Spey Arms runs the salmon and trout fishing on Edradynate Estate. The salmon fishings cover a beat of just over 3 miles on the River Tay. There are six named pools – Tom-an-Droighne, Cluny Ferry, Poltewan, Glide, Church and The Pot – of which Church Pool is the best known and is probably the most productive on the Aberfeldy to Strathtay stretch. The Edradynate and Upper Grandtully water is one of the best-known beats on the Upper Tay.
The beat consists fishing of 2 miles left bank fishing and 1 mile right bank.
The beat contains a mixture of strong flowing pools like the Church Pool and some faster streams. Both fly and spinner are probably required to get the best out of the beat, especially with higher water, but there are some excellent runs for the fly.
Fish can be expected on this beat at any time of the year. It holds spring salmon right from the start of the season but at that time probably benefits from lower water. In summer the grilse arrive, often bars of silver straight from the sea. Then with autumn spates, autumn fish push up from lower down the river. The river is mostly easily covered from the bank or by wading, but a boat and ghillie is required to reach some of the more awkward but really fishy places. The scenery is also tremendous, with extensive mature woodland fringing the banks against the splendid backdrop of the Strathtay Hills.
– NO WORM FISHING IS ALLOWED ON THIS BEAT;
All forms of sport using Upper Tay Water
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code provide the framework within which we all engage in our respective activities. When you are enjoying the outdoors, you must follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code explains how access rights should be exercised in a responsible manner on the Water. Access rights apply to most land and inland water such as rivers, lochs, canals and reservoirs. It is important to think about your actions and respect other people’s rights and interests when paddling. Friendly communication can go a long way to understanding each others’ position and avoiding problems developing.
• Respect the needs of anglers by avoiding pools they are fishing in. When close to anglers keep as quiet as possible and avoid unnecessary splashing.
• Keep an eye out for anglers. If you see someone fishing, think about how you can best pass them with the least disturbance. Whenever possible, stop upstream and attract the angler’s attention before passing. If they have a line in the water, wait for a signal to proceed and then follow any route indicated if safe and practicable to do so. An angler should point to the side they wish you to pass by on. Anglers wading in the water may want you to paddle behind them.
• Care for the environment and strive not to damage or disturb animals, vegetation or man made structures; especially during sensitive times of year. Don’t pollute the water. You can help care for the environment by leaving the outdoors cleaner than you found it and reporting any pollution or suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
• Make sure the water you plan to paddle on is appropriate for your activity and the numbers involved.
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 DOES NOT permit people to carry out commercial activities on other people’s land e.g. commercial photographers
When you are enjoying the outdoors, you must follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
In 2019 was signed Joint statement by:
● UTROA (Upper Tay Riparian Owners’ Association)
● Scottish Rafting Association (SRA)
● Scottish Canoe Association (SCA)
UTROA, the SRA and the SCA are proud of the work they have jointly done to date to help all those using the river to understand their rights and responsibilities and to promote harmonious use of the river.
A friendly and communicative approach goes a long way to understanding each others’ needs and avoiding any misunderstandings.
Getting on and off the Upper Tay River
UTROA, SRA, SCA have agreed points to enter and exit the Upper Tay River:
● Kenmore – in the public car park or layby
● Aberfeldy-on Street parking
● Edradynate – SCA Access Point
● Grandtully – SCA Campsite car park
Enjoying Responsible Access on the Upper Tay Water
Rafters and Paddlers can help by:
● Planning an appropriate activity for the conditions and the group
● Keeping a lookout for people fishing
● Avoiding pools being fished
● Recognising that for some beats e.g. Church Pool, the pattern of fishing involves anglers gradually moving down from the pool to the rapid below
● Keeping as quiet as possible and avoid unnecessary splashing when close to anglers and working out how to best pass anglers with the least disturbance
● Where possible, stopping upstream and attracting the angler’s attention to best understand how the angler would like you to proceed
● Co-operating with reasonable requests helps land managers to work safely
Anglers can help by:
● Trying to keep an eye out for rafters and paddlers approaching
● Indicating which side you wish the rafter or paddler to pass you on
● Allowing rafters and paddlers to pass at the earliest opportunity