WIMBLEDON FORTNIGHT, A BIZZARE SUMMER SOLSTICE AND TWO TWENTY POUNDERS IN A DAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 26th June 2021) 

We are currently in the midst of the Scottish summer with July almost upon us. Traditionally the main summer salmon and grilse run on the River Tay would coincide with Wimbledon fortnight (which commences on Monday) but times have changed. Over the years, the summer run on the River Tay as with many other rivers around Scotland has arrived to our shores that bit later. Instead of early July in more recent years, the larger numbers of summer fish have started to enter the system later in July and into August. Having said that, there have already been some lovely summer salmon and grilse caught from the Tay system in the past few weeks.

A beautiful summer scene on the Lower Tay at Stobhall

It was a very unusual summer solstice last week. Temperatures dropped unseasonable low on Monday night and into early Tuesday with some sheltered glens across Scotland experiencing a grass frost. For the UK as a whole, some parts of the country especially in Southern England actually had a warmer winter solstice than the summer solstice which is quite bizarre. Away from the summer solstice, it was another mostly dry week across Perthshire with temperatures in the mid to high teens on most days. There was a brief spell of rain on Thursday and early Friday. Water levels on the River Tay were steady for much of last week and fishing conditions were reasonable but there were a couple of very bright days which made fishing difficult. Some of the anglers that fished early in the morning and then again in the evening were rewarded for their efforts. This is often the case when it is hot and sunny through the course of the day. The water temperature last week was 54.1 degrees Fahrenheit which is 12.3 degrees Celsius. 

The Lower Kinnaird Beat struck silver on Monday when a fine ten pounder was caught from the Guay Pool from the right bank. There was another fish caught from Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. It was a good end to the week at Dalmarnock with three fish caught on Saturday. Sir Charles Garton had a happy Monday at Dunkeld. Sir Charles hooked a lovely fish on the fly from the Rock Pool. The fish gave a great account of itself before it was landed and weighed twelve pounds. The fish was caught on a Kinermony Killer.

Mr Andy Johnstone enjoyed success at Newtyle on Monday. Mr Johnstone landed a nice ten pounder from the Ferry Pool. On Wednesday Mr Richard Armstrong was fly fishing the Steps Pool. Mr Armstrong got a savage take and after a good fight with numerous long runs, he landed a lovely sea liced salmon. On Saturday Mr Andrew Johnstone had more success when he caught a nice fish from the Trap. This was one of two fish caught from Newtyle on Saturday.

 Mr Richard Armstrong with a nice fly caught salmon at Newtyle

There was a cracking fish caught from Murthly 1 Beat weighing seventeen pounds on Wednesday. At Murthly 2 there was a magnificent twenty pounder caught on Tuesday, this was one of two fish caught from the beat that day. There were more fish caught from Murthly 2 on Wednesday and Friday. 

A nice fish caught from the Island at Murthly

It was good to see the Kercock Beat produce a fish on Tuesday and there was success at Meikleour on Friday.

At Islamouth the Caton Party were fishing during the first half of the week and landed four salmon up to fifteen pounds. Mr Mayhew’s party fished Islamouth towards the end of the week and also got in on the action. There were also several fish lost through the course of last week. Islamouth finished with nine fish for the week.

It was a great start to the week at Ballathie with five fish landed during the first half of the week including a stunning twenty pounder on Tuesday. This meant that there were two twenty pounders caught from the river on Tuesday which just shows what the Tay is capable of producing, on a regular basis. Ballathie finished with seven fish for the week.

A cracking Cargill salmon

There were numerous fish lost through the course of the week at Cargill. Finally, on Wednesday a couple stuck on. There was more success at Cargill on Friday and Saturday.

A sparkling grilse caught at Stobhall

At Stobhall Mr Bill Hazelwood lost a big multi sea winter fish on Monday morning on the fly from Findford Stream. However soon afterwards Mr Hazelwood got in on the act again when he hooked and landed the first grilse of the season from the beat. The fish was caught from the Boomerang. 

