THERE is little doubt that the UK offers some of the most fascinating fishing in the most wonderful of settings, if you know where to look. Getting away from life’s stresses for just a couple of days of angling is calming, restorative and is a bubble of contentment. It provides something to look forward to, plans to make and tackle to sort. Then, after it all, you’ll have shining memories of screaming reels and leaping, silver fish. Go alone, or with pals or a partner, and enjoy an angling adventure with roaring fires and fine wines when the casting is done.
We have looked for great, thrilling action along with the most fishing-friendly accommodation. All our suggestions offer unique selling points: great guides, special fish stocks or rivers to take your breath away. We’ve tried to match each venue with the best time to wet a line, and we have spread our net across the whole country. The Field team has fished every water on the list, leaving your only task to get out that diary.
KEY: £ £50-£100 / ££ £100-£150 / £££: £150+
JANUARY
TAY SPRINGERS AT MEIKLEOUR
Start the salmon season in style on 15 January (unless that falls on a Sunday) aton flies (generally serious tube flies this early when there’s ice in the water) but they’ll also take you spinning or even harling if conditions are ferocious. It can be tough stuff but the potential rewards are immense and you’ll be blowing away the Christmas cobwebs. Food at the nearby Meikleour Arms is renowned and you can stay there or in the wonderfully renovated cottages dotted around the estate.
