Salmon fishing in Scotland-Spinning Lures

A board with devons used for spinning on the river.These are used all year round and are esential for a salmon fishers box.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Fishing History

Is this an old picture of fishing at Benchil?
For further details on the history of Salmon fishing click here.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Snow Storm

It snowed hard first thing this morning then went mild. There will not be any fishing to-morrow and the river will be in spate. Maybe this will start the spring run proper!

Salmon fishing in Scotland Cookery

Cooking Perfect Salmon by Nick Nairn

Quick and easy

Preparation time 5-10 minutes

Serves 4

4 x 140g (5oz) salmon fillets or steaks

freshly ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

a squeeze of lemon juice

One of the greatest attractions of salmon is how well it adapts to different cooking methods. Whether steamed, poached, grilled, baked, fried, smoked or eaten raw as sachimi, each method produces different results in terms of texture and taste.

Whichever method you choose, it is vital not to overcook it. Really, it comes down to personal preference, but I believe that salmon should be served the same way as steak: medium rare. In practice, this means that the salmon should still be pink inside when it is served. To test, give it a gentle press or squeeze. Perfectly cooked salmon will give slightly, but not too much; if it's wobbly or jelly-like, then it's undercooked. Salmon which is firm to the touch is definitely overcooked and you'll find eating it akin to chewing on cotton wool.

Baking Preheat the oven to 200�C/400�F/Gas Mark 6. Dot the fillets with butter or drizzle with olive oil, season and place them on a greased baking tray. Put them in the oven for 7-8 minutes.

Char-grilling Using a ribbed cast-iron griddle pan is the easiest way to recreate the charred smoky flavour of the barbecue. To prevent the salmon sticking to the pan, make sure you oil the salmon, not the pan and don't be tempted to fiddle with the fillets while they're cooking. To form the characteristic "stripes", cook for two to three minutes on one side, then rotate the fish through 90� and cook for a further two minutes. Repeat on the other side. Season and serve.

Grilling Preheat the grill to the highest setting. Line the grill pan with foil, dot the salmon with butter or drizzle with olive oil and grill for two to three minutes on each side. Season and serve.

Pan-frying/searing Heat a non-stick frying pan until very hot, then add a little sunflower oil. For thin cuts, fry the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side, to get a caramelized crust; for thicker cuts, reduce to a medium heat once the salmon has been added, then cook for 5-7 minutes on one side and a further 2 minutes on the other side. Season and serve.

Poaching Fill a wide frying pan with water, just deep enough to cover the fillets. Once the water is barely simmering, poach the fish for about 5 minutes, until opaque and just set. Using flavoured stock or even some lemon juice adds an extra dimension to the taste. For cold-poached salmon, slip the salmon into the simmering water, remove from the heat and leave to cool. The salmon will poach slowly in the cooling water. Season and serve.

Steaming This is the healthiest way to cook salmon. Throw some aromatic herbs, say tarragon or thyme into the base of a steamer, add water and bring to the boil. Place the salmon, lightly oiled, into the steamer basket, put on the lid and steam for 5-8 minutes, making sure the steamer doesn't boil dry. Season and serve. Nick Nairn's Top 100 Salmon Recipes.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Cheap Fishing!

Stanley Fishings currently have good Spring avilability on our Catholes,Pitlochrie,Benchil and Luncarty beats.

Catholes and Pitlochrie offer 2 Ghillies and 2 Boats each day until the end of April.
These beats are world famous for spring catches in the past and normally perform as well as any beat on the entire Tay system.Click here for current availability.
Benchil and Luncarty are currently let on a Bank only basis until the end of April and offer excellent value for money. This spring we have started a permit for these beats for £100 which includes Tuesdays,Wednesdays,Thursdays and Fridays until the end of April. The beats can also be let on an individual day basis as well. Click on the beat names for availability.
Benchil.
Luncarty.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Fishing Humour

A wee word of thanks-let us hope that will be what we are saying the next time we go fishing!

