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Scotland, North Esk

FLY FISHING – SCOTLAND, NORTH ESK

Fly fishing trips to one of Scotlands premier salmon rivers – the North Esk. Fishmaster will arrange a hosted fly fishing trip to the Stracathro beat on 9th-16th March 2025. Jouni Rauha will work as a host for this fly fishing trip. The previous years same period there has been caught a good number of spring salmon, also called as springers.

NORTH ESK

The North Esk is one of Scotlands premier salmon rivers and is located in the eastern part of Scotland. It runs through the valley of Glen Esk, over the dramatic gorges at Edzell Loups, then across Morphy Dyke and finally enters the sea just North of Montrose. River North Esk is well known for its early run salmon and the best spring fishing season is from March until May. From early September back end salmon enter the river. The North Esk is a very beautiful river which suits very well for fly fishing. Overall, the main stem of the river is around 45 km with tributaries like the West Water providing additional fishing.

STRACATHRO BEAT

Our fly fishing group of four persons will fish exclusively the private Stracathro beat. Stracathro is one of the best beats of the river. It is situated about 11 km from the sea, and about 3 km below the Edzell Loups. It can all be fished from the north bank, on which stands a large and comfortable fishing hut. The beat starts at the confluence of the North Esk with its major tributary, the West Water. It is double banked for all but the last 200 metres of its two kilometres and comprises eleven well defined pools.

FLY FISHING

This is superb fly water, with easy access to the pools given the right water height. The beat fishes well throughout the season, and even in low water fish can be taken in the deeper pools. This is especially true of the Junction Pool, where many salmon will collect until conditions are suitable for ascending the West Water. Stracathro is a beautiful beat, with stunning backdrops, excellent fishing and easy access. The spring fishing on the Stracathro beat is fly fishing only and catch and release. All fish before 31 May must be returned. We would encourage the return of all seatrout. We ask all anglers to use single or double hooks.

FLY FISHING TACKLE

For fly fishing for salmon on the North Esk we recommend 12-14 ‘ feet double handed rods for lines #8-10 and suitable fly reels with good quality brakes. Floating, sink tip or intermediate shooting heads are most used fly lines but please bring also sinking shooting heads for possible high water conditions.

FLIES

Good salmon fly patterns for North Esk are: Dee Sheep, Willie Gunn, Black Sheep, Black & Yellow, Black & Orange, Munroe Killer, Cascade, Flamethrower, Monkey, Frances, Snaelda, Allys Shrimp and Garry.

ACCOMODATION

Accomodation for guests will be in a nice Scottish house close the Stracathro beat. In the cottage there is a toilet, a shower, a large living room, a well equipped kitchen and four bedrooms. We will cook the meals together in the accomodation.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Fishing trips to the North Esk are hosted trips. Anglers will first take flight to Edinburgh. At the airport they will meet the host Jouni Rauha and continue to the North Esk with a rental car, it is about an hour and 45 minutes drive to the destination.

  • Trip dates: 9th – 16th March 2025
  • Price: 1980 eur/person
  • Trip length: 6 fishing days/7 nights
  • Group size: 1 host + 3 persons
  • Bookings: Ask for open rods
  • Fishing trip includes: Fly fishing, Accomodation, Introduction of beat
  • Fishing trip excludes: Flights to Edinburgh, Rental car, Meals
  • Species: Salmon, Seatrout, Trout
  • Season: 16.2 – 31.10

Scotland, North Esk

1980,00 

North Esk River 9.-16.3.2025

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