Trout and Salmon
Fishing in Scotland -
The Trossachs and Perthshire
Perthshire Rivers (Map)
Perthshire probably has more fishable rivers than most parts and they range from the deep slow flowing meanders such as are found in the Earn to the fast flowing cataracts of the upper reaches of the Ericht and other highland streams. There are literally hundreds of small rivers and burns almost all of which have native brown trout. I'll describe the four major rivers here and recommend that you talk to the local worthies and fishing tackle shops for local advice.
The Ericht
The Ericht joins the river Isla a few miles
south east of Blairgowrie after its journey from its source and tributaries the Blackwater
and Ardle in the glens north of Blairgowrie.Both the Ericht and its tributaries good runs
of salmon and grilse. Due to a series of obstacles, salmon will not run up the
Ericht until the temperature rises, at which time the runs become prolific. By May,
salmon will arrive at the upper reaches.
This river group provides mostly 'small river fishing' using a single-handed rod and small
flies. Good runs of grilse will occur after the summer floods and a good supply of
brownies is usually evident.A fish counter at Blairgowrie once recorded over 14,000 fish
passing upstream.
The Tay
The Tay begins its journey where it leaves Loch Tay at Kenmore from whence
it flows east after swelling from the content of the river Lyon which joins it before
Aberfeldy. South of Pitlochry at Ballinluig it is joined by the Tummel at which point it
turns south as a big river. From Kenmore down to Ballinluig - about 20 miles - there are
several salmon beats, and at all times excellent trout fishing.
Immediately below the junction with the Tummel at Ballinluig is Lower Kinnaird, an
attractive salmon beat with gravel runs and good fly fishing. From here down there are a
number of famous salmon beats including Glendelvine, where the record 64 pound salmon was
caught about 80 years ago by a woman named Georgina Balantyne. Som good trout and grayling
fishing can be had from here all the way down to the confluence with the Isla about 15
miles downstream.
The Tay is Joined by the river Braan near Dunkeld. The Braan is a fussy little river with
lots of cataracts and deep pools and huge boulders in its lower reaches but about 3 miles
upstream it has a more gentle nature and can provide good sport with smallish wild trout
with the typical black back of the highland burn trout.
From the Isla to the tidal waters the Tay is truly a great river with long slow reaches
and deep pools. Most of the Salmon fishing here is commercially owned or time shared but
some good trout and grayling fishing can be had for a reasonable price.
The Earn
Almost from its beginnings at Loch Earn,
the Earn is a medium sized river for most of its length to the Tay estuary below Perth.It
is swollen by several tributaries on its way, the most notable being the Water of Ruchill,
which is one of the few tributaries unaffected by either Hydro-electric schemes. The
first part of its journey to Crieff displays a little turbulent water but from there to
the Tay it is sedate and is characterised by course changes, meanders and ox-bow lakes.
The salmon runs begin early and continue through to the Autumn but September and October
are the most productive months. Sea trout runs are good from May onwards, and brown trout
and grayling are plentiful.
The 'Dead Waters of Earn' near Bridge of Earn provide some interesting course fishing for
Pike and Perch for those with a penchant for this sport.
The Teith
The River Teith begins at the confluence of
the rivers Leny and Venachar (I use these names to avoid the unpronounceable Gaelic names)
The River Teith offers idyllic fly-fishing of a manageable
size with spinning also allowed from Callander downstream. Good fishing,
particularly during the Spring and Autumn with good Sea Trout fishing in the Summer.
Salmon can be caught during the summer months depending upon the amount of rainfall.
Large salmon are particularly plentiful in this region and with some fish over
30pounds in weight.
Bait fishing on most of the Teith is strictly forbidden and the river has become an SSSI
due to its population of lamprey.