Next on the scoresheet at Stobhall on Monday was Mr Chris Stainforth who hooked a powerful fish at Four Grilse Point in the afternoon. After a great fight, the lovely fifteen pounder was landed.

A stunning fifteen pounder caught at Stobhall on Monday

On Thursday at Stobhall, Mr Stuart Cormie had a nice fresh eight pounder from the Sharks Finn. Not to be outdone Mr Mark Emms caught a cracking thirteen pounder from the March Tail. There were a couple more fish caught from Stobhall on Friday.

A Stobhall cracker

There were five fish caught at Taymount during the first half of the week and a cracking fourteen pounder was landed at Benchil on Friday. It was a good start to the week at Waulkmill with three fish landed during the first two days On Friday it was the turn of twelve year old young Roan Law who was fishing with his father and managed to land his second salmon of the year so far. It is great to see the younger generation enjoying this fabulous sport. The Almondmouth Beat finished the week with a couple of fish.

Young Roan Law with a cracking fish caught from Waulkmill

With many people on holiday in the next few weeks it could prove to be the perfect time to book a few days fishing on the River Tay, so why not have cast? There is no better way to start July than landing some fresh 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 26th June)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalmarnock 3, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 4, Murthly 1, 2, Murthly 2, 4,  Kercock 1, Meikleour & U Islamouth 1, Islamouth 9, Ballathie 7, Cargill 4,  Stobhall 6, Taymount 5, Benchil 1, Waulkmill 5, Almondmouth 2

Total: 57 Largest: Murthly 2 & Ballathie 20lbs

SOME GOOD SPORT TO BE HAD IN JULY?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 28th June 2021)

There were some fine fish caught from the river last week. River levels were steady and temperatures were in the mid-teens on most days. On a couple of days last week, conditions were very bright which was not ideal. Some of the anglers that fished unsociable hours did well with some evenings being particularly productive. This is often the case when it is very hot and sunny throughout the day. 

The fish caught were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting grilse and many were sea liced which was great to see. In the upcoming weeks, more salmon should enter the Tay system daily giving anglers the chance of making contact with the king of fish. Hopefully, there will be some good sport to be had as we move into July.

Over the weekend it has been mainly dry. Looking ahead to next week it should be settled with the Azores high extending its grip over Scotland. Monday and Tuesday will be dry with light winds. Temperatures are set to rise as we move through the week and by midweek will be widely in the mid-twenties. There is a chance that temperatures may drop slightly as we move towards next weekend but it should remain mainly dry with variable amounts of cloud.

Last week there were fish caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Almondmouth which shows that there are fish well spread throughout the system. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on beats situated on the middle and lower river. As always, there is a good variety of salmon fishing available on the Tay in the upcoming days with fishing to suit even the most discerning of anglers' tastes. So why not chase some summer silver on the Tay next week? You could have a July day to remember!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

Malloch Trophy 

The Malloch Trophy is an award given for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned to the river each year. If you would like to be considered for the Malloch Trophy, please telephone Inga MacGillivray on 01738 583733 alternatively, you can email Inga at admin@tdsfb.org

Tactics for the River Tay during the summer period (June-August)

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.

As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water, during the summer months, a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.

Fly Fishing

During the summer months, water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay, they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well. 

A fine fly caught River Tay salmon

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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually, a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.

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 thirty 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. 

Spinning in the summer months 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months. 

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. 

Harling is a unique, effective method of fishing 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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion.  

CATCHES IMPROVE ON THE TAY AS WE APPROACH MIDSUMMER!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 19th June 2021) 

It will quite literally be mid-summer next week as on Monday it will be the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when one of the Earth's two poles achieve maximum tilt towards the sun. Monday will therefore mark the longest day of the year.

For anglers, this means that fishing very late at night and then again early in the morning is possible. During the summer months, this can often be the best times to wet a line especially if it has been hot and sunny during the day. 

