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.
Firstly, 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?
- 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.
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
Spring Brown Trout Fishing in Scottish Rivers and Lochs
