(River Tay weekly report week ending 31st July 2021)
We have now moved into August which can be a prime summer month on many of Scotland's salmon rivers including the mighty Tay. Given decent conditions, it is usually when the runs of summer salmon and grilse peak. There is also a chance of catching some of the early running autumn fish towards the end of the month and these usually tend to be much bigger in size. Let us hope that August is a productive month for anglers who wet a line on the mighty Tay.
The midweek lift in water was accompanied by alot of colour
After the record-breaking temperatures of the previous week anglers were rejoicing in the fact that the weather finally broke last week. It was much cooler from midweek onwards and more akin to a Scottish summer. Water levels were quite settled initially. However heavy thundery showers through the middle part of the week resulted in a lift in water accompanied by a lot of colour, especially on the lower river. Thankfully, river levels dropped quickly and the water cleared on Friday and Saturday which was good news for anglers. The break in the weather appeared to be the catalyst for improved catches on the River Tay last week which was great news. The water temperature last week was 17.5 degrees Celsius which is 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
A lovely fish caught from Edradynate on Wednesday
On the upper river, Mr Gordon Pollock had a nice fish at Edradynate on Wednesday weighing four pounds. On Wednesday Mr Masaru from Japan caught his first ever Atlantic Salmon at Dalguise, a day he will remember for years to come!
A cracking fish caught at Dalguise last week
Mr John Muir enjoyed success on the River Tummel at Portnacraig on Thursday when he caught a lovely fifteen pounder on the spinner from the Pitlochry bank.
Back on the main river, there was a fine brace landed at Dalmarnock on Wednesday with another fish caught from the beat on Friday. The Trap was the place to be at Newtyle as it produced a cracking fish on Friday. The next fish caught at Newtyle was by Mr Brandon Bryant on Saturday when he caught sparkling fresh fish on the fly also from the Trap. It was a good end to the week on the Murthly 2 Beat with a fish caught on Friday and three on Saturday.
A lovely fish caught from Newtyle on Friday
There were some nice fish caught at Kercock last week including a magnificent eighteen pounder on Friday. There was a fish caught at Meikleour on Thursday. On the River Ericht, the West Grange Beat produced fish through the middle part of the week.
Mr Barry Ward with one of three fish caught from Islamouth
Mr Barry Ward had a fantastic day at Islamouth on Wednesday. Mr Ward landed three lovely salmon including a cracking fourteen pounder. A great day’s sport in anyone’s book! The Islamouth Beat finished with twelve fish for the week.
Another Islamouth cracker!
The Ballathie Beat produced a fish on Friday. It was good to see a couple of fish caught at Cargill on Monday with Mr Colin Morgan being one of the successful anglers. There was a cracking fourteen pounder caught from the beat on Wednesday. Three more fish were caught from Cargill on Friday making it a productive end to the week.
There were some nice fish caught at Stobhall last week including a fine hat trick on Friday and two more on Saturday. Anglers at Taymount enjoyed some good sport with four fish landed during the first half of the week.
A fine Cargill salmon caught on Wednesday
Ms Rachel Russell had a day to remember at Pitlochrie on Thursday when she caught her first ever salmon. The fish put up a great fight and will hopefully be the first of many for Ms Russell. This was one of two fish caught from the beat that day.
Rachel Russell with her first ever salmon caught at Pitlochrie
Mr Terry Speak caught a lovely summer salmon on the fly from the Long Shot on Friday at Benchil. The fish weighed fifteen pounds and gave a great account of itself.
Mr Terry Speak with a superb fish caught at Benchil on Friday
Not to be outdone, Mr Geoff Robinson caught a seventeen pounder again on the fly later that day. So, it was smiling faces all around at Benchil!
Mr Geoff Robinson with a Benchil beauty!
Mr Neil Tong and his party had a day to remember at Fishponds on Saturday landing a total of eight fish all on the fly. Mr James Holder landed five fish for the day up to fifteen pounds. Other successful anglers included Mr Colin Taylor and Mr Martin Ferrie.
One of eight lovely fish caught from Fishponds on Saturday
The Upper Redgorton Beat produced a fish on Friday and Waulkmill produced three fish for the week. Catches improved at Almondmouth towards the end of the week with three fish landed on Friday and Saturday.
Let us hope that good numbers of fresh enter the river throughout August especially on the back of the recent lift in water so many anglers can enjoy that magical experience of landing some hard fighting 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 31st July)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Edradynate 1, Dalguise 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Dalmarnock 3, Newtyle 2, Murthly 2, 4, Kercock 3, Meikleour & U Islamouth 1, West Grange 4, Islamouth 12, Ballathie 1, Cargill 6, Stobhall 8, Taymount 8, Pitlochrie 3, Benchil 4, Upper Redgorton 1, Fishponds 8, Waulkmill 3, Almondmouth 7
Total: 81 Largest: Kercock, Taymount & Pitlochrie 18lbs
A PRODUCTIVE AUGUST AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 2nd August 2021)
We have just moved into August which can often be one of the most productive months on the Tay. Usually, there are good numbers of summer salmon and grilse entering the system and towards the end of the month, some of the larger autumn fish also start to run the river. So, everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed for a productive month ahead.
Thankfully last week was much cooler compared to the record-breaking heat of the previous week. Heavy and sometimes thundery showers led to a lift in water through the middle part of the week. Unfortunately, the lift was accompanied by a considerable amount of colour on Thursday. The water was much clearer by Friday as normal service was resumed with catches improving significantly on the Tay system.
It has been mainly dry over the weekend and it has felt notably cooler in the northerly wind. Looking ahead to next week Monday and Tuesday will be mainly dry with variable amounts of cloud. From midweek onwards the weather could turn more unsettled as low pressure dominates leading to stronger winds and possibly showers or longer spells of rain. Temperatures will be around average values for the time of year.
Fish were caught from Edradynate down to Almondmouth last week with the majority of fish caught on the middle and lower river. With the recent lift in water probably the best chance of success next week would be on beats situated in these areas of the river.
There is an excellent variety of salmon fishing available on the Tay system next week including fishing on some very prestigious beats. As always, the River Tay offers great value for money so why not chase some August silver next week? You might just have one of those midsummer days 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.
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