Knowing how to optimally time your salmon fishing trip to Scotland is a key factor for success and there are a few different components to consider.
The best time to fish for salmon in Scotland is when there's a taking fish in front of you and that can happen at anytime throughout the long Scottish salmon fishing season. With that said my honest opinion on this often asked question is firstly to consider the Spring months as the calibre of a fresh run salmon during Spring is second to none as are its fighting qualities in the cold well oxygenated Spring river water. These are special creatures without doubt and it's a natural honour to have an encounter with one.
During late March, April, May & early June the Scottish riverbanks come back to life after the bleak Winter and the early Spring months so it's also a very beautiful time of year to be out on the river. Most of the bigger Scottish rivers also have a Summer and Autumn run of salmon which can produce great sport too however for me as a professional salmon guide nothing beats catching a salmon during late March, April, May & early June. Book a salmon guide in Scotland on one of our major salmon rivers during the Spring and see for yourself what I'm referring to here.
There's really no run of fish that tops the sheer physical beauty of a Spring run Atlantic salmon as illustrated in these accompanying photographs. In addition to this fact on the River Tay there is a tributory river callled the River Tummel which has a distinct run of Spring salmon that are short and deep set in proportions. These perfect River Tummel bound Springers can be caught in and around the Tummel/ Tay confluence during April, May & early June and always add an extra dimension of excitement when you realise you've hooked one!
