Fly Fishing Breaks In Perthshire

The River Tay in Perthshire is world famous for its high quality salmon fishing. However, Perthshire trout fishing is of an equally high standard with plenty of well-stocked fisheries and hill lochs to choose from. With reasonable prices, stunning scenery and centrally located, Perthshire offers the trout angler everything and is perfect for a short or long fishing break. The following short list describes just a few popular high quality fisheries that are easy to get to and all close to each other.

Glensherrup Reservoir Fishery

Set amidst the Ochil Hills, this 29 acre loch offers fly fishing for hard fighting brown, golden, and rainbow trout from both bank and boat. The reservoir is known for its crystal clear water, making seeing and targetting fish easier. Although most of the rainbows average the 2 lb mark, there are double figure fish in the loch. Advice, flies and rod hire are all available at the hut and the Anglers Lodge provides hot and cold snacks, tea and coffee. Gold Head Damsels prove successful flies as do Buzzers and Daddies from April to October.

Loch Leven

Trout anglers all over the world hold Loch Leven as one of the best. This large, shallow (the average depth is only 12ft) loch is stocked with rainbows that go into double figures, and the unique Loch Leven trout which is a strain of brown trout but is silvery like a sea trout. They are known for their fighting qualities and, once landed make a delicious meal. The most popular and successful flies are sedges and buzzers. With excellent facilities such as a small fleet of boats, bar snacks and packed lunches, and its own fish rearing operation, every trout angler should pay Loch Leven a visit.

Gartmorn Dam Fishery

This fishery is located in peaceful Gartmorn Dam Country Park and is one of the most scenic in the area. The 167 acre reservoir with its impressive dam is very well stocked with quality rainbows and brownies mostly under 10 lbs, and offers both bank and boat fishing. Facilities here are superb such as a visitor centre with ample parking and toilets, friendly staff who are on hand to provide fishing advice and first aid, and the opportunity to take part in Troutmaster competitions.

Glenquey Reservoir

Glenquey Reservoir is one of the few fisheries that stocks only brown trout. Set in beautiful surroundings this tranquil water has gently sloping banks which makes for easy wading; ideal since there no boats available. The dry fly fisherman will see good catches on Dark Grouse, Wickham’s Fancy or Black Hoppers, while wet fly anglers should tie on a trusty Peter Ross coupled with a Zulu or a favourite silver or gold bodied fly further into the season. Aside from the superb fishing, Glenquey also has very reasonable prices.

River Devon

The River Devon winds through the Ochil Hills where it has been dammed to form three reservoirs, and then down into picturesque Glen Devon. While its trout are many, they tend to be on the small side. However, this is balanced by good runs of sea trout and salmon. There is varied bank fishing in deep pools and near waterfalls with shallower stretches more suitable for wading.

Frandy Fishery

Located up in the scenic Ochil Hills, Frandy Fishery gives excellent fly fishing for brownies, rainbows and blues. Their stocking policy means that more fish go in on a weekly basis than come out; so chances of a big catch are good. The excellent amenities include a large, well situated car park, 14 boats including lifejackets, tuition service, and a well-stocked lodge selling lures and flies including the famous Frandy “Killers”.

Permits

Fishing permits are available from many local shops, pubs and hotels. When buying one, always ask what the local rules and regulations are, and, to avoid disappointment, don’t forget to ask about no Sunday fishing.

By: Harry Young

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Harry Young works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of An Lochan. For a central base from which to fly fish Perthshire, Scotland visit 4 star An Lochan Country Inn, Gleneagles. Fresh Highland food, fine wines and ales, and comfortable rooms in a scenic Scottish setting. Contact An Lochan to find out about special rates and deals for fly fishing.

Loch Leven – Perth and Kinross

Loch Leven has probably had more words written about it than any other water in Britain, certainly in Scotland. For decades now its special strain of brown trout has been revered and much transported to other waters. The great aspect of Leven and its 3,500 acre waters is how it feels remote and yet uniquely accessible. In fact, it’s just north of the great cities of Scotland, hardly a stone’s throw of the M90 and yet, when you’re out there in your boat…it’s like you’re on another world!

I can’t pretend that I’ve ever done better than moderately well on Leven. It’s a water that really does respond well to local knowledge and experience but, having said that, I’ve never ever regretted a single moment spent on its waters. I’m sure it will get you like that. There’s something totally magical about it and even if you only have a moderate bag compared with the experts, I can guarantee you’ll still have the time of your life.

Leven is a fascinating water of various depths, bottomed contours and dotted islands. What’s more you can fish until 11:30pm in the height of the summer months adding to that magical feeling. Potter back to the pier under the light of the moon with the fish still rising around you and you’ll know you’ve been part of something very special.

Both the browns and the splendidly fighting rainbows respond to the notorious moods of Leven so it pays to ring the changes through the course of the day. During good weather, it’s most exciting to fish buzzers and dry flies on the surface and really see the action. But there are times that you’ll have to use sinking lines to get deeper. The answer is to be adaptable and, if you are, you’ll really make the most of the spell-binding water.

The season starts on March 20th through to October 6th. Tickets are available from the pier at Kinross. Day and evening permits are available. There is no bag limit on browns over ten inches and you’re allowed to take twelve rainbows…if you’re that lucky!

Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch lying on the Highland Boundary Fault. It has the largest surface area of any lock in the United Kingdom. Stretching 39km in length and 8km at its widest point, Loch Lomond possibly hosts the largest variety of fish in Scotland. Salmon and sea trout return into the Southern reaches of the loch from the River Leven, whilst brown and rainbow trout, roach, perch, pike, chub and dace offer every angler a different catch every time!

The River Leven is Scotland’s premier salmon and sea trout fishery. At six miles long, it’s not a large river but every fish has to go through the Leven in order to get to the Loch and the spawning rivers; this is the key to its success. Fly fishing is the most popular method and between 11th February and 31st October, anglers are treated to a wealth of salmon and sea trout. Although you’ll need to wait until the last week in March before seeing a decent run of spring salmon.

The River Endrick is the prime spawning river of the Lomond system. Anglers are urged to return all coloured fish to the river to ensure activity for future years. The river is well looked after by the volunteers of the River Endrick Working Group. Overhanging trees are carefully pruned back each year allowing the anglers space to cast their fly. Between the months of July and October are when great fishing can be found. If you find yourself on the water after it has risen and starting to fall, the river can be prolific and even complete beginners can land that special catch.

The River Fruin, located on the west of the Loch, is another main river. It has developed a reputation for providing excellent salmon and sea trout. Fly fishing is the only method on this river and many anglers will tell you that being in the right place at the right time is vital for success.

If you’re venturing out onto the waters, you might want to try some of these Lures and Flies. Trolled lures do well in the early part of the season. During the summer months, better success may be found with patterns such as Mallard and yellow, Invicta and Big Daddy Longlegs.

Permits are required for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout so make sure you have one before making that first cast.