MORE STUNNING SPRING SALMON LANDED FROM THE TAY SYSTEM IN THE SPARKLING PERTHSHIRE SUNSHINE!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 24th April 2021) 

It is has turned out to be one the driest April’s since 2013 across the UK and there has been very little rainfall over the past few weeks across much of Scotland. This has led to river levels dropping away nicely with a few fish showing in many of the pools on some beats on the river. The reason for all the fine and settled weather has been a large area of high pressure which has centred itself over the UK and this had led to mainly fine and dry conditions for much of the month. However, it has continued to feel cold on some days with frequent night time frosts. Water heights are now perfect for many beats on the middle and lower river and there have been some stunning spring salmon landed from the Tay system in the sparkling Perthshire sunshine in the past few days. The water temperature last week was 43.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 6.4 degrees Celsius.

Loch Tay has produced some cracking fish in recent weeks and last week was no different. It was a magical Monday on the loch for Mr Duncan McKenzie who landed two lovely fish weighing nine and twelve pounds. Do Monday’s get any better than that? There were a couple more fish caught from the loch on Tuesday and one on Saturday.

One of three fish caught on Monday by Mr Duncan McKenzie on Loch Tay on Monday

It was good to see the upper river get off the mark on Monday when a nice fish was caught at Lower Farleyer. On Upper Kinnaird, there was a magnificent fish weighing twenty-two pounds caught from the Meetings Pool on the fly on Thursday.  

It was another productive week on the Portnacraig Beat on the River Tummel. On Monday morning Mr Steve Watt landed a nice sixteen pounder on the spinner. Mr Alun Williams landed two fish also on Monday including a twenty pounder. Portnacraig finished with eight fish for the week. 

It was good to see the Dalmarnock Beat produce a fish on Saturday. Mr Jonathan Amos struck spring silver on the Newtyle Beat on Wednesday morning from the Boil. On Thursday Mr Amos repeated the feat again this time with a sea liced nine pounder again from the Boil. On Saturday Mr Kevin Baird caught his first ever salmon from the Steps Pool on the Newtyle Beat. A great result and a day, which Mr Baird will remember for years to come! 

Mr Jon Amos with a cracking springer caught from Newtyle on Thursday

The Murthly 2 Beat continues to produce fish regularly with a fish landed on Monday and a fine brace on Tuesday including a cracking fifteen pounder. 

The Murthly 2 Beat excelled last week with no shortage of bent rods

On Wednesday there was a superb twenty pounder caught from Murthly 2. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with a very respectable seven fish for the week. 

 A stunning fish caught at Murthly 2

There was a fish caught from the Glendelvine Beat on Monday and Friday. Mr Robert McFarlane had a great day on Saturday at Kercock when he landed a magnificent springer weighing twenty pounds. The fish put up a great fight and was as fresh as paint.

Mr Robert Mcfarlane with a Kercock cracker caught on Saturday

It was a magical Monday at Meikleour and Upper Islamouth with five fine springers landed. Mr Niall Mitchell had a fine fish weighing eleven pounds from the House Pool.

One of five fish caught at Meikleour on Monday

In the afternoon in the space of forty minutes, four more fish were landed from the beat, which was quite incredible. Mr Niall Mitchell went on to land three more fish this time from the Castle pool. Mr Donald Williamson also got in on the act landing a fine ten pounder from Gow’s Run. It was a super Saturday at Meikleour for Mr Graeme Lightbody landing three springers in three hours at Meikleour. Does spring salmon fishing get any better than that?

A cracking springer caught from Meikleour on Tuesday

It was nice to see some action on the River Isla on Monday when a fish was caught from the Kethick Streams Beat. The Islamouth Beat continued its recent run of good form. Mr David Clark’s party had nine fish during the first half of the week weighing up to fourteen pounds. All the fish were caught on the fly. The good sport continued towards the end of the week with some more cracking springers landed.

Mr Ian Muir enjoyed some good rod bending action at Ballathie on Tuesday when he landed a fine eight pounder from the Bridgestream on the fly. 

