Description
River Spey: Fly Fishing for Atlantic Salmon
To begin, we offer guided salmon fishing trips throughout the River Spey. Including access to beats including Gordon Castle, Ballindalloch, Wester Elchies, Lower Pitchroy and Tulchan Estates.
Generally, most of the fishing is safe wade fishing from the bank.
Firstly, the River Spey is perfect streamy fly fishing water. Therefore a chance to learn, or fine tune your Spey Casting techniques on this iconic river.
Additionally, we are now endorsed by Sage (Far Bank) and are a Sage Experiences Outfitter. This means that you can enjoy using flagship Sage Spey rods and Sage Spey reels paired with Rio Spey lines.
Secondly, your River Spey fishing guide will help you read the river and identify holding spots for salmon. In addition, he will ensure when your are wading you stay safe
Moreover, we will high quality Orvis Breathable waders. Equally, boots with Vibram soles and tungsten studs are provided.
Finally we can collect you from a Speyside hotel.
The History of salmon fishing on the Spey
To start with, the River Spey is internationally renowned for its Atlantic salmon fishing. It is one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland, offering superb fly fishing water and unparalleled sport. Generally the river is fast flowing fly water, and wonderful scenery abound. Without doubt, anglers come to Scotland from all over the world to fish here. The majestic River Spey is the birthplace of Spey Casting techniques, now used the world over. Speyside also offers much more than salmon fishing. There are many iconic whisky distilleries to visit, castles, gardens, riverside walks and charming highland villages.
A typical salmon fishing day on the River Spey
Firstly, you can be collected from your Speyside hotel by your guide, a day normal runs from 08:30 to 17:30, however, we are flexible with timings.
Also, we provide everything you’ll need. Quality 13ft and 14ft double hand Sage Spey rods, choice of RIO shooting head, short head spey lines, full spey and skagit. Naturally all balanced with our rods perfectly. In addition we supply handcrafted Spey salmon flies that really work. For convenience, we can also supply Orvis wading jackets, breathable waders, and auto-inflate life vests and carry spare Costa sunglasses.
Finally, your fishing guide will be on your shoulder all day and is happy to give you casting tips, also give insights into reading the river, take photos and share stories.
To conclude, when you need solitude, you can just soak up this majestic river in peace.
Included in our River Spey fishing day
- Salmon Fishing permits (license not required)
- Transport arrangements from your accommodation(if you are staying in Speyside)
- Dedicated professional River Spey Guide/ Spey casting instructor
- Breathable Orvis Waders and Boots with tungsten studs, PFD auto inflations life vests
- Premium Sage R8 fly rods and Orvis Spey rods, a choice of lines. Premium fishing tackle and hand tied River Spey flies.
- Photos of your day by your guide, using iphone or small camera.
- High-quality wading jackets, spare Sunglasses
- Alba Game Fishing “Fishing in Scotland” Baseball cap for each guest
Optional Extras
- Professional photographs of your fishing experience by a dedicated pro, using full frame Sony A7RV DSLR cameras, prime lenses and drones. Link send to Dropbox or DVD provided £390 (includes photo book)
- Gourmet lunches served in a riverside cabin, with wine and a welcome Dram. Organic or locally sourced ingredients.£40.00 for one £60 for two.(need booked in advance)
- Excellent accommodation close to the River Spey
- Specialist Box of salmon flies, hand tied by Alba Guides 20 of the best salmon flies for the River Spey (that work) £100.00
Essential River Spey Information
Firstly, Spring salmon in February are rare but there’s always a chance if you brave the cold temperatures. Next, in early spring, good runs of Spring fish start to enter the river, and can be caught in the lower & middle Spey salmon fishing beats.
In April & May, bigger runs of Spring fish arrive and fresh run salmon can be throughout the river Spey system. Interestingly, salmon in the 20-30lbs class, are frequently caught from May onwards each season. Spring salmon average 10lb in weight. The Spring and Summer brings a consistent run of salmon into the river and a good head of sea trout. Lastly, the fishing on the River Spey in Autumn is prolific, as fresh run salmon arrive to join the resident fish.
Alba Game Fishing Joins the Sage Experiences Program
In 2025, Alba Game Fishing was honoured to join the prestigiousSage Experiences program—an exclusive destination demo initiative created by Sage and Fly Water Travel.
What Is Sage Experiences?
Sage Experiences is a carefully curated collection of world-class fishing destinations where anglers enjoy seamless access to premium Sage rods and RIO fly lines—at no extra cost. These elite outfitters are hand-selected for their commitment to quality and their unique local fisheries.
Premium Gear, Ready When You Are
Furthermore, Sage Experiences ensures that top-of-the-line Sage and RIO setups are available onsite for you to demo at any time during your stay. All gear is professionally matched to the local fishery, giving you the best chance for success on the water.
Trusted Partnerships. Exceptional Experiences.
Finally, outfitters in the Sage Experiences program proudly display the official Sage stamp. Therefore this signifies a close partnership and shared dedication to excellence. Indeed, as a guest of Alba Game Fishing, you’ll enjoy access to expertly selected gear. Furthermore this will give you the confidence that comes with fishing with some of the best tackle in the industry.
