Where can I start on Iona? Earlier today in my drive, I was cleaning insects from the windscreen my car and heard a Skylark chattering somewhere off in a distance field. Immediately I was… Read More

Schloss Roxburghe is one of the finest hotels in the Scottish Borders and sits within striking distance of a huge portfolio of fishing trips that we offer. We’ve been taking Schloss gu… Read More

A history of bamboo fly rods This is a brief history of bamboo fly rods and how they evolved. How they are constructed. Why fishing with bamboo is so damn enjoyable and asking the question… Read More

I recently acquired an Orvis Zero Gravity 8ft 6”, #5 weight at an antique fishing tackle auction. I have to confess, it was bought on a whim. I guess motivation might have been sub con… Read More

To begin with, the best fishing near Edinburgh is easier to access than you might think. Most inbound overseas guests fly into Edinburgh. Therefore, if you find yourself planning a fishing t… Read More

Big Trout in Scotland are common, and elusive. However with the right techniques and approach, they can be caught. This article will hopefully help you plan for success and when the moment c… Read More

Pike fishing lures for use in Scottish lochs and rivers – a complete guide When do pike lures work better than dead bait? To start off with, pike can be reluctant to chase lures in… Read More

Combining a fishing and touring vacation/ holidays are ideal for couples, and small groups looking to mix a vacation between fishing and touring. Table Of Contents… Read More

Fishing for salmon in high water offers a real opportunity to catch otherwise stubborn salmon. Notably I’ve witnessed red letter days in high water, when other anglers have stayed in t… Read More

Firstly as Winter turns to Spring, salmon anglers eagerly set their sights on catching the elusive springer. In fact, an Atlantic Salmon springer is considered the ultimate prize in angling… Read More

Brown trout are abundant throughout Scottish rivers and lochs. During the last ice age, approximately 15,000 years ago, the retreating ice left behind features such as mountains, lochs and r… Read More

Where to fish for trout in Scotland Firstly, fishing for trout in Scotland starts on March 15th. You should only be looking to fish rivers in Central and Borders areas of Scotland. The R… Read More

WHAT RIVERS TO TARGET TO CATCH A SALMON IN SCOTLAND Firstly to catch a salmon in Scotland, you should consider the Big 4 salmon rivers of Scotland. This is a fishing odyssey that is on ma… Read More

Nestled in Aberdeenshire’s scenic landscapes, The Fife Arms provides access to exceptional fishing spots. Transitioning from luxury, anglers can explore the nearby River Dee, renowned… Read More

If you are looking for the best fishing spots near Aberdeen, then this article highlights the best options. Firstly, The River Dee and River Don are within easy reach of Aberdeen, In fact… Read More

A Guide to Scottish Rivers for overseas anglers Scottish rivers are some of the most revered in the world, each flowing with a story as rich as its waters. From the majestic salmon leapin… Read More

Firstly, Scotland is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, boasting pristine rivers, tranquil lochs, and breathtaking landscapes. However timing your visit to Scotland is crucial to make the… Read More

Rothes Glen is a stunning exclsuive use property (castle) in Speyside, within easy reach of the best salmon beats on the River Spey. Firstly there are 14 king-size en suite bedrooms, tast… Read More

Salmon fishing on the River Tay ranks as an unmissable experience in Scotland. Furthermore, if you’re serious about catching an Atlantic salmon, then the River Tay offers realistic pro… Read More

Oyster bamboo fly rod course Building a bamboo fly rod, was something I never dreamt I could achieve. However when one of my most loved clients shared stories of a course held by Bill Oys… Read More

Firstly, there are many types of fish in the River Tay. This article, identifies the diverse species and where in the river to find theMoreover, this article splits the river Tay into three… Read More

Firstly, the Dowans Hotel is a jewel in the Spey valley. This luxurious and stylish hotel was built in 1888. The hotel has 16 comfortable bedrooms. In addition to singles, there are stylish… Read More

