Salmon Fishing Scotland Merry Christmas.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to one and all.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Opening Day 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Opening Day 2012.

THE RIVER TAY OPENING DAY GATHERING 16th January 2012.

The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board and Dunkeld Hilton House Hotel
in association with
the Dunkeld & Birnam Tourist and Angling Associations
have pleasure in inviting you to attend

THE RIVER TAY OPENING of the 2012 SALMON FISHING SEASON

Monday 16th January 2012

Business Breakfast– Hilton Dunkeld House 8.30am- 9.30am
9:00am ~ Community Reception at the Hilton

9.30am ~ Opening Of The River by Ally McCoist
Accompanied by Pipes and Music


Video of 2011 Tay Opening day celebrations.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Pheasant Shooting December 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Pheasant Shooting December 2011. December Pheasant shooting in Perthshire, Scotland.

Labradors at the ready to flush the birds.

A cold December day at Dungarthill near Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland.

My dog, Cassie retrieving a cock pheasant. Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2011.

A cold December evening as the sun goes down on the Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Savills Malloch Trophy 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Savills Malloch Trophy 2011.

2011 winner of Scotland’s most prestigious angling award, the greatest honour in British gamefishing.
Article written by Andrew Graham-Stewart.
The Chairman of the Tay Foundation, owners of the Savills Malloch Trophy – for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned during the year in Scottish waters – is delighted to announce that this year’s winner is Sam Valentine for a fish of 34.5 lb landed on the River Nith.

Mr Valentine commented on being told of the decision of the Savills Malloch Trophy Committee on December 12th: “In 27 years of fly-fishing it has always been my ambition to catch a salmon of over 20 lb. In November this ambition was well and truly achieved! I saw something huge breaking the surface of the water. It appeared almost like the back of a seal. Two casts later my line just stopped. At first the fish seemed unaware that it was hooked. Then it took off and I had an epic battle of 45 minutes before eventually we were able to land it. After quickly weighing it, we returned it to the water and with a flash of the tail it swam off very strongly”.

Mr Valentine’s magnificent salmon was caught on the Dalswinton beat of the Nith on November 16 and weighed in a weigh-net, before being carefully released back into the river. To be eligible for the trophy a fish must be caught on a fly in a sportsmanlike manner and be returned unharmed in accordance with best catch and release practice.

Sam Valentine (right) and Dougie Smith, gillie at Dalswinton on the Nith, (left) with the 34.5 lb salmon from the River Nith, which was carefully returned to the water.

At the Savills Malloch Trophy Committee meeting on December 12th nine possible contenders, the great majority in excess of 30 lb, landed by both male and female anglers in a wide range of rivers between the north Highlands and the Solway, were considered. Mr Valentine’s entry, which fulfilled the relevant criteria including best evidence and careful handling, was after lengthy consideration endorsed as the winner for 2011. His name will be engraved on the Tay Foundation’s trophy, joining an illustrious list of previous winners which stretches back four decades.

Savills Director Roddy Willis said: “As sponsors of the Savills Malloch trophy we are delighted to see it head south to the River Nith. It exemplifies that one does not have to fish one of the Big Four Scottish rivers to be in with a chance of winning this trophy and indeed of catching a leviathan salmon”.

The Committee also agreed to make a special award to 14 year old Frank Cotton, who landed and released a fine 28.5 lb spring salmon in the Tweed at Sprouston in May. Robert Rattray, of CKD Galbraith and Secretary of the Savills Malloch Trophy for the Tay Foundation, commented: “Frank’s tremendous achievement should be a real inspiration for all young salmon fishers. In his youth he has caught the fish of a lifetime! Furthermore the fact that he returned the fish sends out a highly positive conservation message”.

Frank Cotton with his 28.5 pounds beauty.

The encouraging number of large salmon entered for this year’s Savills Malloch Trophy is consistent with a remarkable, unprecedented in recent decades, increase in 2011 in the numbers of larger salmon – fish that have remained at sea for three or even four years. On some rivers fish in the teens of pounds dominated catches in May and June and throughout the season heavier fish have been unusually common with plenty in the 20 lb to 30 lb class and several in the 30 lb to 40 lb class.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland First Winter Snow on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland December 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland First Winter Snow on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland December 2011.

