The Big Four salmon rivers in Scotland

Firstly, The Big Four Salmon Rivers in Scotland are the River Dee, River Tweed, River Tay and River Spey.

With this in mind, we offer salmon and sea trout fishing trips on them all.

Alternatively you could try the Big 4 Rivers of Scotland challenge.

Salmon Rivers in Scotland – River Spey

To begin, the River Spey flows through the Speyside valley, winding its way through iconic distilleries. In opposition to the slower stretches in the upper river, it gathers pace as it flows towards the sea.

Salmon River in Scotland, River Spey, Salmon fishing, Spey Casting, Gordon Castle — Salmon fishing on the River Spey at Gordon Castle Beats

Owing to its iconic worldwide fishing status, the Spey is a Mecca for fly anglers. Thought to be the home of Spey Casting, this beautiful salmon river offers some of the best fly water in Scotland.

Whereas obtaining fishing permits to fish the River Spey is difficult, it’s not impossible. However you should plan well ahead when considering arranging a trip. Alba fishing have access to many great beats on the River Spey. With this purpose, make a River Spey Enquiry.

Salmon Rivers in Scotland, River Spey, Ghillie, Ghillies, Gordon Castle — Gordon Castle Ghillies Ian and Lewis with guests at the meeting point

Differing from other rivers, most of the River Spey Ghillies, still dress formally in Tweed, and shirt and tie. In fact, this wonderful custom, really adds a sense of angling tradition, and enhances the day.

Finally, the River Spey salmon and sea trout season runs from 11th February to 30th September.

River Tay – The biggest of the salmon rivers in Scotland

Coupled with its 120 mile length, the River Tay is home to the UK record salmon. Surprisingly, a diminutive School teacher from Caputh, called Georgina Ballantyne landed a 64lb salmon in 1922. In fact this record still stands, and proves the fact, women make formidable anglers.

Salmon rivers in Scotland, Salmon fishing, Spey Casting, River Tay — Spey Casting on the middle River Tay near Dunkeld

River Dee Aberdeen – salmon rivers in Scotland

To begin, The River Dee is one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland and the UK. Because of its allure, anglers travel from all over the world to target a River Dee salmon. In fact the River Dee is excellent fly water, offering a variety of beats with pools to suit all styles of fishing. Whereas the lower River Dee is close to Aberdeen city, the upper reaches are in Royal Deeside, amidst stunning scenery.

Lastly, the River Dee season runs from 1st February to 30th of September each year (or the 15th of October on some of the River Dee fishing beats).

Rivers of Scotland, River Dee, Salmon Fishing, Aberdeen, Royal Deeside, Speycasting, Commonty, fishing guide, beginners — Salmon fishing on the River Dee at Commonty beat near the Potarch Bridge

Salmon Rivers in Scotland River Tweed

First, the River Tweed is accessible from Edinburgh. Undoubtedly, the River Tweed is one of the premier salmon rivers in Scotland, the UK and in fact the world. Secondly, we have 6 professional fishing guides based on the Tweed. They are highly experienced for all the various species that can be caught there, Salmon, Trout, Sea Trout and Grayling. Because the Tweed is such a good Grayling river, you can fish the River Tweed all year round. Lastly, the River Tweed salmon season runs from February 1st to 30th November.

Labrador, Salmon Fishing, River Tay, Boat — Most River beats on the Tay, have dogs to keep you company when fishing for salmon

Salmon fishing in Scotland on the Big 4 Rivers – the ultimate Scottish Salmon fishing experience

Lastly, if you would like to challenge yourself to fish the 4 big rivers, we can help. Alba’s “Big 4 Rivers challenge”, allows you to fish the Spey, Dee, Tay and Tweed, at a pace, that suits you. Additionally, we can provide transport to each location, and arrange accommodation.

Finally, if you would like to experience this trip, please get in touch.