We said goodbye to February last week and many anglers would have said good riddance! For much of February, Scotland including Perthshire has been battered by relentless heavy rain, strong winds and even snow on some occasions. Numerous low pressure systems have raced in from the Atlantic powered by a supercharged Jetstream and deposited large amounts of rain across the country. This has led to frequent flooding and subsequently, very little meaningful fishing has taken place. Indeed, on the Tay, it is very rare for the river to have been so high for such a prolonged period of time.
The dedication of the Tay ghillies cannot be called into question even in such harsh conditions last week!
Thankfully last week, after a very wintry start with many places seeing snowfall, river levels gradually dropped, and the Tay became fishable once again. Conditions improved significantly through the middle part of the week and in spite of it feeling very raw in the north-westerly wind some of the anglers that did brave the elements were rewarded handsomely for their efforts. Unfortunately, heavy rain on Friday night led to a rising river once again on Saturday. There were some stunning spring salmon caught from the Tay system and hopefully this is a sign of things to come as we head into March and the meteorological spring. The water temperature last week was 38.8 degrees Fahrenheit which is 2.6 degrees Celsius.
Seasoned Loch Tay campaigner Mr Robert McFarlane was revisiting one of his favourite haunts once again on Wednesday. Whilst trolling on the loch Mr McFarlane lost a fish and then shortly afterwards went one better when his rod buckled a second time. After a great fight, Mr McFarlane landed a fine springer weighing fifteen pounds. We are now entering what should be the prime time on Loch Tay and hopefully, if the weather plays ball in the upcoming weeks this will be the first of many nice fish caught.
Seasoned Loch Tay campaigner Mr Robert McFarlane was revisiting one of his favourite haunts once again on Wednesday. Whilst trolling on the loch Mr McFarlane lost a fish and then shortly afterwards went one better when his rod buckled a second time. After a great fight, Mr McFarlane landed a fine springer weighing fifteen pounds. We are now entering what should be the prime time on Loch Tay and hopefully, if the weather plays ball in the upcoming weeks this will be the first of many nice fish caught.
A fine springer caught from Loch Tay on Wednesday
It was great to see on Thursday the first fish from the Pitlochry Angling Club Water being caught from the River Tummel. Mr Steve Watt was the successful angler who landed the lively fish which did a number of cartwheels before being safely netted. The fish weighed fifteen pounds and was in excellent condition. In the days and weeks ahead more and more fresh fish should start to be caught on the river as the Tummel run gains momentum.
On the main Tay, river levels were still very high during the early part of the week, after the heavy rain from the previous weekend, but by Wednesday anglers were able to do some meaningful fishing and the pools were becoming more defined on many beats; and as if by magic, salmon started to get caught. Indeed, Wednesday turned out to be a productive day on the system for late February with a total of five fish landed.
It was great to see the Meikleour & Upper Islamouth Beat get off the mark on Wednesday. At first, a fresh fish was hooked and played out and came alongside the boat before disaster struck when the springer made a successful bid for freedom. Thankfully, shortly afterwards a fine sixteen pounder was landed after a terrific fight. The fish was caught on a salmo lure.
It was good to see Islamouth get on to the scoresheet for the week on Friday. All the recent high water has certainly not suited the beat. Undeterred Mr Rory Campbell fishing with the Tong Party tasted success when he landed a beautiful fourteen pounder which was caught on a salmon lure from Greenbank
On the main Tay, river levels were still very high during the early part of the week, after the heavy rain from the previous weekend, but by Wednesday anglers were able to do some meaningful fishing and the pools were becoming more defined on many beats; and as if by magic, salmon started to get caught. Indeed, Wednesday turned out to be a productive day on the system for late February with a total of five fish landed.
It was great to see the Meikleour & Upper Islamouth Beat get off the mark on Wednesday. At first, a fresh fish was hooked and played out and came alongside the boat before disaster struck when the springer made a successful bid for freedom. Thankfully, shortly afterwards a fine sixteen pounder was landed after a terrific fight. The fish was caught on a salmo lure.
It was good to see Islamouth get on to the scoresheet for the week on Friday. All the recent high water has certainly not suited the beat. Undeterred Mr Rory Campbell fishing with the Tong Party tasted success when he landed a beautiful fourteen pounder which was caught on a salmon lure from Greenbank
Mr Rory Campbell wit a fine springer caught from Islamouth on Friday
Mr Nick Webster had a memorable day on Thursday whilst fishing on the famous Stobhall Beat. Mr Webster was wetting a line on the Linn Pool when he hooked and landed a beautiful sea liced springer.
