Spring Fishing in the North

The list of fishing rivers in the UK is huge, and for those who want to enjoy some of the spring opportunities, the choice can seem overwhelming. While there are always the well-known options, such as the Tweed, the Helmsdale, the Findhorn, or the Spey, there are many others that are perhaps less well-known, which is why we haven’t only selected the most obvious choices to suggest as excellent spring fishing destinations…

We’ve focussed on rivers in Scotland and the Borders, but of course there are plenty of options further south: the Wye, for example, boasts 100 miles of river to fish, is renowned for early season salmon.

Naver, Sutherland

The largest river in Sutherland, the Naver flows for 21 miles north from Loch Naver to Torrisdale Bay in the wild and stunning Sutherland landscape. The river is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation by Scottish Natural Heritage, not only for its Atlantic salmon, but also for the increasingly rare freshwater pearl mussels, which are protected. Good at any time of year, the fishing can be excellent in Spring, conditions permitting, with good-sized fish can be had at the end of spring and early summer.

Teviot, Borders

Teviot offers excellent private and association water in the Spring for as little as £40 per day. The Teviot runs into the Tweed at Kelso. Historically it was a superb spring river and has quietly been providing sport for relatively little fly time during the early part of the year over the last couple of years for those who are in the know.

Till, Borders

The Till can be found in north-eastern Northumberland and is another tributary of the Tweed – the only one to flow wholly in England. Not only does the Till provide some excellent salmon fishing, but from March/April, there is also a superb early run of sea trout. The river also has healthy stocks of brown trout and grayling, so is well worth a visit.

River Dee, Aberdeenshire

Rising in the Cairngorms, the Dee reaches the North Sea at Aberdeen. Between Braemar and Banchory, the area is called Royal Deeside, thanks to Queen Victoria building Balmoral Castle there. One of the prettiest beats in the UK is Woodend, which also has a well-provided and warm hut – crucial at this time of the year. The Dee is designated as a European Special Area of Conservation, partly in recognition of the importance of the salmon population. With a good number of brown trout, too, there’s also a sea trout run.

Thurso, Caithness

The Thurso flows from Loch Rumsdale and from its source until it reaches Loch More, it is also called Strathmore Water. It has a long productive season, starting on 11 January and ending on 5 October, with the best fishing from early March. Traditionally the river offered some of the earliest and best spring fishing in Scotland, and the Upper Beats tend to be the most productive from mid-March to the end of May.