WIMBLEDON CANCELLED, COUNTRY IN LOCKDOWN AND NO ONE FISHING THE TAY, THIS IS NO APRIL FOOLS!
(River Tay weekly report week ending 4th 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 13th 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.
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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