Salmon fishing in Scotland is not just a sport, it's a journey through nature's majesty. The thrill of casting your line into the clear, rushing waters, and feeling the fight with a powerful salmon, is a feeling like no other. As you stand in the middle of a serene landscape, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and misty forests, you become one with the beauty of Scotland.

Amidst the crisp morning air and the sound of rushing waters, there's nothing quite like the excitement and anticipation of opening day for salmon fishing in Scotland. Ian Wood, participated on the opening day. 

"The annual opening day ceremony  in River Spey took place on Saturday 11th February at the Penny Bridge, in Aberlour. The Ceremony began with a Blessing by the Rev. Andrew Kimmitt, and a few words from the invited guest of honour, Ian Gordon.

Ian shared his passion for his favourite fly-fishing river in the world, as well as some fond memories from the riverbank, tips on etiquette, and the importance of the "Release the Spey." Campaign (more details of that vitally important campaign can be found here https://www.riverspey.org/campaigns/release-the-spey/)

Ian’s words were followed by the traditional pouring of a bottle of Aberlour 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky into the fast-flowing waters of the River Spey, as a gesture to wish the salmon good health and to herald the official opening of the River Spey salmon fishing season for 2023.This “task” was performed by Clive Murray, who was the angler who caught the first fish in the 2020 season, which was when the competition was last held, and won the Spey Anniversary Quaich that year.

Clive was accompanied onto the bridge by Ian Gordon and Allan Sinclair, who performed on the bagpipes.The river proved to be dour with only last years models being caught on opening day, a trend which continued into the following week."
 

On salmonrivers you can browse through a range of beats across Scotland, including popular locations such as the River Dee, River Spey, River Tummel and River Tay, as well as smaller, lesser-known rivers. Each beat offers a unique fishing experience, with different landscapes, river currents, and fish populations to explore. Someone who already had a trip in Scotland is Frode and Joril-Anita. He found our beats on salmonrivers and traveled to Scotland - to River Tay and the beat Stobhall. We asked him 5 questions about his stay: 

How did you find out about fishing in Scotland?
I saw the advertising on Elveguiden's Facebook page, and the road from there to a fully booked fishing-trip was short!

How was salmon fishing in February?
It is far too long between the seasons in Norway, so it was fantastic to be able to get a jump start already in February. February in Scotland felt like early May in Norway, so it felt like spring and we had nice weather!

How was the fishing there?
The fishing itself was good, and even if it is was a bit early, you know you can always get a salmon hooked! And with good Ghillies the whole trip turned out to be incredibly good.

Is it tempting to repeat?
Absolutely! I had several friends who were jealous of the trip, so we are planning a with a group of good friends next year

Do you recommend it to others?
Yes - it is so much easier than you think to make it happen. Good travel opportunities and easy to buy a fishing license. The experience itself is worth it - and getting salmon was just a bonus.