(River Tay weekly report week ending 11th 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.
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
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment