The Keithick Mains beat is positioned on the middle of the prolific River Isla and comprises 3.5 miles of single left bank fishing with 27 named pools, pots and runs.
Throughout the beat the deep holding pools and enticing glides mean there will always be the chance of a fish with fishers able to utilise all legal methods including the spinner and worm, so always be prepared to utilise any method on your visit to the beat.
Substantial investment in a large number of huge boulders and croyes that have been strategically placed in the river have enabled massive amounts of shingle and gravel to deflect and speed up the flow, as well as providing resting areas for the running salmon. The increased pace and flow has now resulted in a large stretch of fly water with long aerated runs and pools giving a great opportunity of a salmon on the fly.
Under the apparently placid surface of the High Bank, Dump Pool and The Ledges strong erosive currents have worn deep holes into the ledges of rock producing attractive and productive lies for salmon. The water ranges from some fast runs offering fantastic fly fishing, to deeper runs and holding pools where salmon hold up in all water heights, even when the water is low, and are perhaps more suited to spinning or trotting a worm so always come prepared for a variety of methods.
In lower water conditions, the salmon will hold up in deeper pools where this large stretch of water can hold an impressive stock of fish. The first fish tend to arrive in February or March, with good runs in April and May, depending on the water. Excellent sport can be had on Keithick Mains at any time with some of the best spring catches on the Tay system made on the Isla.
Keithick Mains is a long stretch of water and the river banks are subject to natural summer growth, and in the June/July months the vegetation will be at its highest point. Please take extra care when approaching the river bank for access in and out of the water.
In the summer months especially thrilling sport is provided by the grilse with considerable numbers recorded. But if bigger fish are sought then September and October can provide both numbers and size with the arrival of the main later run of fish that will spawn in the Isla itself.
Why you need to fish here
One of the Isla's main fishing beats on one of the Tay's main Tributories, the beat has a nice mixture of pools and some fast water runs. Fly fishing and spinning are advised depending on river levels. The river gets a good run of spring salmon in April amd May with summer fishing arriving from June onwards.
