Background Information | The Fishing | Other Conditions | Contacts | Pricing

Background Information

The Thurso is among the best salmon rivers in the north and often coupled with the Helmsdale and Naver.  It enjoys a long productive season, from 11th January to 5th October, and fish can be caught during every month.  Currently the river fishes best from March to October with the larger catches occurring from July to the end of the season.

The river produces around 1,000 salmon per year.  Fishing is by fly only with no obligation to return fish.  In recent years the catch has been rising and, as can be seen from the chart below, numbers of early running fish are increasing.  This is of interest in that, historically, the Thurso offered some of the earliest and best spring fishing in Scotland.

Some heavy fish have been caught on the Thurso with fish of 47 lbs, 44 lbs and 36 lbs being taken during the 1920's.  Nowadays, the vast majority of spring fish exceed 10 lbs and in 2006 fish of 27 and 28 lbs were taken.

From mid-March to the end of May the Upper Beats tend to be most productive.  The grilse can provide tremendous sport from early July onwards and sea liced summer salmon enter the river, given the right water conditions, right through to the end of the season.

The Fishing

Two rods fish on each stretch moving downstream by two beats each day allowing both Upper and Lower water to be fished in one week.  The beats provide a wonderful variety of fishing and whilst many parts of the river have a fine running character, some beats, particularly 3, 6, 7 and 12 are long and deep.  These pools are invaluable for the conservation of fish stocks in hot, dry weather conditions and with a good wind to ruffle the water they can be very productive.

The beats vary in length from just under one mile to three and a quarter miles, each having a variety of pools.  For more detailed information on the beats, you can click here.

Other Conditions

	Fishing is by fair fly only and fishing with bait, prawn, worm, spinner, spoon or any other lure is expressly forbidden.  Fishing is from both banks and breast waders are not necessary.
	Salmon Conservation - anglers are reminded that under the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Act 2001, it is illegal to sell salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line.
	Trout Fishing - complimentary trout fishing is available to salmon anglers subject to availability and upon payment of a fee for the use of the boat.
	Ghillies - if the services of a ghillie is required, at least one months written notice should be given to: The River Superintendent, Braal, Halkirk, Caithness, KW12 6XE.  Tel: 01847 831 591

Useful Contacts

Pricing

Fishing Rents - 2007 Season
Rent / Rod / Week ex VAT
Season - 11 January to 5 October