NORTH ESK

The stretches that we fish in combine for a 4 kilometer stretch which contains several wonderful pools of varying types. Over the past years, North Esk has emerged as Scotland's number one salmon river for both Spring and Autumn fishing for salmon.

THE FISHING

North Esk is one of Scotland's leading rivers in catch statistics from 1998 and onward, for both Spring and Autumn fishing. During the weeks of spring, there are always some salmon caught that weigh 15-20 kilos.

The stretches that we fish in are counted from Edzell. The Burn with pools. Loups Pool, Kitbog pool, Major pool, Pier pool, Butress pool, Sand pool and Cave pool.

Then we arrive in upper Dalhausie with Little Gannochi pool, Big Gannochi pool, Cobbles pool and Green Bank pool.

After this comes several pools in lower Dalhausie. Then there is English Maldie (private stretch for a day or so of fishing) and finally Pert, a stretch added in 2007 that offers good fishing even in low water conditions.

EQUIPMENT

During Spring fishing, flies such as Willy Gun, Tad Pole and Garry and others will work well in the river. Other flies worth mentioning that will generally work are Monroe Killer, Blue Charm, Sunrise Shadow, Black and Gold and Dee Royal. Also bring weighted tube flies as some pools are very deep.

Consider bringing some form of rapidly sinking line and leader, but do not let this discourage you from fishing with floating line. Appropriate rod length is 12-14 ft.

Spin fishing can be very effective and even necessary when the water level is abnormally low or high. For spin fishing we recommend small Rapala in silver orange, silver red, silver blue and silver black.

New since 2007: Fishing with barbless bait and max double-hook, up to and including the month of May.