The River Spey is one of the largest rivers in Scotland, having a total catchment of 3008km2. The river network extends to some 36400km2 of which the main stem comprises 157km. From its source, Loch Spey (350m above sea level in the Monadhliath Mountains), the river travels in a northeasterly direction to discharge into the Moray Firth at Tugnet. The Spey is an alpine river, with melting snow supplementing flow well into spring. In comparison with other UK rivers the Spey is ranked eighth in terms of mean annual flow, seventh in terms of its length and ninth in terms of catchment area. The main river is also relatively free from obstructions.
In common with many Highland rivers, the waters are low in nutrients and, with a lack of major industrial developments within the catchment, the Spey has remained fairly free of pollution. Indeed the catchment of the Spey is considered to be almost 'pristine'.
The Spey is similar to many Scottish Highland rivers and supports only a limited number of fish species. These include: Atlantic salmon; trout as migratory sea trout and resident brown trout; European eel; Arctic char; pike; minnow three-spined stickleback and flounder. In recent years a number of local lochs have been stocked with rainbow trout, which have subsequently found routes into the Spey itself. However, there is no evidence that they have established a breeding population.
Local 'Gillies' will gladly guide you along the Spey to the best spots (for a fee!! - of course) and fishing is allowed with the purchase of day tickets and local tackle hire.
About the Spey
Fishing Regulations
