The Spey Fishery Board is excited to announce the commencement of the 2024 salmon fishing season with our annual opening ceremony. This year’s event will be held on Monday, 12th of February at 9:00 AM (because the 11th of February this year falls on a Sunday, when no angling takes place) at the scenic Penny Bridge, located in Alice Littler Park, Aberlour. Anglers, enthusiasts, and community members are all warmly invited to join us for this special occasion.
The 2024 ceremony will start with a traditional blessing by the Rev. Andrew Kimmitt, followed by an address from our soon-to-be-announced guest of honour.
The ceremony will include the symbolic pouring of Aberlour 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky into the River Spey. This act not only wishes the salmon good health but also officially marks the opening of the 2024 River Spey salmon fishing season. This will be performed by Ryan Clarke, who was the angler who caught the first fish in 2023. He will be accompanied by our Guest of Honour and also by Richard Anderson, former Pipe Major of the Nairn Pipe Band, who will perform on the bagpipes.
Following the official proceedings, many anglers will head out onto the river in their quest for the first Spring Salmon of the season. The coveted ‘Spey Anniversary Quaich’ awaits the angler who catches the first salmon of the season.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aberlour Distillery, Walkers Shortbread, and the Aberlour Hotel for their continued support and generous sponsorship of this event.
We hope many of you will join us as we celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of salmon fishing on the River Spey.