 A stunning spring salmon caught on the fly by Mr Ian Muir from Ballathie on Tuesday

Mr Lloyd Stevenson had a great day at Ballathie on Thursday. He was harling at the Rumbling Stone when his rod buckled. What ensued, was a great fight with the fish making several long runs. Mr Stevenson went on to land a sparkling springer. The fish took a Vision lure. 

Mr Lloyd Stevenson caught this cracking springer from Ballathie on Thursday

On Friday Mr Gary Laing caught a lovely eleven-pound springer from the Cradle Wall on a Vision110 at Ballathie.

 Mr Gary Laing with a Ballathie cracker!

It was a good day at Cargill on Monday with two fish landed. Mr Pat Mckay caught a cracking fish. Mr Graham Raffan also landed a lovely sea liced springer from the beat.

Mr Ian Muir enjoyed more success on the Tay this time at Cargill on Wednesday. Mr Muir landed a sparkling springer in the Perthshire sunshine on the fly after a terrific fight. Mr Jamie Kilgannon had a lovely fish, which was caught on the fly at Cargill on Friday.

Mr Graham Raffan with a stunning springer caught at Cargill on Monday

On Monday Mr Steve Brown had a great day at Stobhall landing two beautiful spring salmon. On Wednesday Mr Rudi Kopczyk caught a fine springer from Findford Head at Stobhall. The fish weighed eleven pounds. 

 Mr Rudi Kopczyk with a stunning springer caught at Stobhall on Wednesday

On Saturday Mr Andrew Kennedy was wetting a line at Stobhall. Mr Kennedy was fly fishing the Aldrens Croy when his line tightened. After a terrific fight, Mr Kennedy landed his first ever salmon, a magnificent twelve pounder. What a fish and what a day for Mr Kennedy. You never forget your first! It was nice to see the Taymount Beat produce a fine brace on Friday.

Mr Andrew Kennedy with his first ever salmon caught at Stobhall on Saturday

We are now moving towards what should be traditionally the prime spring period for many beats on the River Tay. With some cracking spring salmon being landed from the Tay system last week there is every chance that anglers will enjoy more good sport in the days ahead. There is some decent availability on the river next week with salmon fishing to suit all tastes. So why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers in the upcoming days? You might just end April on a high!

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 24th April 2021)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips 7, Lower Farleyer 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 8, Dalmarnock 1, Newtyle 3, Murthly 2, 7, Glendelvine 2, Kercock 1, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 11, Kethick Streams 1, Islamouth 19, Ballathie 3, Cargill 6, Stobhall 4, Taymount 2

Total: 77 Largest: Upper Kinnaird 22lbs

MORE SETTLED CONDITIONS IN THE DAYS AHEAD! 

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 26th April 2021)

Courtesy of a large area of high pressure the weather was mainly dry and settled last week apart from some patchy light rain on Tuesday. This is a trend that has become the norm over the past few weeks. Indeed, this has been the driest April across the UK since 2013. It has been mainly dry and settled over the weekend. Looking ahead to next week, there will be some light patchy rain on Monday with some more rain on Tuesday. From Wednesday onwards it will be mainly dry for the rest of the week. It will feel notably colder in the northerly wind and there could be a few snow showers over higher ground. 

There were more stunning spring salmon caught from the Tay system last week and a number of these were sea liced, which was great to see. Fish entering the river seem to be running hard with sea liced fish being caught regularly on the middle river. Catches on the system were well spread last week from Loch Tay down to Stobhall. The River Tummel continues to fish well especially at Portnacraig. It was also good to see anglers have success on the River Isla through the course of last week. The numbers of fish entering the Tay system and heading for one of the many tributaries should continue to increase in the upcoming weeks so hopefully, there will be plenty more good sport to be had. There is a good chance of catching a springer anywhere on the Tay system next week, as catches in recent days would suggest. So why not book a day on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beat’s landing that big Tay 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 spring period (April-May)

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year on the River Tay

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. 

