TEMPERATURES GO TROPICAL, A MASSIVE THAW AND TWO MORE TAY SPRINGERS ARE LANDED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 20th February 2021) 

The change in weather in the past seven days has been extreme, to say the least. Since Christmas, much of Scotland including Perthshire has endured bitterly cold temperatures, heavy snow and for the past week raw easterly winds. The recent snowfall led to widespread disruption across much of the country and there were record low temperatures recorded. 

The result of melting snow at Killin

 

However last Sunday the wind switched from a nagging easterly to a much milder south westerly and this led to a rapid thaw in the subsequent days. Indeed, during the middle part of the week, some parts of Perthshire recorded temperatures into double figures and when the sun came out it felt positively tropical, compared to recent weeks. Unfortunately, all this milder weather came at a cost as from midweek onwards huge amounts of snow started to melt and water levels started to rise rapidly. During the second half of the week, the river was unfishable and huge. Heavy rain on Thursday and Friday made the situation worse and the Tay system was in flood by the weekend. 

The main river was massive towards the end of last week

In spite of the extreme conditions, there were two fish caught from the Tay system last week. It was good to see the first fish come off Loch Tay. Mr Grant Tigwell decided to brave the elements on Wednesday. Mr Tigwell had been fishing for no longer than an hour when his inside rod bent double. After a terrific fight, Mr Tigwell landing a cracking springer weighing ten pounds. The fish was unhooked in the net and swam away strongly. Mr Tigwell only fished for another two hours before heading home as he feared that the river flowing into the loch would be too high for him to get the boat under the bridge and safely to its mooring. In hindsight, it was a very happy three hours spent on the loch for Mr Tigwell.

A lovely springer caught from Loch Tay on Wednesday

 

The other fish caught last week was from the main river. Mr Gerry Rattrey was fishing the fly on the Catholes Beat when he landed a beautiful seven pounder on Monday. What a great way to start the week! It is likely that once river levels drop the beats in the Stanley area should start to produce a few more fish. 

A fine springer caught from Catholes on Monday

As we are moving towards the end of February once river levels drop to a decent height there should be some good sport to be had. Some nice fish will likely be landed in the upcoming weeks. So, if you live locally, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? Once river levels drop a big springer could have your name on it!

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 20th February)

 SALMON & GRILSE: 

Loch Tay Fish ‘n’ Trips 1, Catholes 1

Total: 2 Largest: 10lbs

 

 

HOPEFULLY, ANGLERS WILL ENJOY SOME GOOD SPORT ONCE CONDITIONS IMPROVE!

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 22ndt February 2021)

We are now moving towards the end of February and there is no doubt that with each day passing more fresh fish will be entering the Tay system. After all the recent heavy snowfall and then the sudden and rapid rise in temperature there was a massive thaw last week. The thaw led to the river going into flood by midweek. By the weekend heavy rain made the situation worse and the Tay was huge. 

There was hardly any fishing activity on the Tay system last week for obvious reasons but in spite of this there were two fish landed, one from Loch Tay and the other from the lower river. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come once conditions improve and the river drops to a manageable height. Much will depend on how much snow is left on the mountains as the mild weather is set to continue next week. 

Looking ahead to next week Monday will be mainly dry apart from the odd shower. Tuesday will see low pressure dominate as southerly winds pick up accompanied by some heavy rain. However, from midweek onwards high pressure is set to establish itself over the UK leading to drier conditions. Temperatures are set to remain on the mild side for the time of year and this could be the perfect window to getting some fishing done. 

Once the river drops to a reasonable height there is a good chance of finding a springer almost anywhere on the Tay system. Much will depend on the water height but probably the best chance will be somewhere 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 once river levels settle? Nothing beats landing a big Tay February springer! 

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.