THE 2021 TAY SEASON FINALLY DRAWS TO A CLOSE

(River Tay weekly report week ending 16th October 2021) 

The River Tay finally closed its banks to anglers on Friday. The weather had been quite unsettled last weekend with some heavy rain on Saturday. Thankfully there was very little rain during the final few days of the season so river levels were steady which was good news. The last day of the season dawned bright, cold and crisp with a light frost in some sheltered spots.

There were decent numbers of fish caught from the river last week but again the vast majority were older models. There does seem to be a distinct lack of genuine fresh autumn salmon again on many of Scotland’s rivers and not just the Tay. This has been worrying but an all too familiar trend over the past few seasons. The water temperature last week was 53.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 11.9 degrees Celsius. 

A thirteen pounder caught from the Church Pool at Edradynate

On the upper river, there were fish caught on both Bolfracks beats as well as both Farleyer beats last week. At Edradynate it was good to see a couple of fish caught on Thursday including a nice thirteen pounder from the Church Pool.

 Mr David Taylor with a fish caught from Portnacraig on Tuesday

Mr David Taylor caught a fifteen pounder on the fly at Portnacraig on the River Tummel on Tuesday. The fish was caught from the Pitlochry bank. He also managed to land a Sea trout weighing two pounds. A good days sport in anyone’s book!

Further downstream it was a fantastic day at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday when six fish were landed which was great to see. Four of the fish were caught on the fly, the weapon of choice being a Willie Gunn tube. On Thursday there were four fish landed from the beat including an eighteen pounder from the Guay Pool. There were also five fish lost. 

A fish caught on the fly at Newtyle on Monday

Mr David Gardner caught a fish from the Steps Pool on the fly at Newtyle on Monday. Mr Jon Amos was next on the scoresheet at Newtyle when he caught a fish on the fly from Trap on Wednesday. 

Mr Jon Amos with a fly caught salmon at Newtyle on Wednesday

On Thursday Mr Paul Carter had a good day at Newtyle landing an eighteen pounder from the Trap and fifteen pounder from the Steps. Both fish were caught on the fly. There were two more fish caught at Newtyle on the last day of the season.

Mr Robert McFarlane enjoying some good sport at Kercock

It was good to see fish caught every day last week at Kercock including four on Monday. Kercock regular Mr Robert McFarlane had a productive few days on the beat landing six salmon for his three days weighing up to ten pounds. Other successful anglers at Kercock last week included Mr Scott Sykes and Mr Ernie Donnell who landed a fifteen pounder on Thursday. 

Mr Ernie Donnell with a hefty fish caught at Kercock on Thursday

On Friday Mr John Dewar landed a lovely sixteen pounder and there was also success for Mr James Redmond and Mr Dougie McLean.

Mr Scott Sykes with a lovely fresh fish caught at Kercock on Friday

It was a happy Monday at Meikleour with four fish landed from the beat including a magnificent twenty two pounder. There were a further two fish caught from the beat on Wednesday and Thursday. Other beats on the middle river that produced fish last week included Dalguise, Dalmarnock and both Murthly beats amongst others.

At Islamouth Mr David Mayhew’s party were fishing during the last few days of the season. They landed eight fish up to eighteen pounds. The good sport at Ballathie continued last week with plenty of happy anglers. There were seven fish caught from the beat on Tuesday with nine more on Thursday. 

There have been excellent numbers of fish caught at Cargill in recent weeks and last week was no different. There were three landed by 11am on Monday morning. On Tuesday there were five fish caught at Cargill. On Friday Mr Anthony James caught his first ever salmon which was great to see. Other successful anglers last week included Mr Neil French and Mr Shane Elder amongst others.

Mr Anthony James with his first ever salmon caught at Cargill

The Taymount and Stobhall beats finished with fish eleven and twelve fish for the week respectively. At Catholes the last day of the season yielded a twenty four pounder which was caught from the Black Stones. 

A twenty four pounder caught at Catholes on Friday

It was a memorable day for Ms Linda Carling at Benchil on Monday when she caught her first ever salmon. The fish was caught from the Long Shot. Well done…you never forget your first! This was one of two fish caught from the beat on Monday. 