Mr Nick Webster lands a beautiful springer from the Stobhall Beat on Thursday
The Taymount Beat has been one of the most productive beats on the river so far this season and there was more success on Wednesday when a nice springer was landed. It was a great end to the week with three more fish caught from Taymount on Friday. Burnmouth can traditionally be a productive early spring beat located just above the weir at Stanley and this proved to be the case on Thursday when a fine springer was landed.
Mr Robert White, ghillie on the Stanley beats had a day to remember on Wednesday. Mr White was fly fishing the Back Dam Pool when his line tightened. After numerous powerful runs, Mr White landed a beautiful sixteen pounder. This was after getting some welcomed help from Upper Scone ghillie Mr Davie Seaton.
Mr Robert White, ghillie on the Stanley beats had a day to remember on Wednesday. Mr White was fly fishing the Back Dam Pool when his line tightened. After numerous powerful runs, Mr White landed a beautiful sixteen pounder. This was after getting some welcomed help from Upper Scone ghillie Mr Davie Seaton.
Mr Robert White with a fine springer from Catholes
Not being content in catching one February springer Mr White then went on to wet a line in the Woodside Pool and came up trumps again. This time after another epic battle he landed a fish weighing around fifteen pounds. What a day and well done Sir! It was also good to see the Upper Scone Beat produce a cracking springer on Friday.
A second of the day for Mr White
Away from the fishing, the hard work continues by the TDSFB. Finally, with the weather improving staff have been getting back out planting eyed ova. The eggs used have been taken from reconditioned salmon kelts which have been safely waiting in the hatchery for the floods to pass. These are free eggs for the river system as their parents would have naturally long since expired. Some of the fish are almost ten years old and have spawned in six consecutive seasons. The location of every redd is recorded using mapping software to aid accurate juvenile surveys during the summer months. Hopefully, some of these ova will mature and grow into adult salmon and return to the mighty River Tay one day.
Planting out eyed ova
With some lovely fish 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 might hook that spring salmon of a lifetime!
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 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 29th February)
(week ending 29th February)
SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish N’ Trips 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 1, Stobhall 1, Taymount 4, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 2, Upper Scone 1
Total:13 Largest: Meikleour & Upper Islamouth & Catholes 16lbs
SOME MARCH MAGIC IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 2nd March 2020)
We move into March this week, which sees us say goodbye to winter and hello to the meteorological spring. In March often catches as well as weather conditions improve as we progress through the month. Over the next few weeks, fish destined for the River Tummel should start entering the system in greater numbers in addition to the fish heading for Loch Tay and beyond. This should mean there is a better chance of hooking that elusive spring salmon.
Thankfully the weather improved somewhat last week and with it, river levels dropped. This was until Saturday when Storm Jorge brought some gale force winds and heavy rain to much of the country including Perthshire. Sunday has been quite windy with westerly gales. There have also been frequent showers. Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see further showers but also some sunny spells, with the showers most frequent across the western side of the catchment area. There will be a strong westerly to northwesterly wind with gales in exposed parts. The showers and winds will ease through Tuesday with many places are likely to be dry on Wednesday & Thursday with sunny spells and overnight frosts. Towards next weekend there is a chance of more unsettled weather returning to our shores once again but there is a lot of uncertainty around the longer range forecast at this stage.There were some lovely salmon caught from the Tay system last week and it was good to see that some of these fish were caught on the fly. Fish were caught from Loch Tay as well as the River Tummel. Next week there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. 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. So why not wet a line on the mighty Tay next week? You might just experience some March Magic!
Thankfully the weather improved somewhat last week and with it, river levels dropped. This was until Saturday when Storm Jorge brought some gale force winds and heavy rain to much of the country including Perthshire. Sunday has been quite windy with westerly gales. There have also been frequent showers. Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see further showers but also some sunny spells, with the showers most frequent across the western side of the catchment area. There will be a strong westerly to northwesterly wind with gales in exposed parts. The showers and winds will ease through Tuesday with many places are likely to be dry on Wednesday & Thursday with sunny spells and overnight frosts. Towards next weekend there is a chance of more unsettled weather returning to our shores once again but there is a lot of uncertainty around the longer range forecast at this stage.There were some lovely salmon caught from the Tay system last week and it was good to see that some of these fish were caught on the fly. Fish were caught from Loch Tay as well as the River Tummel. Next week there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. 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. So why not wet a line on the mighty Tay next week? You might just experience some March Magic!
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.
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 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.
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