River Balvaig - Drumardoch Estate

This section of the River Balvaig is very special. Besides the iconic breathtaking scenery, and fishing 200 yards from Rob Roy’s grave, the river has Spring Salmon all season from as early as February and March. The Sea Trout are few, however the Brown Trout fishing is historically, and in the present day, excellent. Many feel threatened by the idea of a new river due to the difficulty in finding access, fear of walking miles and not casting a line, or upsetting a farmer or land owner. The Balvaig has the potential to be difficult to get to know, but the explanation below containing knowledge from local and experienced anglers of 50 years, riparian farmers and landowners, will make your introduction and experience very enjoyable. The river is well known for its excellent Brown Trout, and if you get the water after a flood, the Spring Salmon can be seen as early as February and March.

The Upper River Balvaig drains Loch Voil in Balquhidder. It flows at a gentle pace from some of the most remarkable Trossachs landscapes which welcome the visiting angler. The valley is rich with Scottish history and wildlife. The river slows as it nears the A84, the Lochearn road, the fishing deteriorates due to canal like sections with submerged trees and boggy marshland making access very difficult. Below this the river speeds up again to pass through the hamlet of Strathyre and out in to Loch Lubnaig.

The Upper Balvaig fishing begins below the road bridge that comes down from Balquhidder. Above this is the outlet of the Voil and fishing is not permitted here. The fishing continues on both banks to opposite the Smithy Cottage of the Balquhidder Road, see fishing map for the fence line. From here downstream fishing is right bank only to the boundary fence below Stroneslaney. This can be easier to see from the A84 upstream from the white cottage that is immediately on the road. Again, refer to the map for accurate details.

What surprises many anglers on their first visit to the Upper Balvaig is the quality of the salmon pools and runs. This is primarily a Salmon fishery, with excellent trout fishing included. The pools in the upper section are tree lined and it pays to fish a short line and walk the pools stripping line out, rather than trying to cast and step traditionally. This method allows the fly to settle in the fastest and deepest parts of the runs and drops downstream as you move. Many call this a “Walk the dog” technique, a very old fashioned and productive method for this kind of river. It is the opposite of “Backing up” which they do on the Thurso in very slow water. The idea of hooking a Springer way up in the mountains in a small intimate river like the Balvaig has to excite any fly angler. Even more so, the Balvaig’s biggest fish was recorded at 32lb, and many of the Forth, Teith and Leny’s fish will come as far up as the Balvaig and up through Loch Voil, Loch Doine and up in to Inverlochlarig and beyond. What amazing creatures. From the Bridge at Balquhidder to The Smithy. The section immediately downstream of the bridge is wood lined and requires stealthy access to fish it in lower water. You can park in the lay-by at the bridge on the Balquhidder side and walk down the left bank to fish here and further down. This side allows you access to fish down through the pool at the ‘Meetings of Calair’, the first main pool of the beat. A great holding pool. Once finished fishing this pool, come back upstream to the vehicle and drive over the bridge, immediately keep left, then turn left at the junction. You will cross the Calair Burn and you will need to park in the next lay-by at the gate of the Gart Na Furan Cottages. Walk down the burn closing the gate behind you and respecting any livestock to the ‘Meetings’ pool. Here you can “Walk the dog” style fly fish to drop your fly in to the top of the ‘Manse Pool’ which is on the large bend below you. As you fish down, the pool swings to the right and you can fish it more conventionally from the inside gravel bank. There is no need to come out of the river here, you can fish on through what is known as ‘The Flats’ to the bend. This is a lovely long section of great water to pick up a Salmon. Come out of the water here and drop back in at the ‘Salmon Pool’ which is on the same bend. All you are doing when you come out is avoiding a big tree and roots on your side on the outside of the bend. The banks are high here but you can get down them on to the grass below. This cut in the bank used to be an old cowp, dump, and some collectable bottles and other items can be found here uncovered after a flood. The ‘Salmon Pool’ is not easy to fish for first time visitors, it pays to stay back and lengthen your line initially, then making sure you are wearing a life belt edge your way out on to the gravel bar to get your fly in the narrowest part between the trees downstream. Don’t go too far. Salmon will sit in front, behind and on the gravel bar. The current is messy, but in the right height this is a great pool. The next few bends are worth fishing through, and then really that is the extent of the salmon fishing fly water on the Upper Balvaig. Taking a walk or even a kayak down the river may offer up some new water that will rarely ever be fished. The Smithy to the Bottom Boundary. This section of the river becomes very slow and difficult to work a fly effectively. The river holds huge submerged trees and negotiating the river can be difficult especially in high grass and even higher banks. This is not to say a very good Brown or Sea Trout will not ambush your offerings in here, so don’t dismiss it if you have the time to explore. Historically, huge fish have been caught here and further downstream. Remember, from the Smithy fence line downstream, there is only South, right, bank fishing available.

There are places to park, lay-bys, depending on where you would like to fish and which bank. Common sense prevails here. A gate gives you easy access to the main fishing stretch at Gart Na Furan Cottages. Please shut the gates. Located just off the A84, 5 miles west of Callander on the shore of Loch Lubnaig,

THE CABIN is the ideal place to break your journey to the Highlands. Offering facilities for a short rest break on your journey or an overnight stop we are sure that you will be delighted by your stay here. Come and enjoy some locally produced refreshments, test your skills with a fishing rod or enjoy a gentle stroll along the shore.

Our normal site opening hours are:

April to September 8 am – 8 pm

March and October 8 am – 6 pm

November – February 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Our normal Café opening Hours are:

May to August 8.30 am – 6 pm

March/April and September/October 8.30 am – 5.30 pm

November to February 9 am – 4 pm