The best Salmon fishing in Scotland. How does one prove such a statement? Well, in our opinion there are number of factors that contribute to defining the best Atlantic Salmon fishing in Scotland.

Scotland has a number of prolific Salmon rivers, with each one having it’s own unique feel, appearance, history, traditions and charm.

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A pristine example of a prized, fresh run, Scottish Atlantic Salmon.

What is the best Salmon Fishing in Scotland

Here’s our thoughts on what makes the best Salmon fishing in Scotland.

1. Accessibility is a major factor. Somewhere within a short drive from the major Scottish cities is a must.

2. Value for money. A river with affordable Salmon fishing options to cater for all budgets at the various times of year.

3. Well managed. A river managed well, with helpful, professional ghillies looking after the beats and providing a welcoming atmosphere to the visiting anglers.

4. Scenery & wildlife. After all, it’s what Scotland is famous for.

5. Quality of fishing. It has to offer quality fishing all year round, good spring, summer and  back end fishing

6. History and charm. Scotland is the home of Salmon fly fishing, Spey Casting and the British record Salmon.

When we sat down to go through all the above criteria, in our opinion, the best Salmon fishing is on the mighty River Tay.  Let us explain how we come to our conclusion.

 

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A client fishing the River Tay in Summer levels

 

Why The River Tay Is The Best Salmon Fishing in Scotland

You can fish the River Tay within a short drive from all Scotland’s major central cities and towns such as, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee, Fife, Stirling & even St Andrews.

It offers the best value for money Salmon fishing in Scotland. Affordable permits and access to such beats can be found all year round, even in peak season when booked in advance.

Fresh run Atlantic Salmon can be caught from opening day, right up until the very last day of the season in most river conditions.

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The Best Tay Salmon fishing in Scotland in stunning woodland estates

The Tay has a reputation for big fish and due to it’s size, fresh fish will run the system even in the lowest of summer levels.

It will is fish when below summer level and up to 10 feet above summer level on some beats, offering reliable and consistent Atlantic Salmon fishing throughout the season.

For those that can’t fly fish, Spinning is allowed all year round.

The Tay has different types of water to suit both fly and spin anglers. Beautiful long streamy runs, deep holding pools – it really has it all!

Many of the Tay’s tributaries offer Salmon fishing and in fact some of the best Salmon fishing in Scotland in the spring time (given the correct conditions), is found on the River Tay’s tributaries.

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The bank-side trees are lit by the warm Autumnal light.

Meandering through the Perthshire countryside (often referred to as the start of the Highlands), the River Tay is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

The banks are lined with impressive Beech and Oak trees, which come Autumn/Fall are simply breath-taking when illuminated by the warm evening and morning autumnal sunlight.

An array of impressive wildlife can be seen whilst fishing the River tay, including Kingfishers, Ospreys, Deer, Otters and Pheasants are often spotted whilst fishing.

It is the largest river in the UK by volume of discharge. The river Tay has the largest catchment area of approximately 2000 square miles and is the longest river in Scotland spanning an impressive 120 miles from West to East.

History Behind The Best Salmon Fishing in Scotland

The Tay is home of the UK’s largest rod caught Salmon caught by miss Georgina Ballantine in 1922, weighing an astonishing 64lbs. A record which is unlikely to ever be beaten. (pic shown below)

 

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Miss Georgina Ballantine’s 64lb Atlantic Salmon from the River Tay

 

So for the above reasons, the River Tay offers the best Salmon fishing in Scotland – in our unbiased opinion!

For anyone interested in guided Salmon fishing trips in Scotland please follow the links to find out more information on our Salmon fishing packages in Scotland.

Or get in touch by filling in our contact form here.