Greetings,
I have been reading posts on this site for a while and have been very impressed by the knowledge that is represented here.
I live in a small town in western Maine and fish in the Rangeley area of Maine a fair amount. I fish for landlock salmon and brook trout in the rivers and ponds of that area.
This year I have the opportunity to travel to Edinburgh the second week in May for a little fishing. This is my first time to Scotland and I would like to do some trout fishing and perhaps even see a Grayling.
What should I be tying? I plan on river fishing mostly but I also would love to spend some time on some of the lochs. That is the kind of fishing that I enjoy the most.
Thanks,
Bob

Welcome to the forum I am sure someone will let you know what flies to tie soon hope you have great time when you come over best of luck.

Alan

Another American here, from a bit west of you there in Maine. I'm sure you'll get more specific advice, but it's great fun to fish in the UK. If you have enough time, get yourself into some salmon action up in Scotland. Different game than the landlocked Atlantics, but very enjoyable.

When fishing in southern England a few years ago I connected with a couple of grayling. They seemed to like pink and orange scud patterns fished right on the bottom. I got a couple on pink or orange scuds and I think I got one on a Copper John, everything fished on the dead drift and I was using tungsten shot to get down faster.

Have fun and good luck.

Grouse

Thanks Alan and Grouse,
I am hoping that I will be able to spend a day on the Tweed for salmon. I know that tube flies are very popular over there but I have never tied any. Will a double salmon hook suffice in getting the fly down to a productive level?
I know it depends on what the flow is at the time. Are sink tip lines used often?
Grouse, What size scuds are you nymphing with?
Thanks,
Bob

Dear Muddlerburke ,

I have only been to Maine the once (Kennebeck etc in August) my, I envy you !
Why don't they stock Stripers here ?
Lucky b...er !

Best wishes

Steve Parton

Steve,
The Stripers here in Maine have been a nonevent the past two summers. Last summer my total tally was 12 fish for 30 trips. I work on the coast and can hit a few spots on the way home. In previous years I would release around 300 stripers during a summer.
I hope that this is just a bump in the road and not the beginning of a population crash like we saw in the 70's.

I used smaller stuff, about at 16 in the scuds.

Salmon fishing on the big rivers is a specialized ball game and I'd say it would be best to find fishing where there will be a ghillie (roughly the equivalent of a guide) who will help you with the tactics and fly selection. At the very least, you'll need someone to help with casting basics if you're not already casting a double handed rod.

Grouse

Thanks Grouse,
I have not spey cast before but plan on taking a few lessons before I leave.
I enjoy tying local patterns for areas that I'm going to be fishing. Could anybody suggest some salmon patterns that I should have with me.
In my area the beginning of May is just the start of the mayfly hatches, Hedrickson's or Ephemerella subvaria and Blue wing olives. Are these also hatching in Scotland around the same time? What are some local trout patterns that I should be tying?
I will gladly reciprocate if any of you folks ever plan a trip to Maine.
Best,
Bob