The River Ericht (Gaelic: Abhainn Eireachd) is formed from the confluence of the rivers Blackwater and Ardle. It runs south for around 10 miles before discharging into the River Isla, and eventually the River Tay. The river passes through some very scenic Perthshire farmland before cutting through the impressive Craighall Gorge and dissecting the burgh of Blairgowrie and Rattray. The fast running water of the river was once used to power several textile mills in the town.

Salmon fishing on the river Ericht is possible at several locations. The beats are wild in nature and do not have the manicured banks of the Tay. But the scenery by far makes up for that. It is a spate river and therefore catches depend very much on the weather and water level. However, it can be very productive and based on a fish counter this river boasts a run of 8000 to 13,000 fish annually. It may not be a surprise that many of my guests have caught their first salmon on this river.

Being an upper tributary of the Tay, and therefore relatively narrow, it is an excellent salmon river for single-handed fly rods. Many guests have caught salmon on their own trout rods. A trip to the Ericht can be a bit of an adventure and makes for a great day out.