The Beats

River Almond

Upper & Lower Almond Beats

Mainly double-bank fishing, with fly and spinning permitted throughout. The Almond is a narrow, tree-lined river and can be challenging, yet rewarding — some banks are overgrown, but for those willing to explore, there are outstanding runs and pools to be found.

The Almond is a true spate river. Any decent lift in water from July onward is likely to see fish heading upriver from the Tay, and when conditions are right, excellent catches can be made.

River Tay

Muirton & Rome Croy Beats

Both beats share access to the same fishing, but from opposing banks. The upper boundary sits at the top of the tidal reach, meaning fresh fish enter the system on almost every tide.

The water offers a varied mix of streamy runs, glides and classic holding pools. Fly fishing is especially productive at mid to low levels, with spinning permitted on designated stretches. Fishing usually picks up from May onward, but persistent early-season anglers can still encounter elusive spring fish heading for the Isla, Ericht, Tummel, Garry and Loch Tay. The Tay is well known for its big salmon, and the Club regularly sees fish over 20lb in the annual returns.

Several named pools and streams are consistently productive. During long periods of low water from June/July onward, salmon and grilse often hold in the pools throughout the beats while waiting for a rise — especially those destined for the Almond. Sea trout provide excellent evening sport from mid-May onward.

River Tay

Stanners Island & Willowgate Beat

This picturesque stretch of water lies at the bottom of Perth High Street. Fishing is left bank only from the uppermost road bridge to approximately 200 metres below the railway bridge. Fly and spinning are permitted throughout the beat.

In its heyday, the pool between the road bridges used to hold prolific numbers of salmon, especially after long summer drought conditions. Although nowadays fish tend to push through this part of the river, it is still worth a throw when the water is low — every year a few fish still feature in the returns for this beat.

The stretch from the railway bridge to the lower boundary used to be good for sea trout fishing at night, but they are rarely fished for these days. Anglers fishing this beat should pay particular attention to the Tide Table for Perth to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide in certain areas.