It was cooler across much of Scotland including Perthshire last week and thankfully at times, there was more cloud cover. There was a small lift in water during the middle part of the week. All in all, it was a much better fishing week and catches responded accordingly. The water temperature last week was 13.9 degrees Celsius which is 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

The good news was that catches on the Tay system improved last week with a decent number of larger summer salmon caught including fish weighing well over twenty pounds. Many of the fish were caught on the fly with the river at a perfect height for fly fishing on many beats. There were also a few nice Sea trout caught which is always a welcome addition to any salmon that are landed. 

On the upper river, Mr Gordon Pollock had a nice fish from the Edradynate Beat on Thursday weighing twelve pounds. Other successful beats on the upper river through the course of the last week included Lower Farleyer and Upper Kinnaird. 

A lovely fish caught from Edradynate on Thursday

Mr William Davidson had a nice fish from the Portnacraig Beat on the River Tummel on Friday. 

A nice fish caught from Portnacraig on Friday

It was nice to see fish caught from Dalmarnock on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday there was success on the Dunkeld Beat. Mr Jake Leonard had a day to remember at Newtyle on Tuesday. Mr Leonard was fly fishing the Trap when his line tightened. After a great fight, Mr Leonard landed a lovely salmon.

Mr Jake Leonard with a lovely fish caught from Newtyle

On Thursday Mr Calum Laurie originally from New Zealand had a special day at Newtyle. Mr Lawrie was fishing the Boil when he hooked his first ever salmon. After a great fight, the fish was duly landed. Well done Sir, you never forget your first!

Mr Calum Laurie with his first ever salmon caught at Newtyle on Thursday

On Friday Mr John Amos enjoyed success at Newtyle when he caught a nice fish on the fly from the Trap in the evening. He also lost a fish ten minutes later.

Mr John Amos with a nice fish caught at Newtyle

There was a fine brace caught at Murthly 2 on Tuesday. Further downstream it was good to see the Kercock Beat produce fish regularly including a lovely fifteen pounder on Friday.

It was a good day on Saturday for Mr Peter Gilding who was fishing at Meikleour. Mr Gilding hooked a powerful fish in the House Pool. After a good fight, Mr Gilding landed a nice eleven pounder. 

A lovely fish comes to the net at Meikleour on Saturday

Mr Stuart Yates and his party were fishing at Islamouth during the first half of the week and they enjoyed some great sport landing a total of eleven fish for their three days including a cracking eighteen pounder. Mr Simon Furniss and his party were fishing the beat during the second half of the week and they also caught some nice fish which was good to see. Many of the fish were being caught on a striped Sunray. Islamouth finished with seventeen fish for the week.  

A nice fish was caught from Ballathie on Tuesday. Anglers at Cargill enjoyed some decent sport at the start of the week. Mr David Harrington caught a lovely fresh fish from the beat on Monday morning. This was in spite of the gale force winds. There were two more fish caught from the beat on Tuesday. 

A Cargill cracker caught on Monday

Next on to the scoresheet at Cargill was Mr John Wilson from Newcastle who landed a stunning fresh fish on the fly on Wednesday. 

Mr John Wilson with a cracking fly caught salmon on Wednesday

There was also success at Cargill for Mr Chris Farmer. Mr Farmer was fly fishing the Clocksden when he got a savage take. After a long fight, Mr Farmer landed a fine salmon.

Mr Chris Farmer with a nice fish from Cargill caught on Wednesday

Further downstream Mr Dewi Morris banished away those Monday morning blues when he landed a lovely fresh salmon from Stobhall. The fish was in great condition and caught from Findford Head. There were more fish caught from the beat on Tuesday and Thursday. 

A stunning twenty four pounder was caught from Taymount on Monday with another couple landed from the beat on Wednesday. This is the stamp of fish the Tay has been renowned for. It was good to see fish caught at Waulkmill and Almondmouth through the course of last week. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come for beats located at the bottom end of the river in the upcoming weeks. 

Mr Dewi Morris with a Stobhall sparkler!

The Scottish summer school holidays are now almost upon us. This a great chance for the younger generation to experience our wonderful sport. What could be better than for a youngster to enjoy a day on the River Tay and maybe even hook a salmon? It is an experience they will never forget!   