Raider Salmon Fly Treble

This fly has been very successful on the Tay and is not available anywhere else. The unique tying incorporates the Jungle cock being tied in top and bottom instead of the normal sides which has given it the deadly success rate. It is a must for your box all year round.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Temple Dog

A typical spring Temple Dog for the Tay fished on a sunk line.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Horrible Day

It rained all day to-day(22/02/07). It is known as a realy "driech" in Scotland. Notice the mist formed over the river. This is caused by the water temperature(currently 40F/4C)being colder than the air temperature. Looks like there will be no fishing to-morrow as the water is rising and dirty brown. Maybe the spring run will realy start in ernest after this spate.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Poem

A Descriptive Poem on the Silvery Tay

Beautiful silvery Tay,
With your landscapes, so lovely and gay,
Along each side of your waters, to Perth all the way;
No other river in the world has got scenery more fine,
Only I am told the beautiful Rhine,
Near to Wormit Bay, it seems very fine,
Where the Railway Bridge is towering above its waters sublime,
And the beautiful ship Mars,
With her Juvenile Tare,
Both lively and gay,
Does carelessly lie By night and by day,
In the beautiful Bay
Of the silvery Tay.
Beautiful, beautiful silvery Tay,
Thy scenery is enchanting on a fine summer day,
Near by Balnerino it is beautiful to behold,
When the trees are in full bloom and the cornfields seems like gold -
And nature's face seems gay,
And the lambkins they do play,
And the humming bee is on the wing,
It is enough to make one sing,
While they carelessly do stray,
Along the beautiful banks of the silvery Tay,
Beautiful silvery Tay,
Rolling smoothly on your way,
Near by Newport, as clear as the day,
Thy scenery around is charming I'll be bound...
And would make the heart of any one feel light and gay on a fine summer day,
To view the beautiful scenery along the banks of the silvery Tay.

William Topaz McGonagall

Salmon fishing in Scotland Video-Horsey Pool on the Pitlochrie Beat

Horsey pool on the Pitlochrie Beat of the Tay and at a perfect height!

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Tay Springer

The prize we are all looking for in the spring.

Salmon fishing in Scotland Video-Benchil Beat

Salmon fishing in Scotland Video-Stanley Mill

Video from Cawn pore pool looking over to Stanley mill and then up to the Wash house pool.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Girls day out!

Took the "Girls" out fishing to-day to see if they would bring me luck!

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Weather forecast

Weather at Stanley.

Salmon fishing in Scotland-Picture Gallery

Link to Picture Gallery.

Crewsader Salmon Fly Double

This fly has been very successful on the Tay and is not available anywhere else. The unique tying incorporates the Jungle cock being tied in top and bottom instead of the normal sides which has given it the deadly success rate. This fly fishes very well in clear water.

Salmon fishing on the Tay-Geordie & Mary

Mary from Dublin with a prise Salmon from the Pitlochrie Beat of the Tay accomanpied by
Geordie Stewart the proud Ghillie!

Salmon fishing on the Tay-Jake

Jake playing yet another Salmon in Horsey pool of the Tay at Stanley

Salmon fishing on the Tay Video-Pitlochrie Beat

View of Stanley mill on the Pitlochrie Beat of the Tay

Goldie Salmon Fly Treble

This fly has been very successful on the Tay and is not available anywhere else.The fly was designed by the Ghillie at Stanley Bob White and is a good fly all year round.

Salmon fishing on the Tay-23lbs Salmon on Luncarty

Ed Slaven with a 23lbs Spring Salmon caught on the Luncarty Beat of the Tay on 17th February 2007

Salmon fishing on the Tay-A Sheach in Horsey

Spring Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley

Salmon fishing on the Tay-40lbs plus Salmon

A 40 plus pound Salmon caught on the Tay

Salmon fishing on the Tay-Fly caught salmon from the Catholes.

Salmon fishing Scotland Fly fishing on the Tay-Fly caught salmon from the Catholes.
Bob White with a fresh spring Salmon from the Catholes beat of the Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland fly fishing.

Daily Water heights from Ballathie

Daily Water Levels.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Raider Salmon Fly Double.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Raider Salmon Fly Double.
This fly did particularly well this past season on the Tay. The fly is unique and should be successful on any river throughout the world. The Jungle cock eyes are tied top and bottom instead of the normal sides of the fly to give it a cutting edge. This fly is a must all year round.

