Pitlochrie

The beat is situated about six miles from the top reaches of the tidal water in Perth. In the spring with water temperatures being low the salmon tend to have their first stop in these waters because of the increased gradient causing lots of fast water and the Weir at the top of the Catholes. This makes it a prime spring beat early in the season.

Pitlochrie beat have been looking hard at modern fishing trends and how they can improve the experience of visiting anglers. The resulting reduction of the number of rods fishing the beats at any one time to 4 has been well received. This increases the time that individual fishers spend on the productive pools, give fishers more time in the boat and giving the pools more time to rest. Pitlochrie are confident that these measures will increase the catches per rod per day and elevate the experience of fishing the beats to a new level. Fishing is increasingly an escape from the pressures of the modern world and the reduction in rod pressure has been greeted with great enthusiasm by regular rods.

Pitlochrie is situated in the village of Stanley up and down from the former Stanley Mills. This beat is very versatile as it fishes well all year and at different heights of water. When spring fishing dominated it was the place to be, especially in the early months up to April. After the last 5 years these signs are returning and hopefully will improve.

Pitlochrie has nine named pools including the world famous Pitlochrie Pool. This beat offers good bank and anchored boat fishing in all heights of water for fly fishing and spinning. Horsey Pool is one of the best pools on the river for fly fishing in higher water. Two boats are provided. It fishes six rods and has a hut situated overlooking the Wash House. There are good low water pools such as the Corner Pool, the Dyke, Kirkie and the Woodside. Horsey fishes well in higher water once the early summer or autumn rain arrives.

Spring Fishing

Pitlochrie is fished on an alternative day, (with Catholes), until the end of April for parties wishing to fish more than one day. This is one of the best spring combinations on the river. The last 5 years have seen an upturn in early spring catches as the river seems to be in the early stages of a return to spring dominance. In 1978 over 600 springers were caught on this combination.

Summer Fishing

During the months of May and June, day lets are available from the Stanley bank only. There will be no Ghillie present except first thing in the morning to show you the beat.

Autumn Fishing

During this period, until the end of the season, Pitlochrie is paired on an alternative day basis with Benchil.

Daily lets are available with 1 ghillie and 2 boats, the beat encourages fly fishing from the bank and anchored boat.

Bob White has over 40 years experience in angling for Atlantic salmon and has extensive fishing knowledge on the Tay. Bob can offer tuition in overhead and Spey casting techniques and is a G Loomis pro guide. Tackle can be supplied.

The owners are anglers and support the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board conservation measures and consequently would encourage all tenants to follow these guidelines.

Why you need to fish here

Pitlochrie beat have been looking hard at modern fishing trends and how they can improve the experience of visiting anglers. The resulting reduction of the number of rods fishing the beats at any one time to 4 has been well received.