EASTER LIKE WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE! W/E 12th April 2020

(River Tay weekly report week ending 11^th April 2020) 

Easter is now upon us and an interesting fact is that statistically, it is more likely to snow over the Easter weekend than at Christmas. Thankfully this Easter there is none of the white stuff forecast. Unfortunately, that is the only thing we have to be thankful for as we continue to be in the grips of this terrible pandemic.
Normally at this time of year, many anglers make their annual pilgrimage up to the River Tay to experience some of the best early season salmon fishing in Scotland. 

Many anglers flock to the River Tay at Easter

Usually, by now, there is a reasonable head of fish in the river and as each week goes by more fish enter the system which are destined for the River Tummel and Isla. The truth of the matter is that no one really knows and probably will never know what the spring run on the Tay has been like this year as this is the third week that a line has not been wet on the Tay system. 

The quality of spring salmon the Tay is capable of producing at this time of year!

 As per government guidelines, we are being urged to stay at home this Easter and so for many, it will be like no other Easter weekend they have experienced before. The government is due to give an update on the lockdown early next week and the common consensus seems to be that it will continue in its present form for the foreseeable future. No one really knows when anglers across Scotland including the River Tay will be able to fish again but hopefully, it will be in the not too distant future. 

Anglers will be armed and ready to go when the lockdown ends!

Until then, we can all do our bit by listening to the government advice by staying at home, protecting our fantastic NHS and its staff and saving lives. 

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 and well,
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. The closure is set to initially last until next week and then the situation will be revaluated, and further decisions will be made.
We hope everyone stays safe and well.
Samantha & Sandy Datta

Tactics for the River Tay during the early 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.

WIMBLEDON CANCELLED, COUNTRY IN LOCKDOWN AND NO ONE FISHING THE TAY, THIS IS NO APRIL FOOLS!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 4^th April 2020) 

We moved into April last week and entering into what should be the prime period on the River Tay for spring salmon fishing. Usually, April and May are the most productive months for many beats during the spring period and it is a time that many salmon anglers have been waiting for. 

A cracking spring salmon just what the Tay is famous for producing in April and May!

However, this is proving to be like no other year and a time in our lives that no one has experienced before. If someone had said that Wimbledon had been cancelled, the country was in lockdown and there would be no one wetting a line on the Tay during the first week of April and hence no fish caught, most people would think that this was an April fool. However, sadly this is the true state of affairs at this current time.

All salmon fishing on the Tay system remains temporarily suspended amid the current COVID 19 pandemic as we complete the second week of what effectively has been a lockdown for many people. The situation will be reviewed by the government and a further announcement is likely to be made on the 13^th of April. 

A tasty pattern that might just do the business when we start fishing again!

Depending on what has been decided a decision will be taken around whether fishing across Scotland will resume again. Until then all we can do is follow current government guidelines which of course is to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Hopefully, anglers will be able to enjoy the delights of the mighty Tay in the not too distant future!

Hopefully, things will start to get back to normal in the not too distant future and then once anglers can enjoy the delights of fishing on the mighty River Tay. 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 and well,
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. The closure is set to initially last for another week and then the situation will be revaluated, and further decisions will be made.

We hope everyone stays safe and well.
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.

THE CURTAINS ARE TEMPORARILY DRAWN ON THE SEASON AS SALMON FISHING ON THE TAY SYSTEM IS SUSPENDED! W/E 28th March 2020

THE CURTAINS ARE TEMPORARILY DRAWN ON THE SEASON AS SALMON FISHING ON THE TAY SYSTEM IS SUSPENDED!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 28th March 2020) 

Well, what a strange and unprecedented week it has been for all of us around the UK? With numbers of Covid 19 cases around the country increasing rapidly the government made an announcement on Monday evening which effectively put the country into lockdown for many people. It was therefore hardly a surprise that on the following day many beats on the Tay system decided to close on a temporary basis. Effectively the entire river has now closed its banks to anglers for at least three weeks and this is the correct and responsible course of action to take in such troubling times. We all now just have to wait and see how the current situation develops and hope that people stay safe and obey governments advice so that many more lives are not lost. Most other rivers around Scotland have followed a similar course of action.
The river was only fished for two days last week on many beats, but some beats had decided to close from Monday. Water levels were decent and settled and the river was in good condition. Indeed, the Tay was running at its lowest level in recent weeks.
The Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Beat produced a nice springer on Monday which was good to see. The successful angler was Mr Wood who landed the fine fish weighing fourteen pounds from the tail of the March Pool. Further downstream Mr Philip Black tasted success on the famous Islamouth Beat when he landed a cracking fish on the same day.

