HISTORY TELLS US THERE ARE SPRINGERS IN THE TAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 30th January 2021) 

We move into February next week and there seems to be no signs of the wintry weather abating any time soon. It was another cold week across much of Scotland including Perthshire with frequent snow showers in many areas. On Thursday there was a more sustained spell of snow to the north of the catchment area with a few inches falling to even lower levels. Water levels were steady for much of the week with the river running at a decent height for many beats. Towards the end of the week, there was a small lift in water and this was because of a mixture of rain and sleet falling over the eastern side of the catchment area. This led to the water on the lower river being quite coloured. 

The Tay is currently at a nice height for fly fishing on many beats

The water temperature last week was 36.5 degrees Fahrenheit which is around 2.5 degrees Celsius. 

The wait still goes on for the first springer of the season to be landed from the River Tay. This is hardly surprising as fishing pressure has been very light on the river due to the pandemic restrictions. Many beats are closed and some of the open beats have reduced the numbers of rods fishing and are not using boats. With only local people permitted to cast a line, many beats have not been fished for days. 

History tells us that it is highly likely that there will be a few fresh fish in the Tay system by now but the problem understandably is the lack of anglers currently fishing. Some of the anglers that did wet a line last week managed to get their rods bent with a mixture of kelts and baggots but until now none of this year’s models have made an appearance!

A magnificent Tay springer...the ultimate prize!

Hopefully, soon more anglers will be able to wet a line, and in the upcoming months when restrictions finally ease anglers from far and wide can once again experience the delights the mighty Tay has to offer!

Something to tempt those Tay springers 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,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

 

Beat Catches Reported (week ending 31st January)

SALMON & GRILSE: None

Total: None

  

IS THE FIRST TAY SPRINGER, JUST AROUND THE CORNER?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 1st February 2021)

We move into February next week and history tells us that there will be a few fresh in the Tay system. Due to the government restrictions, there are very few anglers fishing the river at this time and hence the lack of fresh fish being caught. 

The past week has seen the cold weather continue with frequent snow showers and bitterly cold nights. Over the weekend it has been mainly dry across Perthshire but it has remained cold with hard night time frosts. Looking ahead to next week, Monday will be mainly fine and dry but it will be cold. On Tuesday a weather system bringing rain in from the Atlantic is set to drift eastwards and where the rain bumps into the cold air it will turn readily to snow. The snow risk will continue on Wednesday. Towards the end of the week, there is a likelihood that bitterly cold easterly winds will develop across the country which could lead to the lowest temperatures of the winter so far.

The river was settled for much of last week and quite low for the time of year making it almost perfect fly fishing conditions. As a new week and month dawns the Tay is looking in good order and there is a chance of fresh springer just about anywhere, so surely that first Tay springer is just around the corner. 

If you live locally and are permitted to travel under the current government restrictions, why not wet a line on the Tay next week? There might just be a springer with your name on it!

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 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.