Grilse Fly Fishing in the Forth Catchment
River Teith
The River Teith is a standout for summer salmon and grilse fishing. It flows through the scenic landscapes of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and is celebrated for its productive fishing pools. Key beats include Lanrick Estate, Blue Banks, Torrie and Cambusmore Estate. These beats offer excellent fly fishing opportunities with well-maintained facilities and diverse water conditions ideal for both salmon and grilse.
River Forth
Stirling Fishery on the River Forth is another prime location for summer salmon fishing. The fishery offers two main beats—the Forth Beat and the Teith Beat—each providing unique fishing experiences. The Forth beat is ideal for fishing around high tides, providing a window of opportunity for catching fresh salmon. The Teith beat near Callander is worth focussing on in highter water after rain (Fishforth). You can also take advantage of the Old Forth Fishings too on the Old Forth.
River Almond
The River Almond, managed by clubs like Cramond Angling Club and West Lothian Angling Association, offers excellent opportunities for summer fishing on the return after years of degraded water quality. While primarily known for brown trout, the river also sees runs of salmon and sea trout. (Fishforth).
River Carron
The River Carron is a well kept secret, managed by Larbert & Stenhousemuir Angling Club, offers productive fishing for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout. The river’s accessible stretches and varied water conditions make it a popular choice for summer angling(Fishforth).
River Esk
The Musselburgh District Angling Association provides access to the River Esk, which is ideal for brown trout and sea trout fishing, with occasional salmon catches. The river’s affordability and variety make it an attractive summer option for anglers (Fishforth).
The Allan Water
The Allan Water, managed by the Allan Water Angling Improvement Association, is a gem in the Forth Catchment for summer grilse fishing. This river offers 15 miles of accessible fishing, making it a prime spot for targeting these energetic fish. During the summer, grilse often move into the Allan Water following a spate, making the period just after heavy rain an excellent time to fish.
River Devon
The River Devon, overseen by the Devon Angling Association, is another excellent location for summer grilse fishing in the Forth Catchment. This river offers varied fishing opportunities from Castlehill Reservoir down to Tullibody. Grilse can be found in the deeper pools and faster sections, everywhere downstream of the impassable falls, especially after a spate when they are moving upstream.
Brief Mention of Sea Trout
While targeting salmon and grilse, anglers in the Forth Catchment also have the chance to catch sea trout. Rivers like the Teith and Forth are known for their summer sea trout runs, providing additional excitement and variety to the fishing experience. June is often the peak month for sea trout, but they can be caught throughout the summer season, especially following spates or spring tides.
Techniques for Catching Grilse
Catching grilse, especially during the summer months, requires a combination of the right techniques and timing. Grilse are smaller, younger salmon returning to freshwater to spawn, and they can be very aggressive fighters. One effective technique is using smaller, lighter flies such as a Cascade, Ally, Flamethrower or Stoat’s Tail, which are particularly appealing to grilse. Floating lines with a fast sink tip can generally help present the fly at the right depth. Additionally, fishing during early morning or late evening when the water temperature is cooler can increase your chances of success. Another useful approach is to fish in tidal stretches or just after a spate when grilse are more likely to be moving upstream. Techniques such as the figure-8 retrieve or “the hoovering” (moving the fly as much as possible) can trigger strikes from these lively fish. It’s also important to use heavy enough tackle, as grilse tend to fight energetically despite their smaller size and can be exhausted if they are played too lightly to the net. Get them in quick and released quick. A #7 single hander would be the lightest you’d want to use with a suggested minimum 8lb nylon.
Conclusion
The Forth Catchment offers some of the best summer salmon and grilse fly fishing in Scotland. Of course we are biased, but we firmly beleive it. With its variety of rivers and well-managed beats, anglers can enjoy a rich and rewarding fishing experience amidst stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, the Forth Catchment’s fisheries provide the perfect setting for your summer fishing adventures.
For more information and to explore fishing opportunities around the Forth Catchment, visit us at fishforth.org.