It seemed to be a week of first salmon at Benchil when on Wednesday Mr Chris Drake caught his first ever fish from Aitken Head. The fish gave a great account of itself before it was safely landed and returned. Well done Sir!

Mr Chris Drakes with his first ever salmon caught at Benchil

Mr Mark Ogilvie caught a hard fighting eight pounder from the Craig’s Pool on a salmo lure at Fishponds on Thursday. The last day of the season saw three more fish landed at Fishponds. Anglers at Waulkmill got their rods bent on a regular basis last week with four fish landed on both Monday and Tuesday. The good sport continued throughout the week. Almondmouth finished with six fish for the week.

Mr Mark Ogilvie tastes success at Fishponds on Thursday

So, the curtain was drawn on another Tay season on Friday. Hopefully it will be a productive spawning year and all of us will have our fingers crossed that there will be no devastating floods through the close season. We would like to thank all the ghillies and beat owners on the River Tay system who have contributed to this report throughout the season by providing their time and information as the weekly report would not be possible without your help and support. The next weekly report will be published in mid-January 2022.

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

Beat Catches Reported

(week ending 15th October)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Farleyer 4, Lower Farleyer 2, Upper Bolfracks 4, Lower Bolfracks 2, Edradynate 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Lower Kinnaird 11, Dalguise 3, Dalmarnock 2, Newtyle 6, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 6, Glendelvine 2, Kercock 16, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 8, Islamouth 8, Ballathie 24, Cargill 25, Stobhall 12, Taymount 11, Burnmouth 2, Catholes 1, Upper Scone 4, Benchil 5, Upper Redgorton 1, Fishponds 4, Luncarty 2, Waulkmill 15, Almondmouth 6.

Total: 191 Largest: Waulkmill & Catholes, 24lbs

 

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.

A lovely fly caught Tay salmon

During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.

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.

A Vision 110 lure can be very productive during the autumn months

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. 

Harling 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 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 15^th to 1^st 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.

    

MANY HAPPY ANGLERS ENJOY ANOTHER PRODUCTIVE WEEK ON THE TAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 9th October 2021) 

It was another productive week on the Tay system last week with many happy anglers on the river getting their rods bent. Indeed, the past two weeks have produced well over six hundred and fifty salmon from the river and it is hoped that the good catches will continue until the season finally draws to a close on Friday. 

In addition to the excellent catches the size of some of the fish being landed has been very impressive. There have been numerous fish caught weighing in the high teens of pounds as well as a fair proportion weighing in excess of the magical twenty pounds mark. This is exactly why the Tay has a reputation of being known as a "big fish" river. 

A big Cargill salmon caught last week

It was another unsettled week of weather with strong winds coupled with showers or longer spells of rain on some days. Unsurprisingly there were multiple lifts in water through the course of the week. The water temperature last week was 50.5 degrees Fahrenheit which is 10.3 degrees Celsius. 

A salmon caught from the Church Pool at Edradynate

On the upper river, Mr Mat Griffin caught a nice six pounder on the fly at Upper Bolfracks. Edradynate produced a couple of nice fish last week. Successful anglers included Mr Nick Gardner who caught a decent fish on the fly on Thursday. Other successful beats on the upper river included Lower Bolfracks, Lower Farleyer and Upper Kinnaird amongst others.  

Mr Nick Gardner with a fly caught salmon at Edradynate on Thursday

Mr Gavin Thompson had a good day at Portnacraig on the River Tummel on Tuesday. Mr Thompson landed a superb seventeen pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry bank. Anglers on the middle river enjoyed some good sport last week. 

A big cock fish caught at Portnacraig on Tuesday

There were fish caught on several beats including Lower Kinnaird, Dalguise and Dalmarnock amongst others. It was a happy Monday on the Murthly 2 Beat when seven fish were landed with more fish caught towards the end of the week. At Kercock there were fish caught on most days. The excellent sport at Meikleour continued last week with nine fish landed during the first two days of the week. It was good to see fish caught on both the River Ericht and Isla last week with success at West Grange as well as both Kethick beats.

