Steve Clarke opens 2026 salmon fishing season on River Tay

Ceremonial opening at Meikleour

Scotland football manager Steve Clarke officially opened the 2026 salmon-fishing season on the River Tay at Meikleour on 15 January.

Clad in a waders-and-jacket combo rather than a tracksuit, Clarke made the ceremonial first cast after participating in the traditional blessing of the river with a silver quaich of Dewar’s Aberfeldy single malt whisky and ‘popping’ a magnum of Pol Roger champagne. The procession of anglers to the water was led by the Perth and District Pipe Band, creating true Highland pageantry for the opening day.

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From riverbank to World Cup stage

This will not be the biggest event in Clarke’s year. In June, he leads the Tartan Army to the FIFA World Cup, which will be Scotland’s first appearance since 1998. Clarke is a keen trout-fisher, and admitted having to practise his double-handed casting in preparation for the ceremony.

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Supporting salmon conservation and education

The event, hosted by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, Tay Rivers Trust, Meikleour Fishings, Perth and Kinross Council and the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, also raised funds for the Salmon in the Classroom programme, which teaches local schoolchildren about the life cycle of salmon.

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Looking ahead for the Tay

Claire Mercer Nairne, vice-convener of the Tay DSFB, reflected on last season’s challenges but expressed optimism for the future, while newly appointed director Sean Robertson announced plans for a comprehensive catchment strategy to tackle freshwater pressures on salmon and sea-trout.

The opening provided a celebratory reminder of both the cultural and ecological importance of Scotland’s rivers, combining tradition, sport and conservation.