Salmon fishing on the Tay-Spring Lures.

Salmon fishing on the Tay-Spring Lures.
Typical box of Lures for fishing the Tay in the Spring.

Salmon fishing on the Tay.

Typical box of lures for Spring Fishing on the Tay Perthshire Scotland.

Salmon fishing scotland video.

Salmon fishing scotland video.
Salmon fly fishing on the Tay at Catholes, Stanley Perthshire Scotland.

Map of Stanley Salmon Beats on the River Tay.

Map of the Pitlochrie and Benchil Beats of the river Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland.

Big Salmon caught on the Fly at Stanley.

Big Salmon caught on the Fly at Stanley Perthshire Scotland.
A 25lbs Salmon caught fly fishing on the Benchil beat by David Reid.

Salmon fishing Scotland at Stanley.

Relaxing after a good day salmon fishing at Stanley Perthshire Scotland on the river Tay.

Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley on the Benchil Beat.

Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland on the Benchil Beat.

Catholes Salmon beat on the river Tay Video.

Catholes Salmon beat on the river Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland Video.

Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley on the Benchil Beat.

Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland on the Benchil Beat.
Emma Tindalls party.

Salmon fishing scotland video.

Salmon fishing on the river Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland video.

Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley on the Catholes Beat.

Salmon fishing on the Tay at Stanley Perthshire Scotland on the Catholes Beat.

Pitlochrie and Catholes Fishings-Spring only (Jan to April)

Pitlochrie and Catholes Fishings-Spring only (Jan to April)

Location

Lower Tay, near Stanley.

Summary

Five year average: 27 salmon/grilse
1.5 miles double bank fishing
22 pools, 2 gillies, 2 boats
2 huts with WC, disabled access/facilities
Price range: £15 to £45 per rod/day

Description

Please note that this web page relates to SPRING fishing only. The Summer and Autumn fishings will be listed on Benchil & Pitlochrie and Catholes & Luncarty. Please refer to availability page for details.

Pitlochrie & Catholes Spring are amongst the most famous spring fisheries on the Tay let alone the World. They are fished together on an alternative day basis until the end of April. Both beats extend to some one-and-a-half miles of superb double bank fishing.
Catholes is fished on both banks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Pilochrie is fished on both banks on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The beats are situated about six miles from the top reaches of tidal water. In the spring with water temperatures being low the salmon tend to have their first stop in these waters because of the Weir at the top of the Catholes thus making then both prime spring beats. The fishing comes with two ghillies and two boats on each beat.

The owners are anglers and support the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board Spring Conservation Measures and consequently would encourage all tenants to follow these guidelines.

Catholes offers some of the best spring fishing on the Tay with a weir crossing the river at the top of the Beat which acts as a temperature barrier.

The fishing is spinning and fly fishing from bank and boat in mostly small easily covered pools. It fishes six rods per day and has two boats and an excellent hut at the side of the river. It has 13 named pools including The Slap, The Pot, Gean Tree, Little Cast, Catholes Stream, Black Stones, Back Dam, Lucknow, Eric's, Geoff's, Freddie's Woodside and the Little Head.

Pitlochrie has nine named pools including the world famous Pitlochrie Pool and others including, Dyke Side, Kirkie Stream, The Wash House, Cawnpore, Minister, Woodside, Horsey and the Tar Tank. This beat offers good bank fishing in all heights of water for fly fishing and spinning. It is also excellent for harling from the two boats provided. It fishes six rods and has a hut situated overlooking the Wash house.

Ghillies
George Stewart: One of the River Tay's real characters with over 40 years experience of these beats.
Bob White: Has over 20 years experience in angling for atlantic salmon and has extensive fly fishing knowledge. He can offer tuition in overhead and spey casting techniques.

Tackle can be supplied - please see contact for details.

