THE MERCURY SOARS, A FAMILY DOUBLE AND A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK!

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

We are now moving towards the end of July and into the height of the Scottish summer. Over the past few days, it has certainly felt like summer as the mercury across the British Isles soared courtesy of a large area of high pressure. Even in Perthshire temperatures in the mid to late twenties were recorded and this coupled with bright cloudless skies on many days made fishing challenging to say the least. What added to anglers woes further was the very high water temperatures.

It was therefore hardly surprising that catches on the Tay suffered somewhat. Anglers that fished early in the morning and then again at dusk enjoyed the best of the sport during the very hot days.

It was another hot week across Perthshire

On the upper river, there was success at Upper Kinnaird on Monday. There was a lovely fourteen pounder caught from the Lower Kinnaird Beat also on Monday which was great to see. There was another fish also caught from the beat on Wednesday. Both the Dalguise and Dalmarnock beats produced fish on Thursday and Friday. It was great to see success on the Murthly 2 Beat on Friday. A stunning sixteen pounder was caught from Kercock on Thursday with another fish landed from the beat on Saturday. It was good to see a nice fish caught from the Meikleour Beat on Wednesday. At Islamouth there were nine fish caught on Monday and Tuesday with the biggest weighing sixteen pounds. 

A lovely grilse for Jamie Mcerlain caught on Thursday

Anglers at Ballathie enjoyed some good sport on Tuesday landing three fish including a lovely fifteen pounder. On Wednesday evening, Head Ghillie at Ballathie Mr Gary Mcerlain and his son Jamie created some fantastic memories. Gary gave his son a brief Spey casting lesson. Jamie then decided to fish the Cradle. Shortly afterwards Jamie hooked and landed his first ever salmon, a lovely fresh grilse. If one was not enough he then went on to catch a cracking ten pounder on the fly. Well done young man and it would be fair to say that Jamie is a chip off the old block!

Jamie Mcerlain with his first salmon

It was a great family double at Cargill on Monday. Mr Graham Ritchie landed a nice fish and not be outdone his son Mr David Ritchie also caught a salmon. 

A salmon caught at Cargill on Monday

The father and son duo also lost a couple of fish during the course of the day. 

Mr Tom Adams had a memorable day at Cargill on Friday evening when he caught his first ever Tay grilse on the fly. The smile says it all!

Mr Tom Adams with his first Tay grilse caught at Cargill

Anglers at Stobhall landed a fine brace on Tuesday with another fish caught from the beat on Friday. There was success at Taymount on Tuesday and there was a lovely sixteen pounder landed from the beat on Wednesday. The week finished well with two more fish caught from the beat on Saturday.

It was nice to see a fish being caught from the Pitlochrie Beat on Saturday. Further downstream there was a couple of fish caught at Upper Scone during the first half of the week. There was success at Upper Redgorton on Friday. It was a great start to the week for anglers at Waulkmill landing three fish. The Waulkmill Beat finished with five fish for the week. It was good to see the Almondmouth Beat produce a couple of fish through the course of last week. 

Maybe a fly for next week?

Understandably catches suffered last week due to the extreme conditions. The river is currently very low and a lift in water and a general freshen up would not go a miss. Hopefully, temperatures will drop somewhat next week and with it, there will be some more cloud on offer. If this happens, there could be some good sport to be had on the Tay system as we move towards August. With many people still on holiday, it could prove to be the perfect time to book a few days fishing on the river.

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 July)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalguise 2, Dalmarnock 2, Kercock 2, Murthly 2, 1, Meikleour & U Islamouth 1, Islamouth 11, Ballathie 6, Cargill 3, Stobhall 3, Taymount 4, Pitlochrie 1, Upper Scone 2, Upper Redgorton 1, Waulkmill 5, Almondmouth 2

Total: 49 Largest: Kercock & Taymount 16lbs

A BREAK IN THE WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

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

Temperatures soared across Perthshire as well as the rest of the UK last week. The heat reached its peak in most places on Thursday with temperatures in Scotland hitting the late twenties in many places including Perthshire. The extreme weather definitely impacted on catches.

The river could now do with a decent lift in water which should lead to fresher conditions and also hopefully allow the current high water temperatures to drop.

