THE CURTAINS ARE TEMPORARILY DRAWN ON THE SEASON AS SALMON FISHING ON THE TAY SYSTEM IS SUSPENDED! W/E 28th March 2020

THE CURTAINS ARE TEMPORARILY DRAWN ON THE SEASON AS SALMON FISHING ON THE TAY SYSTEM IS SUSPENDED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 28th March 2020) 

Well, what a strange and unprecedented week it has been for all of us around the UK? With numbers of Covid 19 cases around the country increasing rapidly the government made an announcement on Monday evening which effectively put the country into lockdown for many people. It was therefore hardly a surprise that on the following day many beats on the Tay system decided to close on a temporary basis. Effectively the entire river has now closed its banks to anglers for at least three weeks and this is the correct and responsible course of action to take in such troubling times. We all now just have to wait and see how the current situation develops and hope that people stay safe and obey governments advice so that many more lives are not lost. Most other rivers around Scotland have followed a similar course of action.
The river was only fished for two days last week on many beats, but some beats had decided to close from Monday. Water levels were decent and settled and the river was in good condition. Indeed, the Tay was running at its lowest level in recent weeks.
The Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Beat produced a nice springer on Monday which was good to see. The successful angler was Mr Wood who landed the fine fish weighing fourteen pounds from the tail of the March Pool. Further downstream Mr Philip Black tasted success on the famous Islamouth Beat when he landed a cracking fish on the same day.

Mr Philip Black with a lovely springer caught from Islamouth on Monday

The Burnmouth Beat has been productive in recent days and Monday was no different when two beautiful springers were landed including a magnificent fish weighing seventeen pounds.
While the temporary enclosure is in place on the Tay system enforcement patrols will remain ongoing across the district under guidance from Fisheries Management Scotland.
Over the next few days and weeks, as anglers, we can spend time at the vice tying some tasty creations to tempt that big Tay salmon. There is no better time to fill that fly box full of mouth-watering patterns.

Time to spend some time at the vice and tie some mouth-watering patterns!

Firstly, let us hope that as many people around the country can stay safe and well. This is the time when we can all do our bit by heeding government advice and supporting our heroes on the frontline of the NHS. Hopefully, things will start to get back to normal in the not too distant future and then once again the sound of screaming reels will adorn the banks of the mighty River Tay! 

Hopefully in the not too distant future reels will sing and springers like this will be landed once again from the mighty Tay!

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 

We hope everyone does their bit and adheres to the current government advice.
Stay safe,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Beat catches reported
(week ending 28th March)

SALMON & GRILSE: Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 1, Burnmouth 2.

Total:4 Largest: Burnmouth 17lbs

PROSPECTS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

The river is now effectively temporarily closed to anglers due to the current Covid 19 pandemic in accordance with government guidelines. The closure is set to initially last for three weeks and then the situation will be reevaluated, and further decisions will be made.

We hope everyone stays safe and well.
Samantha & Sandy Datta

  

PROSPECTS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

The river is now effectively temporarily closed to anglers due to the current Covid 19 pandemic in accordance with government guidelines. The closure is set to initially last for three weeks and then the situation will be reevaluated, and further decisions will be made.

Tactics for the River Tay during the early spring period (January-March)

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.

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year 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. 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 respect at all times.

DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD…BUT YES SALMON FISHING DOES MATTER TO MANY PEOPLE AND THE TAY REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! W/E 21st March 2020

DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD…BUT YES SALMON FISHING DOES MATTER TO MANY PEOPLE AND THE TAY REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 21^st March 2020) 

For many people, salmon fishing will be the last thing on their minds as Scotland and the UK as a whole braces itself for unprecedented times ahead. There is no escaping the fact that the outbreak of Covid-19 is very worrying and it is an uncertain time for all of us. It is easy to say when people’s health, livelihoods and lives are at risk that salmon fishing does not matter and of course this may be the case. However, there are many people in Scotland that rely on salmon fishing for employment as it has become entwined into the fabric of our society.  For these individuals, it does matter and so it should. Many people around the country who live close to the banks of a river and don’t have too far to travel may feel that salmon fishing is genuinely good for the soul and mind amid such testing times and so they will appreciate the fact that to date they are still able to book a day’s fishing on the river. Currently, the Tay system is open for business as usual.
We are now moving towards the end of March and as each day passes more hard fighting spring salmon are running the Tay system. Indeed last week was the most productive week of the season so far on the Tay system. Over the next few weeks, we should be entering the prime spring period on the river and hopefully, there will be some good sport to be had.
Last week also saw the spring equinox on Friday. This is when the hours of day time and night time are of approximately equal length. For the scholars amongst us, the word equinox is derived from the Latin term aequinocium, from aqueous which means equal and nox which is night.
Thankfully, the weather was much more settled across Perthshire from midweek onwards as high pressure started to build. The settled weather continued through the weekend and gradually water levels on the Tay system dropped. Currently, the river is in excellent condition and hopefully, there will be some nice spring salmon landed in the upcoming days. 

