PERTHSHIRE FREEZES AS THE FIRST TAY SPRINGER OF THE SEASON IS LANDED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 13th February 2021) 

The Beast from the East version 2 hit much of the UK last week including Perthshire. There was heavy snowfall on Monday and Tuesday across much of the region coupled with bitterly cold nights. Indeed, on Wednesday night Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded the lowest temperature in 25 years when the mercury plummeted to a shivering -23 degrees. This was the coldest temperature recorded in the UK for 25 years. In Perthshire, temperatures were well into minus double figures in many places and during the day barely above freezing. 

An icy scene at Meikleour early this week

With all this extreme weather it was therefore hardly surprising that fishing pressure was very light on the Tay system last week. However, despite this, the first fresh fish was caught from the Tay system on Friday. Mr Andrew Whyte caught this fine ten pounder from the Fernie Haugh pool on the Dalmarnock Beat. The fish was caught on a black and yellow flying c. 

It is so good to see the Tay finally getting off the mark. It’s easy to see why it has taken so long when you couple the recent freezing weather with the travel restrictions due to the pandemic. 

The first fish of the 2021 season caught from the Dalmarnock Beat

 

Looking ahead to next week, there is a ray of light in terms of the weather. It is set to get milder from late Sunday as we introduce a more Atlantic influence to our weather. The milder weather is set to continue well into next week and by Tuesday we could see temperatures of around 9 degrees. Hopefully, by then the bitterly cold easterly winds of the previous week will be nothing but a distant memory. If temperatures do rise steeply there is a chance of a massive thaw and this may lead to a big lift in river levels. Much depends on what happens high up in the mountains with regards to the temperature.

Just what anglers fishing the Tay next week will be dreaming about!

 

It should not be forgotten that we are now in mid-February and anglers fishing the Tay stand more than a reasonable chance of catching a fresh fish. Once the water is at a good height and the weather becomes a bit more hospitable there is every chance that a few anglers fishing the Tay will have big smiles on their faces.

What spring fishing on the River Tay is all about!

With the weather set to improve in the upcoming days and if you live locally, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week, a big Tay springer is the perfect tonic to all this cold weather!

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 13th February)

SALMON & GRILSE: Dalmarnock, 1

Total: 1 Largest: 10lbs

WILL MILDER WEATHER BE THE CATALYST REQUIRED TO PRODUCE MORE SPRING SALMON IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

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

We have now moved into the middle of February and there is no doubt that there will be fresh fish in the Tay system. Due to extreme weather of the past few weeks coupled with the government restrictions because of the pandemic, there have been very few anglers fishing the river. Despite this, the Dalmarnock Beat produced the first fish of the season on Friday. 

The weather is set to get much milder next week and so salmon fishing will be a much more pleasurable experience. Hopefully, this will entice more locals out on to the river and with this fish will be caught. 

Over the weekend the bitterly cold weather has remained in situ across Scotland. However early next week it will turn much milder with temperatures getting towards double figures. If the forecast turns out to be correct there may be a rapid thaw. With all the lying snow this may lead to rising river levels. Much depends on what happens to the temperature high up in the Perthshire mountains.

Looking ahead to next week Monday will be mainly dry and it will feel much milder than of late. Tuesday and Wednesday will see some showers and temperatures will continue to rise with some places possibly reaching double figures. Towards the end of the week, there is a chance that slightly cooler conditions may prevail but it is set to remain dry. 

There is a good chance of finding that elusive springer almost anywhere on the Tay system in the upcoming days. Much will depend on the water height. With the current low water temperatures probably the best chance will be on the middle or lower river.

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.