At Islamouth the Farnell Party got off to a good start landing eight fish on Monday and then having two days of four. Most of the fish were caught on the fly. Mr Philip Taylor landed a cracking twenty pounder from the Long Head. Islamouth finished with twenty five fish for the week.

Mr Gavin Mason with a fish caught at Cargill on Monday

Anglers at Ballathie caught some nice fish last week with rods bent on almost a daily basis. The excellent sport at Cargill continued with twenty one fish landed on Monday and fifteen on Tuesday. Successful anglers included Mr Gavin Mason, Mr Neil French, Mr Steve Cunrow and Mr Scott Stewart amongst others. Towards the end of the week, the fish just kept coming at Cargill with Mr Chris Hague, Mr Simon Jones and Mr Simon Bland all enjoying good sport. Cargill finished with fifty five fish for the week.

Mr Stewart Scott with a Cargill cracker caught on Wednesday!

It was a great start to the week at Stobhall with nine fish landed on Monday up to twenty one pounds and there were no shortage of bent rods as the week progressed. The Taymount Beat finished with forty three fish for the week. 

Mr Richard Ladabie with a big fish caught at Benchil on Monday

A magnificent twenty five pounder was caught at Catholes on Thursday. It was good to see a couple of fish caught from Benchil on Monday with Mr Richard Ladabie landing a nice fish from the Long Shot. On Wednesday Mr Ronnie Mackenzie landed a good fish at Benchil on the fly from Todd holes on a small Red Francis. 

 Mr Ronnie Mackenzie with a big fly caught salmon from Benchil on Wednesday

Next on the scoresheet at Benchil was Mr Alistair Sheach who caught a lovely fresh fish on Friday from the Long Shot on the fly.

 Mr Alistair Sheach with a fresh fish caught at Benchil on Friday

Anglers at Upper Redgorton had a productive day on Tuesday with nine fish landed from the beat. The good sport continued through the course of last week. 

A stunning fresh fish caught at Fishponds on Tuesday

At Fishponds, there were some cracking fish landed last week including a magnificent twenty four pounder on Tuesday. Some of the fish caught were fresh which was great to see.

More autumn silver caught at Fishponds last week

At Luncarty on Thursday both Ms Katie Allan and her partner Mr Ben Place caught their first ever salmon. I think the smile says it all! The Waulkmill and Almondmouth beats finished with fourteen and sixteen fish for the week respectively. 

 Ms Katie Allan with her first ever salmon from Luncarty

There has been no shortage of fish landed from the Tay system in the past two weeks and this is encouraging for the final few days of the 2021 season. So why not book a day's salmon fishing on the famous River Tay this week? It could be the place to give you that season-ending fairy-tale!

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 9th October)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Strathfillan AA 1, Lower Farleyer 12, Upper Bolfracks 4, Lower Bolfracks 1, Edradynate 3, Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Lower Kinnaird 3, Dalguise 6, Dunkeld 2, Dalmarnock 3, Newtyle 2, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 14, Glendelvine 3, Delvine & Burnbane 2, Kercock 9, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 12, West Grange 6, Kethick Mains 2, Kethick Streams 2, Islamouth 25, Ballathie 14, Cargill 55, Stobhall 17, Taymount 43, Burnmouth 2, Upper Scone 4, Catholes 2, Pitlochrie 2, Benchil 4, Upper Redgorton 17, Fishponds 9, Luncarty 3, Waulkmill 14, Almondmouth 16, Crieff AC 6.

Total: 323 Largest: Catholes 25lbs

 

A THIRTY POUNDER BEFORE THE SEASON FINALLY DRAWS TO A CLOSE?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 11th October 2021)

It was another unsettled week of weather last week with showers or longer spells of rain on some days. This led to multiple lifts in water through the course of the week. Catches were excellent with over a hundred fish landed from the system on Monday and it being another three hundred plus fish week. It was also encouraging to see the number of larger fish caught from the river in recent days including a few around the mid twenty pounds mark. This should however not be surprising as the Tay is renowned for producing big fish especially at this time of year. Could there even be a thirty pounder landed before the season finally draws to a close on Friday?

