South Chesthill enjoys over 6 miles of single and double bank fishing and 32 varied pools on the River Lyon, one of the major Tay tributaries, a beautiful and varied river.
The fishing effort on South Chesthill is low, an estimated 60 rod days per year delivering (in a normal year) 20-60 salmon, with a record 107 in 2012.
The catch is well spread over the spring, summer, and autumn. The top month per week fished is October, with April through to September broadly equal in terms of chances of a fish.
Historically South Chesthill has reserved its fishing for those staying on the estate, but with fewer visitors fishing, they have started with FishPal to open the beats to keen fishermen and increase the catches.
South Chesthill produces some big fish, including a 35lb Malloch Trophy winner.
The salmon fishing season starts on 15th January and a few salmon normally enter the river after the New Year. They normally gather below Falls (Culdaremore beat), beginning to pass through when the water temperature rises above 40oF / 4.5oC which is seldom before the end of February. During March and early April salmon lie particularly in the deep pools of the Pass of Lyon (Culdaremore beat) up to the Black Bridge (South Chesthill beat) before moving up river. The season closes on 15th October.
Although South Chesthill is over 50 miles from the sea, it is not unusual to catch sea-liced fish in the Spring. The nature of each pool suggests whether fly or spinner or both (fly then spin) are most appropriate.
There is a hydro-electric scheme at the head of Glen Lyon and a daily minimum flow is guaranteed, so the river is very rarely unfishable. Artificial spates called Freshets are released weekly from the dam on given dates; this has the benefit of encouraging salmon to run in low Summer levels.
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 two options for accommodation on the estate, Chesthill House which sleeps 12-16, and Gardener's Cottage which sleeps 2-4.
Nearby pub is the Fortingall Ewe at the Fortingall Hotel (4 miles). Recommended to book ahead.
