Scotland manager Steve Clarke to kick off new salmon fishing season on River Tay

Scotland manager Steve Clarke is kicking off the new salmon fishing season on the River Tay.

The national team boss, who has ended Scotland’s 28-year wait for a FIFA World Cup appearance, will perform the traditional “first cast” in Meikleour on Thursday January 15.

The opening is hosted by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board (TDFSB), the Tay Rivers Trust, Meikleour Fishings, Perth and Kinross Council and the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.

Clarke is no stranger to the sport, having previously fished for salmon during his time coaching at Newcastle United.

Claire Mercer Nairne, vice-convener of the TDSFB and owner of the Meikleour Fishings, said: “There is no denying that 2025 was a difficult season in terms of catches and some very challenging weather patterns.

“However, we anglers always retain a sense of optimism that fortunes will improve. The primary focus now is ensuring that our river catchment produces as many juveniles as possible and that they reach the sea safely. To this end we are delighted to welcome our new board director Sean Robertson who brings with him fresh ideas and determination.”

Sean Robertson, newly appointed director of the Tay DSFB, said: “Having grown up in Perth, joining the Tay DSFB feels like a homecoming. I am humbled by the appointment and I hope that I can do justice to Scotland’s greatest river.

“One of my priorities is to compile a comprehensive new catchment plan, to highlight all the freshwater challenges impacting salmon numbers and how they can best be prioritised and tackled. I aim to consult widely on this with all the river’s stakeholders.

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“There are opportunities to make a difference for our salmon and sea trout and I am eager to harness local riverbank passion and energy to help bring restoration efforts to fruition.”

Calum Innes, chairman of the Tay Rivers Trust, added: “The Tay Rivers Trust is committed to providing education to ensure children are aware of the remarkable life cycle of the salmon and funds raised from anglers on opening day help expand our reach.

“In addition, we are progressing with other projects including facilitating the largest riparian woodland scheme ever undertaken by a rivers trust in order to provide shade in the headwaters of the catchment and thus maintain cool, clean water.”

The opening ceremony will be held at 9.30am on January 15 by the Meikleour boathouse. The procession of anglers to the river will be led by the Perth and District Pipe Band, headed by Pipe Major Alistair Duthie.

The traditional blessing of a river with a silver quaich of Dewar’s Aberfeldy 25 year old single malt whisky, will be performed by Clarke, councillor Xander McDade and provost of Perth and Kinross Council.

This will be followed by the first cast of the year by Clarke, after he has “popped” a magnum of Pol Roger Champagne.

Proceeds from the opening day fishing raised by Meikleour Estate are being donated to the Salmon in the Classroom programme in local schools, administered by the Tay Rivers Trust.