Over the weekend there was some rain on Saturday and Sunday was mainly dry. It looks like high pressure is set to build next week bringing a lot of dry and settled weather. Winds are also set to be light. There will be a few widespread showers on Monday and it will feel cooler than of late. From Tuesday high pressure becomes firmly in charge with a lot of dry weather for the rest of the week coupled with light winds. There is a chance of some light and patchy rain on Friday. Temperatures will be around the low to mid-teens with the chance of some nighttime frosts. 

Last week there were fish caught on the main river from Lower Farleyer down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the fish being caught from the beats situated on the middle and lower river. It was good to see some bigger fish being caught and hopefully, this trend will continue until the end of the season. Probably the best chance of a fish next week would be on any of the beats situated on the middle and lower river. 

There is good availability next week on some famous Tay beats. With only four days of the season remaining, there is no better time to book a day on the mighty Tay and end your 2021 season on a high!

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.

A lovely fly caught Tay salmon

During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.

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.

A Vision 110 lure can be very productive during the autumn months

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. 

Harling 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 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 15^th to 1^st 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.

   

ANGLERS PRAYERS ARE FINALLY ANSWERED ON THE RIVER TAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 2nd October 2021) 

Anglers prayers were finally answered last week after heavy rain on Sunday night into Monday morning led to rising river levels. By Tuesday morning the river had risen over four feet and was unsurprisingly carrying some colour. 

Anglers prayers are finally answered!

This seemed to be the catalyst for over one hundred fish being caught from the river on Wednesday and well over three hundred and fifty by the end of the week. There were further lifts in water from midweek onwards which kept river levels topped up but also added some colour to the river from time to time. In addition to the lifts in water it was also much cooler with some frosts through the middle part of the week and this would have certainly helped catches. The water temperature last week 51.4 degrees Fahrenheit which 10.8 degrees Celsius.

On the upper river, there were fish caught on both Farleyer and Bolfracks beats towards the end of last week. On Tuesday morning there was a nice twelve pounder caught at Upper Kinnaird on a Blair Spoon. On the Lower Kinnaird Beat there was a fine sixteen pounder caught on a Junction Shrimp brass tube from the Ash Trees Pool on Monday. There was more success from the Ash Trees Pool on Tuesday when a twelve pounder was caught on a Dee Monkey double. The Lower Kinnaird Beat produced two more fish on Friday and one on Saturday.

At Dalguise Mr Iain Inglewood caught a nice fish from the Bridge Pool spinning and Mr Andy Chase caught his first ever salmon from the Island on Wednesday. Other successful anglers through the course of last week at Dalguise included Mr James Leonard who caught a fresh fifteen pounder on the fly from the Guay Pool on Saturday as well as Mr Mike Carr who caught a five pounder from the tail of the Bridge Pool on the same day.

A nice fish caught from Dalguise on Wednesday

It was a great end to the week at Dalmarnock when four fish were landed on Saturday. At Dunkeld Mr Brian Joseph was fishing on Wednesday and caught two cracking fish weighing sixteen pounds and twenty four pounds from the Rock Pool. On Friday and Saturday, it was the turn of the Tarr party to taste success when the biggest fish landed was superb seventeen pound clean fish.

A clean spanker weighing 17 pounds caught from Dunkeld

At Newtyle there was a fine brace landed by Mr Colin Chandler on Tuesday weighing three and five pounds. The fish were caught on a Vision 110 lure. Mr Chandler landed another fish from the beat on Wednesday. On Friday Mr Richard Thompson caught two fish on the fly from the Boil at Newtyle.

Success at Newtyle for Mr Colin Chandler

Both the Murthly Beats produced fish through the middle part of the week. It was a happy Saturday at Delvine & Burnbane with six fish landed from the beat. Anglers enjoyed some great sport at Kercock with six fish landed on Tuesday as well as five on Friday and six more on Saturday. Kercock finished with twenty one fish for the week.

