Friday, December 20, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland SGA FISHING GROUP PETITIONS PARLIAMENT ON STOCKING OF SALMON RIVERS.

Salmon Fishing Scotland SGA FISHING GROUP PETITIONS PARLIAMENT ON STOCKING OF SALMON RIVERS.


The SGA Fishing Group has launched a parliamentary petition demanding a full stakeholder consultation on the future of stocking on Scotland’s salmon rivers.
On some waters in Scotland, hatcheries are operated, enabling salmon eggs to be stripped from broodstock and grown on in controlled conditions before being released back into the river.
The idea is to eliminate factors which can lead to early mortality, improving the chances of salmon reaching maturity, putting more fish into the system.
However, some ghillies and river workers with hatcheries are seeing increasing restrictions placed on the activity by Marine Scotland, who have developed a new position on stocking.
They are concerned that the fisheries scientists’ standpoint could become official government policy without proper consultation with ghillies, riparian owners and hatchery investors and employees.
Marine Scotland officials have discussed their position at river board meetings but have not achieved a consensus within the industry.
With salmon conservation becoming an increasing priority and Scotland’s fisheries struggling badly with declining catches, angler numbers and reducing local economic impacts, some ghillies believe the issue is too important to be slipped through without a full debate.
And while they understand that stocking can be contentious, even within the industry itself, they believe a full stakeholder consultation is the proper route for any future action.
Robert White of the SGA Fishing Group has tabled the Holyrood petition on behalf of members.

“The SGA Fishing Group is not necessarily pro-stocking. There are a mix of views on the subject, across Scotland, some for, some against,” says Tay ghillie Robert White, who launched the petition on behalf of the SGA Fishing Group.
“However, we believe the proper process is for a full consultation. There is a feeling that Marine Scotland has rushed this through and then went out to try to build support. 
“We don’t feel that is the right thing to do and ruling stocking out, or certainly making it increasingly more difficult, may prove to be too hasty.
“Salmon catches are decreasing at a worrying rate in some areas and fisheries, too, are feeling the affects with some rivers recording their worst years recently. 
“Taking hatcheries - as a tool - off the table, without a proper debate, could be short-sighted and we hope everyone whose lives are bound up in salmon and the future of our rivers get a chance to have a full say.”
Hatcheries have proved successful in some rivers but less so in others, with local circumstances regarded as being a determinant.
Concerns, too, have been raised about genetic integrity of the fish although hatchery broodstock are from natal rivers in most cases.
On the other hand, some anglers in Scotland -worried at seeing their pastime eroded-, favour hatcheries because they see rivers taking a proactive approach to the problem of less fish.
“There are a number of different arguments,” added Mr White. “However, a lot of investment has also gone into some hatcheries and the people involved really need to be in the loop with the direction of travel.
“There is also a school of thought which says putting more fish into the river may enhance the chances of more coming back. All these views deserved to be properly aired.”

To learn more about the petition and to sign: see Petition link: https://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01782

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Benchil beat on the Tay, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Benchil beat on the Tay, Perthshire. 


1 mile double bank, boat and bank ghillied fishing with a comfortable hut and wc just below Stanley. 
Streamy water, pools and rapids with an emphasis on traditional anchored boat and bank fishing. 

Fly fishing friendly.

