(River Tay weekly report week ending 18th 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
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.
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