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 19th June)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Lower Farleyer 1, Edradynate 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Dalmarnock 2, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 3, Murthly 2, 2, Kercock 3, Meikleour & U Islamouth 1, Islamouth 17, Ballathie 1, Cargill 5, Stobhall 3, Taymount 3, Waulkmill 3, Almondmouth 6.

Total: 54 Largest: Taymount 23lbs.

WILL CATCHES CONTINUE TO IMPROVE NEXT WEEK?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 21st June 2021)

The weather was quite settled across much of Perthshire last week. There was an area of low pressure that brought a brief spell of rain on Tuesday night and into Wednesday. From midweek onwards it remained mainly dry as high pressure built in once again. Thankfully the wall to wall sunshine of recent weeks was replaced by more cloudier skies and it was cooler with temperatures in the mid to high teens. Overall fishing conditions were better and catches responded accordingly. Hopefully catches will continue to improve next week.

It was mainly dry over the weekend apart from the odd isolated shower. Looking ahead to next week high pressure is set to extend across Scotland during the first half of the week bringing mostly dry and settled conditions. Winds will be light with temperatures in the mid-teens. There is a chance of more unsettled weather from Thursday onwards as our weather may be influenced by low pressure.

Last week water levels were steady for much of the week apart from a small lift on Tuesday. The river is currently at a perfect height for many beats. In the past few days, there have been salmon caught from Lower Farleyer on the upper river down to Almondmouth at the bottom end of the lower river, so catches have been well spread on the Tay system. The fish caught have been mainly larger summer salmon and grilse with many being sea liced. With the decent current water levels, fresh fish entering the system are likely to be running hard. As the spread of catches would suggest, there is a chance of landing a fresh fish anywhere on the River Tay next week with beats on the middle and lower river probably offering the best chance of some good sport. So why not book a day on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beat's landing some River Tay summer silver!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

Malloch Trophy 

The Malloch Trophy is an award given for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned to the river each year. If you would like to be considered for the Malloch Trophy, please telephone Inga MacGillivray on 01738 583733 alternatively, you can email Inga at admin@tdsfb.org

Tactics for the River Tay during the summer period (June-August)

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.

As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water, during the summer months, a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.

Fly Fishing

During the summer months, water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay, they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well. 

A fine fly caught River Tay salmon

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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually, a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.

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 thirty 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. 

Spinning in the summer months 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months. 

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. 

Harling is a unique, effective method of fishing 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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion. 

SOME SPARKLING SALMON AND GRILSE ARE LANDED IN THE PERTHSHIRE SUNSHINE!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 12th June 2021) 

We are now moving towards the middle of June and hopefully, in the days and weeks ahead the summer run on the River Tay will start to build momentum. There have already been grilse and larger summer salmon caught from the Tay system in recent weeks as well as the odd late running springer. As we move through June and into July more summer fish should enter the river with every tide giving anglers the opportunity to catch hard fighting grilse and summer salmon.

Wetting a line on the beautiful Murthly 2 Beat

It was another warm week across much of Perthshire with temperatures widely reaching the high teens and early twenties. This made fishing at the right times important with many anglers opting to fish early in the morning and then again at dusk. Water levels on the Tay system remained settled and there were some sparkling salmon and grilse caught in the Perthshire sunshine. The water temperature last week was 57.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is 14.2 degrees Celsius. 

On the upper river, both Farleyer beats and Upper Bolfracks produced fish through the course of the week. On Wednesday there was a stunning sixteen pounder caught from Edradynate with another fish caught from the beat on Thursday. 

A lovely salmon caught at Edradynate on Wednesday

Mr Gordon Ferguson had a day to remember at Portnacraig on the River Tummel on Friday. Mr Ferguson was fishing the Portnacraig bank when his rod buckled. After a monumental battle, Mr Ferguson landed a cracking thirteen pounder. On Saturday Mr William Davidson enjoyed success at Portnacraig when he caught a nice eight pounder from the Pitlochry bank on the spinner. 

