THE RIVER AT A PERFECT HEIGHT FOR MANY BEATS AND FREE SALMON FISHING FOR OUR NHS HEROES BUT LOCKDOWN CONTINUES! W/E 26th April 2020

It is turning out to be one of the driest April’s on record as there has been very little rainfall across much of Scotland in the past few weeks. This has led to river levels dropping away nicely with a few fish showing in many of the pools on some beats. Water heights are now perfect for many beats on the middle and lower river but unfortunately, the lockdown continues. The reason for all the fine and settled weather has been a large area of high pressure which has centred itself over the near continent and this had led to mainly fine and dry conditions for much of the month. However, it has continued to feel cold on some days with a keen easterly wind bringing a slight chill in the air. 

A beautiful early morning scene on the Upper Islamouth & Meikleour Beat

The truth is that no one knows when we will be able to wet a line again on Scotland’s rivers. The current lockdown is due to be reviewed again in early May and hopefully, then things may become a little clearer. As long as the government advise that we can only leave our home for one form exercise and ask us to avoid all non-essential travel it is unlikely that fishing will restart. Even when fishing is allowed once again the difficulty could be accommodation as it is unlikely that hotels, pubs and restaurants are going to open any time soon. However, at the moment this is all speculation and all we can do is wait and see what happens.
I am sure you will agree that our NHS workers have been doing a sterling job in the face of such adversity in recent weeks. It is therefore great news that the Newtyle Beat is offering a free day’s salmon fishing for our NHS heroes on Saturday 8^th August (government guidelines permitting). On the day, anglers will enjoy guided salmon fishing as well as lunch served at the riverbank. There will be tackle hire provided for those who have never fished before. There has already been many offers of help from people wanting to get involved and there have been numerous heart-rendering stories from frontline workers who have been in contact and battling against this terrible pandemic on a daily basis. If you are an NHS worker and would like to participate please email info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com 

It is great to see how the country can come together in times of national crisis and I am sure that everyone will agree this is a worthy cause. 

Great to see our NHS heroes having a day to look forward too!

It will be a very frustrating time for many being stuck indoors for long periods of time, but it does give anglers the opportunity to 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.
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!

Maybe something to tempt that big Tay salmon once we can wet a line again?

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

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. This will be reviewed again in early May. We hope everyone stays safe and well.
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Tactics for the River Tay during the spring period

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.

A DRY APRIL, SALMON ON THE TAY BUT THE LOCKDOWN CONTINUES! W/E 18th April 2020

(River Tay weekly report week ending 18^th April 2020) 

At the beginning of the season, there was relentless rain and subsequent high water on many rivers across Scotland including the Tay. It felt like every week we were being battered by a different named storm. Anglers and ghillies alike were fed up of the weather and indeed many days on the Tay system were lost due to repeated flooding. 

 A beautiful sunset on the River Tay

 It was hoped that as we moved through the spring period the weather would start to improve as would the fishing conditions. The weather has improved significantly over the past few weeks; indeed, it has been one of the driest April’s so far in recent years. With high pressure in charge for the foreseeable future, this trend is set to continue. Currently, the river is at a perfect height for many beats especially on the middle river and this has coincided with it being a prime time of year for spring salmon fishing on the Tay. Ghillies have reported seeing fish splashing in many of the pools on their beats on almost a daily basis when they have gone down to check on their boats and huts. The water temperature last week was 44.2 degrees Fahrenheit which is 6.8 degrees Celsius. It sounds like a fantastic scenario, but as we know, unfortunately, all is not well.

Ironically river levels are currently perfect for many beats

Salmon fishing on the Tay system was temporarily suspended around three weeks ago in line with government policy in an attempt to combat the spread of Covid 19. The lockdown restrictions were reviewed earlier this week and it was felt that the current guidance should stay in place for at least another three weeks before it is reviewed again. This all means that salmon fishing in Scotland continues to be temporarily suspended until some of the restrictions are relaxed and in actual fact, no one knows when this will be. 

Until then, as anglers, we can all do our bit by staying at home, protecting our fantastic NHS and its staff and saving lives. 

Hopefully, it won't be too long until we start catching these Tay beauties once again!

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 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 last for at least a further three weeks after which the situation will be revaluated, and further decisions will be made.

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

Tactics for the River Tay during the spring period

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.

EASTER LIKE WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE! W/E 12th April 2020

(River Tay weekly report week ending 11^th April 2020) 

Easter is now upon us and an interesting fact is that statistically, it is more likely to snow over the Easter weekend than at Christmas. Thankfully this Easter there is none of the white stuff forecast. Unfortunately, that is the only thing we have to be thankful for as we continue to be in the grips of this terrible pandemic.
Normally at this time of year, many anglers make their annual pilgrimage up to the River Tay to experience some of the best early season salmon fishing in Scotland. 

Many anglers flock to the River Tay at Easter

Usually, by now, there is a reasonable head of fish in the river and as each week goes by more fish enter the system which are destined for the River Tummel and Isla. The truth of the matter is that no one really knows and probably will never know what the spring run on the Tay has been like this year as this is the third week that a line has not been wet on the Tay system. 

The quality of spring salmon the Tay is capable of producing at this time of year!

 As per government guidelines, we are being urged to stay at home this Easter and so for many, it will be like no other Easter weekend they have experienced before. The government is due to give an update on the lockdown early next week and the common consensus seems to be that it will continue in its present form for the foreseeable future. No one really knows when anglers across Scotland including the River Tay will be able to fish again but hopefully, it will be in the not too distant future. 

Anglers will be armed and ready to go when the lockdown ends!

Until then, we can all do our bit by listening to the government advice by staying at home, protecting our fantastic NHS and its staff and saving lives. 

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 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 until next week and then the situation will be revaluated, and further decisions will be made.
We hope everyone stays safe and well.
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Tactics for the River Tay during the early spring period

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.

WIMBLEDON CANCELLED, COUNTRY IN LOCKDOWN AND NO ONE FISHING THE TAY, THIS IS NO APRIL FOOLS!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 4^th April 2020) 

We moved into April last week and entering into what should be the prime period on the River Tay for spring salmon fishing. Usually, April and May are the most productive months for many beats during the spring period and it is a time that many salmon anglers have been waiting for. 

A cracking spring salmon just what the Tay is famous for producing in April and May!

However, this is proving to be like no other year and a time in our lives that no one has experienced before. If someone had said that Wimbledon had been cancelled, the country was in lockdown and there would be no one wetting a line on the Tay during the first week of April and hence no fish caught, most people would think that this was an April fool. However, sadly this is the true state of affairs at this current time.

All salmon fishing on the Tay system remains temporarily suspended amid the current COVID 19 pandemic as we complete the second week of what effectively has been a lockdown for many people. The situation will be reviewed by the government and a further announcement is likely to be made on the 13^th of April. 

A tasty pattern that might just do the business when we start fishing again!

Depending on what has been decided a decision will be taken around whether fishing across Scotland will resume again. Until then all we can do is follow current government guidelines which of course is to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Hopefully, anglers will be able to enjoy the delights of the mighty Tay in the not too distant future!

Hopefully, things will start to get back to normal in the not too distant future and then once anglers can enjoy the delights of fishing on the mighty River Tay. 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 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 another week and then the situation will be revaluated, and further decisions will be made.

We hope everyone stays safe and well.
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.