River Isla

The River Isla is an important eastern tributary that rises in the Grampian Mountains, less than 10 miles south east of Braemar. For its first 25 miles, the Isla flows south to where it crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. There, it cascades over two spectacular falls, Reekie Linn and the Slug of Auchrannie which prevent salmon accessing upstream. Thereafter, the Vale of Strathmore flattens out into rich farming country and the Isla meets the Dean Water which drains the highly fertile area around Forfar and Glamis. Now turning west, the Isla becomes a meandering lowland river, very different in character to most Tay tributaries.

But, as the Isla approaches Coupar Angus, it is joined by the River Ericht, a highly productive salmon river, perhaps the most so in district. Large numbers of salmon can transit through the lower reaches of the Isla. Big catches can be made when conditions hold back Ericht fish, despite the lower Isla not having the character of a typical salmon river.

The Isla joins the Tay some 15 miles upstream of Perth and the area around the junction is often the most productive salmon fishing on the Tay, particularly in drier weather when Isla fish stop there before moving on.

While the Isla is noted for its salmon runs, it is also popular with brown trout and grayling anglers.