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.
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
Stay safe,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat catches reported
(week ending 28th March)
(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
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.
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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