Salmon and Sea Trout fishing in the UK has to be among some of the finest in the world. People travel from Scandinavia to fish the Dee in the spring and autumn on the Tweed was world class.
Whilst the fishing is not what it used to be for many reasons, it still remains a passion for many to catch a salmon on the fly.
The Highland spate rivers of Scotland with the variety of vast open countryside and contrasting narrow gorges are a test for many anglers. Whereas the wide rivers of the Tay and the Tweed have a lot less undulation and pools and runs flow easily between beats.
What ever your favorite style of fishing, we can help you get there.
As well as managing the rights to some beats, we are also able to create your ultimate fishing break both here in the UK and abroad, with destinations such as Norway, Russia and Iceland all very accessible.
If you would like us to plan your next fishing holiday please drop us an email or call to discuss.
For those that are looking to take up salmon fishing here is a list of essential basics that you need to get by on the river for either a day or a few days fishing in the UK. It is not an exhaustive list, but covers most situations on British rivers.
Rod. 12’6 to 15′.most Scottish highland rivers do not require anything bigger than 13′ whereas rivers like the Tweed and Tay need the length to control the line and fly. In summer conditions tackle can be scaled down.
Reel. Fly reels essentially hold line, however cheap reels can soon come into problems when playing a large fish. Large arbors help with line retrieval which is useful when a long line is cast.
Fly line. Modern fly lines really aid the novice angler especially with shorter, heavier heads that help shoot line. These are now called Scandi or Skagit lines and require less space to cast in comparison to traditional spey lines. The downside is the running line takes some managing which is not easy for novice.
Leader material. For early season big flies, 25lb monofilament helps turn the fly over and gives piece of mind when playing fish in big water. As the water levels drop and clear this can be reduced to 18lb then 12lb in summer.
Flies. Salmon and sea trout flies is a matter of confidence. Fish a fly with confidence and it often pays. Peaty coloured water requires a fly that stands out a bit more such a cascades and ally’s shrimp in tube form and doubles. Clear and low water in summer scale down to small stoats tails and posh tosh.
The best advice for flies is to seek advice from the ghillie or local knowledge.
Waders and Boots. If you are just having one or two trips a year there is no need to spend several hundreds of pounds on top end waders. However they should be comfortable and fit well, especially the boots as it fishing can often involve walking on slippery rocks. Studs are also a must for wading.
Other items. A wading stick is often useful when wading in fast water or a river you have not fished before. Lightweight waterproof jacket in case you are caught in a shower. Nippers and forceps because you may be alone when you land a fish and returning it quickly and unharmed is essential.
As we say this is not everything and the best advice is speak to the ghillie before you go or by all means drop us an email and we would be more than happy to offer our expertise.