A happy angler with a nice fish caught at Meikleour on Tuesday

The Goble Party had a fantastic day at Meikleour on Tuesday when they landed six salmon weighing up to nineteen pounds. A number of the fish were caught on a fluorescent orange Vision 110 lure. The party finished their four days fishing with someone in the party catching their first salmon and quickly afterwards three more, a birthday salmon and a first fly caught salmon followed by a second two casts later. Great sport at Meikleour in anyone’s book!

More success at Meikleour on Tuesday

It was nice to see fish caught on the River Isla last week with both the Kethick Mains and Kethick Streams beats producing fish. 

At Islamouth Mr Roly Fisher’s party were fishing at the beginning of the week and landed nineteen fish on Wednesday up to twenty four pounds. Later in the week Mr Tim Leyshon and his wife who had both never fished before ended up landing nine between them at Islamouth. Mr Leyshon caught a seventeen pounder on the fly but his wife went one better landing a fish of over nineteen pounds.

Anglers at Ballathie enjoyed some good sport last week including landing seventeen on Saturday.

Mr Neil French with one of many fish caught at Cargill last week

Mr Neil French was at it again at Cargill on Tuesday landing two fish. Mr John Crook opened his account at Cargill also on Tuesday, which was great to see. There were a total of six fish caught from the beat on that day. 

John Crook with a salmon caught at Cargill on Tuesday

Cargill produced sixteen fish on Wednesday with Mr Neil French back in action again. Other successful anglers through the course of the week included Mr Lyndsay Cripps and Mr Jim Connell amongst others.

Mr Lyndsay Cripps with a nice fish caught at Cargill

Anglers at Stobhall and Taymount caught fish on most days and finished with eleven and thirty seven fish for the week respectively including a twenty seven pounder caught at Taymount on Saturday. It was nice to see a fish caught from Horsey on the Pitlochrie Beat on Tuesday. Mr Graham Reid enjoyed success when he caught a nice fish on the fly from the Long Shot at Benchil on Wednesday.

Mr Graham Reid with a fish caught at Benchil on Wednesday

Mr Brian Joseph and his son Adam had a great day at Fishponds on Tuesday. Mr Joseph landed two fourteen pounders from the Craig’s and Benchil Green. His son Adam caught a sixteen pounder from Lodge End on a spinner. There were five more fish caught at Fishponds on Wednesday. 

Mr Brian Joseph with a deep fish caught at Fishponds on Tuesday

On Saturday Mr Neil Mitchell caught a couple of fish from Fishponds and Samantha and Sandy Datta both got their rods bent with fish being landed up to eighteen pounds. Anglers at Waulkmill had a fantastic Wednesday landing ten salmon for the day and Almondmouth finished with nine fish for the week.

 A hard fighting salmon caught at Fishponds on Saturday

We were all thankful that finally there was a decent lift in water last week, even though it was two months too late! It was good to see decent numbers of fish being caught by anglers with numerous fish weighing well into the teens of pounds landed last week and many above the magical twenty pounds mark. Hopefully, the conditions will be conducive to good salmon fishing in the days ahead.

There is now only one full week of the season remaining,  so why not book a day's salmon fishing on the famous River Tay? It could be the place to give you that season-ending fairy-tale!

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 2nd October)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Upper Farleyer 1, Farleyer Lower 2, U Bolfracks 2, Lower Bolfracks 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 8, Dalguise 6 (should be 3 but not reported Thursdays fish so check at next count), Dalmarnock 4, Dunkeld House 7, Newtyle 8 Murthly 1, 6, Murthly 2, 8, Delvine & Burnbane 6, Kercock 21, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 26, Kethick Mains 4, Kethick Streams 2, Islamouth 49, Ballathie 43, Cargill 47, Stobhall 11, Taymount 37, Upper Scone 3, Pitlochrie 1, Benchil 2, Upper Redgorton 5, Fishponds 15, Luncarty 1, Waulkmill 17, Almondmouth 9, Crieff AC 1, Lochlane & Laggan 5

Total: 361 Largest: Taymount 27lbs

 

SOME MORE GOOD SPORT BEFORE THE SEASON FINALLY DRAWS TO A CLOSE?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 4th October 2021)

The upcoming week is the last full week of 2021 salmon fishing season on the Tay so there will be many keen anglers looking forward to wetting a line for the final time this year. Hopefully, there will be some good sport to be had before the season finally draws to a close on the 15th of October.

