Fishing for salmon in high water

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.

Salmon in high water, Scottish rivers, River Tweed, sea trout leap, Holylee, Autumn fishing, Labrador dog, Spey Casting, best time to Visit Scotland, salmon in Scotland — A perfect illustration of how close fish are to the bank on the Tweed in High Water

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

High water, spate, best salmon fly, Salmon Flies, tube flies, plastic straw — Top left the Red Francsnaelda and Willie Gun Snaelda weighted patterns are deadly in high water

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.

River Tay, Salmon Lures, best salmon lure, spin casting, Spinning tackle, salmon fishing — The carrot coloured Vision 110 lure – deadly in high water

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.

River Tay, Spin Casting, Salmon Fishing, — Spin casting in high water on the River Tay, watched by the ghillies dog

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.

More Salmon trip in Scotland