WINTER TIGHTENS ITS GRIP ACROSS PERTHSHIRE, THE SEARCH GOES ON AND A MUCH LOVED TAY GHILLIE LOOKS FORWARD TO A NEW CHALLENGE!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 6th February 2021) 

Winter tightened its grip across Perthshire last week as it did across much of Scotland. Indeed January 2021 was the coldest January for the past ten years. It was bitterly cold last week on most days with strong winds and there was heavy snowfall on higher ground across the region. Even some of the white stuff fell to lower levels. Looking ahead to next week the weather is set to get even colder as a perishing cold easterly airflow develops coming from Siberia. This will bring frequent snow showers with significant accumulations especially to eastern parts of Scotland accompanied by hard night time frosts. There are some signs that towards the end of next week that something milder may be on the way. The water temperature last week was 1.8 degrees Celsius, which is around 35.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hopefully one of these Tay crackers will be landed soon!

 

The search goes on for the first Tay springer of the season. The river is hardly being fished due to pandemic restrictions allowing only local anglers to wet a line and when you couple this with the inclement weather it’s easy to see why rivers like the Dee and Tweed have produced fresh fish before the Tay this season. Some of the anglers that did wet a line last week got their rods bent with kelts and baggots but the first fish of the season still remains elusive. Hopefully, we will not have long to wait now.

 

Andrew Gunn will be leaving the Newtyle Beat in March after 8 full seasons!

 

Andy Gunn who has been the ghillie on the Newtyle Beat of the River Tay for eight full seasons will be leaving the beat in March and heading north to the River Spey where he has secured the head ghillie’s job on a prestigious beat. Andy has become part of the fabric on the middle river and is much loved by his guests who return to the beat year after year. Andy will be sadly missed on the river by his guests and fellow ghillies and we wish him every success in the future.

 

An old classic with a modern twist, perfect for tempting that Tay springer!

 

There is no question that there are now fresh fish in the Tay system. So if you are allowed to travel under the government restrictions and happy to brave the elements, why not wet a line on the mighty Tay next week? Catching the first Tay springer of 2021 is no mean feat!

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 6th February)

SALMON & GRILSE: None

Total: None

 

 

HOPEFULLY, NOT TOO LONG TO WAIT BEFORE THE FIRST FISH IS LANDED!

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 8th February 2021)

As we move through February more fresh fish will be entering the river, which increases the chances of making contact with that elusive silver tourist. So surely it won't be too long before the first fish is landed. The past week has seen the cold weather remain in situ with frequent snow showers and bitterly cold nights. Over the weekend snow showers have continued especially over eastern areas. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will see more snow showers affecting many parts of Perthshire. It will feel raw in the stiff easterly wind. The cold weather is set to continue as we move through the week with the snow risk also continuing. There are some signs that towards the end of the week some milder conditions may prevail. 

There is a chance of fresh springer just about anywhere next week, but in the current cold conditions, the lower or middle river might be the best bet. So, if you live locally and are permitted to travel under the current government restrictions, why not wet a line on the Tay next week? Nothing beats that feeling of landing some fresh February Tay silver! 

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.