CIARA AND DENNIS BATTER PERTHSHIRE BUT THE RIVER TAY CONTINUES TO PRODUCE BEAUTIFUL SPRING SALMON! W/E 16th February 2020

(River Tay weekly report week ending 16^th February 2020) 

It was another week of turbulent weather across much of the country including Perthshire. Last weekend Storm Ciara brought gale-force winds and heavy rain, coupled with widespread disruption across much of the country. This led to flooding in many parts of the UK including Scotland. At the beginning of the week, heavy snow fell across Scotland and there were significant accumulations even down to lower levels. This led to river levels being very high on the Tay for much of the week.

The River Tay was high for much of last week

 As the week progressed river levels gradually dropped and towards the end of the week the river was down to a more fishable height. However, on Saturday and Sunday Scotland was battered by Storm Dennis which brought heavy rain and strong winds to much of the country leading to rising water levels once again. The recent unsettled weather has been courtesy of a super charged jet stream which has been powering its way across the Atlantic bringing deep areas of low pressure to the UK.

In spite of the tough conditions, there were some top-quality spring salmon landed from the river last week. It is highly likely that more fish would have been caught if the weather had been kinder to anglers and more rods had been out on the water. As we move through February more fresh salmon should enter the Tay system on a daily basis and this should give anglers the chance of making contact with that magnificent Tay springer.

It was great to see the famous Islamouth Beat produce spring silver last week. The fish was caught by a member of the Mr Richard Muir party and weighed 15.5 pounds and was in perfect condition. Islamouth continues to produce a few kelts and as the water drops the fishing should improve.

The Taymount Beat has produced fish on most weeks since the beginning of the season and there was more success on Wednesday. On Thursday the Stobhall beat produced a fine springer. Mr Simon Bullock caught the lovely sea liced fish from Tam’s Corner. 

A fine Stobhall springer is landed

 Also, on Thursday Mr Peter Duncan was fishing the fly on the Catholes Beat from an anchored boat. 

Mr Peter Duncan battles with a springer at Catholes

Mr Duncan braved the cold conditions and whilst his line was swinging around in the Back Dam Pool it tightened. What ensued next was a terrific fight after which Mr Duncan landed a 17-pound fin perfect Tay salmon. The fish took a fly tied by Ghillie Mr. Robert White. This was the first fish of the season from the Stanley beats and hopefully the first of many this season. 

A beautiful example of a fly caught springer from the Catholes Beat

 If water levels drop and settle in the upcoming days this should result in better fishing conditions. There should also be a few Tummel salmon entering the system in the upcoming weeks as well as the salmon destined for Loch Tay and beyond. With the quality of salmon currently being landed on the River Tay being second to none, why not chase some spring silver on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats landing that February bar of 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 16^th February)

SALMON & GRILSE: Islamouth 1, Stobhall 1, Taymount 1, Catholes 1,

Total: 4 Largest: Catholes 17lbs

SPORT SHOULD IMPROVE ONCE RIVER LEVELS DROP AND SETTLE! 

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 17^th February 2020)

The past week has seen two named storms hit the country causing widespread disruption and flooding. Over the weekend, Storm Dennis has brought heavy rain and gale-force winds to much of Perthshire. This has resulted in the river rising again. A period of settled weather would really benefit anglers and once the water drops sport should improve.
The weather for the week ahead looks to be unsettled with a mainly showery theme on Monday and Tuesday. Some of the showers could be wintry in nature especially over the higher ground. It will also be windy as the remanence of Storm Dennis moves east. There is set to be more rain on Wednesday and then again on Friday. Temperatures are set to be around average values for the time of year.
There were fish caught last week from the lower river. However, river levels were very high and fishing pressure was light on many days. It is likely that once river levels drop and settle sport should improve.
Next week there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river once river levels drop. Loch Tay could also be well worth considering at this time of year. As always there are no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? There might just be a springer with your name on it!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Tactics for the River Tay during the early spring period (January-March)

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 early spring months water temperatures are often low and river levels high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly is moving through the water column can be the key to success. Often you may be required to use floating lines coupled with sinking polyleaders, intermediate or even full sinking lines. It is therefore important that you have a fly rod that can work in harmony with a heavy line. As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 

Make sure your fly reel has a good drag system

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 can work well. In higher water, an intermediate or full sinking line may be required to produce the best results.
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 early spring period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain. Usually a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds ideal.

Tube flies can work well during the early part of the season

During the early part of the season, tube flies often work well. If the water temperatures are low weighted copper, brass or even tungsten tubes of a decent length will allow your fly to get well down and close to where the fish are likely to be lying. In cold weather, the fish are unlikely to be keen on moving fast so it is better that your fly moves through the water column at an adequate depth and not too quickly. 

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 forty 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. 

The Vision 110 can be a productive lure 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 forty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures which are well worth considering.

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 during the early spring months. 

Setting out to do some harling on the Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Beat

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. 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 respect at all times.