Contact Details

Robert J White
Stanley Fishings
Benchil View
Perth Road
Stanley
PH1 4PW

Telephone: 01738 827416
Email: stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk

Benchil and Pitlochrie Fishings-May to 15th October

Picture of Benchil beat on the river Tay

Benchil and Pitlochrie Fishings-May to October

Location

Lower Tay at Stanley

Summary

Five year average: 181 salmon/grilse
and 25 sea trout
2 miles of double bank fishing
2 huts with wc
Price range: £35 - £200 per rod/day


Description

Benchil and Pitlochrie are amongst the most attractive beats on the Tay and are fished together on an alternative day basis from Monday 2nd July until the end of the season in October. During the period of Monday 30th April until Saturday 30th June both beats are fished from the Stanley bank only six days a week dependant on beat preference to the angler. The beats extend to some 2 miles of superb double bank fishing except during the period mentioned above.

During the summer months (30th April to 9th July) the beats are fished from the bank by summer permits without the assistance of ghillies and boats unless requested. The cost of a permit during this period is £225.00 and should be applied for through the beat contact, however, individual days will be available as well.

Also during the period of 7th May until 16th June a sea trout only permit is available at a cost of £50.00 subject to fly fishing only with the maximum of an 11'3 trout rod - again on application to the beat contact.

Benchil is fished on both banks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Pitlochrie is fished on both banks on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Monday 2nd July.

The beats are situated about six miles from the top reaches of tidal water. Benchil fishes well in low water and Pitlochrie suits higher water. The fishing comes with two ghillies and 2 two boats on each beat. The owners are anglers and support the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board Conservation measures and consequently would encourage all tenants to follow these guidelines.

Benchil is situated just below the village of Stanley and is one of the most picturesque beats on the River Tay. It is about five miles above the tidal reaches and offers many different types of pools to fish especially for fly. This beat can fish well in low water conditions during the summer and early autumns for grilse and larger summer salmon. It is also an ideal beat for sea trout fishing during May and June.

Benchil offers an excellent opportunity for fly fishing in lower water especially in the attractive pools of the Long Shot, Little Shot and Lundie. The beat fishes six rods, has three boats and a fishing hut looking down the long shot. It has 10 named pools, including Skellies, Aitken Head, Plain Water, Ship Linn, Long Shot, Tail of Shot, Ewelundie, White Craigs, Little Shot and Todholes.

Pitlochrie is situated in the village of Stanley up and down from the former Stanley Mills. This beat is very versatile in that it fishes well at different heights of water. There are good low water pools such as the Corner Pool, the Dyke and the Woodside and Horsey fishes well in higher water once the autumn rain arrives.

The beat has nine named pools including the world famous Pitlochrie Pool and others including, Dyke side, Kirkie Stream, The Wash House, Cawnpore, Minister, Woodside, Horsey and the Tar Tank.

This beat offers good bank fishing in all heights of water for fly fishing and spinning. It is also excellent for harling from the two boats provided. It fishes six rods and has a hut situated overlooking the Washhouse.

Ghillies
George Stewart: one of the River Tay's real characters with over 40 years experience of these beats.
Bob White: has over 20 years experience in angling for Atlantic salmon and has extensive fly fishing knowledge. He can offer tuition in overhead and Spey casting techniques.
Tackle can be supplied Ð contact beat for further details.

Check availability.

Benchil Fishings-Spring Only (January to April)

Benchil Fishings-Spring Only (January to April)

Location

Lower Tay, near Stanley

Summary

Five year average: 2 salmon/grilse
1 mile double bank fishing, 10 pools
1 gillie, 1 boat, 1 hut with WC
Price range: £15 - £25 per rod day

Description

Benchil is situated just below the village of Stanley and is one of the most picturesque beats on the river Tay. Benchil Spring Fishing is about five miles above the tidal reaches and offers many different types of pools to fish.

This beat can fish well in the spring in high water conditions as there is a large area of rapid water at the top of the beat thus making Aitken head a particular hot spot for resting springers.

Benchil offers a good opportunity for fly fishing in lower water especially in the Long Shot. The beat fishes six rods, has one boat and a fishing hut looking down the Long Shot.