The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting grilse and many were sea liced which was great to see. As we move towards August more salmon should enter the Tay system daily giving anglers the chance of making contact with the king of fish. 

It has felt slightly cooler and fresher over the weekend and thankfully the cooling trend is set to continue next week as lower pressure begins to dominate with the jet stream diving south of the British Isles. Monday and Tuesday will see the chance of some widespread showers and some of these could be thundery in nature. There is a chance of prolonged heavy rain through the middle part of the week. Temperatures will be much cooler and closer to average values for the time of year or even slightly below average. The unsettled theme is set to continue as we move towards next weekend.

Last week there were fish caught from Upper Kinnaird down to Almondmouth with the majority of fish caught on the lower river. 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 that 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.     

MOTHER NATURE CONSPIRES AGAINST ANGLERS ON THE RIVER TAY!

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

Temperatures gradually rose through the course of last week and by the weekend peaked in the mid-twenties across Perthshire. Unfortunately, this was not the only thing that conspired against anglers fishing the river last week. A landslide on the River Garry led to the river being significantly coloured which was frustrating for anglers and ghillies alike. Landslides in this area of the Tay system are not uncommon at this time of year, especially after heavy showers. As the water on the Tay system is at summer level there is less flow and so it took longer than it normally would for the river to clear. As we all know there is nothing one can do when it comes to Mother Nature. Thankfully towards the end of the week, the water started to clear.

Coloured water on the Tay last week

Unsurprisingly the coloured water coupled with the hot weather and bright sunshine had a significant impact on catches last week. The water temperature last week was 16.1 degrees Celsius which is around 61.0 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It was a great start to the week at Edradynate on Monday when an eight pounder was landed on the fly from the Croys. Other beats that produced fish on the upper river during the course of the week included Upper Farleyer and Upper Bolfracks.

A nice fish caught from Edradynate on Monday

On the River Garry Mr Dave Wilson caught a lovely grilse weighing five pounds on the spinner whilst fishing the Ruan Ruarie Beat early on Friday morning. Fifteen year old Callum Gray had a day to remember at Dunkeld. Callum was fishing the Lady Pool when a powerful fish took his Salmo lure. After a great fight, Callum landed a fine fourteen pounder. Well done young man!

Young Callum Gray with a cracker from Dunkeld caught on Monday

Both the Newtyle and Glendelvine beats produced fish on Monday which was good to see. Mr George Lockwood and his party were fish at Kercock during the second half of the week. Despite the tough conditions Mr Lockwood caught a lovely fifteen pounder on Saturday. The powerful fish put up a great fight.

Mr George Lockwood with a lovely fish caught at Kercock

At Islamouth the Skeoch party landed four fish during the first half of the week. On Thursday eleven year old William Brooks showed everyone how it was done when he landed a cracking fish tipping the scales at just over seventeen pounds. What a fish for young William, one which he will remember for years to come! Islamouth finished with eight fish for the week.

A lovely fish caught by Mr Jon McNeish from Cargill on Monday

It was nice to see a fish caught at Ballathie on Friday. There was some decent action to be had at Cargill on Monday. Mr Jon McNeish landed a nice sixteen pounder on a toby. Mr McNeish also caught a couple of nice Sea trout which made it a good day. Mr David Harrington lost a good fish at Cargill on Monday. There were two more fish caught at Cargill on Friday.

 A nice fish caught at Cargill on Friday

At Stobhall the Cureton party were fishing during the first half of the week. On Monday Mr Rob Cureton caught a lovely twelve pounder and there was also a Sea trout caught from the beat. There were two more fish caught from Stobhall on Thursday as well as one on Friday.

A cracking salmon caught from Stobhall

The Taymount Beat produced some nice fish through the course of the week in spite of the tough conditions.

It was a good end to the week at Pitlochrie when a nice fish was landed on Saturday. Mr John Laybourne had a good day at Benchil on Monday. Mr Laybourne was fishing the Little Shot when he got a savage take on the fly. After a good fight, Mr Laybourne landed a fine fish. 

Further downstream it was nice to see the Fishponds Beat produce a fish on Friday. There was a fine brace caught at Upper Redgorton on Friday including a lovely seventeen pounder. There was success at Waulkmill on Saturday. The Almondmouth beat also produced some nice fish during the course of last week.

Mr John Laybourne with a lovely summer salmon caught at Benchil

We are now moving towards what should be the prime summer period on the Tay system. With each tide, more fresh fish should be entering the river and hopefully, this will ensure some good sport for anglers in the weeks ahead. We just need to hope that there are no more landslides adding colour to the water and temperatures cool. Hopefully, the fishing gods will be kinder to anglers fishing the River Tay next week. 

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 July)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Farleyer 1, Edradynate 1, Upper Bplfracks 3, Ruan Ruarie 1, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 2, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 1, Islamouth 8, Ballathie 1, Cargill 3, Stobhall 4, Taymount 3, Pitlochrie 1, Benchil 1, Fishponds 1, Upper Redgorton 2, Waulkmill 1, Almondmouth 5

Total:35 Largest: Islamouth 18lbs

COOLER AND CLOUDIER CONDITIONS NEXT WEEK?

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

It was tough on the Tay last week. Very hot weather coupled with a landslide leading to a coloured river meant that conditions were testing, to say the least. Thankfully by the end of the week the water became much clearer and catches improved somewhat although it was still very warm. 

It has been hot and dry over the weekend with temperatures widely in the mid twenties. Looking ahead to next week high pressure is set to remain in charge for much of the week. This will lead to a lot of dry and fine weather. However, there is a chance that it might be slightly cooler with more cloud cover on some days. This will be music to the ears of anglers fishing the river.

Over the next few weeks, more and more fresh fish should enter the river as the summer run on the Tay begins to gain momentum. Hopefully, this will ensure some good sport for anglers in the days and weeks ahead. The fish caught last week were a mixture of hard fighting fresh grilse and larger summer salmon many of which were sea liced. There were also some nice Sea trout caught which is always a welcome bonus especially if the salmon fishing is proving tough.

Catches on the river were well spread last week from Upper Farleyer down to Almondmouth. With the river currently at a good height for fly fishing on many beats there is a decent chance of a fish anywhere on the river next week but particularly on the middle and lower river. Let us just keep our fingers crossed that there are no more landslides!

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.    

IMPROVED CONDITIONS LEAD TO BETTER CATCHES ON THE TAY SYSTEM!

(Week ending 10th July 2021)

It was great to see catches on the River Tay improve significantly last week and hopefully, this is a sign of things to come as we move through July. Thankfully, the bright cloudless skies of the previous week gave way to something a bit kinder to salmon anglers. There were spells of heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday and this led to a lift in water on the Tay system. River levels rose over a foot but dropped back quickly towards the end of the week. The rise in water was also accompanied by some colour but this soon dissipated. The change in weather and water conditions certainly seemed to have the desired effect with more fish caught compared to recent weeks. The water temperature last week was 57.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is 14.2 degrees Celsius. 

On the upper river, there was success at Upper Bolfracks on Thursday and it was good to see the Upper Kinnaird beat produce fish on both Monday and Friday. On the River Gary Mr Paul Carter caught a lovely twelve pounder from the Ruan Ruarie Beat on the fly on Wednesday.

Success at Ruan Ruarie on Wednesday

Mr John Muir had a day to remember on Wednesday on the River Tummel at Portnacraig. Mr Muir hooked and landed a nice fish from the Pitlochry Bank which gave him a great tussle. On Saturday Mr Gavin Thompson caught a lovely nine pounder on the fly from Portnacraig.

Mr John Muir with a Tummel cracker!

Back on the main river, the Lower Kinnaird Beat produced two nice fish on Monday including a lovely fourteen pounder. It was a good start to the week at Dalmarnock with fish caught from the beat on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday Mr Richard Thomson caught a lovely fresh grilse from the Boil on the fly at Newtyle. 

Both Murthly Beats produced fish through the course of last week which was good to see and Glendelvine had a couple on Friday. There was success at Kercock on Monday and then a fine brace was landed from the beat on Thursday.