Mr Philip Black with a lovely springer caught from Islamouth on Monday

The Burnmouth Beat has been productive in recent days and Monday was no different when two beautiful springers were landed including a magnificent fish weighing seventeen pounds.
While the temporary enclosure is in place on the Tay system enforcement patrols will remain ongoing across the district under guidance from Fisheries Management Scotland.
Over the next few days and weeks, as anglers, we can 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.

Time to spend some time at the vice and tie some mouth-watering patterns!

Firstly, let us hope that as many people around the country can stay safe and well. This is the time when we can all do our bit by heeding government advice and supporting our heroes on the frontline of the NHS. 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! 

Hopefully in the not too distant future reels will sing and springers like this will be landed once again from the mighty Tay!

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

Beat catches reported
(week ending 28th March)

SALMON & GRILSE: Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 1, Burnmouth 2.

Total:4 Largest: Burnmouth 17lbs

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. The closure is set to initially last for three weeks and then the situation will be reevaluated, and further decisions will be made.

We hope everyone stays safe and well.
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. The closure is set to initially last for three weeks and then the situation will be reevaluated, and further decisions will be made.

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.

DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD…BUT YES SALMON FISHING DOES MATTER TO MANY PEOPLE AND THE TAY REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! W/E 21st March 2020

DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD…BUT YES SALMON FISHING DOES MATTER TO MANY PEOPLE AND THE TAY REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 21^st March 2020) 

For many people, salmon fishing will be the last thing on their minds as Scotland and the UK as a whole braces itself for unprecedented times ahead. There is no escaping the fact that the outbreak of Covid-19 is very worrying and it is an uncertain time for all of us. It is easy to say when people’s health, livelihoods and lives are at risk that salmon fishing does not matter and of course this may be the case. However, there are many people in Scotland that rely on salmon fishing for employment as it has become entwined into the fabric of our society.  For these individuals, it does matter and so it should. Many people around the country who live close to the banks of a river and don’t have too far to travel may feel that salmon fishing is genuinely good for the soul and mind amid such testing times and so they will appreciate the fact that to date they are still able to book a day’s fishing on the river. Currently, the Tay system is open for business as usual.
We are now moving towards the end of March and as each day passes more hard fighting spring salmon are running the Tay system. Indeed last week was the most productive week of the season so far on the Tay system. Over the next few weeks, we should be entering the prime spring period on the river and hopefully, there will be some good sport to be had.
Last week also saw the spring equinox on Friday. This is when the hours of day time and night time are of approximately equal length. For the scholars amongst us, the word equinox is derived from the Latin term aequinocium, from aqueous which means equal and nox which is night.
Thankfully, the weather was much more settled across Perthshire from midweek onwards as high pressure started to build. The settled weather continued through the weekend and gradually water levels on the Tay system dropped. Currently, the river is in excellent condition and hopefully, there will be some nice spring salmon landed in the upcoming days. 

Mr Peter Fonda with a fine sixteen pounder caught from Loch Tay

 It was good to see Loch Tay continuing its recent run of good form last week. The loch has produced some cracking fish in recent days including a fish weighing well in excess of thirty pounds. Monday saw more action on the loch. Mr Peter Fonda was fishing with his friend Mr Alan Brown and Loch Tay Fish N’ Trips guide Mr Grant Tigwell when his rod buckled. After a fight which led Mr Fonda a merry dance, he landed a lovely spring salmon weighing sixteen pounds. There were a total of two fish caught from the loch on Monday and a further fish was landed on Wednesday. Next to have some good fortune on the loch was Mr Chris Downes who landed a fine springer weighing twelve pounds. 

Mr Chris Downs caught this fine springer from Loch Tay last week

Another member of the Fonda family enjoyed success on the loch on the same day this time it was Mr Geo Fonda who landed a lovely fresh sixteen pounder. It is great to see Loch Tay fishing well in recent weeks. It is a short season on the loch compared to the rest of the Tay system so long may it continue. 

Mr Geo Gonda with a Loch Tay spring cracker!

 It was a magical day on Saturday for young Lewis Blair who was fishing on the Glendelvine Beat. Lewis caught a fin perfect spring salmon weighing seven pounds. It is so good to see our younger generation getting into our sport and I am sure Lewis is now hooked. Well-done young man!

Young Lewis Blair with a fine springer from Glendelvine!

There were no Monday morning blues for Mr James MacDonald who was wetting a line on the Delvine & Burnbane Beat. Mr MacDonald landed a terrific springer weighing sixteen pounds. He then went on to hook another fresh fish, which turned out to be not such a happy ending!

