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Salmon fishing on the River Thurso

Salmon fishing in Scotland doesn’t get much purer than the River Thurso. This famous fly-only river flows through Halkirk in Caithness, and the Ulbster Arms Hotel sits right on its banks. For over 150 years, our hotel has been the sporting retreat for anglers fishing the Thurso. So, if you are planning River Thurso fishing, everything starts here.

We even arrange the fishing, the ghillies, the tackle, and the transport. Then, at the end of the day, we feed you well and dry your kit overnight.

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River Thurso fisherman with salmon

What Sets Us Apart

Thanks to our location overlooking the River Thurso, the Ulbster Arms Hotel has long been the primary fishing hotel for this river. We organise salmon fishing on the river, too, and our services can include ghillie hire, rod and reel hire, and transport to and from your beat.

In the Ulbster Arms Hotel grounds, we have dedicated angling facilities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Our Ghillie’s Room provides a comfortable meeting point for ghillies and guests, while our Rod Room offers safe overnight storage. Our Drying Room also takes care of wet clothing, and our fishing services are open to hotel guests and visitors alike.

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River Thurso fishing landscape

An angler's paradise: services and facilities for Thurso fishing

We offer a full range of services and facilities at the Ulbster Arms Hotel to make your fishing trip convenient and enjoyable.

Ghillies and guiding: You may wish to hire one of our knowledgeable ghillies. You will meet your ghillie at the hotel in the morning, and they will accompany you on the river, providing expert knowledge and advice. For newcomers, a day with a ghillie is the fastest way to learn the water.

Tackle hire and transport: We offer a wide range of high-quality tackle for hire, including rods, reels and lines. In addition, we can provide transport to and from the beats, however, this must be booked in advance.

The Ghillie’s Room: This is the meeting point for ghillies and guests each morning during the season. Along with comfortable seating and hot drinks, you’ll find regular updates from our ghillie team on river conditions.

The Drying Room: There’s nothing worse than putting on damp, cold clothing to start your day. Our drying room comfortably dries wet clothing overnight. While generally used by our fishing guests, all hotel guests are welcome to use it.

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The Thurso River salmon fishing season, fish runs, and record catches

The River Thurso enjoys one of the longest seasons in Scottish salmon fishing, running from 11th January to 5th October. Fish can be caught in every month of the season. However, each period has its own character:

Spring (March to early June): the main spring run builds from March. The fishing in May and June can also be very productive given the right conditions.

Summer (mid-May to August): our grilse run usually starts in mid-May and continues to the end of August, peaking in the middle of July.

Autumn (September to 5th October): a smaller run of larger summer salmon enters the river, offering a memorable end to the season.

River Thurso catches have been rising steadily since netting ceased in 2005. On average, the river now produces over 1,000 salmon per year, all caught on the fly. What’s more, recent seasons have seen record catches made. Throughout the season, the ghillies post regular updates on Thurso salmon catches, water heights, and what’s working on the river.

 

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Stay at the best anglers' hotel

The Ulbster Arms is not simply a hotel near the river. It’s the historic home of Thurso salmon fishing, a former residence of the Sinclair family that has welcomed anglers for more than 150 years.

So, after a day on the water, you can settle into one of our comfortable rooms or lodges and warm up by the fire. You can also enjoy dinner in one of the best restaurants in Caithness. We have dog-friendly rooms, too, so your four-legged fishing companion is welcome. Furthermore, groups can take our separate lodge accommodation with its own private lounge, which works perfectly for fishing parties.

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Book your fishing holiday with the Ulbster Arms Hotel

Find out more about our salmon fishing services on the River Thurso website or contact us at the link below to enquire about River Thurso fishing.

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Ulbster Arms Hotel Map

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Testimonials

After many years hoping , with good friends I finally got my first opportunity to visit for an angling trip last week of season. I stayed in a chalet which was spotless each day no matter how bad I I had managed to leave it.. The food was exceptional, no other words and its testimony how many non fishers are in every day from late afternoon dining.

Fishing was all the more made special by morning encouragement from Geordie, The two Pats and all the rest of the team that were always around to see everyone off…

Finally I cant point out that not one staff member that was nothing but professional and charming.. Its a small hotel operation at first glance, but its a much bigger operation than you imagine. It gets everything right and I cant wait to return. Whether as angler or just a resident guest… quite excellent.. All I can say.. They are very good at what they do and can feel proud …

Good location. Good facilities and food. Staff very friendly and helpful. I had an issue with my car on our morning of departure and the hotel was helpful and accommodating.

The best staff who will look after you, great food in the best 4 restaurant , really well furnished rooms with comfortable beds for a great nights sleep. Access to the best salmon fishing in Scotland . A friendly atmosphere and I would thoroughly recommend.

Lovely stay at Ulbster arms. Room was comfortable, staff were welcoming and the restaurant was great! Exceptional value for money, cannot recommend enough.

A fantastic stay yet again for a short fishing break.||Jess and the team looked after us tremendously well as always, and a special thank you to Holly for sorting out a last minute room for me thanks to a booking error on my part.||Steaks in the bar arrived just as ordered.||Looking forward to returning again soon

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Salmon Fishing on the River Thurso: FAQs

When does the River Thurso salmon season start and end?

The River Thurso salmon season runs from 11th January to 5th October, giving one of the longest seasons in Scottish salmon fishing. Fish can be caught in every month, with the main spring run building from March, the grilse peaking in mid-July, and a smaller run of larger summer salmon entering the river in September.

How do I check River Thurso fishing availability?

Each of the 12 beats fishes just two rods per day, so availability is limited, particularly from May to September. To check availability, contact our fishing team.

How are the beats allocated?

The River Thurso has 12 daily rotating beats. Each pair of anglers moves down the river by two beats each day, which means guests fishing a full week experience the upper, middle and lower river. The senior ghillie will talk you through your beat rotation on arrival, and a beat map is available from the hotel reception or the ghillie team.

Is the River Thurso fly only?

Yes. The River Thurso is a fly-only salmon river across all 12 beats and throughout the entire season.

What are the recent catches on the River Thurso?

The river now produces over 1,000 fly-caught salmon in an average year, with catches rising steadily since netting ceased in 2005 and record catches in recent seasons. Our ghillies post regular updates on catches, water heights and tactics throughout the season.

Do I need experience to fish the River Thurso?

No. Our ghillies guide anglers of every level, from complete beginners to seasoned rods. We also hire out rods, reels and lines, so you can turn up without a bag of gear and still fish well.

Can I fish the River Thurso if I am not staying at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

Yes, fishing is subject to availability, by advance reservation, and is open to visitors as well as hotel guests. That said, most anglers stay with us to make the most of the rod room, drying room, Ghillie’s Room, hotel prepared packed lunches and evening meals after a long day on the water.

Is the Ulbster Arms dog friendly for anglers travelling with their gundog?

Yes. We welcome dogs in certain areas of the hotel and specific, dog-friendly bedrooms, and we have private on-site parking.

Do I need to make a reservation or can I just turn up

Advance reservations are required to avoid disappointment.

How many days can I fish?

Most anglers fish for 6 days, i.e., from Monday to Saturday, although it is possible to fish for 3 days, either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday.