The Kinnaird Salmon Fishing Experience
Kinnaird is one of the most famous beats on the River Tay. It is part of the stunning Kinnaird Estate and has been fished by many famous guests, including Royalty. The beat was adored by the late John Ashley-Cooper, the famous fishing author and exceptional angler. He particularly recommended the Fir Trees Pool which he fished annually for many years.
Lower Beat
The Lower part of the beat commences at the River Tummel road bridge (A827) incorporating the last three salmon pools of the River Tummel and down into the renowned Junction Pool where the Tummel greets the Tay. It then extends a further 2 miles downstream and incorporates some of the best ‘holding’ fly water on the Tay including famous pools such as Ferry Stream, Plantation, Swimming Pool, Island Stream, Green Bank, Ash Trees, New Pool, Fir Trees, Kindallachan and the Guay Pool.
On the lower part of the beat, fresh fish can be caught all season. Spring salmon heading to the Dochart and Lyon have to pass through the beat, but it especially benefits from springers lingering before entering the Tummel. The Tummel gets a good run of grilse in the summer and so these can provide wonderful sport on the fly on Kinnaird. Then in the autumn, we get the later run, when bigger fish are caught. Often overlooked on the Tay, the beat can also produce a number of sea trout in the summer months. These are really fun to fish for at dusk.
Upper Beat
The upper part of the beat consists of 13 River Tay named pools: Ballechin Island Pool, Harvester Flats, The Shelf, Neck of Newton, Balnaguard Burn, Church Pool, Bridge Pool, Cottage Pool, The Croy, The Channel, Green Bank, Rock Pool and The March Pool. It also includes the right bank of The Middle Pool and Mikes Run on the River Tummel, which is ‘classic’ fly water.
The upper part of the beat has two sections. The upper section is approximately 2 miles long and consists of some very slow deep water – the best pool is the Newton pool which is 55ft at its deepest. A boat can be worked harling at all heights on this part of the beat and from the bank, the most productive methods are spinning and worming. This upper section is fished 3 days a week on an alternative day basis.
The lower section is fished 6 days a week and consists of approximately half a mile of Tay water and half a mile of Tummel water. The best pool on the Tay is the rock pool. Other good spots include the bridge, cottage pool, green bank and channel.
Under high water conditions this part of the beat can fish extremely well from a boat. It is good in the Spring with the largest salmon in recent times weighing in at 38 lbs. With good water heights, this part of the beat can also fish well in the autumn with as many as 15 salmon in one day landed by anglers in recent times.
The upper beat offers a secluded and peaceful River Tay fishing experience which caters for all angling styles and abilities. Its natural riverbanks promote a feeling of tranquillity yet its salmon producing ability should not be underestimated.
Ghillie
The Kinnaird beats have an experienced ghillie available to give lessons to beginners or advice to the more experienced angler.
Predominantly, Kinnaird is a fly fishing beat, however other fishing methods are permitted at the discretion of the head ghillie, Martin Edgar. Martin has worked on the Kinnaird water for over 10 years and his understanding of the beat is second to none. This is complimented by his enthusiasm and drive in delivering the perfect ‘client experience’.
Additional Facilities
There is a very well-equipped fishing hut on the beat with full cooking facilities, hot and cold water, WC, fridge and freezer. The beat also holds a good stock of high quality fishing equipment should a client wish to hire fishing tackle.
A boat and ghillie service is available (for harling or trawling at a cost of £155.00 per day in addition to the daily permit costs (maximum 2 fishers per boat). This additional service must be booked in advance through the estate office (subject to availability). The boat operating hours are from 10am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5pm daily.
Please visit our Fishing Records & Tariffs page for rates and previous years' catches. For any further information contact:
Kinnaird Estate
Dunkeld
Perthshire
PH8 0LB
Telephone: 01796 482831
Email: fishing@kinnairdestate.com
Ghillie:
Martin Edgar: 07748 773999