Today Tayside and much of Scotland awoke to the first snowfall of the 2011/2012 winter.

Looking south from Stanley on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

The Wash House at Stanley just above Stanley Mill.

The tail of Pitlochrie pool at Stanley on a very cold winters day in December.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Weather Extremes on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Weather Extremes on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

What a difference a year makes in the weather on Tayside.

This was a 4.5 metre flood on the Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today 1st December 2011. Tayside has certainly had an abundance of rainfall since the summertime but this has been the biggest flood.

Exactly a year ago in the last week of November and early December 2010 we were knee deep in snow.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Atlantic Salmon Recognition.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Atlantic Salmon Recognition.

These are pictures of Atlantic salmon at different stages of their life in fresh water.

Fresh-Run Salmon
Recognised by the pristine condition and bright silver flanks. Fish straight from salt water have loose, easily detached scales and many carry sea lice which drop off within a few days. Hen salmon (illustrated) have a tiny kype on the lower jaw but unlike cocks they retain normal head proportions while in the river.

Maturing Cock and Hen
Cock: The combination of "tartan" colours is typical although shades vary - the fully developed kype, used in fighting rivals, and the enlarged adipose fin, are the most consistent indicators of maturity.

Hen: These are usually less coloured than cocks of similar age and they never have enlarged jaws. This one will have spent a few weeks in river or estuary - note the coloured head and lack of true silver flanks.

Cock and Hen In Breeding Dress
Cock: The combination of 'tartan' colours is typical although shades vary - the fully developed kype, used in fighting rivals is the most consistent indicator of maturity.

Hen: This is a summer fish - springers are often darker by spawning time while late entrants may still be silver flanked. Fully mature hens have soft, swollen bellies and spawning is imminent if they also have protruding vents.

Kelt
Kelts are salmon which have spawned. Usually identified by the thin shape, distended vent and presence of "gill maggots" on the red gill filaments, they are often encountered by anglers in spring when they regain a silvery appearance and can be mistaken for fresh run Springers. Kelts must be returned unharmed to the water.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring and Autumn Salmon Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring and Autumn Salmon Flies.


30 Spring and Autumn Fly Selection and C & F Tube Fly Box.
12 different top quality Salar Salmon Fly Tubes, Temple Dogs and Pot Belly Pigs designed by a Scottish Ghillie in different sizes in a New C & F 1401 Tube Fly Waterproof Box. This unique 30 Salmon Fly Selection is available in a variety of sizes for all occasions. The fly selection includes successful proven patterns on several Scottish and Foreign rivers over the last few years such as the Monkey, Orange and Yellow Mouse Tubes in 2, 1.5 and 1 inches, The Spring Special in 2, 1.5 and 1 inches, Black and Yellow Temple Dog in 1.5, 1 and 1/2 inches, Willie Gunn Temple Dog in 1.5, 1 & 1/2 inches and Pot Belly Pigs in Yellow and Orange Firelighters, Bob's Orange and Black Shrimps, Cascaders and Raiders all in 12 and 20mm. These flies have the X Factor and are a truely all round selection for any salmon fishing experience.
Total Cost £90 and it is post free.
This is now available in the Salmon Fly Shop for a limited period.


This is my range of Spring Salmon flies which are available from the Salmon Fly Shop. You can also deal directly with myself at robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com. Simply click on the link and I can email you a cost by return. You can send a cheque or I can invoice you through Paypal and you can pay by credit card.
There is something available for all conditions. Tight lines.

