[Ben Tripper]

I hope to take my Dad down the Spey by canoe for his 60th birthday present at the end of May.  We both enjoy fishing and would like to be able to fish for an hour or two in the evenings.  But we are inexperienced.  Does anyone know of affordable beats?  We'll be paddling almost the full length from Loch Inch to Spey Bay over 4 days.  In fact, what are the rules regarding rod carrying in a canoe down rivers in Scotland?  For example, if we get a license for a location at the end of day 2, what happens if I'm found with a rod in my boat on day 1?  Even if it is unused and packed away?
All feedback appreciated!

[Mike Barrio]

Hi "Ben"?
Welcome to the forum

I'm guessing you might be from The States? I can't help with any advice with this I'm afraid and I think you will probably find it a bit difficult to plan a trip like that on one of our salmon rivers.

It might be an idea to contact somebody from one of the following:
http://www.speyfisheryboard.com/
http://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Spey/index.asp?dom=Spey
http://www.speyfishing-grantown.co.uk/
http://speyfishingfochabers.com/

Best wishes
Mike

[Rob Brownfield]

These people may be able to help you.
http://www.speydescent.com/

If you have a look on the Fishpal website Mike posted, you will see that some of the beats only rent fishing by the week and therefore it is unlikely you will get permission to fish. Also, come beats, Craigellachie for example, only offer fishing until April, then it goes syndicate.private.

As for traveling with a rod on the boat, it would be the same as travelling with a rod in a car. If it is packed away and obviously not being used, then its not an issue. If, however, you had it set up, ready to go in the boat, then you may come into issues.

[Ben Tripper]

Hi Mike,

I'm about a mile the other side of Tolquhon castle.  I can nearly see Haddo from the back of the house!
The Spey "source to sea" canoe trip is a common one, but I agree it could be complicated by carrying a rod.  I've had several very useful replies already, including yours, and think it might be possible to arrange to buy a day ticket and send a rod in advance to a pre-determined location and get a couple of hours in one evening.  That way we won't be carrying rods on the river.  I've also asked a mutual acquaintance if he would be our river guide for a full day at the end of the trip, after we've dumped the canoes.
I'll take a look at your links and see what the options are.
Thanks again for your help,

Ben.

Hi "Ben"?
Welcome to the forum

I'm guessing you might be from The States? I can't help with any advice with this I'm afraid and I think you will probably find it a bit difficult to plan a trip like that on one of our salmon rivers.

It might be an idea to contact somebody from one of the following:
http://www.speyfisheryboard.com/
http://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Spey/index.asp?dom=Spey
http://www.speyfishing-grantown.co.uk/
http://speyfishingfochabers.com/

Best wishes
Mike

[Ben Tripper]

Many thanks for the info Rob.  Interesting note about carrying the rods.  I haven't looked-up the facts yet but expected it to be a big no-no.  I can see we are going to have to plan this pretty carefully.

Cheers, Ben.

These people may be able to help you.
http://www.speydescent.com/

If you have a look on the Fishpal website Mike posted, you will see that some of the beats only rent fishing by the week and therefore it is unlikely you will get permission to fish. Also, come beats, Craigellachie for example, only offer fishing until April, then it goes syndicate.private.

As for traveling with a rod on the boat, it would be the same as travelling with a rod in a car. If it is packed away and obviously not being used, then its not an issue. If, however, you had it set up, ready to go in the boat, then you may come into issues.

[Mike Barrio]

Hi Ben

Sounds like a great experience, I didn't know that the website that Rob posted existed and with a bit of careful planning I would imagine that it could be a lot of fun.

Best wishes
Mike

[Rob Brownfield]

Many thanks for the info Rob.  Interesting note about carrying the rods.  I haven't looked-up the facts yet but expected it to be a big no-no.  I can see we are going to have to plan this pretty carefully.

Cheers, Ben.

Hi Ben,
Why do you think a rod packed away on a boat is any different to parking at the side of a river with a rod in the car or indeed driving over a bridge over a beat  ? The boat is a mode of transport to get you from one place to another, you cannot be stopped from carrying anything unless it is harmful to the environment .  Actually, I can think of a few waters where you have to walk through one beat to get to another, and people do it with their rods set up ready to fish.

I think you would have to get a river watcher with a severe bout of Small Man Syndrome to pull you up for having a rod in a canoe

Best bet is to ask the Spey river board...I am sure they can give you the legal answer.

[Rob Brownfield]

Hi Ben

Sounds like a great experience, I didn't know that the website that Rob posted existed and with a bit of careful planning I would imagine that it could be a lot of fun.

Best wishes
Mike

There are 5 or 6 companies doing 4 or 6 day trips down the Spey. Its all regulated and they are only allowed to use the river at certain times. Part of the river use agreement through the legal chaps.

[Andy Finlay]

Ben,

You could give Mortimers of speyside a call, sure they would be able to help with ticket info. As far as I know the Grantown town water is supposed to be a pretty good beat and affordable as well.