A nice fish caught from Portnacraig on Saturday

It was good to see the Lower Kinnaird Beat produce a fish on Tuesday. Mr James Broomhall was fishing the Bridge Pool at Dalguise on Tuesday evening when he hooked a good fish. After a terrific fight, Mr Broomhall went on to land a magnificent eighteen pounder. 

There was success at Dalmarnock on Friday and Saturday. Mr Colin McLean had a happy Monday at Newtyle. Mr McLean caught a lovely twelve pounder from the Steps on the fly. He also caught a magnificent Sea trout weighing four pounds in the afternoon. There was more success at Newtyle on Wednesday when another fresh fish was caught on the fly.

Mr Colin McLean with a Newtyle cracker!

There was success at Murthly 2 on Tuesday and it was good to see the Glendelvine Beat produce a fish on Wednesday. There was a fine brace landed from Meikleour during the first half of the week. 

A fine salmon caught from the Murthly 2 Beat

It was nice to see a couple of fish caught from the Kethick Streams Beat through the course of the week. At Islamouth it was more a story of what might have been. Anglers had numerous takes from summer salmon and grilse through the course of the week but they just did not want to stay on. Despite this, there were some fine fish landed. Islamouth finished with nine fish for the week.

Further downstream at Ballathie there was a couple of nice fish caught on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. There were two fish caught at Cargill during the first half of the week. 

Success at Cargill during the first half of the week

There were no Monday morning blues for Mr Graham Sutherland at Stobhall. Mr Sutherland caught a lovely fresh fish weighing thirteen pounds from the lower beat.

There were a couple of fish caught from Taymount on Wednesday and one on Friday. It was good to see the beats towards the bottom end of the river starting to pick up a few fish with salmon caught from Upper Redgorton, Waulkmill and Almondmouth. As we move through the summer catches in this area of the river should build significantly. 

Success for Mr Grahan Sutherland at Stobhall on Monday

It was nice to see some lovely fresh fish caught from the Tay system last week. The numbers of summer salmon and grilse should start to build in the river in the upcoming weeks so why not wet a line on the Tay next week? With good current water conditions for many beats, you might just have a day to remember!

Maybe a fly to try next week?

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 12th June)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Edradynate 2, Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Farleter 1, Upper Bolfracks 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 2, Newtyle 2, Murthly 2, 1, Glendelvine 1, Meikleour & U Islamouth 2, Kethick Streams 2, Islamouth 9, Ballathie 3, Cargill 2, Stobhall 1, Taymount 3, Upper Redgorton 1, Waulkmill 1, Almondmouth 3

Total: 42 Largest: Dalguise 18lbs

COOLER TEMPERATURES TOWARDS THE END OF THE WEEK?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 14th June 2021)

We are now into mid-June and more summer salmon will be entering the Tay system on every tide. Over the next few weeks, the summer run on the Tay should begin to gain momentum. The warm weather continued last week with temperatures widely into the high teens and early twenties. With high pressure dominating it was mainly dry with light winds. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will be mainly dry with temperatures a notch down on recent days. On Wednesday an area of low pressure is set to sweep across the country bringing some showery rain and stronger winds to many parts. Towards the end of the week, some thundery showers may affect Perthshire and it looks like a north westerly airflow will be established introducing much cooler conditions than of late which could potentially be good news for anglers. 

Catches were well spread on the Tay system last week from Edradynate down to Almondmouth. It was good to see catches on the lower river pick up and hopefully this is a sign of things to come during the summer months on the Tay. There is a chance of a fresh fish anywhere on the Tay system next week but more especially on the beats located on the middle and lower river.

As always, there are some fantastic salmon fishing opportunities on the river in the upcoming days to suit all budgets and the great variety of fishing on offer on the Tay system is second to none. So why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats landing some Tay mid-summer silver!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

Malloch Trophy 

The Malloch Trophy is an award given for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned to the river each year. If you would like to be considered for the Malloch Trophy, please telephone Inga MacGillivray on 01738 583733 alternatively, you can email Inga at admin@tdsfb.org

Tactics for the River Tay during the summer period (June-August)

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.

