FURTHER evidence of healthy grilse and salmon runs emerges from Sutherland where the Oykel produced a record-breaking return for July with a staggering 730 fish.  In a month of fluctuating spates producing near-perfect conditions, 12 rods accounted for 286 fish between July 12 and 17 alone.

Richard Donkin’s entertaining blog has more details.  Of course if you are already a fan of this charming river set amid fantastic game fishing territory, and you have the necessary resources, you might consider investing in the river itself.  Some 58 miles north of Inverness, the Upper Oykel Fishings are on the market.  Six miles of double bank are on offer for £1.65 million – or in four lots from £350,00.

Do not, however, expect to earn huge returns.  It is well established that salmon fisheries, however productive, are not a licence to print money. Indeed they are more likely to be a channel where you can watch your cash disappear downstream faster than a falling spate.

That said, ownership does carry a certain cachet not to mention the ability to cherry-pick your own times on the water.  If you have any cash left over after snapping up the Oykel fishings, and need a place to stay while indulging your pastime, you can always buy the Oykel Bridge Hotel, overlooking the river.  With 16 en suite bedrooms and a separate 2-bedroom cottage, it’s a snip at £520,000.

Related article:

ASFB annual review (economics of fishery ownership)