Scotland manager Steve Clarke launches new River Tay salmon fishing season

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has launched the new salmon fishing season on the River Tay.

The national team boss, who has ended Scotland’s 28-year wait for a FIFA World Cup appearance, performed the traditional “first cast” in Meikleour.

The opening was hosted by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board (TDFSB), the Tay Rivers Trust, Meikleour Fishings, Perth and Kinross Council and the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.

Clarke is no stranger to the sport but admitted he felt the pressure of the occasion.

“I was a wee bit nervous about my first cast,” he told STV. “Although I’m a fisherman I actually fly fish for trout, not really salmon.

“Picking up a 15-foot rod for the first time in 25 years was a bit nerve-wracking.

“I managed to get a half-decent line out so I didn’t make a fool of myself.”

The procession of anglers to the river was led by the Perth and District Pipe Band, headed by Pipe Major Alistair Duthie.

The traditional blessing of a river with a silver quaich of Dewar’s Aberfeldy 25 year old single malt whisky, was then performed by Clarke, councillor Xander McDade and provost of Perth and Kinross Council.

Then came the first cast of the year by Clarke, after he had “popped” a magnum of Pol Roger Champagne.

Claire Mercer Nairne, vice-convener of the TDSFB and owner of the Meikleour Fishings, said: “There is no denying that 2025 was a difficult season in terms of catches and some very challenging weather patterns.

“However, we anglers always retain a sense of optimism that fortunes will improve. The primary focus now is ensuring that our river catchment produces as many juveniles as possible and that they reach the sea safely. To this end we are delighted to welcome our new board director Sean Robertson who brings with him fresh ideas and determination.”

Sean Robertson, newly appointed director of the Tay DSFB, said: “Having grown up in Perth, joining the Tay DSFB feels like a homecoming. I am humbled by the appointment and I hope that I can do justice to Scotland’s greatest river.

“One of my priorities is to compile a comprehensive new catchment plan, to highlight all the freshwater challenges impacting salmon numbers and how they can best be prioritised and tackled. I aim to consult widely on this with all the river’s stakeholders.

“There are opportunities to make a difference for our salmon and sea trout and I am eager to harness local riverbank passion and energy to help bring restoration efforts to fruition.”

Calum Innes, chairman of the Tay Rivers Trust, added: “The Tay Rivers Trust is committed to providing education to ensure children are aware of the remarkable life cycle of the salmon and funds raised from anglers on opening day help expand our reach.

“In addition, we are progressing with other projects including facilitating the largest riparian woodland scheme ever undertaken by a rivers trust in order to provide shade in the headwaters of the catchment and thus maintain cool, clean water.”

Proceeds from the opening day fishing raised by Meikleour Estate are being donated to the Salmon in the Classroom programme in local schools, administered by the Tay Rivers Trust.