Firstly, The Old Millhouse is located to the south of Edinburgh, and offer luxurious fishing accommodation. This stunning property has easy access to the vast fishing portfolio in the Scotti… Read More

The best fishing hotels and accommodation near River Spey, a guide to where to stay in SpeysideThe post Fishing accommodation near river Spey first appeared on Alba Game Fishing Read More

Firstly, Ness Walk is a superb and highly rated hotel in Inverness on the banks of the river. therefore if you are looking to base yourself in Inverness, this is the best choice. Moreover th… Read More

Fly fishing in Scotland can offer a variety of techniques for different species. The article breaks down the different techniques, where and when to use them. A 62cm wild brown trout cau… Read More

Salmon Flies of Scotland, a look at traditional and modern fly patterns. Scotland, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich salmon fishing heritage. In fact it holds a special… Read More

Introduction In the hustle of modern day life, finding solace and focus in nature delivers tangible benefits to your mental health. Fly fishing in Scottish rivers has been recognised to h… Read More

The Thrills of Salmon Fishing on the River Tweed: A Guide for American Anglers In the heart of the picturesque Scottish Borders lies a gem for anglers seeking the ultimate salmon fishing… Read More

Fluorocarbon – Expensive and the best leader for salmon? read on.. If you’ve wondered what the best leader for salmon fishing would be, for salmon fishing, then read on… Read More

Surprisingly the best Euronymphing rods are not always the most expensive, there’re are some bargains to be had. In fact two of our top 6 rods can be bought for under £250. Or… Read More

Firstly, The Big Four Salmon Rivers in Scotland are the River Dee, River Tweed, River Tay and River Spey. With this in mind, we offer salmon and sea trout fishing trips on them all… Read More

Choosing the correct Grayling Flies can be a game changer on Scottish Rivers. Our guides have selected 5 of their favourite flies. Grayling Flies No 1 – The Squirmy Wormy In orde… Read More

To begin, the River Tay is Scotland’s largest river and this article helps you to identify the best places to target trout and grayling. Firstly, my love of trout fishing on the Ri… Read More

Memorable Grayling tales from two of Alba’s oldest and experienced guides, Bill and Stew. Bill – River Tweed Guide and business consultantBill Drew – Fishing Guide for… Read More

First, Fly Fishing in Scotland, is on most anglers bucket list. Given that we have such clean water, abundance of rivers and lochs (lakes) the angling opportunities are endless. Along with a… Read More

First of all the salmon season on the River Tay (main river ) commences on 15th January and ends, 15th October. Additionally the following tributaries of the Tay are as listed below. Sa… Read More

First, when fishing the River Tay, using the right fishing tackle, flies, lures and gear, will increase your chances of success, targeting salmon. Secondly the brand preference of your… Read More

Firstly, the rivers of Scotland have clean, well oxygenated water and an abundance of fish. Collectively, the total distance of all rivers and burns (streams) in Scotland, adds up to 77,000… Read More

To begin, the River Tay is not only the largest river in Scotland, but the most consistent performer throughout the fishing calendar. If you are looking to visit Scotland to target Tay salmo… Read More

Winter Grayling fishing during Autumn and winter is prime time to target this beautiful species. However getting perfect river conditions from Oct to late January February are rare. … Read More

When targeting Atlantic salmon, I often get asked, when is the best time of day to catch salmon. Firstly it’s important to understand that the answer to this questions varies throughou… Read More

General Angling Law Overview Unlike other countries (including England and Wales) Scotland has no State licencing system for fishing. It is however a criminal offence to fish for salmon w… Read More

A River Spey Springer “Ignoring the fact that just stripping the line off the spool gave me tennis elbow I started to cast. The 1976 Sharpes responded like a limp piece of sp… Read More

We created this ultimate guide to a fishing and touring vacation in Scotland, to help overseas guests plan their trip. Firstly, Scotland has over 30,00 lochs, and thousands of rivers. Ind… Read More

