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. It can also be used for worm
fishing. The Devon Minnow in various colours is
effective, along with Tobys and flying C’s. If using
Rapalas, please bend back the points of front and centre
treble hooks, or remove them, 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!)
