River Braan

River Braan for brown trout fishing.

Photo © Copyright Richard Webb and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Description of the River Braan

The River Braan is a tributary of the Tay which joins the main stem just above Dunkeld at the Hermitage Falls. The River Braan begins its journey as the river Quaich on the mountains to the south of Loch Tay. It flows in a south easterly direction to Loch Freuchie. This is a broad shallow loch in a wide high glen. It used to be very good as a brown trout fishery, but is now infested with pike.

From here the Braan proper runs for 10 miles towards Dunkeld.  Most of the river is available via the Dunkeld and Birnam Angling Association for excellent brown trout fishing.

There are two sets of impassable falls, one at the Rumbling Bridge and further down stream at the Hermitage.

The Scottish Office has undertaken a wide variety of salmon studies on the Braan, by stocking out with fed and unfed salmon fry. This allows scientists to study the fish in an “uncontaminated” environment. They have also studied the passage of salmon smolts over the falls and found that a surprising number actually survive a 20m fall!.

Adult migratory fish are blocked by the falls after some 700 yards from the confluence with the Tay, but it is a good place to see salmon jumping in the Autumn. Salmon fishing is prohibited. As with many such spots it a popular venue for poachers and consequently for Water Bailiffs as well, so don’t be tempted. Above the falls the river offers some good brown trout fishing.

Since adult salmon are absent, this area is of special interest to the trout angler. The country is often wild and untouched and the fishing exceptional.

 Photo © Copyright Lis Burke and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Autumn colours at Loch Freuchie The small island is a Crannog, a type of ancient loch dwelling. Loch Freuchie, which is the source of the River Braan, used to be an outstanding brown trout fishery, but is now infested with pike.

 Photo © Copyright Dr Richard Murray and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The old bridge at Amulree over the infant River Braan

 Photo © Copyright Lis Burke and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Braan from Drumour Bridge

Photo © Copyright Dave Fergusson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Braan downstream from Newton Bridge

Photo © Copyright Russel Wills and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Braan above Rumbling Bridge

Photo © Copyright Mike Pennington and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Falls of the Braan above Rumbling Bridge. These are the second impassible falls.

Photo© Copyright Dr Richard Murray and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Braan In the Forest

Photo© Copyright Iain Millar and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Black Linn at the Hermitage, near Dunkeld

Photo © Copyright Mike Pennington and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Salmon leaping Salmon leaping at the Hermitage waterfalls

Photo © Copyright edward mcmaihin and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Confluence of Rivers Braan and TayThe River Braan entering from the left

Photo © Copyright Russel Wills and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Fishing Links for the River Braan

• Amulree Brown trout fishing on the headwaters of the River Braan, Perthshire.
• Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association has extensive brown trout and grayling fishings around Dunkeld in Perthshire, available on a day ticket.
• Dunkeld Post Office Dunkeld Post Office issues brown trout and grayling day tickets for The River Tay and The River Braan on behalf of Dunkeld and Birnam Angling Association and Murthly and Glendelvine. They also sell fishing tackle.
• Loch Freuchie Brown trout and pike fishing on a large hill loch. It used to offer great sport, but jack pike dominate.
• River Braan NT Brown trout and grayling fishing on the River Braan below Hermitage Falls. Note that this is a salmon conservation area and is almost permanently watched!
• Rumbling Bridge Brown trout fishing on the River Braan, Perthshire.
• Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board is the statutory body empowered to protect and improve the salmon fisheries in the Tay district.
• Trochry Brown trout fishing on the River Braan, Perthshire.