Culdaremore enjoys over 2 miles of double bank fishing, with 11 varied pools on the River Lyon, one of the major Tay tributaries, a beautiful and varied river.
These are pools 13 – 23 on Chesthill fishing map. To avoid finding a fisherman on the opposite bank, this beat operates with double bank fishing on alternate days, shared with Glenlyon Estate. The five lower pools (Peters, Yellowstone, Cairns, Platform and Falls) are fished on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with the six upper pools (Above Falls, Elm Tree, Pulpit, Iron Well, Sulky and Weavers) fished on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There is no fishing in Scotland on Sundays.
The catch is well spread over the spring, summer, and autumn. The salmon fishing season starts on 15th January and a few salmon normally enter the river after the New Year. During February, March and early April salmon lie particularly in the deep pools of the Pass of Lyon up to the Black Bridge (South Chesthill beat) before moving up river. They normally begin to pass through Falls when the water temperature rises above 40oF / 4.5oC which is seldom before the end of February. The season closes on 15th October.
There is also plenty of good brown trout fishing, mainly in the runs between the salmon pools, with fish of up to 1½lbs being not uncommon. Wet fly is the most productive, though dry fly on late Summer evenings can be successful. Sea Trout do not normally reach the River Lyon.
There are three options for accommodation on the estate: The Fortingall hotel, Chesthill House which sleeps 12-16, Gardener's Cottage which sleeps 2-4.
Fishing equipment can be provided by the ghillie if you do not have it, at no extra charge, just select the option 'including Ghillie' when selecting your ticket type. Saftey vests are required. Waders are and advantage but not a requirement, but boots are, ideally knee height wellington boots. If you are staying at The Fortingall, boots and a waxed jacket can be borrowed there.
Why you need to fish here
Culdaremore is a beat of great variety and beauty. Fishing the Pass of Lyon is an experience you will never forget, it has to be seen to be believed.
The five lower pools (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) fish best in medium to high water, and the six upper pools (Tuesdays, Thursdayys, Saturdays) hold fish from March onwards in periods of low water levels, as they tend to be naturally deep, so fish well in almost any conditions.
A ghillie is highly recommended for first-timers as there is a skill to understanding the best spots and, in some cases, how to get there.
