles I keep a nice open-arc loop when casting and keep it as smooth as possible. It’s noticeable that you do get more tangles with the Orvis, as the tip oscillates more on the cast stroke.

Playing a fish, a joy on the Orvis Clearwater

Downstream strikes were forgiving if you were rather heavy and connected with a bigger fish. The softness of the rod, cushions any sudden surprises like hooking a large trout that explodes into action. Playing a fish is a real joy, smaller fish still manage to put a bend on the rod, and you can really feel what’s going on during playing the fish. One of my trips using the Clearwater was on the River Teviot and after several grayling I hooked a salmon. I was using two grayling nymphs on 3.6lb tippet and managed to steer a 6lb salmon to the net. Any sudden lunges the fish took were easily soaked up by the flexibility of the rod and the smooth reel I was using (an Orvis Mirage LT)

As the nymphs tack downstream bouncing along the river bed, you can actually feel this through the blank, every little tick, I’d recommend putting your index finger on the blank gently as they track downstream.

Conclusion SAGE ESN vs Orvis Clearwater rods

Both rods are fantastic. If you have deep pockets, and are a nymphing maniac like me, get the SAGE. If you fish occasionally and are looking for great value, go for the Orvis. I take both rods with me on a days fishing and happily switch from one to the other.

So in summary, for a rod that retails for £239.00 GBP this offers exceptional value and I heartily give it a Highly recommended “Best Buy” rating and 5 Stars.

If you are new to Grayling fishing/ Euronymphing and want a guided grayling fishing day using the Clearwater or Sage ESN rods, please get in touch

Stewart Collingswood, Founder Alba Game Fishing

Post Lockdown Breaks for Better Mental Health

2020 has been a difficult year for the fishing industry and indeed for everyone. Dealing with a pandemic and the seismic shift in our day to day routines were hard enough, let alone being told by an inept government what we should and shouldn’t do. On top of everything, our being restricted to travel overseas, whilst in my view, essential to control spread of the virus, was something that didn’t sit well with many people.

In the UK we work very hard, and our rewards are simple enough, no I don’t mean red wine, chocolate, or binging on Netflix. I’m talking about our overseas holidays, for some relaxation and sunshine. 

Escape from the noise, go fishing!

Sometimes the pace of life is hectic, and noisy. I mean noisy in the sense we are surrounded by a constant drip feed of communication, coming at us via email, tablets, phones, TV radio and adverts churning out a non-stop conscious babble. The pressure of work too can be overbearing, deadlines, long hours, stress and managing work relationships, can all take its toll. By the time our holiday arrives, We’re knackered. It’s as if we need a few weeks of meditation to help us wind down and prepare us. In the lead up to our escape, frantic tying up of loose ends and working long hours to complete deadlines takes its toll, leaving us totally frazzled, emotionally and physically.

And then escape! The vision of Tim Robbins in the Shawshank Redemption as he emerges from the sewage pipe and holds his hands up to the skies – freedom, TIME OFF! (albeit in the pissing rain)

We as humans are super stoked about escaping for overseas holidays and rightly so, we deserve some down-time. Life is too short! If you live to an average age of 80, then you have approx 4,000 weeks on this planet.

It’s never been more important to get a holiday and escape. Consider also that a lot of us now work from home, its even more important to get out to the open air and enjoy freedom, open spaces and fresh air.

Post Covid – safe outdoor pursuits, fishing in Scotland

In July 2020, travel restrictions were eased, and this led to a very busy period, continuing on through to October. Our Orvis Endorsed Guiding company company Alba Game Fishing, found ourselves with a new type of clients – UK visitors.

What we lost with inbound American/ overseas visitors, we made up for in UK guests looking for a workable alternative to a holiday abroad. There was a huge appetite for people to escape to enjoy freedom, fresh air and a sense of well being on the river. 

A staycation fishing break in Scotland – better than going abroad?

Nearly all the guests that came fishing post lockdown, confirmed they were indeed substituting a sporting break in Scotland for their holiday abroad. In fact not just fishing, the whole of Scotland was overrun with people escaping the cities. If you were lucky enough to head to the far North and drive anywhere near the NC500 it was rammed!

Guest houses and hotels were full as were camp sites and camper van parks. People were sleeping in cars in lay bys and everyone wanted to be outside, enjoying the fresh air and there were very few places left where you could actually escape people.

Where in Scotland can you fish and escape crowds?

This is why fishing in the river and lochs of Scotland was one of the best options in Scotland. It seemed to me one of the few places you could enjoy the countryside and escape the crowds. River beats are privately owned so usually free from public access. There is a right to roam in Scotland, but some really abused this. Thankfully, private river beats escape this problem. The Ghillie would send them packing with some solid advice! 

Our days with guests allowed them to really enjoy getting away from it all, with space, freedom, safe social distancing and relaxation. Open space, room to breathe and a place to really disconnect, to reconnect with the real you. Furthermore, if you are new to fishing, you can learn new skills and try a fly fishing for beginners course.

A new way to deliver fishing trips – safely and in the open air

We quickly had to find a new way to deliver trips safely.

For the safety and comfort of guests and our guides. All of our guides completed a Coronavirus Infection prevention course with the World Health Organisation. We also applied common sense, safety procedures, that kept our guests and guides safe.

