Cargill

Location

Lower Tay, 3 miles upstream of Stanley

Summary

Five year average: 339 salmon/grilse
(Five year average 2004 to 2008: 340 salmon/grilse)
Two double-bank beats, each 0.75 mile long, fished on alternate days by 6 rods
2 ghillies, 2 boats, 1 hut per beat
Price range: from £40 per rod/day

Description

Cargill is one of the best known and one of the most productive beats on the Tay. It is subdivided into two double-bank beats, Upper and Lower which Cargill anglers fish on alternate days. Cargill alternates with Ballathie.

In 2010 Cargill anglers will fish the Upper Beat on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and the Lower Beat on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Week 1 - 13 there will be one Ghillie on the beat. Week 14 onwards you will be accompanied by two Ghillies. There are two boats and a well appointed fishing hut on each beat with heating, hot and cold running water, cooking facilities and WC.

In terms of character at the top end Cargill starts with the Bridge Stream, a long stream which is ideal for flyfishing which can be fished in almost all heights of water. As there is deep water close in this stretch is easy to fish. Thereafter the water flattens out and it flows over what might best be described as a shelf of sandstone rock which carries on for nearly half a mile. This is highly deceptive water though because under the apparently placid surface strong tongues of flow have worn deep holes into the ledges of rock producing some of the most attractive lies for salmon on the Tay. Especially in lower water conditions salmon pack into this water and can be quite easily fished for by spinner or fly. Pools with such evocative names as the Pot Shot, Rumbling Stone, Clocksden and the Cradle have produced some of the greatest catches on the Tay.

If the water is low good catches can be made at all times of the year.

Cargill adopts the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board Conservation Measures and anglers are reminded to follow these at all times.