CATCHES ON THE RIVER TAY HOLD UP WELL DURING THE FINAL FEW DAYS OF THE SEASON!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 18th October 2020) 

The River Tay finally closed its banks to anglers on Thursday. The weather was typically autumn fare for mid-October with spells of rain and strong winds from time to time. River levels were steady last week. Thursday dawned dry and calm with mainly light winds which made it a fitting finale for the final day of the season Catches held up well with a number of big fish landed with numerous fish weighing in excess of twenty pounds which was great to see. The water temperature last week was 46.8 degrees Fahrenheit which 8.2 degrees Celsius. 
On the upper river, there was some good sport to be had last week with some nice fish caught. At Edradynate on the final day of the season Mr Sam Dods aged fourteen caught his first ever salmon and what a fish it was, weighing a magnificent twenty one pounds. A fantastic achievement and hopefully that will be Sam hooked for life! 

Kyle Dods with his first ever salmon caught at Edradynate 

Other successful beats on the upper river included both Farleyer beats as well as Lower Bolfracks and Upper Kinnaird amongst others.
Further downstream on the middle river it was a good start to the week at Lower Kinnaird when a superb twenty four pounder was caught on Monday. There were two more fish caught from the beat on Thursday. Anglers at Dalguise landed fine hat trick on Monday. At Dalmarnock it was a fantastic end to the season with three fish landed on Thursday. 
Mr George Macallum had a day to remember on Monday at Dunkeld when he caught his first ever salmon from the Gauge Pool. The fish weighed eight pounds. Well done Sir! However, Mr Macallum’s brother Joe went one better when he landed a cracking eighteen pounder from the Cutty Stone. Both fish were caught on a Vision110 lure. 

George MacCallum with his first ever salmon 

On Thursday Mr Eddie Richards had a nice fish from the Mousetrap weighing seven pounds.

Mr Eddie Richards with a nice fish from Dunkeld on the final day of the season

At Newtyle Mr Farquhar Murray landed a fine seven pounder from the Boil on Wednesday. Mr Stuart Campbell had a nice eleven pounder from the Deans Burn on the same day. Both fish were caught on the fly. On Thursday there were five fish caught with more success for Mr Farquhar Murray. It was a productive few days on the Murthly 2 Beat with three fish landed on two of the final four days of the season. There was a couple of fish caught at Glendelvine on Thursday. The Kercock Beat continued its recent run of good form with five fish caught on Monday and one on Tuesday. On Thursday it was a great end to the season with three fish landed including a magnificent twenty pounder for Kercock regular Mr Ernie Donnell. Mr Donnell went on to lose an even bigger fish. This was one of five fish lost on the final day of the season. It was good to see three fish landed at Meikleour on Wednesday.

A lovely fish for Mr Ernie Donnell caught from Kercock

The Mayhew party were fishing at Islamouth last week and enjoyed some good sport landing seven salmon up to sixteen pounds. All the fish were caught on the fly. Anglers at Ballathie enjoyed a productive final few days of the season with plenty of good sport to be had. The beat produced four fish on Monday as well as five on Wednesday.
The good fishing continued at Cargill up until the end of the season. Mr Neil French kept doing what he does best and enjoyed some terrific sport. 

Mr Neil French with a lovely fish caught from Cargill on the fly

 

Other successful anglers included Mr Andrew Callaghan who landed a nice grilse on Monday as well as Mr Steve Cunrow. On the final day of the season, Mr Mark Wilson was one of the anglers that got their rod bent amongst others when a total of six fish were landed from the beat.

Mr Steve Cunrow with a grilse from Cargill

It was a happy Monday at Stobhall with five fish landed. There were three more fish caught from the beat on Wednesday and one on Thursday. Taymount finished with thirteen fish for the final four days of the season. At Upper Scone, Mr Gary perks had three fish and Mr Bob Shaw also got in amongst the action when he landed a fine nineteen pounder. On Thursday Mr Bob Shaw was at it again when he landed the final fish of the year from the beat. At Upper Redgorton there were plenty of bent rods with three fish landed on Monday and four on Wednesday including a twenty six pounder. Fishponds finished with sixteen fish for the final few days of the season including eight on Thursday. 

