Thurso River enters the Pentland Firth about 20 miles west of John o’ Groats on the north coast of Scotland. Rod catches during the last 5 seasons have increased by more than 100% and the 5 year average for beats 2-13 now exceeds 1,860 salmon with the 2010 and 2011 seasons the best ever recorded. Last year saw the Thurso River enjoy a particularly prolific spring run with large numbers of strong “springers” running the river in April, May and June (June 2011 was the most productive since June 1931).

Whilst favourable weather conditions have played a part in this, we are undoubtedly seeing the results of 5 years of solid investment by the owners, Thurso River Ltd, who took over the fishing rights in 2006. This has resulted in improved access to the more remote beats and a management regime focused on maximising the smolt numbers returning to sea.

Fishing
There are 12 beats varying in length from 1 to 3 ¼ miles. Each one is fished by up to 2 rods and fishermen then change beats on a daily basis.

The River offers a good variety of fishing with something to suit every taste. Some beats are fast and streamy, others long and deep, and Loch Beg on beat 12 is usually fished from a boat. Whilst several of the deeper beats with their slow moving water would not be described as classic “Highland River”, the fact is that the records demonstrate they are still very productive. With the aid of a ghillie and a reasonable wind, fishing the “slack water” can be a very satisfying and fruitful experience.

Whilst the season begins on the 11th of January, the fishing really gets into full swing during March. At this time, upper beats tend to be most productive although during the last 2 or 3 seasons the whole river has fished well from April onwards. The majority of fish taken up until the end of June 2011 exceeded 10lbs. Grilse begin to arrive towards the end of June and catches during July, August and September often exceed 400 fish per month.

Ghillies
The use of a ghillie is strongly recommended to every fisherman but particularly those who do not know the river well. The Thurso ghillies are steeped in local knowledge and river lore and will undoubtedly enhance the whole experience and greatly increase the chances of success.

Transport
For those travelling by car, Thurso River is 2 hours north of Inverness. There is an airport at Wick, 20 minutes from the river and a train service linking to Inverness. Guests can be collected from both Wick and Inverness Airports and Thurso train station.

Accommodation
The Ulbster Arms Hotel is ideally situated on the banks of the River Thurso in the village of Halkirk and specialises in catering for anglers. Recently refurbished, the rooms and facilities have all been up-graded and anglers who stay here will enjoy priority treatment and generous discounts when they book a hotel and fishing package.

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