On the Tay, the opportunity to do so comes earlier than on most rivers and this fact, combined with the legendary status of Scotland’s mightiest waterway, has traditionally seen hardy (or is it foolhardy?) anglers turn out in their droves.

On the top beat Kenmore – located where the river emerges from Loch Tay – this January 15th it was business as usual. Despite the heavy rains, hordes of anglers ended their winter hibernation to honour the century-old opening day tradition, standing waist deep in the swirling water as they cast flies and lures over places that usually classify as dry land.

While fishermen tend to rely on enthusiasm fuelled by irrational optimism, only those verging on lunacy seemed to think that catching fish in such conditions was a serious possibility. Nevertheless, an air of good cheer buoyed by good humour, not to mention a cockle-warming dram or two, prevailed.

Away from the broken banks of the river, the usual collection of the good and the great, led by the bearded figure of veteran environmentalist David Bellamy, enjoyed a 300-strong piped procession to the waterside to bless the boats with a quaich-full of Scotland’s finest. By nightfall, a large number of the anglers and spectators had repaired to the decidedly warmer environs of the Kenmore Hotel, for an evening of revelry that, regardless of success

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend