Fly Rods, Fly Lines & Leaders

You can find comprehensive recommendations for salmon fly fishing tackle to suit different river levels in our Virtual Salmon Guide.

The following table summarises these recommendations, and is also available as a PDF download.

Notes

1. Summer low is defined as the water level that is exceeded for 95% of the time (95 percentile). The water level will be below this for approximately 18 days in an average year. The base level (summer low) for the River Alness as measured on the SEPA gauge in Alness is 40cm. A measurement of 70cm on the SEPA gauge in Alness is therefore 30cm (1 ft) above summer low.

2. Choice of rod should be based on the water conditions (higher water = larger flies = higher AFTM rating lines and rods), and the size of fish expected. Single-handed AFTM #7/8 weight rods are OK in low to mid water levels and for grilse, but it is not advisable to fish with too light a rod in late summer and autumn when there are many larger salmon in the river or in high water when tube flies are required. The Alness is not a wide river; a 12-13ft AFTM # 8/10 double handed rod will cover most conditions. Longer rods of of higher AFTM rating can be used, particularly in high water, but can hinder short casting, useful in low water conditions.

Modern ‘Switch’ rods are perhaps the most versatile of all, effective in all but the highest water conditions; they allow short overhead or side casts in runs and the heads of pools, and Spey casting with longer lines in the main bodies of the pools.