Mr Peter Fonda with a fine sixteen pounder caught from Loch Tay

 It was good to see Loch Tay continuing its recent run of good form last week. The loch has produced some cracking fish in recent days including a fish weighing well in excess of thirty pounds. Monday saw more action on the loch. Mr Peter Fonda was fishing with his friend Mr Alan Brown and Loch Tay Fish N’ Trips guide Mr Grant Tigwell when his rod buckled. After a fight which led Mr Fonda a merry dance, he landed a lovely spring salmon weighing sixteen pounds. There were a total of two fish caught from the loch on Monday and a further fish was landed on Wednesday. Next to have some good fortune on the loch was Mr Chris Downes who landed a fine springer weighing twelve pounds. 

Mr Chris Downs caught this fine springer from Loch Tay last week

Another member of the Fonda family enjoyed success on the loch on the same day this time it was Mr Geo Fonda who landed a lovely fresh sixteen pounder. It is great to see Loch Tay fishing well in recent weeks. It is a short season on the loch compared to the rest of the Tay system so long may it continue. 

Mr Geo Gonda with a Loch Tay spring cracker!

 It was a magical day on Saturday for young Lewis Blair who was fishing on the Glendelvine Beat. Lewis caught a fin perfect spring salmon weighing seven pounds. It is so good to see our younger generation getting into our sport and I am sure Lewis is now hooked. Well-done young man!

Young Lewis Blair with a fine springer from Glendelvine!

There were no Monday morning blues for Mr James MacDonald who was wetting a line on the Delvine & Burnbane Beat. Mr MacDonald landed a terrific springer weighing sixteen pounds. He then went on to hook another fresh fish, which turned out to be not such a happy ending!

A lovely spring salmon caught by Mr James MacDonald from the Delvine & Burnbane Beat

The River Isla produced a fish on Thursday and Friday from the Couper Grange Beat. At Islamouth there was a lovely springer caught on Friday with Mr Ramsey Muir being the successful angler. Mr Muir landed the cracking fish weighing eight and a half pounds. The springer was caught on a Kynoch. There was another fish caught from the beat on Saturday. There was success at Cargill on Thursday. Legendary Tay Ghillie, Mr George Mcinnes did the business at Ballathie on Friday. He was harling the Garden Pool on the upper beat when the rod bent double. The springer gave a great account of itself and was finally netted weighing in at a magnificent eighteen pounds. The fish took a pink & white Kynoch lure. 

A fine Ballathie springer

Mr Mcinnes worked his magic again this time on Saturday when he had Samantha & Sandy Datta fishing the beat. They were harling at Cobblers Croy when the rod bent double and after a long hard fight Sandy landed a fine springer weighing twenty two pounds. The fish again took a pink & white Kynoch lure. 

Sandy Datta with a nice Ballathie springer caught on Saturday

Thursday is not a day Mr Colin Sloss will not forget in a hurry. He hooked and landed a sparkling springer after a terrific fight from the Stobhall Beat. 

Mr Colin Sloss with a sparkling fish caught from Stobhall on Thursday

It was a great day at Taymount on Monday when three fine springers were landed. Taymount has produced fish on a consistent basis so far this year and has been one of the most productive beats on the river to date. Further downstream the Burnmouth Beat also tasted spring success on Monday. The week ended on a high with a further three fish caught on Friday and another on Saturday.

The Stanley beats have fished well in recent days and Monday was no exception when Mr Paul Devlin and his party got on to the scoresheet. Mr Devlin fished hard in challenging weather conditions. His perseverance paid off as towards the end of the day he got his just rewards whilst fly fishing from an anchored boat. As the line swung around in the current, it suddenly tightened, and Mr Devlin hooked a lovely fish. After a great fight, a magnificent deep springer was expertly netted. 

Mr Paul Devlin with a fine springer caught at Catholes on Monday

On Saturday afternoon Mr Robert White had a memorable afternoon landing two beautiful springers from the Catholes Beat. Both fish were caught on the fly, which was great news.

A beautiful fly caught salmon from Catholes on Saturday

Mr Stephen Paterson hooked and landed a fine springer on Thursday from Upper Scone. Mr Paterson was fishing the famous Pitlochrie Pool when his line tightened. The reward for his efforts was a fine fish weighing fifteen pounds. It looks like the fish was a hatchery reared salmon, which is great news. On Saturday Stephen's Father Mr George Patterson made it a family double when he went on to land beautiful eight pound springer.