In 2020 Benchil is fished on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The beat is situated about five miles from the top reaches of the tidal water in Perth. During spring, in lower water temperatures, the salmon tend to have their first stop in these waters because of the increase in gradient and the faster streams slowing the fish down. In summer and autumn, it is a fly fisher's paradise with lovely streams and glides.
On the Benchil beat we have been looking hard at modern fishing trends and how they can improve the experience of visiting anglers. As a result we have decided to reduce the number of rods fishing our beats at any one moment from 6 to 4. This will increase the time that individual fishers spend on the productive pools, give our fishers more time in the boat and give the pools more time to rest. We are confident that these measures will increase the catches per rod per day and elevate the experience of fishing our beats to a new level. Fishing is increasingly an escape from the pressures of the modern world and the reduction in rod pressure has been greeted with great enthusiasm by our regular rods.
Benchil is situated just below the village of Stanley. It is one of the most attractive and picturesque beats on the River Tay. The beat is five miles above the tidal reaches and offers many different types of pools to fish, especially for a fly. This beat can fish well in low water conditions during the summer and early autumn 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 the lower water from bank and anchored boat especially in the attractive classic pools such as the Long Shot and Lundie. The beat fishes six rods, has two boats and a fishing hut with views 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.
Bob White, the ghillie has over 40 years experience in angling for Atlantic salmon and has extensive fishing knowledge on the Tay. Bob can offer tuition in overhead and Spey casting techniques and is endorsed by Hardys, Rio and Caledonian Flies. Tackle can be supplied.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Friday, December 13, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Pitlochrie beat on the Tay, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Pitlochrie beat on the Tay, Perthshire. 



1 mile double bank, boat and bank ghillied fishing with a comfortable hut and wc at Stanley Mills.

Streamy water, pools and rapids with an emphasis on traditional anchored boat and bank fishing.


Fly fishing friendly.
The beat is situated about six miles from the top reaches of the tidal water in Perth. In the spring with water temperatures being low the salmon tend to have their first stop in these waters because of the increased gradient causing lots of fast water and the Weir at the top of the Catholes. This makes it a prime spring beat early in the season.

On the Pitlochrie beat we have been looking hard at modern fishing trends and how they can improve the experience of visiting anglers. As a result we have decided to reduce the number of rods fishing our beats at any one moment from 6 to 4. This will increase the time that individual fishers spend on the productive pools, give our fishers more time in the boat and give the pools more time to rest. We are confident that these measures will increase the catches per rod per day and elevate the experience of fishing our beats to a new level. Fishing is increasingly an escape from the pressures of the modern world and the reduction in rod pressure has been greeted with great enthusiasm by our regular rods.
Pitlochrie is situated in the village of Stanley up and down from the former Stanley Mills. This beat is very versatile as it fishes well all year and at different heights of water. When spring fishing dominated it was the place to be, especially in the early months up to April. After the last 5 years these signs are returning and hopefully will improve.
Pitlochrie has nine named pools including the world famous Pitlochrie Pool. This beat offers good bank and anchored boat fishing in all heights of water for fly fishing and spinning. Horsey Pool is one of the best pools on the river for fly fishing in higher water. There are two boats on the beat. It now fishes four rods and has a hut situated overlooking the Wash House. There are good low water pools such as the Corner Pool, the Dyke, Kirkie and the Woodside. Horsey fishes well in higher water once the early summer or autumn rain arrives.

For availability book on Fishtay or contact us direct at 01738827416.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Friday, December 6, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Catholes on the Tay, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Catholes on the Tay, Perthshire. 




1000 yard double bank, boat and bank ghillied fishing with a comfortable hut and wc just above Stanley Mills.

Streamy water, pools and rapids with an emphasis on traditional anchored boat and bank fishing.

Fly fishing friendly.
Catholes is available six days a week in various formats. 

Catholes offers good spinning and fly fishing from bank and anchored boat in mostly small easily covered pools. Although known as an excellent spring beat it can offer good summer and autumn sport as well, due to its attractive streamy water.

The beat is situated about six miles from the top reaches of the tidal water in Perth. In the spring with water temperatures being low, the salmon tend to have their first stop in the waters around Stanley because of the dramatic rise in gradient and the Weir at the top of the Catholes thus making it a prime early spring beat.
On Catholes we have been looking hard at modern fishing trends and how they can improve the experience of visiting anglers. As a result we have decided to reduce the number of rods fishing our beats at any one moment from 6 to 4. This will increase the time that individual fishers spend on the productive pools, give our fishers more time in the boat and give the pools more time to rest. We are confident that these measures will increase the catches per rod per day and elevate the experience of fishing our beats to a new level. Fishing is increasingly an escape from the pressures of the modern world and the reduction in rod pressure has been greeted with great enthusiasm by our regular rods.

