Benchil and Pitlochrie

Location

Lower Tay at Stanley

Summary

Five year average: 210 salmon/grilse
and 45 sea trout
2 miles of double bank fishing
2 huts with wc
Price range: £45 - £170 + VAT per rod/day

Description

Benchil and Pitlochrie are amongst the most attractive beats on the Tay are fished together on an alternative day basis throughout the season.

The Tay is renowned as a "big fish river" and in March 2011 a cracking spring fish of 35lb was caught on this beat. A picture of this fish can be found using the More Pictures link opposite.

During the period of Monday 30th April until Saturday 30th June both beats are fished from the Stanley bank only six days a week dependant on beat preference to the angler.

The beats extend to some 2 miles of superb double bank fishing except during the period mentioned above.

In 2012, Benchil is fished on both banks on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Pitlochrie is fished on both banks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The beats are situated about six miles from the top reaches of tidal water. Benchil fishes well in low water and Pitlochrie suits higher water, especially in late autumn. The fishing comes with one ghillie in the spring and summer and 2 ghillies in the autumn, two boats on each beat. The owners are anglers and support the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board Conservation measures and the new owners insist that all tenants to follow these guidelines.

Benchil is situated just below the village of Stanley and is one of the most picturesque beats on the River Tay. It is about six miles above the tidal reaches and offers many different types of pools to fish especially for fly. This beat can fish well in low water conditions during the summer and early autumn for grilse and larger summer salmon. It is also an ideal beat for sea trout fishing during May and June.

Benchil offers an excellent opportunity for fly fishing in lower water especially in the attractive pools of the Long Shot, Little Shot and Lundie. The beat fishes six rods, has two boats and a fishing hut looking down the long shot. It has 10 named pools, including Skellies, Aitken Head, Plain Water, Ship Linn, Long Shot, Tail of Shot, Ewelundie, White Craigs, Little Shot and Todholes.

Pitlochrie is situated in the village of Stanley up and down from the former Stanley Mills. This beat is very versatile in that it fishes well at different heights of water. There are good low water pools such as the Corner Pool, the Dyke and the Woodside and Horsey fishes well in higher water once the autumn rain arrives.

The beat has nine named pools including the world famous Pitlochrie Pool and others including, Dyke side, Kirkie Stream, The Wash House, Cawnpore, Minister, Woodside, Horsey and the Tar Tank.

This beat offers good bank fishing in all heights of water for fly fishing and spinning. It is also excellent for harling from the two boats provided. It fishes six rods and has a hut situated overlooking the Washhouse.

Ghillie
Bob White has over 30 years experience in angling for Atlantic salmon and has extensive fishing knowledge. Bob can offer tuition in overhead and Spey casting techniques and is a G Loomis pro guide.  Tackle can be supplied.

Image gallery
Click here to see more images of Pitlochrie.
Click here to see more images of Benchil.