Useful information on how to catch salmon on the rivers in Scotland with details of the type of rods, lures & flies that work best.
The 2 main salmon fishing tactical approaches on the salmon rivers of the UK are fly fishing and spin fishing. Both tactical approaches require skill & understanding with the objective being quality water coverage over the full course of the salmon fishing day as this is the key to optimising your chances of success in this fascinating rural pursuit.
The fly rods that are typically used are double handed Spey or Shooting Head actioned 14ft to 16ft rods paired usually with 8/9 to 10/11 weight floating lines. Sinking tips between 5ft - 15ft in type 1.5' ips, 3' ips & 6' ips (inch per second) are usually also required and a selection of salmon flies in different sizes from large 1 inch to 2 inch tube flies for bigger colder water conditions to smaller single or double hooked flies in typically size 11s to size 7s for the more normal warmer water conditions experienced throughout the fishing season. Some of the best proven salmon fly patterns are the Orange Allys, Silver Stoat, Copperass, Jock's Shrimp & Yellow and Orange, Park Shrimp and the Cascade.
Spin fishing rods are typically 8ft to 10ft in length and should be paired with a matching sized fixed spool reel with monofilament or braided line of between 15lbs to 35lbs test breaking strain. The best proven salmon lures are black bodied flying C's with silver or copper No 2 blades (18gm -25gm), Toby Salmo 30gms in sliver &/or copper or the black, holographic gold, red & copper version, Vision Oneten in champagne gold (or Viper Tiger red) & regular Tobys in 18gm or 28gm in silver or copper are all consistent takers of salmon throughout the season.
In Scotland it is possible to book a professional salmon fishing guide who will supply all of the above equipment in addition to chest waders, waterproof jackets, life jackets and the required salmon fishing tactical tuition on one of the famous Scottish prime salmon fishing river venues (Tay, Dee, Spey or Tweed). If you're new to Scottish salmon fishing or in need of fine tuning there's no better way for advancing your knowledge & success in this sport than to spend a day with a professional salmon guide. Follow the link for information on hiring a salmon fishing guide in Scotland.
