Culdaremore includes over 2 miles of fishing, with 11 varied pools of the River Lyon, one of the major Tay tributaries, and on any given day you have access to both banks for half of these pools, ensuring you won’t see any other fishermen on your pools.
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.
Please note that access to the river is steep in places: it isn't easy if you aren't steady on your feet, especially for the Upper pools (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), which include ladders in two places.
The salmon catch is well spread over the spring, summer, and autumn. Whilst the salmon fishing season starts on 15th January, and a few salmon can be found in the river from then, the main salmon run starts when the water temperature rises above 40oF / 4.5oC which is normally around the end of February. 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. The salmon season closes on 15th October.
There is also plenty of good brown trout fishing within the season from 15th March until 30th September, mainly in the runs between the salmon pools, with fish of up to 1½lbs being not uncommon. Select the unguided option for this. 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.
If you book the guided option, the Fortingall’s ghillie (guide) will take you in the Land Rover deep into the landscape, to the best fishing spots, and provide you with all the fishing equipment you might need, if you do not have it, at no extra charge. 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. Whilst it is not an expectation, a small cash tip to your Ghillie (guide) is always greatly appreciated, depending on how happy you are happy with your experience.
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.
Why you need to fish here
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, fishing at Culdaremore is an experience you will never forget for the river and landscape as much as the exciting fishing. It is remote, beautiful, dramatic and entirely private. It has to be seen to be believed.
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, even in low Summer levels.
In addition, the beat benefits from several deep pools which hold fish in almost any conditions including low water, especially Peters, Falls, Pulpit, Iron Well, Sulky and Weavers. Whilst all pools can be fished with a fly, if you have a spinner you might want to bring one with you.
The Fortingall provides an experienced guide (ghillie) who can assist you. This is highly recommended for first-timers as there is a skill to understanding the best spots and, in some cases, how to get there.
