(River Tay weekly report week ending 23rd February 2020)
What a week of weather it has been across Scotland including Perthshire. Unfortunately, the weather forecasters got it right last week and we had it all! Heavy rain, snow, gale force winds and everything else in between were encountered by many. The Tay was in flood for most of the week and very little meaningful fishing took place on the river.
The Tay has been massive for most of the week
River levels did not get much below nine feet on the Ballathie gauge through the course of the week. As soon as the river started to drop more rain fell on heavily saturated ground leading to the next big lift in water. The water was not only unsettled but massive. On many beats ghillies quite rightly advised guests to cancel their trip as the river was unfishable on most days. It is unusual for the River Tay to be so high for such a prolonged period of time. Indeed on Saturday the river almost reached fifteen feet on the Ballathie gauge.
A beautiful sunrise at Islamouth & Meikleour
It was not only anglers fishing on the Tay that suffered; there was very little fishing possible across Scotland due to the widespread nature of the severe weather. There were only a handful of fish caught from Scotland’s rivers last week. This gives an idea of the scale of the stormy weather that has battered the UK in recent days.
Harling could be effective once the water drops
It goes without saying that what we now need is a prolonged spell of dry and calm weather so anglers can get out on to the water and wet a line. Only then will have an idea of what the early spring run on the Tay system has been like. Until then we just need to keep our fingers crossed and hope that Mother Nature is in a kind mood.
Maybe a fly to try to tempt those big Tay springers in the upcoming weeks?
Undoubtedly once water levels drop and settle and there are rods on the water, fresh fish will be caught. Let us hope that this will happen sooner rather than later. So, in the upcoming days, if conditions improve why not chase some spring silver on the mighty River Tay? Landing a big Tay salmon would be a great way to end February!
Hopefully, plenty of these Tay spring crackers will be caught once conditions improve
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
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat catches reported
(week ending 23rd February)SALMON & GRILSE: None reported
(week ending 23rd February)SALMON & GRILSE: None reported
IS THERE ANY END IN SIGHT?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 24th February 2020)
The weather can only be described as being atrocious over the past couple of week with gale force winds, heavy rain and snow all in the mix. It has felt like a relentless barrage, which almost everyone across Scotland is now getting fed up with. The severe weather has led to swollen rivers across the country and Perthshire has been no different. The Tay barely got below nine feet on the Ballathie gauge last week with river levels rising on almost a daily basis. The conditions have left ghillies and their guests fed up and praying for better weather. The question on almost everyone’s lips has been “Is there any end in sight”?
Unfortunately, the short answer to that question is no. The weather next week is forecast to be stormy and unsettled with more gale force winds and heavy rain to come. There is also the chance of snow and some of the white stuff could fall even down to lower levels. Over the weekend the wet and windy theme has continued with frequent snow showers across some parts but Sunday was mainly dry. Monday will see some heavy snowfall across much of Perthshire coupled with strong winds as the next low pressure system races in from the Atlantic. The snow could cause some travel disruption. Tuesday and Wednesday will feel very cold in a strong northwesterly wind. There will be plenty of wintry showers and these could fall down to even lower levels. On Thursday another area of low pressure is likely to bring more wind, rain and hill snow to much of Scotland. So, unfortunately, the unsettled weather seems to be here to stay for the time being.
Once water levels drop, and the river gets to a fishable height there will be a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. Loch Tay could also be well worth considering at this time of year. As always there are no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes with many very reasonably priced options available. So why not wet a line on the Tay once conditions improve? That big Tay springer could give the fight of your life!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Unfortunately, the short answer to that question is no. The weather next week is forecast to be stormy and unsettled with more gale force winds and heavy rain to come. There is also the chance of snow and some of the white stuff could fall even down to lower levels. Over the weekend the wet and windy theme has continued with frequent snow showers across some parts but Sunday was mainly dry. Monday will see some heavy snowfall across much of Perthshire coupled with strong winds as the next low pressure system races in from the Atlantic. The snow could cause some travel disruption. Tuesday and Wednesday will feel very cold in a strong northwesterly wind. There will be plenty of wintry showers and these could fall down to even lower levels. On Thursday another area of low pressure is likely to bring more wind, rain and hill snow to much of Scotland. So, unfortunately, the unsettled weather seems to be here to stay for the time being.
Once water levels drop, and the river gets to a fishable height there will be a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. Loch Tay could also be well worth considering at this time of year. As always there are no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes with many very reasonably priced options available. So why not wet a line on the Tay once conditions improve? That big Tay springer could give the fight of your life!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
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 early spring months water temperatures are often low and river levels high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly is moving through the water column can be the key to success. Often you may be required to use floating lines coupled with sinking polyleaders, intermediate or even full sinking lines. It is therefore important that you have a fly rod that can work in harmony with a heavy line. As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality.
Make sure your fly reel has a good drag system
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 can work well. In higher water, an intermediate or full sinking line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got an 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 early spring period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain. Usually a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds ideal.
Make sure that your fly reel has got an 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 early spring period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain. Usually a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds ideal.
Tube flies can work well during the early part of the season
During the early part of the season, tube flies often work well. If the water temperatures are low weighted copper, brass or even tungsten tubes of a decent length will allow your fly to get well down and close to where the fish are likely to be lying. In cold weather, the fish are unlikely to be keen on moving fast so it is better that your fly moves through the water column at an adequate depth and not too quickly.
Spinning
A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven foot is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to forty 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.
The Vision 110 can be a productive lure on the River Tay
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 forty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures which are well worth considering.
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 during the early spring months.
Setting out to do some harling on the Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Beat
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. 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 15th to 1st 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 respect at all times.
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 respect at all times.