Atlantic salmon can be referred to as Rawners, Baggots, Kelts, Springers, and Grilse. Hopefully, this article will help you understand the various terms used to describe their remarkable lif… Read More

This post reveals our top 10 trout flies for the River Tweed. Top 10 – Best trout flies for the River Tweed The Jingler The Jingler, trout fly on the River tweedFirstly we st… Read More

It’s the start of a new year, and I have been reflecting over the past year. What a year 2022 has been.  After leaving my old job and becoming a full-time guide for Alba game f… Read More

Prices on all Scottish salmon river vary in prices, month by month. The pricing is set by likelihood of catching salmon. This in turn is determined by previous catch returns, for various wee… Read More

Everyone has an opinion, when it comes to choosing the best salmon fly. I’ve seen the most dog eared twisted and gnarled flies catch fish. Anglers lovingly grooming some tatty charred… Read More

Last September I was fishing for salmon on the Tulchan “A” beat of the River Spey. It was a real please and privilege to meet Head Ghillie John Anderson. John has spent 40 yea… Read More

How my passion for Float Tubing was formed – Shetland 1996 In the dead of night on a loch in Shetland, during the “Simmer Dim” (when it doesn’t get darker than twi… Read More

This article details the main species of freshwater and saltwater fish found throughout the diverse regions of Scotland, and around our coast line. Brown Trout – (Salmo trutta)… Read More

Fishing in Scotland offers great variety of species. A step by step guide to each month and what species to target. Where in Scotland offer these the best fishing rivers and lochs. This… Read More

Fishing has always been there. Sometimes on the back-burner but nevertheless, still there simmering away for when I next need a hit. For us all life is a roller coaster of love and loss… Read More

Having spent a while thinking of a trip to the river spey. I say a while. What I really mean is twenty years. My thought process for a change is a foot race between Triggers brain and a tort… Read More

A luxurious hotel in the North of Skye, surrounded by magnificent scenery and fishing Skeabost is a stylish, relaxed and rural hotel set amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in Sc… Read More

A luxurious exclusive use property overlooking Loch Tay Stucktaymore offers 13 luxury ensuite bedrooms, to accommodate 29 people. All of the rooms offer king sized beds. There is one twin… Read More

Fort William and Glencoe offer many fishing opportunities, set amidst spectacular scenery. There are numerous salmon fishing opportunities in the area. The River Lochy offers the salmon… Read More

Salmon Fishing in Scotland – Advanced tip and techniques Scotland has much to offer the salmon angler. In this article, I will describe in detail, the Salmon fishing techniques we u… Read More

Foulain is a comfortable, remote cottage in a stunning location at the West end of Loch Erribol. This area is not only stunning, but also close to many great salmon and trout fishing spots i… Read More

A luxurious Scandi style farmhouse, oozing comfort and simplicity Killiehuntly Farmhouse is a stylish, relaxed and zen-like property, available for catered or self-catered accommodation… Read More

Ideal fishing accommodation for….River Dee, River Tay, North Esk, South Esk and numerous trout Lochs. Turin Castle offers luxury exclusive fishing accommodation in Scotland. Awarde… Read More

Ideal for the River Dee, River Don, Trout lochs near Aberdeen Raemoir House is one of the most beautiful hotels in the Highlands. Located near the River Dee, it is the perfect venue for g… Read More

Salmon and sea trout fishing on the River South Esk, stay in the cozy Drovers Inn – The Glen Clova Hotel. Hiding in a corner at the head of Glen Clova, close to the River Esk, is th… Read More

Castle for hire near Edinburgh Fenton Tower is a stunning 16th-century castle for hire near Edinburgh. It is located in close proximity, to the best of everything in the Alba Game Fishing… Read More

Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful, dramatic and imperious landscapes. The rugged wild scenery has been used as a backdrop in many famous movies. The mountains are a photograp… Read More