Mr Ranald Allan with a cracker from Luncarty

Mr Ranald Allan landed a nice fish on Wednesday from Luncarty. Mr David Brand was fly fishing in Luncarty also Wednesday when his line tightened. After a great fight which included some soaring runs, Mr Brand finally landed a fine fish. 

Mr Brand with a nice fish caught at Luncarty on the fly

The sport continued to be brisk at Waulkmill with twelve fish landed during the first three days of the week including a magnificent twenty eight pounder on Tuesday. The season finished with five more fish landed on Thursday. At Almondmouth the final few days of the season produced eight fish.
It has been one of the strangest of years’ for obvious reasons but it would be fair to say that there has certainly been no shortage of fish in the Tay system especially towards the end of the season. Let us hope this is a sign of things to come for 2021,  and that anglers can enjoy a full fishing season and experience the wonderful delights the mighty silvery Tay has to offer.
We would like to thank all the ghillies and beat owners on the River Tay system who have contributed to this report throughout the season by providing their time and information as the weekly report would not be possible without your help and support. 

The next weekly report will be published in mid-January 2021.
Stay safe & tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Beat catches reported

(week ending 18th October)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Farleyer 5, Lower Farleyer 3, Upper Bolfracks 9, Lower Bolfracks 2, Edradynate 1, Findynate 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 3, Dalguise 3, Dalmarnock 3,  Dunkeld 4, Newtyle 7, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 9, Glendelvine 2, Delvine & Burnbane 2, Kercock 9, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 3, Islamouth 12, West Grange 3, Ballathie 11, Cargill 15, Stobhall 10, Taymount 13, Upper Scone 5, Benchil 1, Upper Redgorton 9, Fishponds 16, Luncarty 4, Waulkmill 17, Almondmouth 8, Crieff AC 2, Lochlane & Laggan 3.

Total: 197 Largest: Waulkmill 28lbs

THE TAY LIVES UP TO IT’S BIG FISH REPUTATION!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 10th October 2020) 

With only four days of salmon fishing now remaining on the Tay system, last week was the final full week of the season. After the big flood during the previous weekend water levels gradually dropped through the week. On Monday the river was carrying a fair amount of colour but by the middle of the week, the water was much clearer. In terms of the weather, it was typical autumn fare with heavy blustery showers on some days accompanied by a strong wind. Towards the end of the week, the keen northerly wind led to it feeling noticeably cooler but the river was at a good height for many beats. In actual fact, it was almost perfect autumn fishing weather. 
It was good to see the number of big fish caught from the Tay system last week. There were numerous fish landed in the high teens and early twenties as well as two tipping the scales at over the magical thirty pounds mark. Traditionally the Tay has had a reputation for producing large fish and many anglers fishing the river last week were not disappointed. It would be fair to say that the majority of fish caught were older but they certainly put up a great fight in many cases. The water temperature last week was 48 degrees Fahrenheit which is 8.9 degrees Celsius.

Beautiful autumn colours at Edradynate last week

On the upper river, anglers enjoyed success at both Farleyer Beats (including six from Upper Farleyer on Saturday) as well as Lower Bolfracks and Upper Kinnaird. There was a couple of fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Wednesday and one on Thursday. Dalguise also enjoyed success on Thursday. Further downstream there was success at Dalmarnock on Tuesday. It was a great end to the week at Dalmarnock with a total of six fish caught on Friday and Saturday including a magnificent eighteen pounder. 
Mr John Stamp had a happy Monday when he landed a fine fifteen pounder at Newtyle. The fish was caught from the Plane Tree pool and weighed fifteen pounds. Mr Stamp went on to land three fish for his week including one from the Trap on Saturday. 

John Stamp with a fish from Newtyle on Saturday

Both Murthly beats enjoyed some success on Thursday with a fish caught from Murthly 1 and a couple from Murthly 2. There were two more fish caught from Murthly 2 on Friday and Saturday. Anglers at Glendelvine enjoyed some good sport on Saturday landing four fish. There was also success at Delvine & Burnbane on Thursday and Saturday for Mr Stan Nicol who landed a grilse on a red and gold Vision110 lure from Sparrowmuir.  

