Glen Clova

The River South Esk runs high in the Grampian Mountains above the Glen Clova Hotel and drains the wilderness area of the Glen Doll before winding its way to the North Sea at Montrose via Montrose Basin. Salmon are present in the river when the season opens on 16th February but are slow to pass upstream in low temperatures due to the dam at Kinnard (near Brechin) and other obstacles further upstream. Once the temperature rises to 6 degrees C and the water levels are suitable, fresh fish quickly run upstream. The middle reaches usually enjoy their sport around the middle of March. In a normal year the second week of April will be the arrival of fresh springers in Glen Clova. May is the best month for spring salmon fishing. Given water grilse can be expected on summer floods from June onwards and later in the season. Some larger salmon arrive until the season closes in October 31st. Perhaps the South Esk is best known for it`s runs of sea trout. Whilst it could be described as a good salmon river, it is truly a great sea trout river. Some years huge amount of sea trout pack into it`s pools and provide fantastic fly-fishing opportunities for sea trout, especially during the hours of darkness and when the river is (finning) down after a spate.