River Spey, Scotland


The River Spey is located in the Highlands of Scotland, is the country's second longest and also the fastest flowing river in Great Britain falling over ten feet per mile. It is amongst one of the finest classic fly-fishing rivers with strong roots in the origination of the sport.

Speycasting was developed on the River Spey due to the dense vegetation on its banks and the erratic winds. Although declining in number elsewhere in Europe, thousands of mature fish return to the Spey each year to spawn after time spent at sea. The water's fast and relatively even flow, and its lack of pollution and obstructions, mean salmon can spawn throughout most of its length as well as in many tributaries. The Spey supports one of Scotland's most important salmon fisheries and attracts anglers from all over the world prepared to try their luck along the beats, or stretches, of the river.

Your accommodations in Scotland are at the A Eilean A Cheo, a bed and breakfast type lodge catering specifically to fly-fishers with many special services. The A Eilean A Cheo is owned by Jan and Gordon Cuthbertson and is located about 30 miles southeast of Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, in the village of Cromdale near Grantown-on-Spey. Their main goal is to gather people who are focused on the same objective- fishing the River Spey.

A Eilean A Cheo provides a rod and tackle room, drying room among their special services directed specifically towards anglers. The small lodge has room for up to 6 guests with shared bathroom facilities. The rooms are doubles with either one full size bed or two twins. Breakfast and dinner are both served at the lodge and boxed lunches are provided for your day on the river. All the food is home cooked and freshly prepared mostly from local produce, and meats such as lamb, beef and venison.

A Eilean A Cheo has access to 4 miles of double bank fishing on prime water of the River Spey. In addition they have access to 1 ½ miles for 3 days a week on the Upper Castle Grant beat on the River Spey.

It is recommended that you bring as much of your own equipment as possible but in case something does get left behind, there is a wonderful fly shop in town if you find you were remiss in bringing any gear. They are also very helpful with renting bulky equipment such as wders and flotation harnesses. Floatation harnesses are required for the Upper Castle Grant Beat.

The weather is generally between 43 and 65 degrees and it will probably rain more often than not.

Besides the famous Atlantic Salmon, there is also a Grilse and Sea Trout that also make for great fly-fishing quarry. If Golfing is something you want to discover as well as the fishing, there are plenty of courses in the area to try your hand at.

Overall, the Spey is one of the most unpolluted rivers in Britain and its status as a protected area will help to maintain water quality for along time to come. The waters and wildlife of the Spey, set against the mountains, attract many people. Visitors bring added vitality adding to the river's web of life. The Spey is an area worthy of special conservation. A noble fish, the Atlantic salmon holds a special place in most people's affections, whether for its indomitable energy or its navigational skills.

Allow us, and the owners of the A Eilean A Cheo lodge help you to make the best of this trip, and to enjoy this beautiful and gentle river. Once you have experienced the birth place of much of modern day fly-fishing, you will always remember the River Spey.

We are also working very closely with Ian Neale, one of the most experienced Ghillies in the country and a masterful spey caster. If you are traveling to Scotland and already have lodging arrangments but are looking to get out for a day or two on one of the many rivers in the area, contact us so we can help you reserve a day with Ian. He and his staff offer trips on the River Spey, Findhorn and Dee.

Salmon fishing is not permitted on Sundays in Scotland.

Clothing and euipment checklist -- Summer, Winter
Spey Line Specifications

Pricing:

Please contact us for pricing on packages as they vary considerably based on accommodations.	Price Per Person for 7 nights/ 6 days fishing Includes: Accommodations at A Eilean A Cheo, all meals at the lodge, boxed lunches each day of fishing, fishing licenses for River Spey, Gillie or guide for each day of fishing.

Season:

Species	Season/(Best)
Salmon	March - September
Grilse	July - September
Sea Trout	April - September
Sockeye	July
King	July - August
Chum	July - August
Pink	August
Silver	August - September

In our clients' words...

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