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS EASE AT THE PERFECT TIME AS THE TAY SYSTEM CONTINUES TO PRODUCE MORE TOP QUALITY SPRING SALMON!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 17th April 2021) 

The Scottish government announced on Tuesday that nationwide travel was once again permitted from Friday. This has huge implications for anglers wanting to wet a line on many of Scotland’s rivers who do not live within the area the river is located. This is an announcement that many anglers have been waiting for as they can now travel to fish their favourite river. 

Fishing pressure has been relatively light so far this season due to the travel restrictions on most rivers. This is likely to change in the upcoming weeks. Although travel restrictions have been eased the strict rules around holiday accommodation remain in place and these are set to be eased on 26th April. Most people will agree that this is another step towards the new normal which is great news. 

We are now into mid-April which is traditionally a prime time for spring salmon fishing on many of Scotland’s rivers. Usually, spring catches start to build from early March and peak over the next few weeks. On the River Tay, April and May are often the most productive spring months especially for beats located on the middle river. This usually coincides with larger runs of salmon entering the Tay destined for rivers like the Lyon, Tummel and Isla. Hopefully, good numbers of hard fighting spring salmon will continue to enter the Tay system in the next few weeks ensuring that there is plenty of good sport to be had for anglers. 

It was mostly dry for much of last week and river levels were settled which was good news. Many beats on the river were at a perfect height for fly fishing. The dry settled conditions continued into the weekend and at times it felt positively spring like in the sunshine. The water temperature last week was 41.5 degrees Fahrenheit which is 5.3 degrees Celsius.

There were some top-quality spring salmon landed last week from the Tay system, which was great to see. On Friday eight-year-old Jake McFarlane had a day to remember. Jake was fishing on Loch Tay with his father Robert when the rod buckled. Jake expertly played the fish under the guidance of his father and went on to land a lovely ten pounder. This was Jake’s first ever salmon. A day that will live with him forever. Well done young man!

Eight year old Jake McFarlane with his first ever salmon

It was good to see the upper river produced two fish during the first half of the week at Lower Bolfracks. On Thursday a fin perfect nine pounder was landed from the Poltewan Pool at Edradynate.

A stunning nine pounder caught from Edradynate on Thursday

On the River Tummel, the good sport continued at Portnacraig. On Monday Mr Steve Watt landed a stunning fish weighing twenty pounds. In the afternoon there was more success for Mr Watt when he caught a nice nine pounder from the Portnacraig Bank. Both fish were caught on the spinner. Further downstream on the Tummel Mr Graeme Stewart landed a cracking sea liced fifteen pounder on the fly from the Sawmill.

On Tuesday Mr Alun Williams landed two fish, a twenty pounder which was caught on the fly and then a twelve pounder on a spinner. Mr Jim Fisher also landed a fine eight pounder on the fly. There was more success for Mr Steve Watt at Portnacraig on Wednesday when he landed a fine sixteen pounder on the spinner from the Pitlochry bank. On Thursday there were three more fish caught from Portnacraig on the fly. Mr Dave Stewart had a nice ten pounder from the Portnacraig Bank. Other successful anglers on Thursday included Mr Adrian Mailer and Mr Callum King. 

There was success on the Lower Kinnaird Beat on Saturday when Mr Stuart Crow landed a stunning fourteen pounder on the spinner followed by a cracking twenty pounder on the fly. Both fish were caught from the Guy Pool. 

A stunning nine pounder caught from Edradynate on Thursday

Mr Simon Furnace landed a cracking nineteen pounder on the harled fly at Dunkeld on Monday. The fish put up a great fight and was caught from the Gauge Pool. On Saturday Mr Greg Howie caught a lovely ten pounder from the Cutty spinning. 

A cracking nineteen pounder caught on Monday at Dunkeld

It was a great end to the week on Saturday at Newtyle. Mr Munro Reid got things started with a sparkling springer caught on the fly from the Cotter Pool. Next was the turn of Mr David Bryce who also struck silver in the Cotter Pool. The twelve pounder gave Mr Bryce a fight to remember. Both fish were caught on the fly.

Mr David Bryce with a stunning twelve pounder caught on the fly at Newtyle

There was some great sport to be had on the Murthy 2 Beat during the first half of the week with a total of five fish caught. There was also a fish caught from the beat on Thursday and Saturday. There was success at Glendelvine on Monday with a couple of nice fish landed. Another fish was caught from Glendelvine on Friday. There was a stunning springer caught from the Kercock Beat on Monday. The fish gave a great account of itself and was safely returned.

A magnificent spring salmon caught fropm Kercock on Monday

It was a magical Monday at Meikleour with three fish landed. One of the fish caught was an angler’s first every salmon and was caught from the Castle Pool. Always a moment that you will never forget!

On Thursday a cracking twenty three pounder was caught at Meikleour by Mr Steven Gamlen from the Castle Pool. A cracking Sea trout weighing five pounds was also caught from the March Pool. There were four more fish caught from the beat on Friday.

Mr Gamlen with a cracker from Meikleour on Thursday

At Islamouth there was plenty of action during the first half of the week. Unfortunately, many of the fish hooked did not want to stay on. Mr Iain Wood had a nice fish which was caught on the fly on Monday. On Tuesday Mr Sandy Datta caught a nine pounder on the fly from the Ash Tree Pool.

Mr Sandy Datta with a fly caught springer from Islamouth on Tuesday

On Thursday Mr Jim Ferrie enjoyed more success at Islamouth. Mr Ferrie landed a nice fish weighing eight pounds. However, Mr Ferrie had his sights set on a double and went on to land a cracker weighing nineteen and a half pounds. Both fish were caught on a Vison lure. Mr Simon Furnace landed a fine brace on the fly at Islamouth on Friday. Both fish were caught on a Posh Tosh. Mr Furnace and Mr Jim Ferrie enjoyed more good sport at Islamouth on Saturday. Other successful anglers included Mr Neil Mitchell who landed a fine brace.

Mr Jim Ferrie with a stunning springer caught at Islamouth on Thursday

It was a day to remember for Mrs Caroline Seaton, husband of famous Tay ghillie David. Mrs Seaton was fishing with Ballathie ghillie Mr Gary Mcerlain when she hooked a cracking spring salmon. After a great fight, Mrs Seaton landed a superb fifteen pounder which was safely returned. 

On Thursday Mr Godfrey Holden caught a sparkling seven pounder from the Clockston Pool on the upper beat at Ballathie. There was another fish caught from the beat on Saturday.

Mrs Caroline Seaton with a cracking springer caught at Ballathie on Tuesday 

Major D. Malpas had a great day at Cargill on Monday. He landed a stunning springer in the April sunshine. The fish was as fresh as paint and put up a terrific fight. There was another fish caught from the beat on Wednesday weighing a magnificent eighteen pounds. Cargill finished with three fish for the week.

Major D. Malpas with a stunning springer caught at Cargill on Monday

Mr David Lang caught a lovely springer on the fly from Stobhall on Tuesday. The fish was caught from the Aldrens Stream on the Fly. There was more success at Stobhall on Thursday. 

Mr David Lang caught this beauty from Stobhall on Tuesday

On Friday Mr David Haughay caught his first ever fly caught salmon from Stobhall. Well done Sir! Mr Colin Scott had a super Saturday at Stobhall when he landed a nice fish from the Kilmou Tail bank. There were four fish caught from the Taymount Beat during the first half of the week as well as a couple on Saturday.

Mr David Haughay with first ever fly caught salmon from Stobhall

We are now moving into what should traditionally be the prime spring period for many beats on the River Tay. With some cracking spring salmon being landed from the Tay system last week there is every chance that anglers will enjoy more good sport in the days ahead. It seems that the easing of travel restrictions has come at the perfect time for those wanting to fish on the River Tay. 

There is some decent availability on the river next week with salmon fishing to suit all tastes. With anglers now permitted to travel out with their local area within Scotland, why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers in the upcoming days? You might just land some April Tay silver!

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 17th April)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips 1, Edradynate 1, Upper Farleyer 1, Upper Bolfracks 1, Lower Bolfracks 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 9, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dunkeld 2, Newtyle 2, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 7, Glendelvine 3, Kercock 1, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 9, Islamouth 16, Ballathie 3, Cargill 3, Stobhall 4, Taymount 7

TOTAL: 73 LARGEST: Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 23lbs

MORE SETTLED WEATHER NEXT WEEK SHOULD HOPEFULLY ENSURE DECENT CATCHES! 

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 19th April 2021)

It was largely settled for much of last week with often cloudless skies and sparkling sunshine. It did feel cool at times and there were frequent overnight frosts as temperatures quickly dropped in the evening. It has been mainly dry over the weekend and the settled weather is set to continue next week. Monday will be mainly dry and sunny with light winds. Tuesday will see some patchy rain affect much of Perthshire courtesy of a weak weather front. Behind this, we will establish a northerly airflow and for the rest of the week it will feel much colder with the chance of the odd wintery shower, but most places will remain dry.

Due to the settled weather, river levels gradually dropped for much of last and week and also over the weekend. Currently, the Tay is at an excellent height for fly fishing on many beats. It has been good to see several fish caught on the fly in recent days and many of these have been sea liced. 

Last week there were fish caught from Upper Farleyer on the upper river down to Taymount, so catches were well spread on the Tay system. The beats on the River Tummel also produced fish with Portnacraig continuing its recent run of good form. Many of the fish caught last week were sea liced and this would indicate that as the water temperature gradually rises the fish are running hard upstream. There is a good chance of a springer anywhere on the Tay system next week as catches in recent days would suggest. So now with travel restrictions easing, why not book a day on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beat’s landing that big Tay 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 spring period (April-May)

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year on the River Tay

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. 

THREE SPRINGERS IN AN HOUR, TWO FIRST SALMON AND A NEW TAY GHILLIE GETS OFF THE MARK AS CATCHES DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE ON THE TAY SYSTEM!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 10th April 2021) 

With Easter behind us, we are now moving into what should be the prime spring period on many of Scotland’s salmon rivers including the River Tay. In the next six weeks, we should get a better idea of how strong the spring run will be across the country this year, especially once travel restrictions ease and holiday accommodation is allowed to re-open. Hopefully catches will go from strength to strength in the weeks ahead. 

It was great to see catches improve markedly on the Tay system last week with some stunning spring salmon landed. Last week was by far the most productive week of the season so far and long may it continue. What made the catches even more impressive was that fishing pressure was relatively light as it has been so far this year on the river due to the pandemic restrictions. 

Some stunning spring salmon were caught from the Tay last week

It felt bitter in the raw northerly wind for much of last week with even some of the white stuff falling to lower levels. Anglers that braved the elements were rewarded for their efforts as many caught magnificent spring salmon. The quality of some of the fish landed were second to none which was great to see. Due to the lack of rainfall river levels were mostly steady last week apart from a small rise on Friday, which was good news for anglers. Water temperatures were around 4.0 degrees Celsius, which is 39.2 Fahrenheit.

One of three fish caught from Loch Tay on Wednesday

There was good sport to be had on Loch Tay. Mr Grant Tigwell decided to endure then inclement weather and the strong northerly wind on Tuesday. He was glad that he did when landed a sparkling six pounder. The following day Mr Tigwell had a day to remember on the loch when he landed a stunning twenty four pounder. After returning the fish Mr Tigwell was just putting his second rod out when another salmon took the lure this time weighing nine pounds. If this was not enough around fifteen minutes later the rod buckled again and Mr Tigwell went on to land an eighteen pounder. This was all in the space of an hour.  What terrific sport in anyone’s book!

Mr Jim Fisher with a cracking springer caught at Portnacraig on Monday

Anglers enjoyed some good sport on the River Tummel through the course of last week. It was a magical Monday for Mr Jim Fisher who was wetting a line at Portnacraig. Mr Fisher caught a beautiful ten pounder on his first run down the Portnacraig Bank on the fly. 