Kingsmuir House is a lovingly restored Victorian House in the picturesque market town of Peebles, in the Scottish Borders, 40 minutes south of Edinburgh and next to the the River Tweed. Ther… Read More

If you are looking for 5-star luxury accommodation near the River Tay, then Dun Aluinn is a superb choice. This stunning house is available for exclusive use, with or without catering and… Read More

Candacraig House is stunning exclusive use country house near the Aberdeen rivers Don and River Dee. Set in 18 acres of private grounds, including a woodland private trout lochan, fed by… Read More

The Old Millhouse offer luxury accommodation and is conveniently located to the south of Edinburgh, with access to the vast fishing portfolio in the Scottish Borders region. The converted Mi… Read More

This award stunning and design led converted farm steading is located close to the seaside/harbour town of North Berwick 40 minutes from Edinburgh. Located in a quiet, rural hamlet, yet 10 m… Read More

The Lower River TayThe River Tay is the largest salmon river in Scotland and the UK and offers a huge variety of salmon, sea trout, trout and grayling fishing throughout the year. The Tay is… Read More

Post Lockdown Breaks for Better Mental Health Salmon Fishing on the River Tweed in Autumn2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, in so many ways. On top of everything, our being res… Read More

Introduction to Grayling Fishing in Scotland In Scotland, we have 30,000 lochs filled with wild brown trout and hundreds of salmon rivers, including The River Spey, River Tay, River Tweed, a… Read More

Everything you need to know about getting started with salmon fishing. This is a comprehensive no-nonsense guide to getting started, if you’re looking to learn how to fish for salmo… Read More

Safe and isolated locations to practice social distancing when fishing Here are my top fishing trips in Scotland, that allow you stay safe, enjoy the open air, marvel in gorgeous scenery… Read More

A new and safer way to fish – Post Covid Slowly we seem to be emerging from one of the worst pandemics in history and following a period of lockdown, we are no doubt all itching to… Read More

American Flies in Scotland? Surely that won’t work? It all started during Lockdown, I called one of our best fishing guides John, just to catch up really. After my third week of… Read More

The Remote Scottish Highlands is the place to be during this crisis Dear Friends and Travellers: In light of the development and coverage of the Coronavirus outbreak, we wanted to update… Read More

Guided fishing, River Tyne, Till, Coquet, Whiteadder Chasing Fins – Guided fly fishing, River Tyne, Till, Coquet, Whiteadder and Sea Charters Alba Game Fishing has joined forces… Read More

Best Fishing Tackle & Techniques for Salmon Fishing in Scotland Spey rods, Switch rods, Skagit, Short Spey (Scandi), Spey lines/ versileaders, poly leaders  explained. This is a sim… Read More

Alba Game Fishing, an Orvis Endorsed Guide service in Scotland are staging a free fishing day for youngsters on Sunday 15th March at   Whinney Loch, Coldingham, Borders 10a… Read More

The Best Fishing near Gleneagles Gleneagles is a stunning resort in Scotland, but perhaps you want to look beyond the trout fishing ponds they offer? Here is a comprehensive guide to… Read More

Mixed Touring and Fishing Holidays in Scotland If Scotland is on your bucket list and you’ve dreamt of those dreamy landscapes, stunning beaches, woodland walks, castles, whisky distil… Read More

North Berwick and Berwickshire fishing Options If you are visiting North Berwick and the East Lothian golf coast, and looking for the best fishing options, then read on. This is a corn… Read More

The most memorable blank of my Guiding career Written by Orvis Endorsed Guide Stewart Collingswood and Austin Hagwood, National Geographic Early Career Grantee Fishing Guide’s In… Read More

Fly Fishing for Pollock – The best shore fishing in Scotland by Stewart Collingswood I’ve been fishing in Scotland for most of my life and guiding anglers for the last 15 years… Read More

Dry Fly Fishing for Brown Trout – River Tay, Spey, Tweed Some of the best fly fishing for trout on the rivers in Scotland can be found early in the season by targeting rising trout on… Read More