Overview
Long before the Pacific species challenged for its crown, the Atlantic salmon reigned supreme as king of the fish in the hearts and minds of flyfishermen.
Some salmon clock up 6,000 migratory miles (as the seagull flies) before returning to the rivers of their birth to spawn. On their way, the journey may be interrupted by ardent anglers wielding spey cast, double spey, snake roll and snap T in an attempt to land these focused, sea-hardened travellers.
If wielding a double handed rod or attempting these tricky-sounding casts has you quaking in your waders, fear not: casting lessons and experienced ghillies (guides) are to hand to ensure you make the most of your time on the river.
A good selection of tube flies and small doubles is always useful, but our ghillies will have all the local specialities to hand. If you want to tie a few before your trip, the time-tested classics like Allys Shrimp, Cascade, Munro Killer, Stoats Tail and Willie Gunn are safe bets. Once you have decided on your dates, river and beat, we can advise you in more detail.
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Fact File
Outside Days offer salmon fishing on variety of rivers across Scotland.
Once you have booked your fishing and we know which river and the time of year we will provide you with a detailed list of suggested tackle and clothing.
SEASONS
Each catchment or river system will have its own season: salmon fishing can be enjoyed somewhere in Scotland 324 days a year.
KIT & CLOTHING
While a proportion of salmon fishing is done from the comfort of a boat, much of it involves wading. We strongly recommend that you use a wading belt and wading stick when wading. On rivers which present difficult wading, or where the flow makes wading challenging, we also recommend wearing a life jacket for your safety and peace of mind.
Polarised sunglasses and a hat will not only provide protection, but make spotting of fish easier.
Rod
Rod recommendations vary dependant on river, but a rod in the 11- 15 ft and 7-10 wt range would be the norm.
Line
Floating and sinking lines are used so make sure you have both.
Flies
Bookshelves buckle under the tomes written on salmon flies. Many of the favourite salmon flies will work across a multitude of rivers. Once we know where and when you will be fishing, we will supply a list of the local favourites. Your ghillie will also have a supply of flies, undoubtedly influenced by local knowledge, fly life, and personal preference.
Group Size
One or more anglers
VISAS & LICENCES
Travelling to the UK from within the EU needs no visa
Travel from outside the EU may require a visa at the port of entry
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
None
INSURANCE
None required
TIPS
It is standard practice to tip the fishing guide at the end of the day or trip. The size of tip varies depending on the river (the more famous the river the bigger the tip expected), the number of days fishing, the number and size of fish caught, the amount of coaching and assistance requested of the ghillie, whether you are the host or the guest, and how much fun you’ve had.
Of course tipping and the amount tipped are at your discretion, but there are a couple of different ways to work this out. One school of thought is to tip between 10 and 20% of what you are paying for your fishing. Others calculate it on a flat rate per day (usually somewhere between £30 and £100), still others on a lower flat rate and then an additional £10 a fish for each one caught.
CURRENCY
GBP Sterling
TIME ZONE
GMT
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Scotland is home to the world’s only malt whisky trail, a distinction created by spring water and an abundance of barley.
In fact, it is impossible to enter Scotland and not be in one of the five single malt regions. The whisky from each area is distinguished by specific characteristics, but through recipes for everything from still size to malting barley, each distillery imparts unique characteristics to their tipple.
Highland
On a map draw a line between the estuary of the Clyde on the west coast and and the Tay estuary on the east. Everything north of this line is the Highlands. Home to the majority of whisky distilleries, there is great variation between malts across this region so generalizations don’t hold true. Glenmorangie and Talisker are just two examples of Highland whiskies.
Speyside
Within the Highland area, boasts around half of Scotland’s distilleries. Northwest of Aberdeen, the whiskies from this area are typically described as sweet, mellow, fruity malts. Glenfiddich and Glenlivet are just two of the illustrious Speyside malts.
Lowland
South of the line on the map are the Lowlands, home to only three working distilleries, Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie and Blandoch.
Lowlands whiskies are described as malty or grassy with a distinctive delicate aroma.
Islay
Eight distilleries have led to this Inner Hebridean island being dubbed ‘Whisky Island’. Islay malts like Laphroaig and Ardbeg are peaty and smoky.
Campbelltown
Once home to more than 30 distilleries, there are only three producing whisky in Campbell town today, Glen Scotia, Springbank and Glen Gyle. The medium to full bodied malts have a whisper of peat and salt.