It was good to see catches improve on the river last week and the catalyst for this appears to be the decent lifts in water coupled with the drop in temperature in recent days. It has been very unsettled over the weekend across much of Scotland including Perthshire with heavy rain and strong winds especially on Saturday and this led to another lift in water on Sunday. The weather forecast for next week is set to continue in a similar vein with low pressure remaining in charge. It will be windy on Monday with a few showers. There is the likelihood of more rain spreading up from the south on Tuesday and this will be coupled with strong and gusty winds. At this stage, Wednesday is looking mainly dry with more wet weather on the way towards the end of the week. It will feel cool in the strong and gusty wind next week with temperatures in the low teens for most but it may get a little milder towards the end of the week.

Last week there were fish caught on the main river from Upper Farleyer down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the fish being caught from the beats situated on the middle and lower river. It was good to see that some of the fish landed were well over twenty pounds. Probably the best chance of a fish next week would be on any of the beats situated on the middle and lower river. 

There is good availability next week on some famous Tay beats so why not book a day? There is no better way to end the season on a high, than landing a big Tay salmon!

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.

A lovely fly caught Tay salmon

During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.

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.

A Vision 110 lure can be very productive during the autumn months

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. 

Harling 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 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 15^th to 1^st 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.

  

STILL NO BIG LIFT IN WATER BUT CATCHES IMPROVE ON THE RIVER TAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 25th September 2021) 

Last week saw us reach the autumn equinox. This is the time of year when the days and nights are of roughly the same length. This means going forward we will start to see the days getting shorter quite quickly and this is a sure sign that winter will be upon us in the not too distant future. However, before then there are still a few weeks of the Tay salmon fishing season remaining and it is hoped that there will be some good sport to be had for many of the anglers intending to wet a line before the curtains are finally drawn on another season.

We got a taste of autumn last week when on Wednesday and Thursday gale force winds affected many parts of Scotland. There was a spell of rain which accompanied the strong winds but unfortunately, it do not amount to much and there was not the big lift in water that we had all hoped for. In terms of river levels, there was a small lift in water at the start of the week and this did appear to help catches as they improved on the previous week. The water temperature last week was 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit which is 13.2 degrees Celsius.

On the upper river there it was good to see a fish caught from the Upper Bolfracks Beat on Tuesday and Saturday. On Friday there was success at Edradynate where a hard fighting seven pounder was landed.

A nice fish caught at Edradynate on Friday

Further downstream there was a fine brace landed at Lower Kinnaird on Friday with fish caught from the Junction Pool as well as Guay Pool. Head Ghillie Mr Martin Edgar reported that small flies seemed to be doing the trick. It was good to see fish caught at Dunkeld on Wednesday and Friday. It was a great end to the week at Kercock when four fish were landed from the beat on Saturday. Other successful beats on the middle river through the course of last week included Dalmarnock and Meikleour.

The Cairns Party were wetting a line on the famous Islamouth Beat last week and managed to land four fish weighing up to seventeen pounds. There were also a few lost. The fish caught were mostly older models. On Friday Mr Nigel Bolton had a savage take on the fly rod at Islamouth. What ensued could only be described as a terrific battle during which the fish made several powerful runs. Eventually, the fish weighing twenty and a half pounds was landed. The fish took a Willie Gunn. Well done Mr Bolton!

Mr Nigel Bolton with a cracking twenty pounder caught at Islamouth on Friday

The Ballathie Beat has produced some lovely fish recently and last week was no different with fish caught on most days.

Mr Steve Cunrow with a Cargill cracker caught on Monday

At Cargill, anglers enjoyed some excellent sport. Mr Steve Cunrow  landed three fish on Monday including a magnificent twenty two pounder. A total of six fish were caught from the beat that day. 

