Stenton Fishing Beat

Stenton Pool

The Meetings

Willie's Hole

Hild's Hole

Rock Pool

Stenton is one of the most picturesque beats on the River Tay offering the fly fisherman superb sport the whole length of the beat. The beat fishes well in all heights of water, from late Spring and Summer into the autumn. The beat fishes a maximum of 3 rods which are available as day tickets.

An arrangement exists with the opposite proprietors, whereby anglers fish double bank on alternate days. The Stenton days for 2000 are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In 2001 the days will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The Estate has a very nice clinker built boat which is operated by the resident ghillie Mr. Cliff Murdoch. Cliff is a thorough professional who will give all the help and guidance required to ensure your fishing is enjoyable and successful. Services of the ghillie and boat are included in the price. Charges are not subject to VAT.

Michael Laing
Strutt & Parker LLP
28 Melville Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7HA

Tel: 0131 718 4484
Fax: 0131 226 2508

website

Finding quality day ticket salmon fishing is becoming increasingly difficult, so this beat was a nice find. It lies directly opposite the famous Murthly beat (now time-shared) with which it has the reciprocal arrangements and is directly above the beat where Mrs Ballantyne caught her record. This gives you some idea of the quality of the fishing

Being a middle beat you can be assured that good numbers of fish will be passing by and with deep pools going down to 40 feet you know that there will be residents about. The beats in this area are renowned for their catches of big fish. On the day we visited this was confirmed by a huge bar of silver which crashed out of the water in front of us.

The fishing hut is clean, tidy and warm and has a great view up and down the river. The fishing boat is traditional and very well maintained. Cliff Murdoch the resident ghillie is a gentleman and exceptionally well versed in his art.

The fishing is suitable for both fly and spinning. Wading on the right bank is easy in parts, but you will need throw a good line to cover some lies. Some of the best fishing on this bank lies at your feet so only a short cast is required, but the bank is a little steep. Wading on the left bank is relatively easy. The bottom is bit lumpy, but in most conditions you don't need to go beyond your knees to get to the best water which is a short cast away. Trees and banks are well maintained so casting is not a problem and those areas you cannot get to on foot are accessible from the boat.

Access is via track adjacent to the main Stenton Estate entrance (do not go into the house entrance). Follow this to the car park which is a short walk away from the hut.

Trout fishing is not permited on the left hand bank (Stenton). The area is set aside as a bird sanctuary. Trout fishing is however available on the opposite right bank (see Lower Murthly).