THE TAY SYSTEM LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION FOR PRODUCING BIG SALMON AS A THIRTY-FIVE POUNDER IS LANDED! W/E 14th March 2020

THE TAY SYSTEM LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION FOR PRODUCING BIG SALMON AS A THIRTY-FIVE POUNDER IS LANDED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 14^th March 2020) 

We have now moved into the middle of March and as each day goes by there should be more spring salmon entering the Tay system. Traditionally in March, more salmon destined for the Tummel start to enter the Tay, and this is in addition to the salmon that are bound for Loch Tay and beyond. In the next few weeks, beats on the middle river should start to produce salmon on a more consistent basis. Rivers like the Tummel and Isla should also become more productive. 

Unfortunately, it was an all too common theme last week. The curse of high water that has plagued the Tay system for much of the season struck again. River levels were high at the beginning of the week and only gradually dropped as the week progressed. In spite of this, the Tay system continued to produce some top quality hard fighting salmon with a number of fish caught weighing over the magical twenty pounds mark. On Saturday a fish weighing thirty-five pounds was caught from Loch Tay. The Tay system truly lived up to its reputation for producing big salmon!

Mr Les McBride with a cracking springer caught from Loch Tay

It was a fantastic Friday for Mr Les McBride who was fishing on Loch Tay. Mr McBride hooked and landed a magnificent spring salmon weighing twenty-two pounds after a terrific fight. This is a fish that Mr McBride will not forget in a hurry. 

 Mr Mark Paris with a beautiful spring salmon caught from Loch Tay on Saturday

 There was more success on the loch the following day. Mr Mark Paris and Mr Jock Weir hired a boat from the Loch Tay Fish n trips company and both caught stunning spring salmon weighing twenty-three and eighteen pounds. 

Success for Mr Jock Weir on Loch Tay

 Saturday was a day that Mr Jason Mcauley will never forget. He was fishing Loch Tay with his brother when he hooked a monstrous fish. The fish stayed deep and fought hard for what felt like an age. Finally, after numerous long runs, the magnificent spring salmon weighing thirty-five pounds was landed. The fish was caught on a black and gold Rapala Lure. This is the biggest salmon caught in Scotland so far this season and truly what salmon fishing dreams are made off!

Mr Jason Mcauley with his thirty five pounder caught from Loch Tay on Saturday!

It was a good start to the week on the upper river. The Findynate Beat produced a fish on Monday. Friday the 13^th proved to be a lucky day for Mr Steven Watt. Mr Watt was fishing the Clochfoldich Pool on Findynate when he hooked and landed a beautiful springer weighing eight pounds. 

It was great to see the Murthly 2 Beat produce a fine fly-caught nine pounder on Monday. It was a good end to the week at Meikleour & Upper Islamouth when a fine ten pounder was landed. The springer put up a great fight and was as fresh as paint.
On the River Isla, the Coupar Grange Beat produced a fish on Monday and Friday. Hopefully, this will be the first of many, as more fish destined for the River Isla enter the Tay system in the upcoming weeks.

The famous Islamouth Beat got off to a flier with a fine ten pound springer caught on Monday by Mr. Iain Wood from the Islamouth Pool on a Toby. The beat also went on to produce a lovely eight pounder on Thursday from the Greenbank Pool. There were no Monday morning blues for Mr Graham Wilson who was wetting a line on the Cargill Beat. Mr Wilson landed a terrific seventeen pounder. The fish put up a monumental battle and was in excellent condition.

Mr Graham Wilson with a cracking Cargill springer caught on Monday

 Mr Robert Spence proved that perseverance was the key when fishing the Stobhall Beat on Wednesday. In spite of the river running at over eight feet Mr Spence hooked and landed a beautiful spring salmon. 

 A beautiful Stobhall springer caught on Wednesday

 Next on to the score sheet was Mr John Boyd Jnr who caught a lovely sea liced springer on Saturday afternoon. Well done Sir!

Mr John Boyd with more Stobhall silver!

 Mr Darren Kaye was fishing the Woodside Pool on the Catholes Beat last week. Mr Kaye hooked and landed a stunning spring salmon weighing eight pounds. 