For example:

• We met guests at the venues to avoid car sharing
• No handshakes, high 5’s or hugging. 
• We temporarily stopped serving lunches and guests brought there own
• We carried bottles of hand sanitiser made by our local Gin company, any time we handle a rod, hands are thoroughly sanitised first 
• Safe distancing (easy when you are fishing)
• At the end of a day, all the rod handles and points of contact are cleaned down with alcohol

All of the above measures are carried our without any fuss. There are more layers to our safety procedures, and you can read them here.

All this aside, our fishing days carried on pretty much as normal.

How did we maximise our time during lockdown?

What an opportunity lockdown was for us. No seriously! An opportunity to gear ourselves up for future success. Time is our most precious commodity and here was a chance to waste not a moment. We managed a fishing tackle audit of the entire stock and purchased 20 new crewsaver life vests.

Our fly tyers were kept busy tying some highly effective patterns. This proved to be time and money well spent. John Richardsons Red Francnsnaelda signature tune fly had almost 20 salmon this year. It was a fly to fall back on, when the going got tough. As well as a huge investment in superb salmon patterns, we filled several fly boxes from some of Scotland’s best trout and grayling fly tyers, like Davie Mcphail, Cuillin Rae and Billy Scott.

On the tackle front, we added some new Sage LL trout rods, our favourite being the 9ft 4weight. The new Orvis Mission and Clearwater salmon rods were a superb addition, and guests were able to try before buying these superb rods. The 14ft 9 weight Sage Sonic was a particular favourite and perfect salmon fishing on the River Tweed and the River Tay.

Lockdown took us to new levels…of Nymph fishing

Perhaps the sexiest addition to stock is the purchase of the Sage ESN (European Style Nymphing) rod and reels, and the new Orvis Clearwater 10ft 2 weight nymphing rods. These are the real deal and I am in the process of writing a full review on both of these rods.

This has taken nymphing for trout and grayling to a new level. A superb rod, and well done Orvis.

After a review of our stock of waders, we added 5 pairs of waders and boots to stocks, and now carry 35 pairs of Orvis Clearwater, Encounter and Sonic waders and 36 pairs of Orvis boots. We have various sizes all the way up to few pairs of size 15 boots, that were launched with a bottle of champagne cracked on them, as they slid down a runway to the river, in front of crowds of cheering people. 

Post lockdown fishing for everyone – beginners to experts

When an enquiry comes in to us, often the enquiry is misaligned to what the best fishing is for that time of year. For example we get requests to take groups sea fishing in December when the  sea is souped up and fishing is extremely slow as most of the bait fish have departed and the herring and mackerel are long gone, taking the bigger predators with them.

We also get enquiries from people simply looking to “go fishing” and with an open mind. No matter what category any enquires fall into, we really do try and recommend experiences that will deliver the best according to the time of season, river levels, and ability of the clients. 

Covid had a positive impact on salmon numbers – fact!

Many of the “just go fishing” guests were encouraged to fish for salmon this year. Covid has been cruel in many ways, but a blessing for salmon stocks. With restaurants closed for the main part and commercial fishing curtailed, there were certainly record numbers of salmon returning to the rivers and we capitalised on this and had a bumper year.

For the trout anglers, post lockdown fishing in the lochs was fantastic and it was hard to fail. Catching free rising trout in the rivers and lochs and using nymphing techniques.

For the sea fishing anglers, we delivered some exciting shore fishing and boat trips, fly fishing in the saltwater for Pollack and sea bass. 

Then of course when the river are too high and the sea too windy, we have fantastic pike fishing on offer, on a private loch (lake) south of Edinburgh. 

Good Mental Health, the solution is ….go fishing

Lets not beat around the bush, Covid and lockdown affected many peoples mental health. I know being stuck in the house with my lovely family led to some rising tensions and arguments over….well nothing really! 

On a personal note, I decided to stop drinking and exercise more during lockdown and this helped me greatly. But I couldn’t help feeling trapped.

The thought of not getting away to new spaces, the outdoors and fishing were taking its toll. I really began to crave space, freedom, and being out in nature.

This all changed, as soon we were all allowed out on the river again in July. I never quite realised how much I missed doing what I do, and how privileged I was. To spend time in beautiful places with guests has to be one of the best jobs in the world. The most rewarding aspect of all of it was helping people relax and get into a good mental space. You could see how grateful our guests were, to be in the outdoors and enjoying the river. No tension, no babble, just the sounds of nature, the calming effect of the water and occasional moments of excitement when a fish was hooked or landed.

Hunter gatherer instinct

Perhaps it’s that fishing taps into the primal “hunter gatherer” instinct that lies deep in our brain make up. Instincts forged by our ancestors and sometimes dormant in many people, due to the pace of normal life. When we fish, we awaken those instincts and I believe this is brain nourishment, exercise and a great stimulant, that results in well-being. It’s easy to become focussed in the moment when fishing, and that by default shuts down the stream of conscious noise. I’ve always understood that fishing for me, is a form of therapy, meditation and promoter of positive thinking. Only when we let go of the noise, and shift our focus into the moment, the nuances of tempting a fish, do we truly disconnect and relax.

Covid vaccine, confidence to travel and fish again

2020 was weird and wonderful. 2021 was better and after the vaccine.

At time of writing this, there’s a minor spike in infections. To be honest this was to be expected, as all viruses mutate and find ways to infect new hosts.

All of our guides have been triple vaccinated, and we remain diligent in our safety protocol.

Our motto going in to 2021 is to Disconnect to Reconnect! Good health and be safe!