AN OPENING DAY LIKE NO OTHER BUT HOPEFULLY MANY ANGLERS WILL BE ABLE TO WET A LINE ON THE MIGHTY TAY SOON!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 23rd January 2021) 

A new season dawned once again on the mighty River Tay as local anglers made their first casts of the year last Friday. With a number of beats closed due to government restrictions on travel because of the current pandemic it was understandably a very low key affair. It was an opening day like no other with only people residing in Perth & Kinross being the lucky few that could wet a line. Usually there are wonderful ceremonies up and down the river to mark such a momentous day on the Scottish salmon fishing calendar but this was not the case this year. Some beats have closed huts, restricted the use of boats and reduced the number of rods fishing to comply with the rules. Hopefully soon more anglers will be able to wet a line once restrictions ease.

Opening day was a low key affair this year for obvious reasons

Anglers that were lucky enough to fish on opening day were blessed with good water conditions. The river was at a decent height for many beats and running clear.  Although cold with plenty of snow underfoot, it was a largely dry day with light winds. There were no fresh fish landed but there were a few kelts and baggots caught up and down the river. 
Over the past few days the river has been in good order on most days, however unsurprisingly fishing pressure has been relatively light. There have been some kelts caught on most days but many anglers are waiting with great anticipation to see when and where the first fresh fish is landed. Hopefully it will not be in the too distant future. 

 

The ultimate prize a gleaming River Tay springer!

Away from the fishing the TDSFB continues its hard work. The first batches of eyed maiden ova were stocked out last week. The maidens are adults which were captured during last autumn’s broodstock collection and their ova are stocked in the locations from where the broodstock were captured. These adults are now within the TDSFB reconditioning unit and will shortly begin feeding and producing extra ova for the future of the Tay catchment.

Maiden eyed ova being stocked last week

It has been very cold and frosty over the weekend with temperatures barely getting above freezing. The river is looking in good order for the beginning of next week. If you live in Perth & Kinross and are permitted under the current government restrictions to travel why not enjoy a day’s fishing the River Tay next week? There is no better way to start your season than by catching a big January Tay springer!

 

A pattern for an early season Tay springer maybe?

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 & stay safe,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Beat catches reported (week ending 23rd January)

SALMON & GRILSE: None
Total: None

 

WILL THE RIVER TAY YIELD THE UK’S FIRST SALMON NEXT WEEK?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 25^th January 2021)

We have endured a very cold spell of weather in recent weeks with frequent spells of snow, night time frosts and a few beautiful winter days. This weekend the weather was cold but mostly dry and settled apart from the odd wintery shower. The river is currently at a good height for many beats.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry and cold. On Wednesday there could be a spell of rain which moves in from the west and this could readily turn to snow for a time especially on higher ground. There is a chance as we move towards the end of the week that more of a westerly airflow will develop and with it slightly milder conditions. 
On the main river there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the beats which are open. History tells us that there will be a few fresh fish in the system. One lucky angler could end up landing the first salmon in the UK if they are successful next week. So if you live locally and are permitted under the current government restrictions to travel why not have a cast on the mighty River Tay next week? There is no better way to blow away those close season cobwebs than having a day on the river. 
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines & stay safe,

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. 

Setting out to do some harling on the Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Beat

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.