Lower Kinnaird

Location

Near Ballinluig

Summary

Five year average: 108 salmon/grilse
2 miles double bank fishing, 8 named pools
1 ghillie, 1 hut, 3 boats, WC
Maximum rods: 8
Price range: £25 to £125

Description

Kinnaird is one of the most famous beats on the Tay. It is owned by Mrs Constance Ward as part of the stunning 9000 acre Kinnaird Estate which also includes the famous Kinnaird Hotel. The estate has been owned by the Ward family for generations and has been fished by many famous guests, including Royalty.

The beat was adored by the late John Ashley-Cooper, the famous fishing author and exceptional angler. He particularly recommended the Fir Trees Pool which he fished annually for many years.

Lower Kinnaird commences at the junction of the Tay and the Tummel and extends for two miles downstream, double bank. It is one of two beats owned by Kinnaird Estate, the other, Upper Kinnaird, includes fishing on both the Tay upstream of the Tummel junction and on the Tummel. Up to 31st March the two beats are combined, but thereafter are let separately.

Lower Kinnaird fishes in all heights of water it has a lot of fast runs and pools which are perfect for the fly during lower water. In fact it has some of the best fly water on the whole of the Tay. The best known pools on the beat are: Junction Pool, Ferry Stream, Swimming Pool, Island Stream, Green Bank, Ash Trees, New Pool, Fir Trees, Kindallachan and Guay.

Fresh fish can be caught on this beat all season. Spring salmon heading to the Dochart and Lyon have to pass through the beat, but it especially benefits from springers lingering before entering the Tummel. The Tummel gets a good run of grilse in the summer and so these can provide wonderful sport on the fly on Kinnaird. Then in the autumn we get the late run, when bigger fish are caught. Often overlooked on the Tay, this beat can also produce a number of sea trout in the summer months. These are really fun to fish for at dusk.

Fly spinning and worm are all permitted on this beat. There is a boat on the beat but this is used at the Ghillie's discretion as the river is not always navigable at all heights. When the water is high the boat can be used for harling with the Ghillie. However, the beat is easily fished from the bank or by wading and we absolutely insist that life-jackets are worn at all times when fishing.

Lower Kinnaird is really considered a 6 rod beat and if a party wishes to have exclusive use of the beat they must pay for all six rods. However, a party can reserve 8 rods if the wish, paying on a pro rata basis.

The fishing hut on Lower Kinnaird has been upgraded to a very high standard and is one of the best on the Tay system. It has full cooking facilities, hot and cold water, WC, fridge and freezer. Kinnaird can supply guests with lunch in the hut if they wish. We are very flexible and can meet most requirements. Vehicular access is very good throughout the beat.

When fishing fly a double handed fly rod, 13 ft to 18 ft is ideal. A sink tip or intermediate line is normally ideal most of the time but in high summer a full floater may be required and in early spring a fast sinker may be necessary. Typical flies used are Ally Shrimp, Garry Dog, Stoats Tail, Editor, G.P. and Collie Dog.

When spinning a good fixed spool reel or a multiplier with a capacity of about 200 metres of 15 to 18lb line should be used. A 9ft to 12 ft spinning rod is also ideal. Best lures are Tobys, Devon Minnows and Flying Cs. Tackle can be hired from Kinnaird.

Anglers are requested not to fish with worms before 30th April or after 1st September.