Monkey Aluminium Tube. Available in 2, 1 1/2 and 1 Inches.
Cost £2.85

The Yellow Aluminium Mouse. Available in 2, 1 1/2 and 1 Inches.
Cost £2.85


The Orange Aluminium Mouse. Available in 2, 1 1/2 and 1 Inches.
Cost £2.85


Spring Aluminium Tube. Available in 2, 1 1/2 and 1 Inches.
Cost £2.85


The Goldie Aluminium Tube. Available in 1 and 3/4 Inch Tubes.
Cost £2.85


The Crewsader Aluminium Tube. Available in 1 and 3/4 Inch Tubes.
Cost £2.85


The Carron Aluminium Tube. Available in 1 and 1/2 Inch Tubes.
Cost £2.85


The Raider Aluminium Tube. Available in 1 and 3/4 Inch Tubes.
Cost £2.85


Willie Gunn Temple Dog. Available in 1.5, 1 & 1/2 inches aluminium tubes which are easy to cast.
Cost £2.85


The Black and Yellow Temple Dog. Available in 1.5, 1 & 1/2 inches aluminium tubes which are easy to cast.
Cost £2.85


The Cascader Pot Belly Pig. Available in 12mm and 20 mm.
Cost £3.00


The Raider Pot Belly Pig. Available in 12mm and 20 mm.
Cost £3.00


The Orange Firelighter Pot Belly Pig. Available in 12mm and 20 mm.
Cost £3.00


The Yellow Firelighter Pot Belly Pig. Available in 12mm and 20 mm.
Cost £3.00

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Salmon Fishing Scotland November 2011 on the middle Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland November 2011 on the middle Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

The river Tay at Balldaroch on the middle river on a lovely November day.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland November 2011 on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland November 2011 on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

These are a couple of pictures I took as the light faded today.

The Wash House on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

The sun going down on the famous Pitlochrie pool at Stanley.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon fishing beat owners plan to go to court over Rafting on river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon fishing beat owners plan to go to court over Rafting on river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

This is an article in the Herald in Scotland by Brian Donnelly today.
It is viewed by anglers as a key Scottish salmon location, while to rafters it is the ideal place for white-water thrills.

But now fishing beat owners are planning to take court action after a clash between the two groups on the River Tay.

Several owners have joined forces after claiming years of negotiations have failed to find a solution to disagreements between anglers and rafters over access to the Upper Tay between Grandtully and Aberfeldy.

It is claimed the increase in white-water rafting is putting anglers off from venturing to the river.

The beat owners said many people no longer want to fish the waters because of “excessive disturbance and noise from boating activity”. This, in turn, is affecting fishing businesses in the area.

They added that since Land Reform legislation was introduced in 2003, rafting activity has increased dramatically – although this is contested by rafters who said the sport had already been growing in popularity before then.

A local access forum has recommended certain days be set aside each week for rafting and it is understood fishing beat owners are backing moves to formally allocate three days for rafting in a joint writ that is expected to be served on Perth and Kinross Council.

Rafters have said, however, that “genuine voluntary restrictions” have been put in place by commercial companies. One rafting source said: “In Scotland you can use any water at any time. As long as you are being responsible then you should have the right to use the river.”

But Angus Crow, chairman of the Lower Grandtully Timeshares, claimed: “It is so sad that it has had to come to this.

“We have a shared interest in the river and have been working through the accepted channels allowed for within the access legislation, to hopefully reach an agreement which allows both the rafting and fishing business to flourish.

“As it is, the present system is unworkable and while the rafting businesses expand and improve in profitability, the fishing interests are on their knees. Most of the fishing beats in this area are seldom fished now.

“Tenants come once and never return and one of Scotland’s heritage assets is being decimated.

“We are frustrated that, while we are prepared to accept, albeit reluctantly, the recommendations of the Local Access Forum, the rafting companies are not. Without going to court we are powerless to defend our property assets and hard-won business.”

Tay District Salmon Fishing Board pressed the council for a bylaw to be introduced earlier this year, amid claims that rafters were not exercising their access rights responsibly.

But the council said at the time that “for a bylaw to be considered the council would have to be convinced the nuisance merits criminal sanctions, and that the bylaw could be effectively enforced”.

Now the legal writ calling for rafting days to be restricted is being served on Perth and Kinross Council.

A spokesman for local authority said last night: “The council has received nothing of this nature to date.”

Nature-based tourism is worth at least £1.4 billion a year to the Scottish economy and supports the equivalent of 39,000 full-time jobs.

