Although
the Cassley, draining some 75 square miles, is by far the smallest
of the four inner Kyle of Sutherland rivers, it has long enjoyed an
elevated reputation in salmon fishing circles. Indeed it is probably
true that no other Scottish river of comparable size has been so celebrated
in print. From the late 19th century the Cassley attracted many illustrious
guests and tenants, including Augustus Grimble, Viscount Grey of Fallodon,
Major R Chrystal and Alexander McConnochie- all were copious in their
praise for this dramatic salmon stream.
Its source is the chain of lochans known as the Gorm Lochs to the north of Ben More Assynt. The Cassley has a course of some 18 miles before it joins the Kyle near Rosehall, just downstream of the mouth of the Oykel. It is worth noting that spring salmon are held back in the bottom mile by the Cassley Falls, a temperature barrier, which they do not surmount until the water temperature reaches a little over 50F.
Beats in ascending order:
Rosehall 1.4 miles double bank.
Glenrossal 2.5 miles double bank.
Glencassley 6 miles double bank. Not let.
Duchally 2 miles double bank.