THE RIVER AT A PERFECT HEIGHT FOR MANY BEATS AND FREE SALMON FISHING FOR OUR NHS HEROES BUT LOCKDOWN CONTINUES! W/E 26th April 2020

It is turning out to be one of the driest April’s on record as there has been very little rainfall across much of Scotland in the past few weeks. This has led to river levels dropping away nicely with a few fish showing in many of the pools on some beats. Water heights are now perfect for many beats on the middle and lower river but unfortunately, the lockdown continues. The reason for all the fine and settled weather has been a large area of high pressure which has centred itself over the near continent and this had led to mainly fine and dry conditions for much of the month. However, it has continued to feel cold on some days with a keen easterly wind bringing a slight chill in the air. 

A beautiful early morning scene on the Upper Islamouth & Meikleour Beat

The truth is that no one knows when we will be able to wet a line again on Scotland’s rivers. The current lockdown is due to be reviewed again in early May and hopefully, then things may become a little clearer. As long as the government advise that we can only leave our home for one form exercise and ask us to avoid all non-essential travel it is unlikely that fishing will restart. Even when fishing is allowed once again the difficulty could be accommodation as it is unlikely that hotels, pubs and restaurants are going to open any time soon. However, at the moment this is all speculation and all we can do is wait and see what happens.
I am sure you will agree that our NHS workers have been doing a sterling job in the face of such adversity in recent weeks. It is therefore great news that the Newtyle Beat is offering a free day’s salmon fishing for our NHS heroes on Saturday 8^th August (government guidelines permitting). On the day, anglers will enjoy guided salmon fishing as well as lunch served at the riverbank. There will be tackle hire provided for those who have never fished before. There has already been many offers of help from people wanting to get involved and there have been numerous heart-rendering stories from frontline workers who have been in contact and battling against this terrible pandemic on a daily basis. If you are an NHS worker and would like to participate please email info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com 

It is great to see how the country can come together in times of national crisis and I am sure that everyone will agree this is a worthy cause. 

Great to see our NHS heroes having a day to look forward too!

It will be a very frustrating time for many being stuck indoors for long periods of time, but it does give anglers the opportunity to spend time at the vice tying some tasty creations to tempt that big Tay salmon. There is no better time to fill that fly box full of mouth-watering patterns.
Hopefully, things will start to get back to normal in the not too distant future and then once again the sound of screaming reels will adorn the banks of the mighty River Tay!

Maybe something to tempt that big Tay salmon once we can wet a line again?

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

We hope everyone does their bit and adheres to the current government advice.
Stay safe,
Samantha & Sandy Datta

PROSPECTS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

The river is now effectively temporarily closed to anglers due to the current Covid-19 pandemic in accordance with government guidelines. This will be reviewed again in early May. We hope everyone stays safe and well.
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Tactics for the River Tay during the spring period

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. 

Harling can be a very productive method at certain times of the year 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. 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.