Mr Stan Nicol had the grilse from Delvine & Burnbane on Saturday

It was a decent first half of the week at Kercock with anglers enjoying some good sport. There were a total of five fish caught including a cracking nineteen pounder on Wednesday. There were a couple more caught from the beat on Thursday. On Saturday anglers enjoyed some great sport with six fish landed including one which was very fresh which was great to see.
It was a happy Monday at Meikleour with two fish landed and another fish caught on Thursday with the higher water again suiting the beat. Friday and Saturday saw more success with two more fish caught. 
The Farnell party were fishing at Islamouth last week and enjoyed some good sport in spite of the difficult conditions at the start of the week. They landed a total of nine fish and lost many others with the biggest weighing in at sixteen pounds. 
There was good sport to be had at Ballathie on Monday with four fish landed and two more on Wednesday. On Friday there was a magnificent twenty eight pounder caught at and the big fish just kept coming with a twenty six pounder caught from the lower beat on Saturday.
Anglers enjoyed some good sport through the course of last week at Cargill and there were some big fish landed. In spite of the high water Cargill regular Mr Neil French landed a nice fish on Monday morning. Mr George Riddell caught his first ever Tay salmon also on Monday. There were a total of five fish landed for the day including a cracking eighteen pounder.

Mr George Riddell with a personal best caught salmon from Cargill

On Tuesday anglers at Cargill went one better landing six fish. Successful anglers included Mr Gareth Craze with a nice grilse and Mr George Riddell was back in the action again. However, one of the fish of the season has to go to Mr Craig Mason who landed a magnificent thirty one pounder. The fish gave a great account of itself in high water but patience and skill during the long fight eventually paid dividends. Craig was ably assisted by his father Mr Gavin Mason and together they shared an unforgettable moment once the fish was landed. Craig had actually caught a fish earlier in the day and the combined weight of both his fish came to an unbelievable eighty pounds.

Mr Craig Mason with a cracking fish caught on Tuesday at Cargill

The good sport continued towards the end of the week at Cargill with Mr Gavin Mason and Neil French amongst others getting their rods bent. 

Mr Neil French with big cock fish caught at Cargill on Wednesday

In spite of the high coloured water, it was a good start to the week at Stobhall. Mr Barry Ward landed three fish and his good friend Mr Jim Ferrie also enjoyed some good sport landing two. 

A nice fish for Jim Ferrie caught from Stobhall on Monday

However, fish of the day on Monday had to go to Ms Catherine Ferguson who caught the biggest fish in the party weighing a magnificent fifteen pounds. 

Success for Ms Cargerine Ferguson at Stobhall on Monday

There were fish caught on a regular basis as the week progressed at Stobhall which was good to see. On Friday Mr Barry Ward enjoyed more success landing three lovely fish weighing eighteen, sixteen and fifteen pounds. Not a bad day’s work!
There were five fish caught during the first half of the week at Taymount and the beat finished with a total of fourteen fish for the week. At Upper Scone there were a total of nine fish caught with four for Mr Gary Perks and three for Mr Bob Shaw. The biggest fish of the week went to retired ghillie Mr Jimmy Barrett who landed a lovely sixteen pounder. Well done sir! 
It was good to see success at Pitlochrie on Wednesday. Ms Becci Roberts landed a big fish from the Benchil Beat on Tuesday. The fish was caught from Aitken Head.

Ms Becci Roberts lands a monster at Benchil on Tuesday

Upper Redgorton had a fish on Tuesday and a couple on Friday with one landed on Saturday. There were three fish caught at Fishponds during the first two days of the week with another fish landed on Thursday. Anglers enjoyed some great sport on Saturday with five fish landed from the beat. 
On Wednesday it was a day to remember for Mr Andrew Crisp. Mr Crisp was fishing the Luncarty Beat when his line tightened. Quite soon it became apparent that this was no ordinary fish. After what proved to be a monumental fight Mr Crisp landed a magnificent thirty two pound monster. The fish was caught on a toby lure. What a fish and what a day for Mr Crisp!

