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Anglers cast their lines as River Spey officially opens for new salmon season

A tradition of pouring single malt whisky into the river was also carried out.

By Ross Hempseed

February 11 2023, 2:18 pm

Whisky is poured into river for start of season and anglers cast lines into the water. Picture: (L-R) Allan Sinclair, Clive Murray and guest speaker Ian Gordon. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson.

Crowds gathered on the banks of the River Spey near Aberlour for the official opening ceremony for this year’s salmon fishing season.

The River Spey is known as the “king of Scottish rivers” and is famous for Atlantic salmon, which return to the river in February.

Breaming with salmon during the summer months, the River Spey also provides the vital ingredient in some Scottish whiskies.

The Aberlour Distillery sits close to currents and sources its water from the river for producing bottles of its iconic whisky.

In the small Moray village, people from the world of fishing gathered this weekend, as the salmon season began with fishermen eager to cast a line into the fast-flowing waters.

Soon after the opening of the River Spey, fisherman were casting their lines to land the first catch. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson.

And in keeping with tradition, a bottle of 12-year-old Aberlour single malt was poured into the river from Penny Bridge in Alice Littler Park to christen the new season.

The ceremony was performed by Clive Murray, who landed the first salmon of the 2020 season, the last one held due to the pandemic.

‘King of Scottish rivers’

Acclaim awaits the person who lands the first catch of the 2023 season as they will be invited to open the following fishing season.

They will receive the coveted Spey Anniversary Quaich together with a bottle of Aberlour Distillery Exclusive Whisky and a Walkers Shortbread hamper.

Officials will also be looking for the angler who lands the heaviest salmon and will also receive a bottle of Aberlour Distillery Whisky and a hamper.