At Meikleour there was a nice fish caught on Monday with further success on Saturday when a cracking fourteen pounder was landed. It was the turn of the Moffat party to wet a line on the famous Islamouth Beat during the first half of last week. They enjoyed a productive three days landing a total of sixteen fish up to seventeen pounds. During the second half of the week, the Rix party also enjoyed some good sport at Islamouth landing some cracking fish.

Mr Plumley with one of two fish caught at Cargill on Monday

A fine brace was landed at Ballathie on Tuesday with three more fish caught from the beat on Saturday. There was some good sport to be had at Cargill last week with lots of happy anglers. Mr Tom Plumley had a happy Monday landing two crackers from the lower beat. Both fish were caught on the fly.

A sparkling fish for Mr Iain Jardine caught at Cargill on Tuesday

Mr Iain Jardine enjoyed success on Tuesday when he caught a sparkling salmon on a Devon Minnow at Cargill.

On Wednesday Mr Ian Bunch from St. Andrews caught a nice fourteen pounder on the fly. The fish gave a great account of itself.

Mr Ian Bunch into a good fish at Cargill

At Stobhall there was a nice six pounder caught on the fly on Tuesday. On Thursday Mr Bryn Davies caught a stunning sixteen pounder from Kilmou. Next on the scoresheet was Mr Scott Sykes who caught a nice sea liced fish from the Holly Bush on Saturday and then doubled his catch landing another fish from the Sharks Fin. Mr Mike Comrie also caught a fish on the fly from Wullies Stane on Saturday. 

A nice fish caught from Stobhall

The Taymount Beat produced some nice fish through the course of last week including a cracking nineteen pounder on Wednesday. Towards the bottom end of the lower river, both Upper Scone and Almondmouth enjoyed success last week. 


Mr Scott Sykes with a Stobhall sparkler!

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 July 2021)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Bolfracks 1, Upper Kinnaird 2, Lower Kinnaird 2, Ruan Ruarie 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2, Dalmarnock 4, Newtyle 1, Murthly 1, 3, Murthly 2, 7, Glendelvine 2, Kercock 4, Meikleour & U Islamouth 2, Kethick Streams 1, Islamouth 24, Ballathie 5, Cargill 7,  Stobhall 6, Taymount 8, Upper Scone 1, Almondmouth 2.

Total: 85 Largest: Taymount 19lbs


IMPROVING CATCHES, HOPEFULLY, A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME!

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

Thankfully the hot and humid weather of the previous week did not persist across much of Scotland including Perthshire and last week had a much fresher, cooler feel to proceedings. There was also a lift in water at the beginning of the week and this helped freshen conditions. This was definitely good news for anglers with catches on the River Tay improving significantly. There were some fine fish caught from the river including several fish weighing close to the magical twenty pounds mark. In addition to this, there was also some nice hard fighting fresh grilse landed and hopefully, this is a sign of things to come. 

The runs of summer fish entering the river should start to gain momentum over the next few weeks ensuring good sport for anglers and hopefully, it will be a productive second half of the season on the river. 

It has been quite unsettled over the weekend with widespread heavy showers across Perthshire with variable amounts of cloud. Thankfully the weather is set to continue in a similar vein next week so fishing conditions should be reasonable. Monday will see heavy showers across much of Scotland including Perthshire as low pressure continues to influence our weather. Tuesday and Wednesday should be drier with just the odd shower. It is likely that pressure will start to build from midweek onwards bringing more settled weather. Temperatures should also gradually rise. The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting grilse and many were sea liced which was great to see. Salmon were caught from the upper river down to Almondmouth which shows that there are fish well spread throughout the system. As we move through July and into August the beats located on the lower river should come into their own. Traditionally this is when the beats in this area of the river start to produce larger numbers of fish on a more consistent basis. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats situated on the middle and lower river. 

There is good availability next week, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? You might just have a twenty pounder coming your way! 

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.   

A TOUGH WEEK ON THE TAY AS PERTHSHIRE BASKS IN THE GLORIOUS SUMMER SUNSHINE!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 3rd July 2021) 

We moved into July last week and are now into the height of the Scottish summer. It certainly felt like summer as on many days last week temperatures were widely in the high teens or early twenties. It was also very bright at times with the sun high in the sky. On some days Perthshire basked in the summer sunshine which would have been glorious for many tourists visiting the area but not so much for anglers. As we all know these are far from ideal conditions to chase the elusive silver tourist and this was reflected in the catch numbers.