Benchil Spring Fishing
has ten named pools including Skellies, Aitken Head, Plain Water, Ship linn, Long Shot, Tail of Shot, Ewelundie, White Craigs, Little Shot and Todholes.

Contact Details

Robert J White
Stanley Fishings
Benchil View
Perth Road
Stanley
PH1 4NQ

Telephone: 01738 827416
Email: stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk

Luncarty Fishings-Spring Only (January to April)

Luncarty Fishings-Spring Only (January to April)

Location

Lower Tay at Luncarty

Summary

0.5 mile double bank fishing, 5 pools
1 gillie, 1 boat, 1 hut with WC (under construction)
Price range: £10 - £20 per rod day

Description

Luncarty Pool is small beat of about half-a-mile long. It fishes well in high water but has proved a good resting place in low water as well. The mouth of the Shochie and Ordie burns come in at the top of the beat making an attractive stopping off point for passing salmon and sea trout.

The beat makes for good fly and spin fishing from the boat in high water and from the bank in lower water at a very reasonable price in early season. It fishes four rods, has 1 boat and a fishing hut at the river which is under construction.

The beat has five named pools including the Shochie, Big Stone, Eddys, Cadgers and the Willow.

Contact Details

Stanley Fishings
C/O Robert J White
Benchil View
Perth Road
Stanley
Perth PH1 4PW

Tel: +44 (0)1738 827416
Email: stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk

Catholes and Luncarty Fishings-May to 15th October

Picture of Luncarty Pool on the River Tay



Catholes and Luncarty Fishings

Location

Lower Tay, near Stanley

Summary

Five year average: 121 salmon/grilse
and 11 sea trout
Catholes double bank fishing, 13 pools, 1 boat, 1 hut
Luncarty Pool .5 mile bould bank fishing, 5 pools, 1 boat, 1 hut.

Description

These beats offer a good variety of fishing during the summer and autumn months.

Catholes is situated about 7 miles from the tidal reaches at the upper part of the village of Stanley. Luncarty is a small beat about 4 miles from the tidal reaches at the village of Luncarty.

They are fished together on an alternative day basis from Monday 2nd July until the end of the season in October.

During the period of Monday 30th April until Saturday 30th June the Catholes is fished on both banks on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meanwhile Luncarty is fished on both banks on a Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday from Monday 30th April until Saturday 5th May thereafter only on the Luncarty bank 6 days a week until Saturday 30th June. During the summer months (30th April to 28thh July) the beats are fished from the bank by summer permits without the assistance of Ghillies and boats unless requested. The cost of a permit during this period is £85.00 and should be applied for through the beat contact however individual days will be available as well.

Also during the period of 7th May until 16tJune a Sea Trout only permit is available at a cost of £50.00 subject to fly fishing only with the maximum of an 11'3 Trout rod again on application to the beat contact.

Luncarty is fished on both banks on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Catholes is fished on both banks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Monday 2nd July.

Catholes:-Offers a good variety of fishing with a weir crossing the river at the top of the Beat.

The fishing is spinning and fly fishing from bank and boat in mostly small easily covered pools. It fishes 6 rods per day and has 1 boat and an excellent hut at the side of the river.

Has 13 named pools including The Slap, The Pot, Gean Tree, Little Cast, Catholes stream, Black stones, back Dam, Lucknow, Eric's, Geoff's, Freddie's Woodside and the Little Head.

Luncarty Pool is small beat of about .5 a mile long. It fishes well in high water but has proved a good resting place in low water as well. The mouth of the Shochie and Ordie burns come in at the top of the beat making an attractive stopping off point for passing salmon and sea trout.

The beat makes for good fly and spin fishing from the boat in high water and from the bank in lower water at a very reasonable price in early season.

It fishes 4 rods, has 1 boat and a fishing hut.

The beat has 5 named pools including the Shochie, Big Stone, Eddys, Cadgers and the Willow.

How to Book

Please take the availability link below and check that the rods you want are available. Then follow the instructions at the bottom of that page.

Check availability.

Contact Details

Stanley Fishings
Benchil View
Perth Road
Stanley
Perth
PH1 4PW

Tel: +44(0)1738 827416
Email: stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk