Tackle advice
Tackle is always a personal decision and depends on many factors such as weather, river conditions and time of year. In general a double-handed 15 foot fly rod is best for the spring and autumn and remains ideal throughout the season when the water is high. Sinking tips and intermediate lines of AFTM 9-10 are adequate.
A single-handed 10-11 foot fly rod with floating or sink tip, and intermediate lines of AFTM 6-10 provides excellent sport for sea trout and grilse when the water is low during the summer months.
Personal safety
Waders are necessary on most beats with chest waders being preferred by most anglers. From a health and safety a wading staff (ensure that the end is weighted and has a rubber stopper to minimise vibration), eye protection, and life jackets are recommended.
Flies
The experienced angler will always have favourites, but in general, spring and autumn, 2 inch tubes and Waddington's fish well. A good guide for fly colours is the time of year. In spring, fish natural spring colours and in autumn, fish natural autumn colours. Stoat's Tail, Willie Gunn, Ally's Shrimp in size 8-10 doubles are also worth carrying.
For sea trout and grilse, Teal Blue and Silver, Peter Ross, Stoat's Tail and Invicta in sizes 10-12 together with light tubes of 1/2 inch are ideal.
Further advice can be obtained from local tackle shops, ghillies and proprietors
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Salmon flies.
