Benchil

In 2025 the Benchil beat is fished on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The beat is situated about five miles from the top reaches of the tidal water in Perth. During spring, in lower water temperatures, the salmon tend to have their first stop in these waters because of the increase in gradient and the faster streams slowing the fish down. In summer and autumn, it is a fly fisher’s paradise with lovely streams and glides.

Benchil 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 these beats at any one time to 4 has been well received. This will increase the time that individual fishers spend on the productive pools, giving fishers more time in the boat and give the pools more time to rest. Benchil are confident that these measures will increase the catches per rod per day and elevate the experience of fishing these 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.

Benchil is situated just below the village of Stanley. It is one of the most attractive and picturesque beats on the River Tay. The beat is five miles above the tidal reaches and offers many different types of pools to fish, especially for a fly. This beat can fish well in low water conditions during the summer and early autumn for grilse and larger summer salmon. It is also an ideal beat for sea trout fishing during May and June.

Benchil offers an excellent opportunity for fly fishing in the lower water from bank and anchored boat especially in the attractive classic pools such as the Long Shot and Lundie. The beat fishes six rods, has two boats and a fishing hut with views down the Long Shot. It has 10 named pools including Skellies, Aitken Head, Plain Water, Ship Linn, Long Shot, Tail of Shot, Ewelundie, White Craigs, Little Shot and Todholes.

Spring Fishing

Benchil can be fished on an alternative day basis, (with Catholes), until the end of April for parties wishing more than one day. This is a good combination in early spring on the river. The last few years have seen an upturn in early spring catches as the river seems to be changing back towards a historic spring performance. The classic spring pool is Aitken Head, just below the Skellies rapids, especially in bigger water. A boat and ghillie is available for 2 rods to share and bank only rods are available without a ghillie.

Summer Fishing

During the months of May and June day lets are available for bank fishing from the Stanley bank. There will not be a Ghillie present except first thing in the morning to show you the beat.

Autumn Fishing

Daily lets are available with 1 ghillie and 2 boats. The beat can be fished on an alternative day basis with Pitlochrie. In this period the beat is best fished from bank and anchored boats encouraging fly fishing on this classic water.

Bob White has 45 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 Boards conservation measures and consequently would encourage all tenants to follow these guidelines.