River Thurso

The Thurso is fed from Loch More, which is dammed at the top of the uppermost beat, 13. The fishery can control the water flowing out of the loch, which helps maintain optimum fishing for about three weeks, once the loch is full. Of course, Mother Nature remains in charge and rain-fed spates through the spring and summer months can supercharge the fishing.

The Thurso River is a charming medium to small-sized highland river that changes dramatically throughout its course. It presents a great variety of fishing challenges and there are one or two novel techniques to learn, such as ‘backing up’ which makes for some fascinating fishing. Classic wet fly techniques are highly productive, but tactics such as the hitch, skated flies, dry flies, and small sunrays often induce heart-stopping surface action.

The river has a great variety of fishing, to be both tempting and to challenge visiting anglers. There are streamy runs and fast necks which hold summer fish; a ‘lochan’ which can be fished by boat; slow-moving canal sections, which can be energised by a good upstream breeze; and classic Highland streams cascading through an idyllic gorge section.

Spring fish, (known in Scotland as ‘springers’) begin to arrive during March. Growing in number week by week, the peak time is from late April until early June. If conditions are conducive, spring fishing on the Thurso can be electrifying. Grilse begin to arrive during the latter half of May and keep coming until the end of August. The peak time is the middle of July when following a spate, large shoals enter the river producing incredible fishing on light tackle. These spritely, sporting fish are followed by larger summer salmon which enter the river during August and September. These distinct runs of grilse and salmon combine to produce an average catch of 1700- all on the fly. A wet spring and summer can see catches rocket to over 2000.

The Thurso’s twelve beats (numbered 2-13) are fished in rotation. In spring anglers are given two beats per day to fish, meaning they can fish the whole river during their week, while summer rods are given a single beat each day, rotating downstream by two beats. This system ensures visitors experience as much of the river as possible during their week. There are no rigid start and finish times on the river, which further enhances any Thurso adventure. Your beat allocation will be confirmed with you when you make your booking.

The Ulbster Arms hotel is situated in the small village in Halkirk, right on the river at beat 4. The hotel provides a superb accommodation option for anglers fishing on the River Thurso. Recently renovated there are 13 rooms in the Hotel with a selection of premium double rooms over looking the river. With 9 premium double rooms, 4 small premium double rooms, 2 premium twin rooms and a premium family room – all rooms are ensuite with free WIFI connectivity, tea and coffee making facilities with short bread.

There are also 3 luxury lodges available to let for larger groups that would prefer to experience the fishing in a lodge environment. The Dale Lodge contains 7 small double ensuite bath or shower rooms and 2 family ensuite bath or shower rooms, We have also renovated our new Executive Lodge – ‘Milton Lodge’ – which contains 4 ensuite bath or shower rooms.

All rooms contain tea & coffee making facilities, remote controlled televisions and Wi-Fi internet connectivity.

The Restaurant at the hotel caters for all of the visiting guests. The Head Chef, Craig Brown, and his highly skilled team of local Chefs prepare menus each day, reflecting local seasonal fresh produce. From a hearty cooked breakfast and continental options, the hotel will prepare your lunch either as a packed lunch for a day out on the river, or welcome guests back to the hotel for a hot lunch option. Dinner is served in the dining room, where there is always a vibrant atmosphere of anglers sharing stories of how their days’ fishing went.

The hotel prides itself on using only the best local produce reflected in the seasonal menus. Guests are encouraged to make special requests, and should you wish to try some of the wonderful variety of freshly available local seafood, such as halibut, scallops, lobster or langoustines, the kitchen team will endeavour to source these from local fishing boats who land at nearby harbours.

After dinner, guests relax over coffee and home made petit fours in the newly furbished library, or retreat to the Lounge for a “wee dram” of the finest Highland Scotch.

DAY 1 (Sunday) – HOME CITY TO Halkirk

• Flight from home city to one of two international airports – Edinburgh or Aberdeen
• Drive to Halkirk in Thurso – Transportation can be arranged at additional cost on request

DAY 2 to 7 – full board lodging at ulbster arms hotel and guided fishing

• Breakfast is served at Ulbster Arms Hotel
• Meet your ghillies (guides) at 8:45am at the Ghillies Bothy outside the hotel for guided fishing daily
• The hotel will provide packed lunch and guided fishing is until 5pm
• Evening meals served at the hotel
• Beats change at 5pm and each angler will drop down two beats each day
• Anglers are encouraged to fish after dinner on the river without ghillies

 DAY 8 – HALKIRK TO HOME CITY 

• Drive home or to designated airport

costs 

• Rod / Week (including VAT) ranges from £300 in March to £1,525 in July / August
• Ghillie hire is charged at a rate of £80/day
• Hotel Rooms from £105 per night