River Brora, Scotland
Upper Brora and Blackwater – Gordonbush Estate
Located in Sutherland just over an hour’s drive north of Inverness lies the River Brora. Often overlooked in favour of its big name neighbours, the Helmsdale and Naver, this is a river that is much underrated. The Gordonbush estate that we represent offers the best of the fishing on the river incorporating the river Blackwater which is the major spawning tributary on the system.
The Gordonbush beats run from Loch Brora to the falls at Balnacoil which fish four rods and an additional two rods fish from June onwards from the falls to the river Skinsdale totalling some 49 named pools when both beats are fishing.
The river is a classic highland spate river and therefore is reliant on good water heights to get the best results but when the conditions are good some serious bonanzas have been had with the best week last year producing 70 salmon to six rods.
There is plenty of space and variety here and the river is set in stunning highland country – the top beat in particular is quite wild. With permission from the estate, guests can also utilise the boat on Lough Brora which is a bonus in low water conditions.
To read a recent article on the Brora in Trout and Salmon please click here.
Accommodation
Struan lodge was completed in 2009, constructed using timber from the estate. The first tenants used it in 2010. It is located in a stunning spot on the shore of loch Brora with far reaching views. There are eight double en-suite bedrooms in the lodge together with a bothy that can be hired in addition to accommodate a cook.
The lodge has excellent facilities and the modern kitchen has been designed to accommodate large parties if required. The living room and dining room both have superb views overlooking Loch Brora. There are also separate kennel facilities.
