There are over 400 salmon rivers in Scotland and many of these river systems or tributary rivers have different timings of salmon runs and many are recent local rainfall dependent.
There are over 400 salmon rivers in Scotland and some of these river system's salmon fishing access is often sold as multiple rod single party weekly lets which are tied into self catered accommodation. The larger more famous Scottish rivers like the Tay, Dee, Spey & Tweed are easier to access and are not as dependent on timing your fishing trip to coincide with recent rainfall levels which is the case on the many of the smaller 'water dependent' Scottish spate rivers. The River Tay is the most centrally located salmon fishing river in Scotland being within 90 minutes of both Edinburgh & Glasgow and always has sufficient water to encourage salmon to run and to take a fly.
So larger Scottish rivers (Tay, Dee, Spey & Tweed) are a safer bet for visiting salmon fishers due to their larger headwater catchments which maintain better consistent water levels than the smaller rain dependent Scottish spate rivers. If you've only a limited time frame to fish and you need a guaranee of reasonable fishing conditions I'd suggest the Tay should be your number 1 target river choice due to the fact that it's Scotland's largest, deepest salmon river and has a huge loch fed headwater catchment. If you're new to salmon fishing (or in need of better tactical awareness) hiring a professional guide who will supply everything that's needed including tactical tuition, full equipment supply and the seasonally appropriate salmon fishing access will enhance your chances of success. Follow this link for detailed information on how to book a salmon fishing guide in Scotland.
In Scotland there is no requirement for an actual fishing licence to fish for salmon. A permit is however mandatory which is the legal written permission needed to access the Scottish rivers in pursuit of salmon. Salmon fishing permits are freely available over the internet or directly with the estates or owners of these individual Scottish salmon fishing rights. If you book a salmon fishing guide they will organise the salmon fishing permits on your behalf which will usually always be included in the guided salmon fishing day rate in addition to supplying all of the appropriate salmon fishing equipment and tactical fishing tuition.
The Scottish salmon fishing season is extensive and generally runs from February through to October with some of the major rivers being open earlier and later by a few weeks. There are individual seasonal runs of salmon in the Spring, Summer & Autumn months which is just nature's way of diversifying the precence of the species for survival. Over the decades these seasonal runs vary in density which tracks back to how previous spawning season conditions were or how the ocean mortality rates were. The best conditioned salmon are without doubt the Spring salmon which tend to be more abundant from April to June. The Spring salmon is an absolutely pristine specimen and tend to battle hard in the cold well oxygenated river water of Springtime. Lovely specimen salmon can be caught through the Summer & Autumn months too but for me nothing betters the capture of a Spring salmon and especially when caught on a double handed salmon fly rod.