A study last year found the wider range of adventure activities – that also includes mountain-biking, rafting and kayaking – are worth about £178 million.

A study from 2004 stated that fresh water angling was worth about £113m to the Scottish economy.

That total is expected to be far higher now.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay fishing beat owners serve writ in rafting dispute.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay fishing beat owners serve writ in rafting dispute.

This appeared on the STV news today.
Proprietors on the Upper Tay say whitewater rafting on the river is 'decimating' their sporting estates.

Fishing beat owners on the River Tay are taking court action over an access dispute with rafters on the water.

The proprietors on the Upper Tay are taking the legal action after years of fruitless discussions between themselves and white water rafters.

Fishermen claim that the large numbers of rafters who use the water in Perthshire make it impossible for them to enjoy their sport.

Earlier this year, the Tay District Salmon Fishing Board unsuccessfully asked Perth and Kinross Council for the introduction of a byelaw restricting the use of the Upper Tay by rafters.

Fishing beat owners on the water will serve a writ on the council calling for a ruling on the dispute after talks mediated by the Local Access Forum over the past few years proved unsuccessful.

Angus Crow, chairman of the Lower Grandtully Timeshares, said: "It is so sad that it has had to come to this. We have a shared interest in the river and have been working through the accepted channels allowed for within the access legislation, to hopefully reach an agreement which allows both the rafting and fishing business to flourish in this part of the river.

"As it is, the present system is unworkable and whilst the rafting businesses expand and improve in their profitability, the fishing interests are on their knees. Most of the fishing beats in this area are seldom fished now. Tenants come once and never return and one of Scotland’s heritage assets is being decimated.

"We are utterly frustrated that whilst we are prepared to accept, albeit reluctantly, the recommendations of the Local Access Forum, the rafting companies are not, and without going to court we are powerless to defend our property assets and hard won business."

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Perth Fireworks 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Perth Fireworks 2011.


Video of the Perth Round Table Fireworks on the South Inch Perth Scotland 2011.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Extension of Salmon Netting causes fury form Anglers.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Extension of Salmon Netting causes fury from Anglers.

This is an article currently appearing on fishingnewseu.com
Esk Salmon Board dismayed by Scottish Government decisions.

THE Esk Salmon Board says it is on collision course with Scottish Government following recent decisions allowing increased commercial exploitation of salmon stocks.

This follows a packed public meeting in Brechin on October 27, attended by over 100 including all major wild fish interests as well as local angling associations, at which unanimous dismay at the decisions of Scottish Ministers was expressed. The Scottish Government declined to attend.

The Esk District Salmon Board Fishery Board (EDFSB) has been urged to consider all its options in response to the Scottish Government’s failure to back spring salmon conservation measures and its intention, in an unprecedented move, to extend the salmon netting season into September.

The Scottish Government has turned down the EDSFB’s application for a delay to the start of the salmon netting season in the South Esk District for a period of five years. Consequently Usan Fisheries, Scotland’s largest netting company and operators of the major mixed stocks coastal fishery south of Montrose, will be able net and kill spring salmon throughout May, many of which are destined for the South Esk, a Special Area of Conservation for salmon. The South Esk is currently in breach of the EC’s Habitats Directive in that early-running salmon stocks continue to decline.

The Scottish Government is also considering a licensed extension to the South Esk netting season to September 14 for three years from 2012; the statutory closing date for netting is August 30. Fish killed during this period will represent payment to Usan Fisheries for allowing Marine Science Scotland access for tagging and releasing fish and taking genetic material for research purposes throughout the netting season and the extension.

Hugh Campbell Adamson, Chairman of the EDFSB, commented: “It was clear from the depth of feeling at the meeting that stakeholders share our surprise at these decisions. Despite the explicit support for controls in May from both Marine Scotland Science and SNH, the Government’s advisers, Ministers are permitting netting in May. We are also perturbed by the Government’s unilateral intention to allow netting in September – without any discussions with the Board, Trust or other stakeholders. We are urgently seeking further information and clarification from Scottish Government.”