Mr Darren Kaye with a lovely springer caught at Catholes

On Wednesday it was a day to remember for Mr John Shaw. Mr Shaw was fly fishing from the bank in the Pitlochrie Pool when his line tightened and a terrific battle ensued. After a long fight, Mr Shaw landed a magnificent sea liced twenty-five pounder. Does spring salmon fishing in March get any better than this?

A superb twenty five pounder caught from the Pitlochrie Pool by Mr John Shaw

 With some lovely big springers caught from the Tay system last week, there is every chance that more will be landed in the days ahead. So why not chase some spring silver on the Tay next week? You just experience that red-letter day!

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 14^th March)SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay 1, Loch Tay Fish N’ Trips 3, Findynate 2, Murthly 2, 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Coupar Grange 2, Islamouth 2, Cargill 1, Stobhall 2, Catholes 2, Pitlochrie 1
Total: 18 Largest: Loch Tay 35lbs

MORE BIG SALMON TO BE CAUGHT IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 16th March 2020)

It is likely that more fish would have been caught from the Tay system last week if water levels had been a bit lower and more settled. However, the fish caught were of fantastic quality and many weighed over the magical twenty pounds mark. It was great to see a number of fish caught on the fly. It would be good if river levels gradually drop for the remainder of March as this would give anglers a better chance of making contact with that hard fighting Tay salmon. Traditionally March has a reputation for producing big spring salmon on the Tay system and last week certainly did not disappoint. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come in the upcoming days and weeks.
Looking ahead to next week after some rain it is likely that the weather will settle down somewhat and this will be music to the ears of anglers and ghillies alike. Monday will start off mainly dry and cold but rain will spread in from the west with hill snow in some places. It will feel cool in the strong northwesterly wind. There will be showers or longer spells of rain on Tuesday with the heaviest rain falling on the western side of the catchment area. Wednesday and Thursday should be mainly dry as high pressure starts to build and the settled weather should continue into next weekend, which is great news. There were some lovely salmon caught from the Tay system last week and it was good to see the Tay system living up to its reputation for producing big salmon. Fish were caught from Loch Tay as well as the River Isla. On the main stem of the river, fish were caught from Findynate down to Pitlochrie so there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere. Loch Tay and the River Tummel are also 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. The river offers tremendous value for money at this time of year with anglers being able to fish on some of the most famous and prestigious beats in Scotland at a very reasonable price. 

With numerous big fish landed last week, why not wet a line on the mighty Tay next week? You might just land that spring salmon of a lifetime!
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. 

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.

BETTER WEATHER AND SETTLED RIVER LEVELS APPEAR TO BE THE CATALYST FOR IMPROVED CATHCES ON THE TAY! W/E 7th March 2020

BETTER WEATHER AND SETTLED RIVER LEVELS APPEAR TO BE THE CATALYST FOR IMPROVED CATCHES ON THE TAY!

We have now moved into March and this is often when many anglers decide to pick up a rod for the first time this season. In March the days get notably longer, and the weather starts to improve. Usually more fresh fish start to enter many of Scotland’s salmon rivers including the Tay. Compared to January and February, salmon fishing in March can often be a much more pleasurable experience. 

March heralds the beginning of the meteorological spring and thankfully the weather started to play ball last week and we experienced something very rare, a week when there were no huge lifts in water. That was not the only good news, as the weather was also much improved. Indeed, through the middle part of the week, during some afternoons, you could almost sense a hint of spring in the air when the sun came out and the wind dropped. The better weather last week was all courtesy of the jet stream diving well to the south of the UK. This resulted in the UK being on the cold side of the jet stream but more importantly, this also meant that there were very few low pressure systems battering the UK as they have done in recent weeks. Subsequently, it was cold but mainly dry and this resulted in mostly settled river levels. This is what anglers and ghillies on the Tay had been keeping their fingers crossed for. The better weather and more settled water levels appeared to be the catalyst for improved catches on the river. The water temperature last week 37.8 degrees Fahrenheit which is 3.2 degrees Celsius.
On Loch Tay, there were a number of fish landed as well as a few lost. Wednesday is a day that will live in the memory of Mr Ross Murdoch for some time. Mr Murdoch was fishing the loch with his father when he hooked and landed his first ever salmon weighing ten pounds. Well done Sir! 

 Mr Ross Murdoch with his first ever salmon caught from Loch Tay

The following day there was more success, this time for Mr Duncan Mackenzie. Mr Mackenzie was fishing with Mr Grant Tigwell from the Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips Company when he landed a magnificent twenty pounder.

It was good to see the upper river produce some nice fish last week. On Wednesday Mr Gordon Pollock caught a fine springer weighing around seven pounds from the Edradynate Beat. The fish was caught from the Church Pool, harling. The following day Mr Ian Marshall got on to the scoresheet when his line tightened. After a memorable battle, he landed a beautiful sixteen pounder which was caught on the fly.  

 A fine springer caught from the Edradynate Beat

It was a happy Monday on Upper Kinnaird when a lovely sixteen pounder was landed. The fish was caught harling from the Rock Pool on a pink Kynoch lure. The Murthly 1 Beat produced a nice springer on Saturday as did Glendelvine.
There was success at Meikleour & Upper Islamouth on Wednesday when a fine sixteen pounder landed from Islamouth. The fish was in excellent condition and after a monumental tussle was returned safely to carry on with its journey upstream. 

A beautiful sixteen pounder caught from the Meikleour & Upper Islamouth Beat 

Conditions on the famous Islamouth Beat improved as water levels gradually dropped through the course of the week. The beat produced a nice fresh fish on Tuesday. The successful angler was Mr Iain McDougall who was fishing with the Miller Party. Mr McDougall caught a lovely twelve pounder on a Toby lure.
It was a successful day at Stobhall on Tuesday with no shortage of action. At the start of the day, a large fish was lost after stripping around one hundred meters of line during its first run. Towards the end of the day, Mr Mathew Will was fishing the famous Linn Pool when his line tightened. He went on to land a sea liced springer weighing ten pounds. 

 

Mr Mathew Will with a fine springer caught from Stobhall

It was a great end to the week at Stobhall when Mr Marc Sloss landed a fin perfect springer on Saturday.

Mr Marc Sloss with a cracker caught from Stobhall on Saturday 

The week got off to a bang on Monday at Taymount when a superb eighteen pounder was landed. There were three more fish caught from the beat on Wednesday. Taymount has produced some lovely springers so far this season and hopefully, this is a sign of things to come.
It was a productive few days on the Burnmouth Beat for Mr John Lessels. He caught three lovely fish weighing nine, eleven and eighteen pounds during the first half of the week. It was a good day on Wednesday for the Stanley beats. Mr Gerry Rattrey was wetting a line on the Pitlochrie Beat when he landed a fine springer. The fish was caught on a Toby lure from the Five Trees Pool. Mr Alistair Sheach was glad that he booked a day’s fishing on the Tay. Mr Sheach was fly fishing the Woodside Pool on the Catholes Beat when he hooked a good springer. The fish led him a merry dance and was eventually landed weighing a terrific sixteen pounds. The beat produced another fish on Saturday.

Mr Alistair Sheach with a fine fly caught springer from Catholes

Away from the river, Pitlochry Angling Club are having an open film night in the Birnam Arts Centre on Sunday, March 15^th. It is set to be an interesting and entertaining evening with everyone welcome. More details can be found on the Pitlochry Angling Club website.
Another date for the diary is Wednesday the 18^th of March when the TDSFB will hold it’s annual public meeting at the Birnam Institute at 1900 hrs. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda for the meeting will be available to view on the TDSFB website on 11^th March.

With some fine fish being landed in recent days and catches improving why not chase Scottish spring silver on the Tay next week? You could have that day to remember!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 7th March)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips 2, Edradynate 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Glendelvine 1, Murthly 1, 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 1, Stobhall 1, Taymount 5, Stobhall 1, Burnmouth 3, Pitlochrie 1, Catholes 2

Total:22 Largest: Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips 20lbs

SOME MORE MARCH MAGIC IN THE DAYS AHEAD ON THE TAY SYSTEM?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 9^th March 2020)

It was good to finally get some decent weather coupled with settled water levels last week after what feels like an age. This allowed anglers to enjoy a full week of fishing with the river in decent condition for many beats. There was some rain and strong winds over the weekend, but this was nothing like the almost weekly Saturday Storm we had become accustomed to in recent weeks.
As the jet stream had dived well to the south of the UK at the beginning of the week we were in colder air and so water temperatures were low enough for any running fish to slow down a bit giving anglers a chance to intercept them on their journey upstream. Catches improved on the Tay system last week and the quality of fish landed by anglers were second to none with a number of the salmon caught, being sea liced. There were numerous fish weighing well into the teens of pounds landed, as well as a twenty pounder.
There was a big lift in the water on Sunday after some heavy rain late on Saturday night coupled with melting snow. Looking ahead to next week, the cold weather is set to continue, and it is set to turn a bit more unsettled. Monday will start dry and bright, but a spell of wet and windy weather will spread in from the Atlantic later in the day. There will be showers or longer spells of rain across Perthshire on Tuesday with gales in exposed parts. From midweek onwards there will be frequent showers, and these could fall as snow especially on higher ground with a risk of frosts. Catches on the river were well spread last week with some lovely springers being landed. Loch Tay also produced some top quality spring salmon. It does now appear that the fish are gradually beginning to spread themselves throughout the system, so anywhere on the main river could produce that elusive springer next week. Loch Tay and the River Tummel could also be well worth considering.
With catches improving, will there be some more March magic in the days ahead? The only way to find out is by wetting a line on the mighty River Tay next week! 

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. 

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.

FINALLY, THE RIVER BECOMES FISHABLE AND SOME STUNNING SPRING SALMON ARE LANDED! W/E 29th February 2020

We said goodbye to February last week and many anglers would have said good riddance! For much of February, Scotland including Perthshire has been battered by relentless heavy rain, strong winds and even snow on some occasions. Numerous low pressure systems have raced in from the Atlantic powered by a supercharged Jetstream and deposited large amounts of rain across the country. This has led to frequent flooding and subsequently, very little meaningful fishing has taken place. Indeed, on the Tay, it is very rare for the river to have been so high for such a prolonged period of time.  

The dedication of the Tay ghillies cannot be called into question even in such harsh conditions last week!

Thankfully last week, after a very wintry start with many places seeing snowfall, river levels gradually dropped, and the Tay became fishable once again. Conditions improved significantly through the middle part of the week and in spite of it feeling very raw in the north-westerly wind some of the anglers that did brave the elements were rewarded handsomely for their efforts. Unfortunately, heavy rain on Friday night led to a rising river once again on Saturday. There were some stunning spring salmon caught from the Tay system and hopefully this is a sign of things to come as we head into March and the meteorological spring. The water temperature last week was 38.8 degrees Fahrenheit which is 2.6 degrees Celsius.
Seasoned Loch Tay campaigner Mr Robert McFarlane was revisiting one of his favourite haunts once again on Wednesday. Whilst trolling on the loch Mr McFarlane lost a fish and then shortly afterwards went one better when his rod buckled a second time. After a great fight, Mr McFarlane landed a fine springer weighing fifteen pounds. We are now entering what should be the prime time on Loch Tay and hopefully, if the weather plays ball in the upcoming weeks this will be the first of many nice fish caught.

A fine springer caught from Loch Tay on Wednesday

It was great to see on Thursday the first fish from the Pitlochry Angling Club Water being caught from the River Tummel. Mr Steve Watt was the successful angler who landed the lively fish which did a number of cartwheels before being safely netted. The fish weighed fifteen pounds and was in excellent condition. In the days and weeks ahead more and more fresh fish should start to be caught on the river as the Tummel run gains momentum.
On the main Tay, river levels were still very high during the early part of the week, after the heavy rain from the previous weekend, but by Wednesday anglers were able to do some meaningful fishing and the pools were becoming more defined on many beats; and as if by magic, salmon started to get caught. Indeed, Wednesday turned out to be a productive day on the system for late February with a total of five fish landed.
It was great to see the Meikleour & Upper Islamouth Beat get off the mark on Wednesday. At first, a fresh fish was hooked and played out and came alongside the boat before disaster struck when the springer made a successful bid for freedom. Thankfully, shortly afterwards a fine sixteen pounder was landed after a terrific fight. The fish was caught on a salmo lure.
It was good to see Islamouth get on to the scoresheet for the week on Friday. All the recent high water has certainly not suited the beat. Undeterred Mr Rory Campbell fishing with the Tong Party tasted success when he landed a beautiful fourteen pounder which was caught on a salmon lure from Greenbank

Mr Rory Campbell wit a fine springer caught from Islamouth on Friday

Mr Nick Webster had a memorable day on Thursday whilst fishing on the famous Stobhall Beat. Mr Webster was wetting a line on the Linn Pool when he hooked and landed a beautiful sea liced springer.

Mr Nick Webster lands a beautiful springer from the Stobhall Beat on Thursday

The Taymount Beat has been one of the most productive beats on the river so far this season and there was more success on Wednesday when a nice springer was landed. It was a great end to the week with three more fish caught from Taymount on Friday. Burnmouth can traditionally be a productive early spring beat located just above the weir at Stanley and this proved to be the case on Thursday when a fine springer was landed.
Mr Robert White, ghillie on the Stanley beats had a day to remember on Wednesday. Mr White was fly fishing the Back Dam Pool when his line tightened. After numerous powerful runs, Mr White landed a beautiful sixteen pounder. This was after getting some welcomed help from Upper Scone ghillie Mr Davie Seaton.

Mr Robert White with a fine springer from Catholes

Not being content in catching one February springer Mr White then went on to wet a line in the Woodside Pool and came up trumps again. This time after another epic battle he landed a fish weighing around fifteen pounds. What a day and well done Sir! It was also good to see the Upper Scone Beat produce a cracking springer on Friday.

A second of the day for Mr White

Away from the fishing, the hard work continues by the TDSFB.  Finally, with the weather improving staff have been getting back out planting eyed ova. The eggs used have been taken from reconditioned salmon kelts which have been safely waiting in the hatchery for the floods to pass. These are free eggs for the river system as their parents would have naturally long since expired. Some of the fish are almost ten years old and have spawned in six consecutive seasons. The location of every redd is recorded using mapping software to aid accurate juvenile surveys during the summer months. Hopefully, some of these ova will mature and grow into adult salmon and return to the mighty River Tay one day.

Planting out eyed ova

 As predicted finally once the river has dropped and water levels have settled somewhat the Tay system has started to produce some magnificent hard fighting spring salmon. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come in the upcoming days and weeks. March is usually a month when catches improve and become more consistent on the Tay so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

With some lovely fish caught from the Tay system last week, there is every chance that more will be landed in the days ahead. So why not chase some spring silver on the Tay next week? You just might hook that spring salmon of a lifetime!
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 29^th February)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish N’ Trips 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 1, Stobhall 1, Taymount 4, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 2, Upper Scone 1

Total:13 Largest: Meikleour & Upper Islamouth & Catholes 16lbs

SOME MARCH MAGIC IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 2^nd March 2020)

We move into March this week, which sees us say goodbye to winter and hello to the meteorological spring. In March often catches as well as weather conditions improve as we progress through the month. Over the next few weeks, fish destined for the River Tummel should start entering the system in greater numbers in addition to the fish heading for Loch Tay and beyond. This should mean there is a better chance of hooking that elusive spring salmon.
Thankfully the weather improved somewhat last week and with it, river levels dropped. This was until Saturday when Storm Jorge brought some gale force winds and heavy rain to much of the country including Perthshire. Sunday has been quite windy with westerly gales. There have also been frequent showers. Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see further showers but also some sunny spells, with the showers most frequent across the western side of the catchment area. There will be a strong westerly to northwesterly wind with gales in exposed parts. The showers and winds will ease through Tuesday with many places are likely to be dry on Wednesday & Thursday with sunny spells and overnight frosts. Towards next weekend there is a chance of more unsettled weather returning to our shores once again but there is a lot of uncertainty around the longer range forecast at this stage.There were some lovely salmon caught from the Tay system last week and it was good to see that some of these fish were caught on the fly. Fish were caught from Loch Tay as well as the River Tummel. Next week there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. Loch Tay and the River Tummel are also 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. The river offers tremendous value for money at this time of year with anglers being able to fish on some of the most famous and prestigious beats in Scotland at a very reasonable price. So why not wet a line on the mighty Tay next week? You might just experience some March Magic!

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. 

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.