A magnificent springer for Mr Stephen Paterson caught from the Upper Scone Beat

Away from the fishing, the hard work continues by the TDSFB. Last week saw the first of the smolt traps being positioned in the Tummel catchment area. In addition to this, the first batch of this year’s smolts were also released into the River Garry. All this work is vital in trying to ensure that salmon return to the Tay system for generations to come.
As a nation, we are currently facing very difficult and uncertain times. For many people, this report may not be important, trivial even. However, if any older or more vulnerable people in our society are currently self-isolating and reading this report we hope that you get some pleasure from this and that it wets your appetite for future salmon fishing forays on the River Tay once these hard times are finally behind us.
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 21st March)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish N Trips 5, Glendelvine 1, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Coupar Grange 2, West Grange 1,  Islamouth 2, Stobhall 1, Ballathie 2, Cargill 1, Taymount 3, Burnmouth 5, Catholes 3, Upper Scone 2

Total: 29 Largest: Ballathie 22lbs

FINALLY, A DECENT WEATHER FORECAST IN THE DAYS AHEAD! 

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 23^rd March 2020)

Last week was the most productive week of the season so far on the Tay system with some stunning spring salmon caught. Fortunately, from midweek onwards high pressure started to build and this led to predominantly dry weather, which continued, into the weekend. Water levels have gradually dropped, and this was welcomed by ghillies and anglers alike. As the river settled catches improved which was great to see.
Currently, the river is running at a nice height for many beats and with little rain forecast over the next few days, the river should continue to gradually drop. This will be music to the ears of many anglers who are intending to fish the Tay. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry with light winds. There will also be the chance of some night time frosts. Wednesday could see some rain spread in from the north west which will turn light and patchy in nature as we move into Thursday. At the moment the weather is set fair for next weekend. It will be quite cold from midweek onwards as we develop a cold northerly wind.
Catches were well spread on the system last week from Loch Tay down to Upper Scone. The quality of some of the salmon landed were truly second to none with numerous fishing weighing into the late teens as well as one registering on the scales at over twenty pounds. Anglers looking to fish on the loch stand a good chance of making contact with some early season silver, especially after some cracking fish being landed in recent days. The River Tummel and Isla could also be productive. On the main river, there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere.  Hooking a big Tay salmon next week may just help take your mind off all the doom and gloom that is currently plaguing us.
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 early spring period (January-March)

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.

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year 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. 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 respect at all times.

THE TAY SYSTEM LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION FOR PRODUCING BIG SALMON AS A THIRTY-FIVE POUNDER IS LANDED! W/E 14th March 2020

THE TAY SYSTEM LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION FOR PRODUCING BIG SALMON AS A THIRTY-FIVE POUNDER IS LANDED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 14^th March 2020) 

We have now moved into the middle of March and as each day goes by there should be more spring salmon entering the Tay system. Traditionally in March, more salmon destined for the Tummel start to enter the Tay, and this is in addition to the salmon that are bound for Loch Tay and beyond. In the next few weeks, beats on the middle river should start to produce salmon on a more consistent basis. Rivers like the Tummel and Isla should also become more productive. 

Unfortunately, it was an all too common theme last week. The curse of high water that has plagued the Tay system for much of the season struck again. River levels were high at the beginning of the week and only gradually dropped as the week progressed. In spite of this, the Tay system continued to produce some top quality hard fighting salmon with a number of fish caught weighing over the magical twenty pounds mark. On Saturday a fish weighing thirty-five pounds was caught from Loch Tay. The Tay system truly lived up to its reputation for producing big salmon!

Mr Les McBride with a cracking springer caught from Loch Tay

It was a fantastic Friday for Mr Les McBride who was fishing on Loch Tay. Mr McBride hooked and landed a magnificent spring salmon weighing twenty-two pounds after a terrific fight. This is a fish that Mr McBride will not forget in a hurry. 

 Mr Mark Paris with a beautiful spring salmon caught from Loch Tay on Saturday

 There was more success on the loch the following day. Mr Mark Paris and Mr Jock Weir hired a boat from the Loch Tay Fish n trips company and both caught stunning spring salmon weighing twenty-three and eighteen pounds. 

Success for Mr Jock Weir on Loch Tay

 Saturday was a day that Mr Jason Mcauley will never forget. He was fishing Loch Tay with his brother when he hooked a monstrous fish. The fish stayed deep and fought hard for what felt like an age. Finally, after numerous long runs, the magnificent spring salmon weighing thirty-five pounds was landed. The fish was caught on a black and gold Rapala Lure. This is the biggest salmon caught in Scotland so far this season and truly what salmon fishing dreams are made off!

