Tay opens 2010 with a hatrick
Three cracking spring salmon were taken on the opening day from the lower Tay. The biggest fish a 16lber from the Kercock beat was caught by Peter Backhouse who wins the Redford Trophy for the biggest springer caught and released on the opening day. The two other fish taken were from Waulkmill and Upper Scone.
Many opening ceremonies took place on the Tay on Friday morning (15th) with both the towns of Kenmore and Dunkeld hosting well attended events. In addition, several fishing hotels/beats celebrated the opening with more intimate gatherings of their regular fishers. I enjoyed a bustling, enjoyable ceremony in the company of around 20 others on the Dalmarnock beat a little way upstream of Dunkeld.
With the piper playing in the snow, whisky glasses raised and the river in perfect condition, the forthcoming season was duly toasted by owner Neil McGown proprietor of the East Haugh Hotel – and then fishing commenced. My wife and I took the opportunity of walking the top half of the beat while others 'took the plunge' -- as it were.
Here is a selection of photographs from the morning.
Fact File:
The Dalmarnock Beat is managed through the 4-star East Haugh House Hotel, Near Pitlochry where owners (and keen fishers) Neil & Lesley McGown have established an award winning fishing hotel renowned for its cosy bar, friendly atmosphere and excellent dining. We were impressed with the quality throughout and the free, fast-broadband kept us in touch. More details here: http://www.easthaugh.co.uk and we look forward to our next stay!
Three cracking spring salmon were taken on the opening day from the lower Tay. The biggest fish a 16lber from the Kercock beat was caught by Peter Backhouse who wins the Redford Trophy for the biggest springer caught and released on the opening day. The two other fish taken were from Waulkmill and Upper Scone.
Many opening ceremonies took place on the Tay on Friday morning (15th) with both the towns of Kenmore and Dunkeld hosting well attended events. In addition, several fishing hotels/beats celebrated the opening with more intimate gatherings of their regular fishers. I enjoyed a bustling, enjoyable ceremony in the company of around 20 others on the Dalmarnock beat a little way upstream of Dunkeld.
With the piper playing in the snow, whisky glasses raised and the river in perfect condition, the forthcoming season was duly toasted by owner Neil McGown proprietor of the East Haugh Hotel – and then fishing commenced. My wife and I took the opportunity of walking the top half of the beat while others 'took the plunge' -- as it were.
Here is a selection of photographs from the morning.
Fact File:
The Dalmarnock Beat is managed through the 4-star East Haugh House Hotel, Near Pitlochry where owners (and keen fishers) Neil & Lesley McGown have established an award winning fishing hotel renowned for its cosy bar, friendly atmosphere and excellent dining. We were impressed with the quality throughout and the free, fast-broadband kept us in touch. More details here: http://www.easthaugh.co.uk and we look forward to our next stay!