Guy Linley Adams, lawyer for the Salmon and Trout Association and advisor to the EDSFB, said: “The Board has duties under statute and European law to protect salmon stocks and so has little option but to question the Scottish Government’s failure to support the Board’s application to end netting in May. In my opinion the Government has given undue weight to the private property interests of the netsmen and has failed to appreciate that the Habitats Directive requires action to protect Atlantic salmon in the wider public interest.”

Bill Balfour, Vice President of Brechin Angling Club, said: “It is anathema that the Government should propose that Usan Fisheries be allowed to kill even more fish – as a reward for their co-operation with Marine Science Scotland’s research programme. Anglers are constantly exhorted by Scottish Government to reduce exploitation through catch and release and yet it is now actually sanctioning increased exploitation by the nets. This is hardly a consistent approach to conservation. Furthermore the proposed research would seem to be of dubious benefit and surely there are better ways of targeting £150,000 per annum.”
Orri Vigfusson, Chairman of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, added: “The refusal of Scottish Government to reduce salmon netting and the new proposal to extend the netting season enabling even greater exploitation are contrary to the basic internationally-accepted principles of good salmon management. These decisions are also highly provocative to those fishing communities – notably the Greenlanders and the Faroese – which play host to Scottish salmon during their marine feeding phase and which have refrained from commercial netting of these stocks for many years in the interests of conservation. The latest actions by Scottish Government will only increase local pressure to re-open these fisheries. If this came to pass, then the implication for stocks of Scottish salmon would be very serious indeed.”

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Last day on the Tay October 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Last day on the Tay October 2011.

This was the last day of the 2011 salmon season on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. It has not been an easy season with extreme fluctuating river levels and a lack of grilse however there have been some positives to take forward to next season. The river has certainly benefited from all the multi sea winter salmon that have been caught and long may this continue into 2012.

This was a gathering at Benchil on the lower Tay just below Stanley. Malcolm Inness's party welcomed Arnot McWhinnie who presented Lee Conway with the Redford Trophy. Lee caught the largest opening day salmon in 2011. Now we look forward to the 2012 opening day.

A typical autumn scene at Benchil.

A sea liced 8 pounds salmon caught on the Catholes on the last day of 2011 season landed by Charlotte Gifford.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland October 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland October 2011.

Billy Davidson playing an autumn salmon fly fishing in the Horsey pool of the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

Billy with the fish prior to release.

Tim Greenfield playing an autumn salmon on the fly at the tail of the Horsey pool on the Pitlochrie beat.

Tim with the fish.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 29th October 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 29th October 2011.

River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 29th October 2011.
The last full week of the late October experimental fishing on the Tay was reasonable despite fluctuating river levels and a maximum of effort to gain results. Hopefully the river will settle for the last day and let us go out on a high note.

The river temperature has dropped to around 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius.

145 salmon were reported last week.

On the lower river 110 salmon were caught. The lower river is consistently producing however with difficult conditions last week with spate on Tuesday and rising water on Saturday the catches were again hard earned. The lower river produced a number of fresh salmon throughout the week, which was very encouraging for the extension experiment. There was also a continuation of large salmon being caught, which was another plus point. Stobhall and Islamouth had 22 pounds salmon during the week.
Hopefully the river will settle after the weekend spate for the last day.

A fresh late run grilse caught by Charles Gifford on the Catholes.

The middle river reported 24. The current conditions of higher river levels should push more fish up into the middle river. Most beats had some fish during the week with hopefully more to come. During the extension period fresh salmon continue to run into the middle river with the high water levels.

Jim McEwan with a lovely fresh autumn salmon caught at Kercock.

David Snowball with a fresh 15 pounds autumn run salmon from the Kercock beat on the middle river.

On the upper river 5 were reported, which was disappointing from recent weeks after the current spates and fresh water would have helped salmon filter up to the upper beats. Dalguise continued to have success, which was encouraging.
The count at the ladder in Pitlochry is now over 6500, which is superb news for future years.

The Isla reported 0.

The Earn reported 6 from Lower and Upper Aberuthven.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of spring salmon and all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences this and last season on the river.
I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing me at
robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

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