On Tuesday Mr Stuart Humphreys was first on the scoresheet at Portnacraig when he landed a superb twenty-three pounder on the fly. Next in the catch book was Mr Alun Williams who added to his success from the previous week when he landed an eight pounder on the fly. Further downstream on the Tummel the Sawmill Beat produced the goods for Mr Jimmy Ross who landed a nice ten pounder.

On Wednesday Me Steve Watt landed a cracking fish weighing twenty-one pounds from Portnacraig. There were a further four fish caught from the beat on Thursday. Mr James Broomhall had a day to remember landing a terrific twenty pounder from the Portnacraig Bank in the morning. In the afternoon Mr Broomhall doubled his tally when he caught a ten pounder from the Pitlochry bank on the spinner. 

Mr James Broomhall with a lovely twenty pounder caught at Portnacraig on Thursday

It was a good end to the week at Dalguise with a fish caught on Saturday. Dalmarnock enjoyed success on Friday. Mr Tim Symonds had a magical Monday at Dunkeld when he landed a lovely eight pounder from the Gauge Pool. The fish was caught on a Salmo lure. There was another fish caught from the beat on Saturday.

Mr Tim Symonds with a fine 8 pounder caught from the Gauge Pool on Monday

Mr David Gardner is the new ghillie on the Newtyle Beat having just started at the beginning of April. Mr Gardner has fished the beat for many years and enjoyed some good success. On Wednesday Mr Gardner was out harling when his rod buckled. After a terrific fight, Mr Gardner landed a lovely eleven pounder. The fish was caught on a pink Tomic lure. There were two more fish caught from Newtyle on Saturday. 

A stunning springer caught at Newtyle on Wednesday

Mr Andrew Lawson will not forget last Monday in a hurry and not because it was Easter Monday. Mr Lawson was fishing at Glendelvine when he caught his first ever salmon. The stunning springer weighed ten pounds and was caught on the fly from the Boat Pool. Well done that man… you never forget your first! There was also another fish caught on the fly from the beat on the same day. There were two more fish caught at Glendelvine on Friday.

Mr Andrew Lawson with his first salmon caught at Glendelvine on Monday

Mr Kenny Milne was fishing on the productive Kercock Beat on Wednesday. Mr Milne’s line tightened and what ensued was an all mighty battle. The fish made several powerful runs before it was landed. The magnificent specimen weighed eighteen pounds and was as fresh as paint. 

 Mr Kenny Milne with a stunning salmon caught on Wednesday

The Meikleour & Upper Islamouth Beat only opened its banks to anglers at the beginning of the month due to the pandemic. On Monday there was a fine ten pounder caught at the Rushes and a fourteen pounder from Boxwood Bush. What a great start to the season!

A fine springer caught at Meikleour on Monday

The following day thirteen year old Charlie McKay showed everyone how it was done when he landed a fine ten pounder from the March Pool.

10 year old Charlie lands spring silver at Meikleour on Tuesday

On Thursday it was the turn of Mr Robertson to taste success at Meikleour. Mr Robertson landed a pristine springer weighing nineteen pounds just before the final whistle was blown. The fish was caught on a Tay lure. It was a super end to the week at Meikelour with four more springers landed on Friday. Mr Cross landed a nice fish from the beat on Saturday, which rounded off a great week at Meikelour. It was nice to see Keithick Mains Beat on the River Isla produce a fish on Wednesday. 

 Mr Robertson landed this stunning springer from Meikleour on Thursday

The Islamouth Beat fished consistently well last week producing nine fish during the first half of the week. On Thursday Mr Jim Ferrie and his party enjoyed a great day at Islamouth. Mr Ferrie landed three salmon weighing seven, ten and fourteen pounds. 

A stunning springer caught at Islamouth on Thursday

Mr Barry Ward also landed a nice fish as did his fishing partner Mr Simon Furniss. It was a great day had by all despite the gale force winds and testing conditions. Islamouth finished with a very creditable eighteen fish for the week.

More success at Islamouth for Mr Jim Ferrie and his party

It was Cargill head ghillie, Mr David Godfrey’s birthday on Saturday and he celebrated it in style when he caught a stunning spring salmon. Birthday presents don’t come much better than this! There was also another fish caught from the beat on Saturday.

 A fine birthday salmon caught at Cargill on Saturday

It was great to see more success being enjoyed by anglers at Stobhall. On Monday Mr Kieran Duff caught his first ever salmon from the Linn Pool on his fifth cast of the morning showing everyone salmon fishing is easy!

Mr Kieran Duff with a nice springer caught from Stobhall

Next on the scoresheet was Mr Gavin Wiseman who caught a lovely fish from Lower Eels just before lunch. There were two other fish lost through the course of the day. On Wednesday there were two more fish caught from Stobhall when Mr Charles Martin landed a superb brace. Mr Martin landed a nine pounder from the Majors Cast and a ten pounder from Findford Head. 

On Thursday there were two more fish caught from Stobhall weighing nine and twelve pounds. There was success at Taymount on Wednesday, and another fish caught on Friday, which was good to see.

Mr Gavin Wiseman lands Stobhall silver on Monday

The Burnmouth Beat produced a nice fish on Saturday. Mr George Thomson caught a beautiful spring salmon from the Catholes Beat on Wednesday. The fish gave a great account of itself and was caught on the fly. It was also good to see the Pitlochrie Beat produce a fish on Tuesday.

 Mr George Thompson with a beautiful fly caught salmon at Catholes

It was very encouraging to see so many nice fish caught from the Tay system last week. Some of these fish have created memories for life for anglers, which is always special. As we move through April the number of fish entering the Tay system and heading for one of the many tributaries should continue to increase. This is in addition to the fish running the main river. Anglers should therefore stand an excellent chance of hooking the ultimate prize in our sport a hard fighting spring salmon and there is no better place to do this than on the mighty River Tay.

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 10th April)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish N Trips 4, Portnacraig Pitlochry 12, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld House 2, Newtyle 3, Glendelvine 4, Kercock 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 9, Kethick Mains 1, Islamouth 18, Cargill 2, Stobhall 6, Taymount 2, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 1, Pitlochrie 1.  

Total: 69 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 24lbs

MORE STUNNING SPRING SALMON TO BE LANDED FROM THE TAY SYSTEM IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 12th April 2021)

April can be a prime time of year on the River Tay on many beats for spring salmon fishing and last week showed why, as catches improved dramatically. This was despite relatively light fishing pressure due to the pandemic. There is already a reasonable head of fish in the system as has been shown by the catches in recent weeks. These fish will be joined by more fresh fish entering the system daily, so anglers stand a great chance of making contact with that elusive springer. Hopefully, there will be more stunning salmon landed in the days ahead.

Last week saw mostly dry conditions predominate across much of Perthshire apart from the odd snow shower. It was bitterly cold in the strong northerly wind. There was also some night time frosts. River levels were steady and generally conditions were good on many beats. This was reflected in the improved catches. 

It has been mostly cold and dry over the weekend apart from a few scattered snow showers on Saturday. Looking ahead to next week, high pressure looks set to build bringing dry settled conditions for much of Scotland. Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry with the chance of the odd shower. It will feel cold with night time frosts. Temperatures are set to gradually rise from midweek onwards and the dry weather should continue. There is a chance of some patchy rain as we move towards next weekend. 

It was good to see anglers enjoying some good sport last week on the Tay system. Many anglers that braved the elements were rewarded for the efforts landing some stunning spring salmon. Catches were well spread from Dalguise down to Pitlochrie on the main river. Loch Tay produced some nice springers and the River Tummel continued its recent run of good form producing springers regularly with the Portnacraig Beat being particularly productive once again. Realistically there is a good chance of landing a fresh fish anywhere on the Tay system in the upcoming days.

With decent conditions forecast and top quality hard fighting spring salmon being landed daily, why not start your quest of catching a spring salmon on the River Tay next week if current pandemic travel restrictions permit? Nothing describes that amazing feeling when you hook a big Tay 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 spring period (April-May)

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year on the River Tay

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.