(River Tay weekly report week ending 18th September 2021)
We moved deeper into autumn last week and the signs were there for all to see with the nights getting noticeably longer and thick fog on some mornings which took some time to clear. Thankfully it was considerably cooler than the previous week but unfortunately, there was still no heavy and prolonged rain which is now badly needed. The system could do with a big lift in water which would hopefully clear all the slimy weed which remains on the riverbed of many of the pools and generally fresh conditions up. A lift in water would also encourage any fresh fish lying in the estuary to run the system. Despite the low water catches last week were up on the previous week and this could probably be put down to the cooler and somewhat cloudier conditions. The water temperature last week was 57.9 degrees Celsius which is 14.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the River Tummel, Mr Gordon Pollock caught a nice twelve pounder on the fly from Portnacraig on Thursday which was good to see. The fish was caught from the Pitlochry bank.
On the middle river, it was good to see success at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday when a nice fish was caught in the Junction Pool on a Snelda conehead. At Dalguise Mr Tom Tobins caught a magnificent twenty pounder from the Bridge Pool on Thursday. The fish was extremely powerful and put up a great fight. This was Mr Tobins heaviest salmon to date.
Mr Steve Castle had a good day at Dunkeld on Wednesday when he caught a lovely twelve pounder on the fly from the Rock Pool. Other beats that produced fish on the middle river through the course of last week included Dalmarnock, Newtyle and Kercock. It was a good start to the week at Meikleour & Upper Islamouth with a fish caught on Monday and a couple more were landed from the beat on Tuesday.
The Gould Party were fishing at Islamouth during the first half of last week and they enjoyed some decent sport landing eight fish up to eighteen pounds. Most of the fish caught were older. Islamouth finished with ten fish for the week.
Cargill regular Mr Neil French enjoyed some decent sport through the course of last week. Mr French caught a nice fish on Monday morning from the Bridge Stream. Mr Jamie Kilgannon landed a cracker on the fly on Monday afternoon.
However top rod at Cargill on Monday went to Mr Jim Bliss who landed a magnificent eighteen pounder. There was more success for Mr French on Tuesday when he caught two nice fish on the fly.
On Friday persistence paid rich dividends for Mr Gavin Mason at Cargill who caught a nice fish in almost pitch darkness at the end of the day. Other successful anglers at Cargill included Mr Charlie Bliss. On Saturday there was a pike landed from the beat which is quite rare so far down the river.
There were a couple of fish caught from Ballathie during the first half of the week which was good to see. The good sport continued when four more fish were caught from the beat on Thursday. At Stobhall it was a good start to the week for anglers when three fish were landed on Monday. A cracking sixteen pounder was caught from the beat on Tuesday with a seventeen pounder landed the following day. It was a good day at Taymount on Tuesday when five fish were landed from the beat. Taymount finished with ten fish for the week.
Anglers enjoyed some good sport at Upper Scone on Tuesday when seven fish were landed. This was a great result considering the tough conditions. There were three more fish caught from the beat the following day.
At Upper Redgorton there were some nice fish landed through the course of last week including two on Thursday and two on Saturday.
It was a memorable day at Fishponds on Thursday when age proved to be no barrier when it came to catching Tay twenty pounders. Mr Peter Finch aged eighty eight landed a magnificent twenty two pounder from the Craigs Pool. Not to be outdone Mr Finch’s fishing partner, Mr Gordon Cramp, eight nine years young went one better landing a twenty five pounder. What a magnificent achievement for these experienced anglers and a day that will live with them for the rest of their years. I am sure most of us would be happy landing fish of this size when we reach a similar vintage!
It was a fantastic Friday at Waulkmill when four fish were landed from the beat including a cracking eighteen pounder. Waulkmill produced another fish on Saturday. There were some nice fish caught at Almondmouth on most days last week and the beat finished with ten fish for the week.
There are now only three full weeks remaining before the curtain is finally drawn on the 2021 season. A big spate is what everyone is waiting for and this could lead to the season fishing on a high. Let us hope we get a big lift in water sooner rather than later so anglers fishing the Tay can enjoy good sport.
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 18th September)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Bolfracks 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 1, Kercock 3, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 4, Islamouth 10, Ballathie 6, Cargill 12, Stobhall 8, Taymount 10, Upper Scone 10, Upper Redgorton 6, Fishponds 2, Waulkmill 6, Almondmouth 10
Total: 94 Largest: Fishponds 25lbs
AN AUTUMNAL FEEL TOWARDS THE END OF THE WEEK?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 20th September 2021)
It was another generally settled week of weather last week and river levels were steady. There was very little rainfall and this was unfortunate as we are now desperately in need of a big lift in water. Despite the persistent low water catches were up on the previous week but this was probably down to it be being slightly cooler. It was good to see several bigger fish landed including numerous fish in the late teens as well as a few over that magical twenty pounds mark.
Apart from a few widespread showers, it was mainly dry on Saturday. On Sunday there was some heavy showers and longer spells of rain across eastern parts of Scotland. Looking ahead to next week Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry with temperatures around average values for the time of year. From midweek onwards the winds are set to pick up to gale force at times as the jetstream reinvigorates and the weather develops a distinctly autumnal feel. A number of areas of low pressure will come in from the Atlantic bringing spells of heavy rain. Hopefully, this will give us the good spate that we are desperately in need of.
Last week, on the main river, fish were caught from Upper Bolfracks down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the action being on beats situated on the lower river. If we get a good lift in water there is every chance that sport will improve significantly on the Tay, so let us hope that the weather gods are kind!
With only a few weeks of the Tay season remaining, why not wet a line and chase some Tay autumn silver in the upcoming days? You might just have that September day to remember!
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 autumn period (September and October)
The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.
Fly Fishing
During the autumn months, water temperatures usually begin to fall on the river but much depends on the weather. The weather and water conditions can vary greatly during the autumn months with hot weather and low water coupled with high water temperatures especially if we have an Indian summer. Conversely, it can be quite cool with regular spells of wind and rain and even night time frosts. The fish also start to become a bit more aggressive especially when they turn their thoughts towards spawning. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well especially if conditions are more akin to the summer months.
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, colder water a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got 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 autumn period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there can be some large fish around towards the end of the season. Usually, a breaking strain of around fifteen pounds is ideal.
Spinning
A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven feet 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.
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 autumn months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive.
The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures are higher 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. In high cold water, it can often be more about fishing the lure that bit slower and at an adequate depth.
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.
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 autumn months, good conditions arise on many beats for harling, especially in higher water. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion.
TDSFB conservation policy
All anglers fishing on the River Tay system are reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15th to 1st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost of respect at all times.
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