The beat 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.

For availability book on Fishtay or contact us direct at 01738827416. 

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Friday, November 22, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon caught Fly Fishing on the Stanley beats, Perthshire in recent years.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon caught fly fishing on the Stanley beats, Perthshire in recent years. 


These are some memorable spring salmon caught fly fishing on the Stanley beats in recent years. They were caught casting from an anchored boat or wading from the bank. At Stanley we major on fly fishing and for 2020 season we have the reduced the rod availability to 4 to give you even more water to fish. 


Tim Greenfield with a superb 23 pounds springer caught casting from the boat in the Woodside at the top of the Catholes.




R Abbott with a 15 pounds beauty caught in Horsey on the Pitlochrie beat in late March.



 Danny Fulton with another good springer from Horsey on the Pitlochrie beat. 




Ron Birmingham from Australia with a cracker caught casting from the boat in the Back Dam on the Catholes. 




Rodger Worth with a beauty caught casting on the famous Slap at the top of the Catholes. 



Mark Hickson with a 13 pounds springer caught casting form the boat in the Wash House on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley. 



Tim Greenfield with a superb spring salmon caught in Cawn Pore on the Pitlochrie beat. 

There is good availability currently. You can book on Fishtay under the beats of Catholes, Pitlochrie and Benchil or contact me directly on 01738 827416. 




Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Stanley beats of the lower Tay, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Stanley beats of the lower Tay, Perthshire.


The salmon fishing around Stanley, Perthshire offers great opportunities for great sport throughout the year especially for keen fly fishers. The scenic river has some of the most attractive streams and pools that are anyones dream to fish.

There are 3 beats to choose from, Catholes, Pitlochrie and Benchil and all offer a similar experience.


We have been looking hard at modern fishing trends and how they can improve the experience of visiting anglers. As a result we have decided to reduce the number of rods fishing our beats at any one moment from 6 to 4. This will increase the time that individual fishers spend on the productive pools, give our fishers more time in the boat and give the pools more time to rest. We are confident that these measures will increase the catches per rod per day and elevate the experience of fishing our beats to a new level. Fishing is increasingly an escape from the pressures of the modern world and the reduction in rod pressure has been greeted with great enthusiasm by our regular rods.’


Top of the Catholes where a weir crosses the river and can be a temperature barrier in cold early spring making it the ideal place for that first spring salmon of the season.
The Slap, one of the most famous pools on the Tay for a spring salmon.

The Catholes stream.
A salmon being played from the boat on the fly from the Black Stones.













Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland Opening Day 2019 at Stanley, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Opening Day 2019 at Stanley, Perthshire.

The sun rises on the 2019 Salmon fishing season at Stanley on the Catholes and Pitlochrie beats of the Tay in Perthshire.
The vehicles arrived with all the kit and ready for the off!
The opening day on the beats was taken by the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel bringing new and experienced hands to salmon fishing. 

A lone piper plays a tune ringing out over the river. 

Ken Sharp, a newcomer to the sport has success landing a Kelt on the fly casting from the boat.
A hearty lunch was enjoyed by all. 
It was a very successful day despite no fresh fish being landed. 10 Kelts were caught on the fly and all enjoyed the experience. Thank you everyone. 
Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Stanley beats Tay, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Stanley beats Tay, Perthshire.


Stanley Mills on the Pitlochrie beat.


A spring salmon about to be landed on the fly at the Slap on the Catholes.



A spring salmon being played on the fly in the Wash House from the boat on the Pitlochrie beat.


Aitken Head on Benchil, a classic spring pool in higher water.



Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Bargain Fishing Books and DVDs