Salmon
Depending on the month of the season you fish,
the river will determine the tackle you need.
All stretches of the Ericht, controlled by the
BRDAA can be fished (with minor exceptions )
using fly fishing tackle. Generally a 13-15
foot fly rod can be used throughout the season
with smaller rods being used for grilse and
sea-trout during the summer. As with rods, the
time of year will determine the type of fly line
but a selection from floating line, intermediate
or sink tip and a medium sinker should cover all
conditions. Safety is important. A good wading
staff, eye protection and studded felt soled
waders are essential. An automatic life jacket
should also be considered. All the usual fly
patterns can be tried but for early season a
large black and yellow, or a large yellow fly
with a silver body fished deep can be best. The
Ally’s shrimp family are popular in all their
variations. In summer a stoat’s tail or red
twist will also do well. When the water
temperature rises above 45F, a Haslam or Invicta
are still worth a try. The size of fly will vary
depending on the height and temperature of the
water encountered.
Spinning
Spinning for salmon is restricted to the BRDAA
water below the Blairgowrie bridge. A general
spinning rod of 9½ to 11 feet will suffice. . The Devon
Minnow in various colours is effective, along
with Tobys and flying C’s.
If using multi hook spinning rigs
e.g.
the Rapala,
remove the front & centre hooks to avoid foul
hooking or damaging fish which may need to be
released.
Sea – trout
A
rod in the 9’6” – 10’6” range for a 7 weight
line will suffice. As with salmon a floating
line with sink tip or intermediate will cover
most situations. Although sea trout can
be caught in the Ericht, the event can sometimes
be missed. Please send details of any sea trout
caught in the BRDAA waters to the Association
here.
Trout and
Grayling
Brown trout and grayling thrive in the Ericht’s
pure waters. Some stocking by the BRDAA takes
place, adding to the stock of wild brownies. The
average weight is three quarters to one pound.
The occasional larger fish to three pounds can
be taken. Fly rods from 7’6” – 9’6” are best
with line weights 5 – 7, depending on conditions.
A floater with sink tip or intermediate will
cover most conditions.
The
biggest trout recorded, at 7lb 12oz,
was caught on a size 14 dry Ginger Quill by W.
Turner on the 30th of April 1994, just above
Blairgowrie bridge ! (A cast of the actual fish
can be seen in Kate Fleming's shop in
Blairgowrie!)
