Spate · Mixed · Highlands / Moray Firth

River Nairn

River Nairn venue image
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The Nairn is a smaller Moray Firth spate river that runs from the hills south of Inverness to the Moray Firth at Nairn town.

Species

Decent — worth a look

Low and clear — careful approach country. Low water tactics — small singles, riffling hitch in the smooth glides.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for atlantic salmon
Cool — slow
5°C est.ideal 10–14°C
0°14°28°
Conditions
Level
0.43 m
Water temp
5.3°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
6°C
Wind
S 9 km/h
Light breeze
Pressure
1001 hPa
Rain · 48h
1.6 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
18.7 mm
Moderate rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for atlantic salmon
When
Morning into early afternoon.
Where
Pool tails, steadier runs, and any water with pace.
Method
Fish a sensible line-and-fly combination for the height and pace of water.
Kit
13 ft #8/9 double-hander in spate, 10 ft #8 single in low water. Floating line plus a fast-sink tip. 12–15 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Fair conditions based on river hydrology and migration patterns.
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Salmon runRun
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
March BrownHatch
2
3
2
GrannomHatch
2
2
Large StoneflyHatch
2
3
2
Yellow SallyHatch
2
3
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Gallery · 1
  1. Terrain map of the venue
    Terrain map
Directions
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About this water

The Nairn is a smaller Moray Firth spate river that runs from the hills south of Inverness to the Moray Firth at Nairn town. It carries salmon from spring through autumn but is at its best after summer and autumn rains bring fish up from the firth. A classic wading river — not big enough for boat work, which makes it intimate and pleasurable fishing. Spring salmon from April; summer grilse July–August; autumn fish September–October. Fish with standard spate-river tactics: smaller flies (size 10–14 doubles), floating or intermediate line, covering pools systematically. The Nairn Angling Association controls much of the water and provides day tickets. Sea trout fishing from July can be excellent on summer evenings.

  • Mixed
Seasons & zones
  • Salmon1 February → 7 October
Other water nearby · 5
Booking & contacts