A lovely spring salmon caught by Mr James MacDonald from the Delvine & Burnbane Beat

The River Isla produced a fish on Thursday and Friday from the Couper Grange Beat. At Islamouth there was a lovely springer caught on Friday with Mr Ramsey Muir being the successful angler. Mr Muir landed the cracking fish weighing eight and a half pounds. The springer was caught on a Kynoch. There was another fish caught from the beat on Saturday. There was success at Cargill on Thursday. Legendary Tay Ghillie, Mr George Mcinnes did the business at Ballathie on Friday. He was harling the Garden Pool on the upper beat when the rod bent double. The springer gave a great account of itself and was finally netted weighing in at a magnificent eighteen pounds. The fish took a pink & white Kynoch lure. 

A fine Ballathie springer

Mr Mcinnes worked his magic again this time on Saturday when he had Samantha & Sandy Datta fishing the beat. They were harling at Cobblers Croy when the rod bent double and after a long hard fight Sandy landed a fine springer weighing twenty two pounds. The fish again took a pink & white Kynoch lure. 

Sandy Datta with a nice Ballathie springer caught on Saturday

Thursday is not a day Mr Colin Sloss will not forget in a hurry. He hooked and landed a sparkling springer after a terrific fight from the Stobhall Beat. 

Mr Colin Sloss with a sparkling fish caught from Stobhall on Thursday

It was a great day at Taymount on Monday when three fine springers were landed. Taymount has produced fish on a consistent basis so far this year and has been one of the most productive beats on the river to date. Further downstream the Burnmouth Beat also tasted spring success on Monday. The week ended on a high with a further three fish caught on Friday and another on Saturday.

The Stanley beats have fished well in recent days and Monday was no exception when Mr Paul Devlin and his party got on to the scoresheet. Mr Devlin fished hard in challenging weather conditions. His perseverance paid off as towards the end of the day he got his just rewards whilst fly fishing from an anchored boat. As the line swung around in the current, it suddenly tightened, and Mr Devlin hooked a lovely fish. After a great fight, a magnificent deep springer was expertly netted. 

Mr Paul Devlin with a fine springer caught at Catholes on Monday

On Saturday afternoon Mr Robert White had a memorable afternoon landing two beautiful springers from the Catholes Beat. Both fish were caught on the fly, which was great news.

A beautiful fly caught salmon from Catholes on Saturday

Mr Stephen Paterson hooked and landed a fine springer on Thursday from Upper Scone. Mr Paterson was fishing the famous Pitlochrie Pool when his line tightened. The reward for his efforts was a fine fish weighing fifteen pounds. It looks like the fish was a hatchery reared salmon, which is great news. On Saturday Stephen's Father Mr George Patterson made it a family double when he went on to land beautiful eight pound springer.

A magnificent springer for Mr Stephen Paterson caught from the Upper Scone Beat

Away from the fishing, the hard work continues by the TDSFB. Last week saw the first of the smolt traps being positioned in the Tummel catchment area. In addition to this, the first batch of this year’s smolts were also released into the River Garry. All this work is vital in trying to ensure that salmon return to the Tay system for generations to come.
As a nation, we are currently facing very difficult and uncertain times. For many people, this report may not be important, trivial even. However, if any older or more vulnerable people in our society are currently self-isolating and reading this report we hope that you get some pleasure from this and that it wets your appetite for future salmon fishing forays on the River Tay once these hard times are finally behind us.
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 21st March)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay Fish N Trips 5, Glendelvine 1, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Coupar Grange 2, West Grange 1,  Islamouth 2, Stobhall 1, Ballathie 2, Cargill 1, Taymount 3, Burnmouth 5, Catholes 3, Upper Scone 2

Total: 29 Largest: Ballathie 22lbs

FINALLY, A DECENT WEATHER FORECAST IN THE DAYS AHEAD! 

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 23^rd March 2020)

Last week was the most productive week of the season so far on the Tay system with some stunning spring salmon caught. Fortunately, from midweek onwards high pressure started to build and this led to predominantly dry weather, which continued, into the weekend. Water levels have gradually dropped, and this was welcomed by ghillies and anglers alike. As the river settled catches improved which was great to see.
Currently, the river is running at a nice height for many beats and with little rain forecast over the next few days, the river should continue to gradually drop. This will be music to the ears of many anglers who are intending to fish the Tay. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry with light winds. There will also be the chance of some night time frosts. Wednesday could see some rain spread in from the north west which will turn light and patchy in nature as we move into Thursday. At the moment the weather is set fair for next weekend. It will be quite cold from midweek onwards as we develop a cold northerly wind.
Catches were well spread on the system last week from Loch Tay down to Upper Scone. The quality of some of the salmon landed were truly second to none with numerous fishing weighing into the late teens as well as one registering on the scales at over twenty pounds. Anglers looking to fish on the loch stand a good chance of making contact with some early season silver, especially after some cracking fish being landed in recent days. The River Tummel and Isla could also be productive. On the main river, there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere.  Hooking a big Tay salmon next week may just help take your mind off all the doom and gloom that is currently plaguing us.
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.