As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water, during the summer months, a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.

Fly Fishing

During the summer months, water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay, they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well. 

A fine fly caught River Tay salmon

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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually, a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.

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 thirty 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. 

Spinning in the summer months 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months. 

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. 

Harling is a unique, effective method of fishing 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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion. 

TEMPERATURES SOAR, A BIRTHDAY BRACE TO REMEMBER AND GRILSE START TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE ON THE MIGHTY RIVER TAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 5th June 2021)

 

We have now moved into June which heralds the beginning of the summer salmon fishing season across Scotland. In the next few weeks, grilse and summer salmon will hopefully start running our rivers in ever-increasing numbers. Summer is a fantastic time of year to be out in the great Scottish outdoors. The leaves on the trees are green and vibrant and there are signs of life everywhere you look. The longer nights at this time of year also offer more angling opportunities with evening fishing becoming possible and also productive. In addition to salmon fishing, June and July can also be good months for Sea trout fishing. Traditionally the runs of Sea trout peak within the next six weeks and a nice hard fighting Sea trout can brighten up any angler's day, especially if the salmon are playing hard to get!

It felt like summer across Perthshire last week

It certainly felt like summer across much of Scotland including Perthshire last week as temperatures soared on most days. High pressure dominated bringing mostly cloudless skies and temperatures were widely into the twenties. This made it feel very pleasant but not the best conditions for chasing silver. Some ghillies reported seeing grilse on their beat and there was also some stunning fresh grilse caught which is great news. The water temperature last week was 11.4 degrees Celsius which 52.5 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It was nice to see more success on Loch Tay on Wednesday with the Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips team when a nice springer was landed. On the upper river, it was good to see both Bolfracks beats produce fish through the course of the week as well as Upper Farleyer and Edradynate. 

A nice nine pounder caught from Edradynate on Friday

Mr Dave Wilson had a good day on Tuesday on the Ruan Ruarie Beat of the River Gary. Mr Wilson caught a nice eight pounder on the spinner. Mr Malcolm Fleming was fishing on Loch Faskally on Wednesday. Within a few minutes of putting the rods out, he hooked and landed a fine sixteen pounder. There were more fish caught from the loch during the second half of the week. 

Mr Malcolm Fleming with a lovely fish caught from Loch Faskally

There were good numbers of fish showing on the River Tummel at Portnacraig. On Wednesday Mr Jamie Smith had a successful day when he landed a nice twelve pounder on the fly from the Portnacraig Bank. Mr Saul Mackay landed a cracking seventeen pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry bank later that evening.

Mr Saul Mackay with a Portnacraig cracker!

Dalguise has produced a few nice fish in the past few weeks and Wednesday was no exception when a lovely fish was landed from the beat. 

 Mr McCabe with a stunning salmon caught from Newtyle on Friday

Mr Tony McCabe had a good day at Newtyle on Friday. Mr McCabe was fly fishing the Boil when his line tightened. After a terrific battle that involved several powerful runs, Mr McCabe landed a beautiful sea liced salmon.

Mr Philip Black with the best possible birthday present caught at Murthly 2

At the beginning of the week, Mr Philip Black celebrated his birthday in style with his brother Tony on the Murthly 2 Beat. Despite the hot sunny weather Mr Black fished at the right times and persevered and caught fish on both Monday and Tuesday. Presents don’t come much better than a fine birthday brace! There was more success at Murthly 2 on Friday.

A well earned birthday darm for Mr Philip Black!

The Kercock Beat finished with three fish for the week. Mr Stuart Maughan had a nice eleven pounder from the Meikleour & U Islamouth Beat on Thursday. The fish was caught from the Pumphouse on the fly. Next on to the scoresheet was Mr Tom Czarnota who caught a fine six pounder from the Castle Pool on a Blair Spoon on Friday. There was success on the River Isla at Keithick Streams on Monday and Saturday.

