The Tay River in Scotland
The Tayside area of Scotland has over six thousand miles of river offering excellent fishing throughout the year. The River Tay is one of the most important, though there are lesser known rivers offering excellent angling opportunities that are used mostly by locals. These rivers of Scotland are its main source of trout and salmon and no angler is likely to return disappointed.
The river Tay itself begins at Kenmore on Loch Tay, one of the largest Lochs in Scotland and the river is known as the Upper Tay till its confluence with the Tummel River in Ballinluig. The river runs through the Taymouth Castle estate once the home of Lord Breadalbane and now a beautiful golf course. The Upper Tay is a good source of salmon and grayling. There are several excellent B&B establishments in the region and supply stores for everything an angler may need.
The Middle Tay is a broad river and an excellent fishing area. In addition to brown trout there is every chance of landing grilse here during the summer months. There are several fishing guides and instructors known in Scotland as Ghillies to help a novice angler with lessons in fly fishing and casting. Lessons are available for groups or individuals and are well worth the expense to make your fishing trip a successful one.
The Lower Tay after the confluence with the Ilsa is a big river by any standards and is a popular region for fishing. It is more expensive as the chances of catching salmon here are excellent. It is better to book in advance if one wants a rod here. The various beats along the river have their own administrators who regulate the fishing and the permits.
In addition to rainbow and brown trout and salmon there are other fish in the Tay River. All the local trout angling clubs give permits for coarse fishing as well. Pike perch, roach and grayling are other common species in the Tay. There are special areas for carp and tench too. It is highly unlikely that when you fish in the Tay River you will only speak of the one that got away!
