Top 5 fishing rivers in the Highlands and Moray
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The Highlands and Moray are renowned for excellent fishing. Here are five great rivers now open for the 2020 season.
The Spey
More than 150 people gathered on the banks of the mighty Spey as the salmon fishing season was declared open for 2020. The Spey is one of the finest salmon rivers in Scotland and continues to attract anglers from across the globe every year to test their skills in its famous waters. It is also one of Scotland’s largest rivers. Last year recorded a catch of 5090 salmon and grilse, 60 per cent up on the previous year. Scott Mellis was the first out on the river and caught a sea trout – an unusual catch for the time of year!
The Thurso
This is one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland with catches averaging over 1700 salmon per year. Although fish are taken in January and February, the season really starts to get under way in the middle of March. Peter Duncan, from Rutherglen, performed the toast at the official 2020 opening. Visit riverthurso.com
The Findhorn
There is excellent salmon and sea trout fishing here, as well as stunning scenery and beautiful pools to enjoy while you wait for a bite. Former Forres Angling Association (FAA) treasurer George Lilley had the honour of blessing the river for the official 2020 opening.
The Ness
The clear, sparkling waters of the Ness, fed by famous Loch Ness, have delivered years of enjoyment for the region’s anglers and visitors from around the world. With three miles of double bank fishing there’s always a good chance of a fish! Proving that age is no barrier, Inverness Angling Club held its annual opening ceremony with a first cast from Melvin Smith, who is in his late 80s!
www.invernessanglingclub.co.uk
The Deveron
The Deveron has a well-deserved reputation as a top salmon river, with runs of spring, summer and often runs of autumn salmon through to the end of the season. It is a river of big fish and each season brings in fish in the 30lbs class. The Deveron has the fifth highest salmon and sea trout rod catch in Scotland. The Deveron salmon fishing season officially opened for 2020 with special guest, online angling star, Marina Gibson.