Mr Bill Dungavel tastes success at Cargill

On Tuesday Mr Bill Dungavel had a cracking fourteen pounder on the fly. Mr Jonathan McNeish had a fantastic afternoon landing three nice fish. Other successful anglers included Mr Don Bell.

 Mr Jonathan McNeish with 1 of his 3 fish caught at Cargill on Tuesday

On Wednesday Mr David Purvis braved the gale force winds at Cargill and caught a nice fish from the Cradle, this was one of three fish caught from the beat that day.

Mr David Purvis with a nice fish caught at Cargill on Wednesday

On Friday Cargill regular Mr Gavin Mason fished hard all day and was rewarded with his perseverance just before the final whistle was blown. Mr Mason hooked a powerful fish on the fly and after a great fight landed twenty four pounds worth of pure Tay muscle. What a fish! This was one of three fish caught at Cargill on Friday.

Mr Gavin Mason lands a cracking cock fish at Cargill

At Stobhall there was also good sport to be had on most days. There were thirteen fish landed during the first half of the week including five on Monday. The good sport continued for much of the week.

Anglers at Taymount had a productive day on Tuesday landing four fish from the beat. Taymount finished with seven fish for the week.

At Upper Scone, there were a couple of fish caught during the first half of the week with another fish landed on Saturday. It was good to see a brace caught at Benchil on Monday. There was success at Fishponds on Monday and on Saturday, Jim Ferrie landed a 10 lb fish showing his Autumn colours on the fly from the Craig’s.

 On Saturday Mr John Barr caught a grilse on the fly from Luncarty. Fish were caught at Waulkmill on most days last week. Anglers at Almondmouth got their rods bent regularly through the course of last week and the beat finished with fifteen fish for the week.

Mr John Barr with a grilse caught on the fly at Luncarty on Saturday

Despite the lack of water, there were some decent fish caught from the river last week with many landed weighing in excess of the magical twenty pounds mark. Let us hope that we get that big lift in water before the season ends as this could be the real gamechanger!

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 25th September)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Edradynate 1, Lower Bolfracks 2, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalmarnock 3, Dunkeld 2, Kercock 6, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 3, Islamouth 8, Ballathie 5, Cargill 20, Stobhall 17, Taymount 7, Upper Scone 3, Benchil 2, Upper Redgorton 1, Fishponds 2, Luncarty 1, Waulkmill 5, Almondmouth 15

Total: 105 Largest: Cargill 24lbs

WILL THE DROP IN TEMPERATURES MAKE THE TAY SALMON MORE AGGRESSIVE IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 27th September 2021)

We are now moving towards the end of September and the weather has felt more autumnal with some cooler days. On Wednesday and Thursday, some gale force winds affected much of the country. Unfortunately, the heavy rain that we need so badly did not materialise and so river levels remained steady for much of the week.  

It was mainly dry on Saturday apart from the odd shower and it felt very mild with temperatures widely in the high teens. There was a spell of heavy rain which spread across the country late on Sunday. Looking ahead to next week it is set to turn much colder with temperatures only in the low teens as the jet stream dives to the south of the UK. Monday will see some showers after the rain clears east. Tuesday will see a further spell of heavy rain move up from the south and affect much of the country. At this stage, Wednesday and Thursday are looking drier but there could be more unsettled weather on the way as we move towards next weekend. Hopefully, the forecast drop in temperatures will make the fish more aggressive next week and more inclined into taking a fly or lure.

Most of the fish caught last week were older and appear to have been in the river for some time. Once there is a lift in water hopefully more fresh fish will enter the Tay system so anglers can enjoy some decent sport before the curtains are drawn on another Tay season. 

Last week, on the main river, there were fish caught from Edradynate down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the action being on beats situated on the lower river. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats located on the middle and lower river. 

We are quickly moving towards the end of another season on the River Tay so why not book a few days next week and catch those last few Tay salmon of the 2021 season? Perthshire is awash with colour at this time of year and provides a stunning backdrop to chasing the king of fish!

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.

A lovely fly caught Tay salmon

During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.

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.

A Vision 110 lure can be very productive during the autumn months

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. 

Harling 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 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 15^th to 1^st 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.