(River Tay weekly report week ending 19th September 2020)
We moved deeper into autumn last week and the signs were there for all to see as the weather had a real see-saw nature to it. It was very warm and muggy across many parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday with temperatures widely into the early twenties. However, on Wednesday a chilly north easterly wind developed and this led to temperatures plummeting into the early teens. Thankfully it was mainly dry across much of the country due to high pressure predominating and so winds were light and in the sunshine, it felt quite pleasant. With the weather being mainly settled river levels dropped gradually through the course of the week after the big lift in the water last Sunday.It has to be said that in spite of the decent fishing conditions for much of the week catching fish was not so easy. There does appear to be no shortage of fish in many beats on the river but they seem to be proving difficult to tempt. It would also be fair to say that currently, it does not appear that many fresh fish are entering the system. Of course, that could all change very quickly. As anglers, we have to be optimistic so let’s all keep our fingers crossed.
On the upper river, there were fish caught at Findynate and Lower Bolfracks. On Wednesday a fine twelve pounder was caught from the Edradynate Beat which was great to see.
Mr Dave Wilson caught a nice eight pounder from the Ruan Ruarie Beat on Friday from the River Garry. On the River Tummel, Mr Martin Timmins caught a lively grilse on the fly from the Sawmill Beat. Fish were caught from Loch Faskally on Monday and Saturday. It is quite unusual for Loch Faskally to produce fish at this time of year but it just shows that you can never say never when it comes to salmon fishing!
On the middle river, it was good to see some success at Dalguise on Monday. The Dalmarnock Beat produced the goods on Tuesday and Wednesday with fish caught on each day. Newtyle had a fish on Saturday. There were a couple landed at Glendelvine on Tuesday and four on Saturday. The Murthly 1 Beat finished with four for the week.
Mr Gorge Bailey was fishing at Delvine & Burnbane on Friday. Whilst fishing down the Burnbane Pool his line tightened and after a great fight, Mr Bailey landed a fine ten pounder. The fish was caught on a red and gold Vision110 lure.
There was success at Kercock with a fish landed on Monday and a couple on Friday. Further downstream Meikleour had a fish on Monday with the lift in water suiting the beat well.
At Cargill there was some good sport to be had during the first half of the week. Mr Neil French was back amongst the fish again getting his rod bent on numerous occasions. He landed a lovely sixteen pounder on Tuesday.
Mr John Crook had a nice fish from the beat on Wednesday and Thursday.
It was happy faces at Ballathie with some good sport to be had during the first half of the week. There were three fish caught from the beat on Monday and a couple on Tuesday and Wednesday. Successful anglers included Mr Andy Castle who has been fishing the Ballathie Beat for over 40 years when he landed a lovely fresh fish weighing sixteen pounds. There was also a fresh eighteen pounder caught from Ballathie last week. Friday saw more sport at Ballathie with two more fish landed.
There were fish caught at Stobhall on most days including three on Wednesday. Taymount had three fish during the first half of the week and finished with seven fish for the week.
There was success at Pitlochrie on Monday when Mr Bob White caught a nice fish on the fly. The fish was caught from the Horsey Pool.
It was a quiet start to the week at Upper Scone but as the week progressed anglers enjoyed more action. Mr Roddy Mackay had three nice fish for his week including a lovely sixteen pounder. Mr Calum Walker and Mr George Mason were also successful. At Upper Redgorton consistency was the name of the game with fish caught on most days. The Fishponds Beat produced seven fish during the first half of the week including five on Tuesday. There were a couple caught from the beat on Friday and one on Saturday.
Mr Tim Greenfield had a happy Monday at Luncarty when he landed a grilse, which led him a merry dance.
After the lift in water at the beginning of last week and subsequently settled river levels the numbers of fish caught were somewhat disappointing. However, it is hoped that more fresh fish will enter the Tay system in the days and weeks ahead so anglers can enjoy some good sport before the curtains are drawn on the 2020 season.
Currently, the Tay is at a great height for fly fishing on many beats, so why not book a day's salmon fishing on the famous River Tay next week? You might just have that autumn day to remember!
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
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat catches reported (week ending 19th September)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Findynate 1, Edradynate 3, Lower Bolfracks 3, Ruan Ruarie 1, Loch Faskally 2, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 2, Newtyle 1, Glendelvine 6, Murthly 1, 4, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Kercock 4, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 3, Ballathie 11, Cargill 12, Stobhall 7, Taymount 7, Pitlochrie 1, Upper Scone 5, Upper Redgorton 5, Fishponds 10, Luncarty 2, Waulkmill 11, Almondmouth 23, Crieff AC 5, Lochlane & Laggan 1
Total: 133 Largest: Waulkmill 21lbs
SOME FRESH FISH ENTERING THE TAY SYSTEM COULD MAKE ALL THJE DIFFERENCE!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 21st September 2020)
It was a settled week of weather last week and river levels were steady which was just what the doctor ordered after the big lift in water last Sunday. Unfortunately, the catches did not live up to expectations. There are currently no shortage of fish on many beats but they are proving difficult to catch. There also seems to be a lack of fresh fish entering the system but this can change very quickly. If decent runs of fresh fish start running the Tay then there is every chance that catches will improve significantly. As anglers, we need to remain optimistic and hope that ever tide has a silver lining. High pressure was in charge of our weather for much of last week hence the dry settled conditions with much lighter winds than of late. It has also been mainly dry over the weekend. Looking ahead to next week Monday will be mainly dry. On Tuesday there is a chance of some light rain affecting the western side of the catchment area. From midweek onwards its set to become much more unsettled as low pressure develops. There will be showers or longer spells of rain, especially on Wednesday. It will also feel much cooler as a northerly wind develops. There could be some night time frosts and even some snow over the mountains.
Last week, on the main river, fish were caught from Findynate down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the action being on beats situated on the lower river. There were also fish caught from Loch Faskally as well as the River Gary, Tummel and Earn. The lift in water last weekend should have encouraged any fresh fish in the estuary to run. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats located on the middle and lower river.
With only a few weeks of the Tay season remaining, why not wet a line and chase some Tay autumn silver in the upcoming days? You might just have that September day to remember!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Tactics for the River Tay during the autumn period (September and October)
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 autumn months, water temperatures usually begin to fall on the river but much depends on the weather. The weather and water conditions can vary greatly during the autumn months with hot weather and low water coupled with high water temperatures especially if we have an Indian summer. Conversely, it can be quite cool with regular spells of wind and rain and even night time frosts. The fish also start to become a bit more aggressive especially when they turn their thoughts towards spawning. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well especially if conditions are more akin to the summer months.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher, colder water a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got 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 autumn period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there can be some large fish around towards the end of the season. Usually, a breaking strain of around fifteen pounds is ideal.
Spinning
A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven feet is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to thirty 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.
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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the autumn months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive.
The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures are higher and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. In high cold water, it can often be more about fishing the lure that bit slower and at an adequate depth.
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.
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. Often during the autumn months, good conditions arise on many beats for harling, especially in higher water. 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 of respect at all times.
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