The association has an agreement to fish for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling on the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Angling Association's water on the River Ericht, from the road bridge in Blairgowrie downstream to Kitty Swanson's footbridge. See map below for details of beat. (NB the water upstream of Blairgowrie Bridge is reserved for BRDAA members only.)
West Grange Fishings (owners of the Rattray Bank, ie north side)), and the BRDAA (Blairgowrie Bank) have instituted a bank share agreement. This effectively divides river into two beats (upper and lower) on a rota basis, with anglers allowed to fish both banks of their allotted beat (PDAA anglers fish the same rota as BRDAA). Details of the 2022 rota and a map showing beat boundaries can be found below.
The road to West Grange is due to be repaired which will give better access to the BRDAA parking just upstream of Kitty Swanson's Bridge.
For full details see the BRDAA Website.
However, see pertinent rules below:
Rattray Bank Fishings known as West Grange Fishings are included in the Association Waters and may be fished according to the rota and map on guest tickets and information on this sheet. Anglers may use the car park areas indicated on the map and also access car parking at Easter Parkhead ( Note disinfectant requirements).
1. The sale of Salmon and Sea-trout from the rivers and the use of prawns, worms or shrimps for fishing are prohibited.
2. Please note, Guest ticket holders ie PDAA can only fish from Blairgowrie Bridge beat downstream with waters upstream reserved for BRDAA members and West Grange Guests only. Fishing is not permitted in the following areas:
A. Cargill's leap and channel area as per signposts.
B. From the upstream croy at Blairgowrie Bridge, to 100yards (90 metres) below the Bridge. Beat limits are marked.
3. Junior and visitors members below age 10 may fish the river if accompanied by a responsible person aged over 18. This person will be responsible for the junior’s safety & must exercise caution so that safety of the junior (s) is assured at all times. No more than 2 juniors may fish per responsible person present as a condition of ticket sale.
4. Anglers fishing downstream have right of way over those fishing upstream. All anglers are expected to show courtesy and not attempt to obstruct or impede other anglers unnecessarily.
5. No upstream spinning permitted. Spinning tackle rigs may have one hook only, at the tail of the lure.
6. Salmon & Sea Trout fishing is by “Fly” only. Spinning will be permitted if at 9 AM the water level is above the red painted markers on the new gauges as follows:
A. Marker positioned on the Rattray Bank upstream of Blairgowrie Bridge weir;
B. By viewing online the red level marker as displayed on the Farson digital camera website image.
C. By observing new gauge markers at the Dump Pool and Cement Dykes pools.
NB - go to Fishpal on link FishPal - Scotland - River levels and select Ericht at Craighall
7. Government law is that salmon must be released back into the water between 15 January and 31 March. This is a legal requirement, even if a fish is dead. Failure to do so may result in a criminal conviction.
2023 Availability
FISHING DETAILS (No Ghillie) 2 rods per day, MON -FRI Jan 15 – Oct 15 all online. In 2023, this permit is valid for both Upper Beat and Lower Beat (see map above) under beat rotation listed above.
Beat rotation:
Upper Beat - Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Lower Beat - Tuesday, Thursday,
NB NO SATURDAY FISHING - THIS IS A CHANGE FOR 2023
Mon
Two rods available online
Tue
Two rods available online
Wed
Two rods available online
Thur
Two rods available online
Fri
Two rods available online
NB When fishing this water PDAA members must carry ALL of the following:
- The dated day permit (sent by email when you book online).
- Your PDAA member's card.
Safety & General Advice
Depending on the month of the season you fish, the river will determine the tackle you need. All stretches of the Ericht controlled by the BRDAA can be fished (with minor exceptions ) using fly fishing tackle. Generally a 13-15 foot fly rod can be used throughout the season with smaller rods being used for grilse and sea-trout during the summer. As with rods, the time of year will determine the type of fly line but a selection from floating line, intermediate or sink tip and a medium sinker should cover all conditions.
Safety is important. A good wading staff, eye protection and studded felt soled waders are essential. An automatic life jacket should also be considered.
All the usual fly patterns can be tried but for early season a large black and yellow, or a large yellow fly with a silver body fished deep can be best. The Ally’s shrimp family are popular in all their variations. In summer a stoat’s tail or red twist will also do well. When the water temperature rises above 45F, a Haslam or Invicta are still worth a try. The size of fly will vary depending on the height and temperature of the water encountered.
Spinning for salmon is restricted to the water below Blairgowrie bridge. A general spinning rod of 9½ to 11 feet will suffice. The Devon Minnow in various colours is effective, along with Tobys and flying C’s. If using multi hook spinning rigs e.g. the Rapala, remove the front and centre hooks to avoid foul hooking or damaging fish which may need to be released (See rule 12 on main permit).