What rivers to target to catch a salmon in Scotland?
Firstly to catch a salmon in Scotland, you should consider the Big 4 salmon rivers of Scotland. This is a fishing odyssey that is on many anglers bucket list. Beyond that, are many smaller and notable rivers throughout Scotland. The River Ness, Findhorn, Deveron, River Don and West Coast rivers like the Gruinard, Laxford to mention a few. Furthermore you have the Highland rivers, like the Shin, Thurso, Halladale and Brora.
Table of Contents
- What rivers to target to catch a salmon in Scotland?
- What time of year to target salmon on Scottish Rivers?
- What are the best flies to catch salmon in Scotland?
What time of year to target salmon on Scottish Rivers?
Runs of salmon start in the early spring and continue through summer and Autumn. Concluding with the salmon spawning in Oct or November (depending on how far North or South the river is) Therefore, April is a good time for spring fishing on the Tay and Tweed. May and June and July are best for the Spey and West Coast, Highland rivers. Lastly in Autumn, The River Tweed and Tay have prolific runs of Atlantic Salmon.
What salmon fishing techniques to use in Scotland?
To begin with the two techniques are fly fishing and spin casting. Most of the fishing for salmon in Scotland is wade fishing. However on the Tay and the Tweed and bigger rivers, boats are used. Unlike America, we do not offer “Drift Boat” fishing in scotland. This is due to the way permits and land ownership differs from the States.
What length of salmon rod to use?
Typically for the big 4 rivers a 14ft or 15ft double hand Spey rod is best. These are usually paired with a 9 or 10 weight short head spey line, to which you can add various sink tips. Usually in spring a fast sink tip of 5 inch per second is a good choice. Conversely, in Summer low water condition a full floater or intermediate tip works well.
What are the best flies to catch salmon in Scotland?
Firstly sizes of fly patterns vary from size 10 all the way to 1 1/2 inch copper or alluminium tubes. However the most effective patterns are as follows:
- Park Shrimp
- Willie Gunn
- Cascade
- Blue Charm
- Red Francis/ Snaelda
- Black and Yellow (good Spring colours
- Monkey
What length of salmon spinning rod to use?
Firstly 10ft or 11ft rods are best for bigger rivers like the Rver Tay and the Big 4 rivers in Scotland. Also you should match a rod of this length with a reel size 5000. Furthermore, load this reel with either mono, or braid. We prefer Suffix 131 and choose a test between 25lb and 35lb.
Arguably the best spinning lures on these rivers are the classic Salmo Toby 28grms and Flying condoms (Flying C’s) We have these lures custom made which are stronger than shop bought versions. In addition Rapalla lures and Vision Oneten lures work very well. Usually these comes with three sets of trebles. Our preference is to “Tay Rig” these and fish with one treble hook articulated from the cenrte of the lure.
Where to learn to fish for salmon in Scotland
Finally if you are planning a trip it pays to employ the services of a professional guiding company.
It’s vital you choose a company with up to date equipment, and reliable fishing guides. Also important is that the company is properly insured with Public liability and Hire and Reward Insurance for safe transportation of guests.
In conclusion, Alba Game Fishing can take away all the hassle. We supply premium equipment, breathable waders and boots in all sizes. We also use compact and up to date PFD’s made by Crewsaver, and all guests must wear these when wade fishing. Lastly all of our guests get a custom made “Fishing in Scotland” baseball cap.
The best fishing spots near the Fife Arms
