Permit prices on all Scottish salmon river vary in prices, month by month. The pricing is set by likelihood of catching salmon. This in turn is determined by previous catch returns, for various weeks of the season.
Who owns fishing rights to Scottish rivers?
Firstly there are two ways to acquire fishing rights in Scotland. Firstly if you own the land. Secondly if your property has footage to the river. The title deeds to your property may or mayn’t include fishing rights. In some instances, the fishing is sold off as a separate entity, and it can managed by a third party.
Salmon fishing permits vary in price, ranging from £50 to £70 per day for cheaper spots, and up to £450 per day for premium stretches of the river. Sporting estates often offer salmon fishing as a one-week package. Additionally, estates often combine fishing with accommodation in a package deal.
On top of permit price, then you may wish to employ a fishing guide in Scotland. This can drastically improve your chances of catching. Keep you safe and make the day more rewarding. Most beats have a resident ghillie. See below.
What’s the difference between a ghillie and fishing guide?
Most beats have a resident Ghillie. The ghillie will determine the rotation of rods, so anglers all get a fair crack at the best spots.
The ghillie knows his stretch of water inside out. He will understand the tactics and strategy to increase your likelihood of catching. The Ghillie will also look after the upkeep and maintenance of the beat, the river banks, vermin and work with bailiffs to keep an eye on poachers.
So where does a guide fit in with all of this? The work of the ghillie is invaluable however he must spread himself over the various guests on the beat. This can work well, if guests know what they are doing and stay safe. In my 18 years experience, more novice anglers need careful watching.
How to stay safe when wading in rivers
I recall some guests from London who went fishing on the Tweed in September. They had all received specific instructions about where to fish, what actions to take, and the appropriate depth to wade. However, one fellow decided to follow his own instincts and waded too deeply. He found himself caught in a strong current, unaware that he was standing on a narrow strip of gravel with deep shelves on either side. Fortunately, he survived the ordeal, but it required strenuous and heart-pounding effort to wade back upstream before reaching the shore. He could have drowned. The guide had only gone 100 yards upstream to check on another guest, and that’s when things nearly took a turn for the worse.
So first and foremost, having a guide on your shoulder all day will keep you safe. In addition, most ghillies will not spend a while day helping you learn to cast. It would be similar to going for a meal and expecting the chef to spend all day teaching you to cook.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some very good ghillies, that are brilliant spey casters and will give guests tips and assistance. But if you are looking to make the most of a day and really focus on one to one learning, then a full day with a guide, will deliver more than a short spell with a ghillie. The ghillie is a busy man, and has other guests to deal with.
Can you do a float trip fishing in Scotland?
If you are from the USA, keep in mind, you cannot book float trip fishing on Scottish Rivers. Salmon, Trout and Grayling fishing is either by wading, or fished from a boat. There is a method of boat fishing, that resembles float fishing in Scotland, called Harling. This method of fishing is effective on bigger rivers, and either flies or spinning lures. Kynoch killers, Rapallas or Vision 110 lures are trailed behind the boat. The boat slowly covers all the lies, sweeping downstream, back and across.
Why do salmon fishing permit prices vary?
Salmon fishing permits are similarly priced to tickets at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. You can buy a ticket for a first round game in the outer court, or a ticket for the mens final on Centre Court. The pricing matrix on tennis is set by the likelihood of witnessing a champion or a star player. Your chances of landing an Atlantic salmons by previous Catch returns and the quality of the beat.
Where can you find the best value salmon fishing in Scotland?
Are you looking for reasonably priced salmon fishing? Then here are some tips to steer you in the right direction. The upper River Tweed in Autumn offers great value and if the conditions are high, sport can be exceptional. Over the last few years, warmer weather patterns, have changed the migration of salmon. The Autumn Run is not as prolific, and aiming to fish the upper stretches in August and September.
It’s worth keeping an eye on the river levels. When the river settles back after a spate, this can be an effective time to target salmon. The pools are likely to contain fresh fish, and they are likely to be sparky and more eager to take. The upper Tweed and the River Whiteadder are worth considering in these conditions.
Can you fish for salmon and sea trout on a Sunday?
Firstly Old Scots Law dictates you cannot fish for migratory fish (salmon and sea trout) on a Sunday. Consequently, all things being even, Monday is a great day to fish, as the river gets rested the day before. .
Classic Scottish Salmon Flies – river Spey and River Dee