Mr Jason Mcauley with his thirty five pounder caught from Loch Tay on Saturday!

It was a good start to the week on the upper river. The Findynate Beat produced a fish on Monday. Friday the 13^th proved to be a lucky day for Mr Steven Watt. Mr Watt was fishing the Clochfoldich Pool on Findynate when he hooked and landed a beautiful springer weighing eight pounds. 

It was great to see the Murthly 2 Beat produce a fine fly-caught nine pounder on Monday. It was a good end to the week at Meikleour & Upper Islamouth when a fine ten pounder was landed. The springer put up a great fight and was as fresh as paint.
On the River Isla, the Coupar Grange Beat produced a fish on Monday and Friday. Hopefully, this will be the first of many, as more fish destined for the River Isla enter the Tay system in the upcoming weeks.

The famous Islamouth Beat got off to a flier with a fine ten pound springer caught on Monday by Mr. Iain Wood from the Islamouth Pool on a Toby. The beat also went on to produce a lovely eight pounder on Thursday from the Greenbank Pool. There were no Monday morning blues for Mr Graham Wilson who was wetting a line on the Cargill Beat. Mr Wilson landed a terrific seventeen pounder. The fish put up a monumental battle and was in excellent condition.

Mr Graham Wilson with a cracking Cargill springer caught on Monday

 Mr Robert Spence proved that perseverance was the key when fishing the Stobhall Beat on Wednesday. In spite of the river running at over eight feet Mr Spence hooked and landed a beautiful spring salmon. 

 A beautiful Stobhall springer caught on Wednesday

 Next on to the score sheet was Mr John Boyd Jnr who caught a lovely sea liced springer on Saturday afternoon. Well done Sir!

Mr John Boyd with more Stobhall silver!

 Mr Darren Kaye was fishing the Woodside Pool on the Catholes Beat last week. Mr Kaye hooked and landed a stunning spring salmon weighing eight pounds. 

Mr Darren Kaye with a lovely springer caught at Catholes

On Wednesday it was a day to remember for Mr John Shaw. Mr Shaw was fly fishing from the bank in the Pitlochrie Pool when his line tightened and a terrific battle ensued. After a long fight, Mr Shaw landed a magnificent sea liced twenty-five pounder. Does spring salmon fishing in March get any better than this?

A superb twenty five pounder caught from the Pitlochrie Pool by Mr John Shaw

 With some lovely big springers caught from the Tay system last week, there is every chance that more will be landed in the days ahead. So why not chase some spring silver on the Tay next week? You just experience that red-letter day!

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 14^th March)SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay 1, Loch Tay Fish N’ Trips 3, Findynate 2, Murthly 2, 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Coupar Grange 2, Islamouth 2, Cargill 1, Stobhall 2, Catholes 2, Pitlochrie 1
Total: 18 Largest: Loch Tay 35lbs

MORE BIG SALMON TO BE CAUGHT IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 16th March 2020)

It is likely that more fish would have been caught from the Tay system last week if water levels had been a bit lower and more settled. However, the fish caught were of fantastic quality and many weighed over the magical twenty pounds mark. It was great to see a number of fish caught on the fly. It would be good if river levels gradually drop for the remainder of March as this would give anglers a better chance of making contact with that hard fighting Tay salmon. Traditionally March has a reputation for producing big spring salmon on the Tay system and last week certainly did not disappoint. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come in the upcoming days and weeks.
Looking ahead to next week after some rain it is likely that the weather will settle down somewhat and this will be music to the ears of anglers and ghillies alike. Monday will start off mainly dry and cold but rain will spread in from the west with hill snow in some places. It will feel cool in the strong northwesterly wind. There will be showers or longer spells of rain on Tuesday with the heaviest rain falling on the western side of the catchment area. Wednesday and Thursday should be mainly dry as high pressure starts to build and the settled weather should continue into next weekend, which is great news. There were some lovely salmon caught from the Tay system last week and it was good to see the Tay system living up to its reputation for producing big salmon. Fish were caught from Loch Tay as well as the River Isla. On the main stem of the river, fish were caught from Findynate down to Pitlochrie so there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere. Loch Tay and the River Tummel are also 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. The river offers tremendous value for money at this time of year with anglers being able to fish on some of the most famous and prestigious beats in Scotland at a very reasonable price. 

With numerous big fish landed last week, why not wet a line on the mighty Tay next week? You might just land that spring salmon of a lifetime!
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 early spring period (January-March)

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.

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year 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. 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 respect at all times.