Mr Stuart Maughan with a sparkling fish caught at Meikleour

It was a much better week at Islamouth with the water dropping. Mr David Clarke and his party had a great first half of the week landing a total of ten fish including fresh grilse which was good to see. Mr Jim Ferrie and his party were fishing at Islamouth during the second half of the week and enjoyed some superb sport with most of the fish taking a striped Sunray. There were also several fish lost which proved to be frustrating for some!

It was a great start to the week at Ballathie with a fish caught from the upper beat on Monday and then a fine brace landed from the lower beat on Tuesday. It was nice to see happy faces at Cargill on Wednesday when two fish were landed. There was also a fish caught from the beat on Friday.

Good sport at Cargill through the middle part of the week

It was a happy Monday for Mr Finlay Wilson at Stobhall. Mr Wilson landed a fine twelve pounder in the Perthshire sunshine. On Friday Mr Tony Forster caught a lovely fresh fish weighing fourteen pounds from Findford Stream at Stobhall. There was success at Taymount on Wednesday when a couple of nice fish were landed.

A lovely springer caught by Mr Finlay Wilson at Stobhall on Monday

The cloudless skies and splitting sunshine coupled with warm temperatures definitely made fishing challenging last week but there were still some nice fish caught from the Tay system. It was good to see grilse start to make an appearance on the river. Hopefully, the conditions next week will be more conducive to salmon fishing. 

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

Malloch Trophy 

The Malloch Trophy is an award given for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned to the river each year. If you would like to be considered for the Malloch Trophy, please telephone Inga MacGillivray on 01738 583733 alternatively, you can email Inga at admin@tdsfb.org

Beat catches reported (week ending 5th June)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips 1, Upper Farleyer 3, Edradynate 1, Upper Bolfracks 4, Lower Bolfracks 1, Ruan Ruarie 1, Loch Faskally 4, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2, Dalguise 1, Newtyle 1, Murthly 2, 3, Kercock 3, Keithick Streams 2, Meikleour & U Islamouth 2, Islamouth 17, Ballathie 3, Cargill 3, Stobhall 2, Taymount 2

Total: 56 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 17lbs

IMPROVED FISHING CONDITIONS IN THE WEEK AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 7th June 2021)

It was very warm last week across Perthshire and when you couple this with cloudless skies and bright sunshine it’s easy to see why salmon fishing was challenging at times. Despite this, there were some nice fish caught from the Tay system and some ghillies reported seeing grilse starting to appear on their beats. Indeed, there were also a few nice grilse landed which was great news. River levels were settled last week. Over the weekend it has been mainly dry and warm with temperatures into the high teens. Looking ahead to next week high pressure is set to remain in charge bringing mostly dry and settled weather. Temperatures will gradually rise through the course of the week peaking in the mid-twenties. Cloud amounts will vary daily with possibly more cloud cover than last week and winds will remain light so the fishing conditions should improve somewhat in the days ahead.

Catches on the Tay system were again well spread last week from Loch Tay down to Taymount. There were also fish caught from the River Gary and Tummel as well as Loch Faskally. Many of the fish caught were sea liced indicating that the fish entering the system were running hard. Hopefully more grilse and summer salmon should start to be caught in the upcoming weeks and this will give anglers some optimism for the summer season. There is a good chance of picking up a fresh fish anywhere on the main river next week as the spread of recent catches would suggest. Probably the best chance could be anywhere on the middle or lower river. The River Tummel and Isla could also be worth a cast.

As always, the River Tay offers anglers fantastic value for money with a wide range of salmon fishing to suit all tastes. There is decent availability in the upcoming days on some fantastic beats, so why not wet a line one of Scotland’s most famous and iconic salmon rivers? There could be a big Tay salmon 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 summer period (June-August)

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.

As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water, during the summer months, a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.

Fly Fishing

During the summer months, water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay, they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well. 

A fine fly caught River Tay salmon

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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually, a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.

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 thirty 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. 

Spinning in the summer months 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months. 

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. 

Harling is a unique, effective method of fishing 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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion.