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Fly 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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Man holding a fish on a River Thurso fishing trip

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 water itself, too, and our services include ghillie hire, rod and reel hire, and transport to and from your beat.

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

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Fishing in Scotland

The Thurso River fishing season, the runs, and the 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 Ulbster Arms Hotel ghillies post regular updates on Thurso salmon catches, water heights, and what’s working on the river.

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River Thurso beats and how the rotation works

The fishing is organised across 12 daily rotating Thurso River beats, with each beat fishing two rods. The rotation moves anglers down the river day by day, which means guests fishing a full week experience a wide variety of water. Each beat offers its own mix of streamy runs, classic Highland pools and slower stretches, so no two days feel the same. Fishing is from the bank on both sides, and our ghillies know every lie on every beat. On arrival, the senior ghillie will talk you through your allocation, and a River Thurso beat map is available from the team to help you plan each day.

Prices, permits and availability

River Thurso fishing permits are arranged directly through the Ulbster Arms Hotel. Daily and weekly rods are available, too, and River Thurso fishing prices vary by season. Typically, spring and peak summer weeks are in the highest demand. Contact our fishing co-ordinator to find out more.

River Thurso fishing availability is limited, especially during the peak months from May to August, because each beat fishes just two rods. Therefore, we recommend booking early. To check availability for your dates, contact our fishing team. From here, we will confirm what’s open and help you plan.

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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 for the day. 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 to fly fishing, 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 on your fishing day. 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. The senior ghillie can also usually be found here. Along with comfortable seating and hot drinks, you’ll find regular updates from our ghillie team on river conditions.

The Rod Room: A secure rod room is essential to any fishing trip. At the Ulbster Arms, all fishing guests have exclusive access to this spacious room, which holds up to 48 rods.

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. So much so that it proves popular with runners, cyclists, and watersports enthusiasts too.

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Stay at the best anglers' hotel on the River Thurso

The Ulbster Arms is not simply a hotel near the fishing. 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 and lodges and warm up by the fire. You can also enjoy dinner in one of the best restaurants in Caithness. We are dog friendly, 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.

Planning a longer trip? Read our guide to fishing holidays in Scotland to combine the Thurso with Caithness trout lochs and the Wick River.

Book your fishing holiday with the Ulbster ARms Hotel

To book River Thurso fishing or check availability for your dates, please contact us here. You can find out more about our salmon fishing services on the River Thurso website or contact the Ulbster Arms Hotel and ask for the fishing team.

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Accommodation

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Testimonials

2nd night of NC500 and were blessed to find this hotel. Lovely , clean , good service, lovely meal. Wonderful atmosphere, beautiful decor, really enjoyed our overnight stay, would love to come back and spend more time there. Would highly recommend this hotel

This is the second time we have stayed here and it was just as good as last time. We stayed in room 7 which was warm and cosy, had everything we needed and had a sizeable bathroom. We did eat here and I can say the fish and chips where amazing, the batter was light and the fish very fresh, breakfast was excellent too and the waitress was welcoming and attentive. Thanks for another faultless stay.

My wife and I while backpacking had camped along the banks of the Thurso. We were awaken by a fisherman after a very cold, wet and windy night. He recommended we visit the Ulbster for lunch and a warm drink. The staff had gotten word from the fisherman that my wife and I had slept in the storm that night and were kind enough to put us up in a room at a very discounted price. We were able to shower which had been quit a while and it allowed us to dry out our clothes and equipment. The following morning the staff let us leisurely hangout and even suggested several things we see and do while we finished our tour of scotland. I can not speak highly enough of the staff at the hotel. Dinner was amazing as well !!! If you ever want to hear some amazing fishing stories just take a seat and enjoy. Cant wait to return.

The library was a very relaxing after-dinner lounge and the smoked haddock breakfast a delight as was our server.

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.

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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 a day, so availability is limited, particularly from May to August. To check what is open for your dates, contact our fishing team, and we will confirm availability and help you plan around the best of the season.

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 allocation on arrival, and a beat map is available from the fishing 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, so contact the team for the latest before you travel.

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. Our fishing services are open to visitors as well as hotel guests, subject to availability. That said, most anglers stay with us to make the most of the rod room, drying room, Ghillie’s Room 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 throughout the hotel, and we have private on-site parking with storage for your fishing gear.