Tackle advice
Salmon
The tackle required depends on the time of year and where you are fishing. If fishing on the lower Beauly a 15 ft. 10# rated fly rod should cover most situations through the season. A full floating or multi tip spey line, such as the Montieth or Rio Mid Spey, will aid casting to cover fish in some of the distant lies in wide pools. On the multi tip system the most used tips are likely to be the intermediate – to stop the fly skating across the surface of the pool/glide, and a fast sinking one to get the fly down to a reasonable depth in fast/streamy runs. With river levels controlled by compensation flow it is only on rare occasions that a full sinking line will be needed. The upper Beauly is much narrower than the lower river, and although a 15 ft. rod can be used, most anglers prefer to fish with a shorter lighter rod of 13 or 14ft. especially in mid/late summer and autumn. On the River Glass most pools can be fished with the shorter rod but on the River Farrar a 10ft. single handed or at the most a 12ft. double handed rod will be adequate.
Sea Trout
It is rare for sea trout to ascend the fish lifts to the upper river and they are mainly caught on the lower river when rods are salmon fishing. Some rods take advantage on late summer evenings to pursue these fish with the more appropriate tackle of a 10 or 11ft 7/8# rated single handed fly rod.
Fly patterns
Firstly, to facilitate the release of fish, treble hooks are no longer to be used and it is recommended that all other hooks – singles/doubles - should be barbless, whether dressed as flies or used with tubes. (Barbed hooks can have the barb flattened/removed) Choice of fly will depend on the time of year and which part of the system to be fished. In late spring and autumn small bottle style tubes may be required but in low water, flies dressed on larger singles or doubles could be more effective. For summer fishing, fly sizes should range from 8 to 12 and down to 14 on some of the tributaries. Patterns such as the standard Ally's Shrimp, Yellow Ally and the Cascade should be in the fly box along with a good supply of the rivers/fishes favourite fly the – Sheila. The modern trend is to use Arctic Fox or Arctic Runner fur in the dressing and this style of fly is best fished by working, making the wing pulsate as it swings round in the current. Results can be good.
Waders, clothing and safety
Many beats on the river require some degree of wading. Most anglers prefer to use breathable waders all year round relying on layered undergarments when water temperatures are low, however a few still prefer Neoprene waders in the early spring. If you decide to wear breathable waders the boots should have a felt or non slip sole and be fitted with spikes. Be wary of gorse bushes and thistles - although they may nice the spikes can easily cause pinpricks in the outer fabric which leads to damp/wet legs and feet. It is also advisable to wear an inflatable life jacket when wading unfamiliar water/pools and equip yourself with a suitably weighted wading stick/staff fitted with a rubber cap to reduce noise. Warm waterproof clothes are advisable as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. It is advisable to contact the gillie for up-to-date information on what is best for your trip.
Tackle shops.
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Sports and Model Shop
We are a traditional Fishing Tackle and Model shop based in Dingwall in the Highlands of Scotland. Our shop is jam packed full of Fishing Rods, Spinning Reels, Fly Reels, Multiplier Reels, Fly Lines, Fishing Lines and Models carefully selected to tempt our customers.
66 High Street, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9RY
T: 01349 862 346
For the Website Click here
Hiring tackle
Visting and local anglers are able to hire tackle from the following shop.
Sports and Model Shop
T: 01349 862 346
A: 66 High Street, Dingwall, Ross-shire, Highlands, IV15 9RY
For the Website Click here