A stunning summer scene at Cargill

As we move through July, hopefully with every tide more and more hard fighting grilse and larger summer salmon will be entering the Tay system ensuring good sport to be had in the days and weeks ahead for anglers. River levels were steady for much of the week and the water temperature was 57.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is 14.2 degrees Celsius.  

A lovely grilse caught at Meikleour on Monday

On the upper river, there was success at Edradynate on Saturday when a fish was caught from the Croys on the fly. The fish took a small orange tube fly. The Dalguise Beat also produced a fish on Saturday.

A nice fish caught from Edradyante on Saturday

At Newtyle on Wednesday, there was a salmon caught from the Steps Pool on a size 12 Silver Stoat. Mr Brandon Bryant was next on the scoresheet at Newtyle when he caught a lovely fish from the Steps on a Red Francis on Saturday. The Murthly 1 beat produced a nice fourteen pounder on Saturday.

A lovely fish caught on the fly at Newtyle on Saturday

There was a fine brace landed at Kercock on Saturday which was good to see. Mr Craig Duncan had a happy Monday at Meikleour. Mr Duncan caught a fin perfect fresh grilse from the House Pool. 

At Islamouth there were fish caught on most days with seven landed from the beat on Friday including a magnificent twenty eight pounder. It’s great to see some of these larger fish currently running the Tay system.

Mr Jack Purvis with a lovely fish caught at Cargill on Monday

It was good to see a nice fish caught from Ballathie on Wednesday. There was plenty of fish showing at Cargill through the course of last week but the hot sunny conditions made fishing difficult.  Despite this Mr Jack Purvis landed a nice fish from the beat on Monday.

Even in bright sunshine it can still be done!

Mr David Turpin proved it could be done in spite of the tough conditions at Stobhall on Thursday. Mr Turpin landed a cracking seventeen pounder from the upper beat in bright sunshine and cloudless skies. It just shows that perseverance can pay rich dividends! There was also a fish caught from Stobhall on Saturday.

A Stobhall cracker being returned on Thursday

At the bottom end of the river, there were fish caught at Waulkmill and Almondmouth through the course of last week.

Currently, the Tay is at a great height for fly fishing on many beats and the weather forecast looks a bit more promising in the days ahead, so, why not book a day's salmon fishing on the famous River Tay next week? It could be the place to provide you with some midsummer magic!

A tasty pattern that might just do the business 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 3rd July)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Edradynate 1, Dalguise 1, Newtyle 2, Murthly 1, Kercock 2, Meikleour & U Islamouth 1, Islamouth 17, Ballathie 1, Cargill 1, Stobhall 2, Waulkmill 1, Almondmouth 1

Total: 31 Largest: Islamouth 28lbs

IMPROVED FISHING CONDITIONS IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 5th July 2021)

Hot and bright conditions persisted across much of Scotland including Perthshire last week and this impacted on the catches. On some days you could be fooled into thinking you were on the Costa Del Sol rather than Perthshire. The bright warm days and the high sun made salmon fishing a tricky proposition for much of the week. As we move through July and into August hopefully the runs of summer fish entering the river will gain momentum ensuring good sport for anglers.

There were frequent heavy showers on Saturday across much of Scotland including Perthshire. Some of these were thundery in nature.  On Sunday the showers if anything were even more widespread. However, it remained warm over the weekend. The good news is that the weather forecast is looking more promising next week as low pressure influences our weather.

Monday and Tuesday will see showers or longer spells of rain affect many parts of the region. Winds will be brisk at times with temperatures in the high teens. From midweek onwards there is a chance a weak ridge of high pressure may nudge in from the west which should make it drier with temperatures average for the time of year.

The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting grilse and many were sea liced which was great to see. Salmon were caught from Edradynate down to Almondmouth which shows that there are fish well spread throughout the system. As we move through July and into August the beats located on the lower river should come into their own. Traditionally this is when the beats in this area of the river start to produce larger numbers of fish on a more consistent basis. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats situated on the middle and lower river. 

There is good availability next week so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? You might just get a twenty pounder coming your way! 

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.