Mr Andrew Crisp with a 32lbs monster caught from Luncarty on Wednesday

The good sport continued at Waulkmill with fourteen fish caught during the first half of the week including seven on Wednesday. On Thursday the beat produced a superb twenty pounder. The week ended well with six fish landed on Saturday. Catches at Almondmouth were consistent with a total of fourteen fish caught for the week.
With four days of the Tay salmon fishing season remaining there is still time to land that last big Tay salmon of 2020, so why not have cast? Who knows, the river might just produce another thirty pounder! 
We would like to thank all the ghillies and beat owners on the River Tay system who have contributed to this report by providing their time and information as the weekly report would not be possible without your help and support. If you would like to share any interesting stories or pictures from your time fishing on the River Tay for the purposes of this report, please free to contact us at info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com 
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

 Beat catches reported (week ending 10th October 2020)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Farleyer 9, Lower Farleyer 2, Upper Bolfracks 2, Lower Bolfracks 1, Upper Kinnaird 2, Lower Kinnaird 3, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 7, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 3 Murthly 2, 6, Glendelvine 4, Delvine & Burnbane 3, Kercock 15, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 5, West Grange 4,  Islamouth 12, Ballathie 10, Cargill 27, Stobhall 15, Taymount 14, Upper Scone 9, Pitlochrie 1, Benchil 1, Upper Redgorton 4, Fishponds 9, Luncarty 2, Waulkmill 23, Almondmouth 14, Crieff AC 5, Lochlane & Laggan 2.

Total: 219 Largest: Luncarty 32lbs 

STILL TIME REMAINING TO CATCH THAT LAST TAY SALMON OF 2020!

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 12th October 2020)

Four days are remaining of the 2020 Tay salmon fishing season, so there is still time for that final cast on the river. After the heavy rain of last weekend and subsequent flood, the river gradually dropped through the course of last week. The weather was reasonably settled apart from a few widespread showers. It started to feel cool towards the end of the week in the keen northerly wind. It has been mainly dry over the weekend across the region apart from the odd shower. Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see a spell of rain affecting much of Perthshire and this could be heavy in places. It should be drier on Tuesday apart from the odd shower. For the final two days of the season, it should be mainly dry with lighter winds as high pressure starts to build. It will feel quite chilly with temperatures just about making double figures.
The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of hard fighting grilse and larger salmon. Salmon were caught from the Upper Farleyer down to Almondmouth with the majority of fish caught on the middle and lower river. There were also fish caught from the River Ericht and Earn. The best chance of success during the final four days of the season is likely to be on beats situated on the middle and lower river. As always, there is a good variety of salmon fishing available on the Tay system in the next few days. So why not have that final Tay foray of 2020?
Good luck to all those anglers intending to wet a line before the season ends.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Tactics for the River Tay during the autumn period (September and October)

The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.

Fly Fishing

During the autumn months, water temperatures usually begin to fall on the river but much depends on the weather. The weather and water conditions can vary greatly during the autumn months with hot weather and low water coupled with high water temperatures especially if we have an Indian summer. Conversely, it can be quite cool with regular spells of wind and rain and even night time frosts. The fish also start to become a bit more aggressive especially when they turn their thoughts towards spawning. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well especially if conditions are more akin to the summer months.  
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. In terms of lines whether that be a full Spey line or Shooting head system a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher, colder water a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got adequate backing capacity and a good reliable drag system. On the River Tay when that line tightens the fish could turn out to be that one of a lifetime. It is also important during the autumn period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there can be some large fish around towards the end of the season. Usually, a breaking strain of around fifteen pounds is ideal.

A lovely fly caught Tay salmon

During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth a go. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.

Spinning

A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven feet is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to thirty grams. A good fixed spool or multiplier reel with a reliable drag system is perfect for the River Tay. The reel should be able to accommodate a large amount of either nylon or braided line with an adequate breaking strain. 
In terms of lures, spoons like the Toby, Salmo Toby and Blair variety work well on the river. These can range in weight from eighteen to thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the autumn months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive.

A Vision 110 lure can be very productive during the autumn months

The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures are higher and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. In high cold water, it can often be more about fishing the lure that bit slower and at an adequate depth.

Harling

Harling is a method unique to the River Tay which involves fishing from a motorised boat. This method is employed on many beats and can be highly effective. 

Harling on the River Tay

Usually, two or three rods are placed in rod holders with various lures and then the ghillie skilfully combs the water by moving back and forth in the boat, whilst gradually dropping downstream, covering the likely lies on the beat. Often during the autumn months, good conditions arise on many beats for harling, especially in higher water. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion. 

 

TDSFB conservation policy

All anglers fishing on the River Tay system is reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15^th to 1^st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost of respect at all times.

A DROP IN TEMPERATURE… JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 3rd October 2020) 

We moved into October last week and are now into the twilight of the 2020 Tay salmon fishing season. Historically September and October have been prime months on the river when large catches have been made. In recent years, however, the autumn run has not been as prolific as it once was. This not only goes for the Tay but many other rivers around Scotland. In spite of this, there was a big improvement in catches on the Tay system last week which was good to see and the catalyst for this seems to be the recent drop in temperature. It appears that the fish have become more aggressive which is to be expected at this time of year following a sudden weather change and so more inclined into taking a fly or lure. The recent drop in temperature seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. In addition to the drop in temperature there was also a lift in water through the middle part of the week as heavy rain spread across much of Perthshire on Wednesday. As the day progressed on Wednesday the river became quite coloured. There was further heavy and persistent rain on Saturday and this has led to rising river levels over the weekend. By Sunday morning the Tay was in flood with levels peaking at well over ten feet on the Ballathie gauge. The water temperature last week 49.8 degrees Fahrenheit which 9.9 degrees Celsius. 

A beautiful early autumn morning on the lower Tay

There was some decent sport to be had towards the end of last week on the upper river with beats like Upper Farleyer, Edradynate and Upper Kinnaird all producing fish. Indeed, anglers at Lower Bolfracks  enjoyed some great sport on Saturday landing seven fish.

 A nice fly caught fish from Edradynate on Saturday

On Thursday it was great to see a lucky female angler catch her first ever salmon from the Bridge Pool at Dalguise. A massive congratulations Louise!
Anglers at Lower Kinnaird made a good start to the week with two salmon landed on Monday and there was more success on Friday when a twenty two pounder was caught. There was success at Dalmarnock on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 
Mr Radomir Nosal was fishing at Newtyle on Wednesday when his fly line tightened whilst fishing the Fiddlers. After a good fight which involved the fish making a number of long runs Mr Nosal finally landed the ten pound cock fish. The fish was caught on a Kelvin Shrimp. On Saturday in spite of the atrocious weather conditions Mr Davie Wilson caught his first ever salmon on the fly from the Cotter. Mr Alec Rose repeated the feat catching his first Tay salmon from the Boil in the afternoon. Well done gents!

Mr Davie Wilson with his first ever fly caught salmon at Newtyle

It was great to see the Murthly beats producing a few fish last week. The Murthly 1 Beat had a fine brace on Monday and another fish on Friday. Murthly 2 had not been fished for the past two weeks but anglers this week wasted no time in getting back into the swing of things. There were five fish landed from the beat on Monday and three more on Tuesday. On Friday there was a fine brace landed. There was a couple of fish caught at Glendelvine on Saturday.
On Friday a nice twelve pound fish was caught from the Delvine & Burnbane Beat on a red and gold Vision110 lure. The fish was caught from the Sparrow Muir Pool.

Mr Grant MacIntyre with a fine salmon caught from Delvine & Burnbane on Saturday

On Saturday Mr Grant MacIntyre had a day to remember at Delvine & Burnbane when he caught a cracking twenty pounder by the leaning tree.
At Kercock Mr Robert McFarlane had a nice fish on Monday. This was one of two fish caught from the beat. There was also a fish caught on Tuesday. Mr Rob Hills enjoyed success at Kercock on Thursday when he landed a nice fish. It was a great end to the week at Kercock with a total of six fish caught on Friday and Saturday.
It was good to see anglers at Meikleour & Upper Islamouth enjoy some decent sport during the first half of last week with a total of five fish landed including four on Tuesday. There were another three fish caught from the beat on Thursday and a couple on Friday. The week ended well with four fish caught on Saturday. On the River Ericht it was nice to see the West Grange Beat produce a fish on Friday.

A nice fish caught from Meikleour on Wednesday

At Islamouth Mr Roly Fisher’s party were wetting a line. They enjoyed some great sport with a total of eighteen fish landed weighing up to eighteen pounds. All the fish were caught on the fly. The bulk of the fish caught were salmon as opposed to grilse. Anglers at Ballathie picked away during the first half of the week with three fish landed. There were a couple more fish caught from the beat on Friday.
There was some good sport to be had at Cargill on most days. Successful anglers included Mr Stuart Maughan who had a nice twelve pounder on the fly which made the long journey up from Hexham worthwhile. Mr Lindsay Cripps also enjoyed some decent sport on the fly rod when he landed a nice grilse. 

Mr David Sands with a nice fish caught on the fly at Cargill

However, fish of the week had to go to Mr Neil French who landed a cracking twenty six pounder on the fly on Tuesday. The fish was an old warrior but put up a fantastic tussle. 

Mr Neil French with a stonking fish caught from Cargill last week

However, Thursday was the day to be at Cargill when a total of fourteen fish were landed as well as a number lost with the biggest weighing twenty three pounds. This was in spite of rising water. Other successful anglers at Cargill last week included Mr Jim Connell and Mr David Sands who had a nice grilse on the fly from the upper beat.
Anglers at Taymount got their rods bents regularly with twelve fish caught during the first half of the week. The beat finished with twenty three fish for the week. At Stobhall it was a good start to the week with three fish caught on Monday and four on Thursday. Successful anglers included Mr & Mrs Davies and Mr John Coughlan. On Saturday Mr Gary Paterson had a great day landing three salmon including two fifteen pounders.

A cracking fish caught from Stobhall on Saturday

At Upper Scone it was the turn of the Hunting party to wet a line. They enjoyed some decent sport with Mr Lyndsay Hunting landing three and his wife Imogen land two including her biggest fish a fine eighteen pounder. Mr David Hunting also had two and his wife also got on to the scoresheet with a nice fish. On Saturday Mr Hamish Cox landed his first ever salmon from Upper Scone and there were also two seventeen pounders landed.

Ann Emsens with a superb fish caught on the fly at Benchil

The Pitlochrie Beat produced a fish on Wednesday for Mr Jim McLanaghan.  There was rod bending action at Benchil on Tuesday with a total of six fish landed with Ann Emsens being one of the successful anglers when she landed a cracker on the fly. 

Mr Alistair Boomer with a Luncarty cracker caught on Wednesday

There were some nice fish landed through the course of the week at Luncarty. Mr Alistair Boomer had a cracker on the fly on Wednesday. Not to be outdone Mr Graham Reid landed a super fish on the fly on the same day.

Mr Graham Reid gets his rod bent at Luncarty with this cracker!

It was a great day at Upper Redgorton on Monday with a total of six fish landed. There were fish caught from the beat on most days including three on Thursday and Friday. Anglers at Fishponds landed seven fish during the first half of the week and finished with fifteen fish for the week including five on Friday. At Waulkmill there was some nice fish caught including a cracking nineteen pounder on Monday and a twenty three pounder on Friday. It has been an excellent season at Waulkmill with some lovely fish being landed by anglers. 

A nice fish caught at Luncarty on the fly

There was good sport to be had at Almondmouth on Monday with ten fish landed. On Wednesday there were four fish caught including a lovely eighteen pounder. A total of twenty eight fish were caught from the beat for the week.
It was encouraging not just with the improvement in catches last week but also the number of big fish landed. There were numerous fish weighing well into the teens of pounds caught.
There is now only one full week of the season remaining,  so why not book a day's salmon fishing on the famous River Tay? It could be the place to give you that season-ending fairy-tale!
We would like to thank all the ghillies and beat owners on the River Tay system who have contributed to this report by providing their time and information as the weekly report would not be possible without your help and support. If you would like to share any interesting stories or pictures from your time fishing on the River Tay for the purposes of this report, please free to contact us at info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com 

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Beat catches reported (week ending 3rd October)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Farleyer 6, Lower Farleyer 1, Upper Bolfracks 1, Lower Bolfracks 8, Edradynate 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 4, Dalguise 2, Dalmarnock 3, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 5, Murthly 2, 10, Glendelvine 2,  Delvine & Burnbane 2, Kercock 10, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 14, West Grange 1, Islamouth 30, Ballathie 6, Cargill 35, Stobhall 11, Taymount 23, Pitlochrie 2, Upper Scone 11, Benchil 6 Upper Redgorton 17, Fishponds 15, Luncarty 7, Waulkmill 23, Almondmouth 28, Lochlane & Laggan 1, Creiff AC 1

Total: 292 Largest: Cargill 26lbs

SOME MORE GOOD SPORT BEFORE THE SEASON FINALLY DRAWS TO A CLOSE?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 5th October 2020)

The upcoming week is the last full week of 2020 salmon fishing season on the Tay so there will be many keen anglers looking forward to wetting a line for the final time this year. Hopefully there will be some good sport to be had before the season finally draws to a close on the 15^th of October.
It was good to see catches improve on the river last week and the catalyst for this appears to be the drop in temperature in recent days. In addition to this there was also a lift in water during the middle part of last week. Unfortunately, it has been quite wet over the weekend across much of Scotland including Perthshire with heavy rain on Saturday. This has led to a big spate with river levels on the Ballathie gauge peaking at well over ten feet on Sunday. The weather forecast for next week is to remain unsettled with low pressure firmly in charge. There will be some showers on Monday and Tuesday with the possibility of more persistent rain through the middle part of the week. It is set to turn colder towards next weekend with the possibility of night time frosts.  
Once the river drops and clears there is the prospect of more good sport. Last week there were fish caught on the main river from Upper Farleyer down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the fish being caught from the beats situated on the middle and lower river. It was good to see that some of the fish landed were well into the teens including one weighing a magnificent twenty six pounds. Probably the best chance of a fish next week would be on any of the beats situated on the middle and lower river. 
There is good availability next week on some famous Tay beats so why not book a day? There is no better way to end the season on a high, than landing a big Tay salmon!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

 

Tactics for the River Tay during the autumn period (September and October)

The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.

Fly Fishing

During the autumn months, water temperatures usually begin to fall on the river but much depends on the weather. The weather and water conditions can vary greatly during the autumn months with hot weather and low water coupled with high water temperatures especially if we have an Indian summer. Conversely, it can be quite cool with regular spells of wind and rain and even night time frosts. The fish also start to become a bit more aggressive especially when they turn their thoughts towards spawning. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well especially if conditions are more akin to the summer months.  
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. In terms of lines whether that be a full Spey line or Shooting head system a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher, colder water a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got adequate backing capacity and a good reliable drag system. On the River Tay when that line tightens the fish could turn out to be that one of a lifetime. It is also important during the autumn period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there can be some large fish around towards the end of the season. Usually, a breaking strain of around fifteen pounds is ideal.

A lovely fly caught Tay salmon

During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.

Spinning

A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven feet is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to thirty grams. A good fixed spool or multiplier reel with a reliable drag system is perfect for the River Tay. The reel should be able to accommodate a large amount of either nylon or braided line with an adequate breaking strain. 
In terms of lures, spoons like the Toby, Salmo Toby and Blair variety work well on the river. These can range in weight from eighteen to thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the autumn months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive.

A Vision 110 lure can be very productive during the autumn months

The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures are higher and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. In high cold water, it can often be more about fishing the lure that bit slower and at an adequate depth.

Harling

Harling is a method unique to the River Tay which involves fishing from a motorised boat. This method is employed on many beats and can be highly effective. 

Harling on the River Tay

Usually, two or three rods are placed in rod holders with various lures and then the ghillie skilfully combs the water by moving back and forth in the boat, whilst gradually dropping downstream, covering the likely lies on the beat. Often during the autumn months, good conditions arise on many beats for harling, especially in higher water. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion. 

 

TDSFB conservation policy

All anglers fishing on the River Tay system are reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15^th to 1^st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost of respect at all times.