Unusually Scotland has had very little rainfall through March, April and May 2025. In fact, most rivers have been a summer levels and salmon fishing in particular has been challenging. Equally as we progressed into June and July, river levels remained low, despite intermittent rain.
Despite these adverse conditions, trout fishing has been exceptionally good. And although levels make fishing the smaller rivers like the River Whiteadder tricky. However the big rivers like the River Tay have produced outstanding fishing. In fact, low water has improved the trout fishing on the River Tay. Pools that were normally inaccessible at normal water height, could be reached. Equally shallower water, concentrated the fish and made them easier to find.
Octogenarian Mary from the USA had a huge tussle with a wild brown on a dry estimated at over 7lb. Firstly, this trout was hooked on a size 16 dry. Secondly, it was a barbless hook. Lastly, the fish leapt 5 times revealing its size and causing both guide (me) and Mary to have palpitations. Finally after a 20 minute tussle, the fish evaded the hook close to the net. Without doubt one of the finest looking brown trout I have seen on the Tay. The memory of that fish will live on, as the one that got away.
Trout fishing with Sage R8 fly rods
Back on planet earth, and all over Scotland, we were delivering 3-4 jobs a day and numerous messages circulated amongst the guides with photos of fine looking brown trout. Certainly, it was also enjoyable for the clients using Sage R8 fly rods and enjoying top end tackle.
Equally the River Tweed fished well for trout and grayling. Brian from the USA had a day to remember. Remarkably, he landed a 4 pound brown trout, a 5 pound brown and a 3lb grayling all in one day. I guess you could call this some kind of Scottish Grand Slam. Furthermore I think it reinforces the importance of hiring a guide who is a highly skilled trout fisher. Guide Graeme (Fergie) had spotted the 5lb fish feeding and observed its feeding path.
With stealth and careful planning the fish was intercepted upstream and an almighty tussle began. Incredibly after playing, landing and releasing that fish, Brian was told to switch to Nymphs and target a deep channel on the far bank. You wouldn’t believe it, but the very next cast, a 4lb brown took a hold of the famous “Fergie” nymph.
In addition to the Tweed and Tay, the Highland rivers fished well for trout too. Also loch fishing for brown trout was very productive. Regulars Geoff and Debbie had a day to remember on Loch Eye and enjoyed lively sport on dry flies. This was also a chance to try out the new Sony full frame DSLR system we invested in. The photo below was one of the first taken, and demonstrates the super auto focus system on the Sony A7RV.
A dream to catch a Spey Salmon
Donaldo and his son Miles came on an Scottish fishing odyssey to fish for salmon on various rivers. First of all let’s rewind a bit. Donaldo caught his first salmon in Scotland in the 1990’s with his late Father in Law. Naturally a revisit to Tweedswood beat was arranged for this trip. Despite a few tugs and near hook ups, no salmon were caught. However Donaldo was able to meet up with one of our guides Bill, who guided him all those years ago. A touching moment for sure.
Next was to head North and fish the River Spey. Donaldo shared his dream that during tough times serving in the military in the Middle East, he dreamt of catching a Spey salmon. In fact, more importantly, he dreamt of one pool in particular, the Junction Pool of the River Spey and Avon at Ballindalloch.
As a new member of the elite Sage Experiences Outfitter program, our guide Scott had supplied Donaldo and Miles with two Sage Spey rods/ reels. Not long into fishing the Junction a fish took hold and after a superb battle a beautiful 16lb hen fish was netted, photographed and returned.
Later, Donald wrote me an email “My ultimate dream is now realized thanks to you and your team! I am sincerely appreciative of the efforts it took to making my dream come through. At this time I am unable to put in writing what today really mean as I’m still relishing in the fact I caught my Atlantic Salmon from the Junction pool which has been a desire from the early 90’s. Thank you for what you do and the services you provide to everyday people. My family and I are forever grateful.”
Low water, trout fishing – big rewards
In addition to the Tweed, Tay and Highland Rivers, guests enjoyed great sport on the River Deveron. A family from the USA fished early in the season and enjoyed some spectacular hatches and rises of free taking trout. Is there anything more rewarding than dry fly fishing, during a spring hatch? However as Spring progressed the lack of rain meant the river continued to drop. Therefore the action switched to nymphing and the action didn’t stop. This beautiful trout was taken almost right under the rod tip, with stealth tactics in fast water.
Salmon Fishing River Tay
Because of continued low rainfall, salmon fishing has been slower this year. However, persistence beats resistance as Doug from the USA proved, after catching this lovely salmon on a fly.
There’s a pool at Newtyle called “The Trap” and it’s a natural holding spot for fish, after they run through some faster water, and pause before heading upstream. Our Guide Graeme had told Doug to focus on this particular spot, where the fish was likely to be. With what was his second last cast of the day, the fish ate the fly and it was game on. The fish was of course released safely after a quick photo. But what a memory for Doug.
Finally I will keep updating this article throughout the season. Keep an eye out for updates and tight lines to everyone in the meantime. Stewart Collingswood, founder and MD.
Fishing the River Tay: a 2025 guide
