I’m often asked, and more especially at this time of the year when people are looking to book their fishing. Based on my experience and the rivers I have fished and organised fishing in. What is the best salmon fishing destination? Choosing the perfect salmon fishing destination can be tricky, as it depends on personal preferences, however, based on my experience here are 5 of my favourite places and the reasons I like them.
River Spey, Scotland
Tradition and salmon Fishing History. The Spey is the most iconic salmon river in the world, steeped in history and tradition. It offers a classic Scottish salmon fishing experience, with famous beats, most of which have full time ghillies.
The Beautiful Spey Valley. The river flows through breathtaking Highland landscapes, with dramatic hills, forests, and moorlands providing a picturesque backdrop for salmon fishing.
Spey Cast. The Spey is synonymous with fly fishing, particularly the "Spey cast," a technique developed here. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself and refine your technique in the place where it all began.
Perfect flow over its pools. The Spey offers a diverse range of pools, from wide, open, gravel filled pools in the lower river, to narrower, deeper pools in the middle and more challenging wading, but very productive sections in the upper. This caters to anglers of all skill levels and preferences.
The Spey Valley is also famous for its whisky distilleries. After a day on the river, you can indulge in a "wee [or not so wee] dram" of some of the best and most famous brands, the best of which are found here on Speyside.
Season -11th Feb – 30th Sept
River Deveron, Scotland
The river is around one third the size of the Spey, and its quiet flows offer a more intimate and tranquil fishing experience. It’s a small river, less commercial than the Spey or Findhorn, ideal for those seeking solitude and escape in a beautiful place
Beautiful Intimate Pools. It boasts many deep and wonderful holding pools, each with its own character and charm. The river is known for its productive fly fishing and is one of Scotland’s top wild Brown Trout fisheries. Riverbanks can be rustic making it a great wild experience.
The Deveron Valley is home to diverse wildlife, including roe deer, otters, Ospreys, Kingfishers, and many other bird species. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural and noticeably quiet habitat.
Intimate pools. The river is such a pleasure and easy to fish, wading is good, and the river can be covered with a 12’ - 14’ rod. Some of the better beats have full time Ghillies.
Salmon fishing on the Deveron is easier to access than on the Spey, although with good transport links and accommodation options nearby. This makes it a convenient choice for those seeking a hassle-free fishing trip.
Season -11th Feb – 31st Oct
River Namsen, Norway
The Namsen is renowned for its large Atlantic salmon, with fish exceeding 40 pounds caught regularly. It's a prime yet accessible destination for those looking to catch a trophy fish. 40 pounders are caught here each year.
The Namsen is a powerful river with strong currents and large pools. This provides an exciting and demanding fishing experience for adventurous anglers. However, the upper part of the river is extremely easy wading, and boats are used throughout the river.
The river flows through dramatic Norwegian landscapes, with steep mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests. The scenery is simply breathtaking. The beat I fish, Gartlansborg, is in the upper [smaller] part of the river and provides my guests with an absolutely wonderful salmon fishing experience in a great lodge with a good chance of a proper big one.
As with most Norwegian rivers, The Namsen has a 100-day fishing season, starting in June and lasting until September. This provides many opportunities to plan your trip. June can be great in the lower and middle river whilst in the upper river is July and August
The Namsen boasts excellent lodges, experienced boatmen and guides. Their expertise and enthusiasm help make the most of your fishing trip. The boatman will row the boat in a way similar to that found on the Tweed in Scotland making this a favourable place for those who don’t like wading. Harling is popular in the lower and middle river but less so on the upper part where we fish.
River Blanda, Iceland
The Canyon on the River Blanda
The Blanda flows through a unique volcanic landscape, with black lava fields, green meadows, and snow-capped mountains. The scenery is otherworldly and unforgettable.
The Blanda is known for its glacial water meaning fish are less spooky than in some very clear Icelandic rivers. That said, the Bradda pool is situated in a steep canyon where your guide can spot the fish for you.
The Blanda's catchment area, although large, is filtered by a series of lagoons, which means that the river is less affected by rainfall and runoff. This ensures consistent water levels and good fishing conditions throughout the main fishing season.
At one time The Blanda was fished with all methods, however, it is now primarily a fly-fishing river, attracting anglers who keen on trying to catch one of its big multi sea winter fish. The guides are second to none and play a big part in leaving everyone who visits with a lasting impression of an incredible river as well as some new fishing tricks.
During the summer months, Iceland experiences 24-hour daylight. However, unlike in Norway, strict rules ensure that the river is rested, with no angler permitted to fish more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period. This is all about maximising one’s chances of finding undisturbed fish in its pools.
East Ranga, Iceland
East Ranga River in Iceland
The East Ranga is one of Iceland's most productive salmon rivers, with consistently high catch rates. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a good chance of some action and a slightly higher success rate.
The East Ranga offers a variety of pools and runs, catering to different fishing styles and preferences. There is something for everyone, from fast-flowing rapids to slower, more tranquil sections.
The Aurora Lodge is extremely comfortable with excellent facilities and top-class services. This ensures a relaxing and enjoyable stay, even when you're not on the river.
The river is located relatively close to Reykjavik and the airport at Keflavik [90mins] making it easily accessible from both the capital city and international airport. This is convenient for those who want to combine fishing with other activities and sightseeing.
It flows through beautiful Icelandic landscapes, with green fields, and distant mountains. Both access to the river and wading are easy, and the scenery is both can be breathtaking.
What is your ideal river? What is it you look for in your salmon fishing trip? Need any advice?
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