MORE THAN A FISH A DAY CAUGHT FROM THE RIVER TAY w/e 26th January 2020

It was the first full week of the season on the River Tay last week and thankfully for once, the weather played ball. A large area of high pressure centred itself over much of the UK including Scotland and this led to a mainly dry week with sunny spells and variable amounts of cloud. This was a welcome change to the strong winds and heavy rain of recent weeks. On some afternoons it felt almost spring-like with temperatures into the low double figures. Water levels gradually dropped through the course of the week and by Wednesday river levels were perfect for many beats on the river with decent water clarity. The water temperature last week was 39.8 degrees Fahrenheit which is 4.3 degrees Celsius. As the weeks progress there should be more fresh fish entering the Tay system increasing the chances of making contact with some early season silver. 

Another day dawns on the beautiful River Tay

 Many anglers that did venture out to wet a line enjoyed some rod bending action with a fair number of kelts and older fish being caught up and down the river. It was also good to see a handful of fresh fish landed and well done to all those successful fishers who have already landed their first fish of the decade. In fact, there was an average of more than a fish a day caught from the Tay system which is reasonable considering that it was only the first full week of the season and fishing pressure, on the whole, was light.
It was good to see Loch Tay produce its first fish of the year on Saturday. Mr Don Wallace was fishing with seasoned Loch Tay angler Mr Robert Mcfarlane when he landed a magnificent fish weighing over nineteen pounds. This was Mr Wallace’s first ever salmon and what a fish to open your account on the loch with. The fish had some seal damage but swam away unharmed and strongly.

Mr Don Wallace with his 1st Loch Tay salmon caught on Saturday

On the upper river the Lower Bolfracks Beat produced a fish on Friday. With water levels gradually dropping through the course of the week many beats on the middle river enjoyed decent fishing conditions. This was certainly the case on Wednesday when the Lower Kinnaird Beat got off the mark. Mr Mike Cook was fishing the Ferry Pool when he hooked a strong fish on a twenty-eight-gram purple toby. After a good fight an eight pounder was landed and safely returned unharmed. Hopefully this will be the first of many salmon landed on the beat.

An eight-pound salmon caught from the Lower Kinnaird Beat

It was good to see the Dalmarnock Beat get its season up and running on Monday. Mr David Kyle was the successful angler who caught a lovely fresh springer from the famous Dalmarnock Bank Pool. The fish was caught on a zebra toby lure and is the heaviest salmon Mr Kyle has caught to date, weighing a magnificent eighteen pounds. Catching a January salmon is no mean feat, and this is a fish that Mr Kyle is unlikely to forget for some time. There was nearly a second fresh fish landed in forty-eight hours on the beat. Mr Mark Paul was spinning in the Bridge Pool when his line tightened. After a long fight, the fish was ready for the net and it soon became apparent that it was fresh. However, the fish decided to take one final run and the rest is history! The Dalmarnock Beat has a decent record of producing January fish with fresh salmon caught from the beat on opening day in recent years. 

Mr David Kyle with a fine Dalmrnock springer

The Couper Grange Beat on the River Isla also produced a fish on Monday. This was the first tributary on the Tay system to produce a fish this season. There was more success on the Isla on Friday with the Keithick Mains Beat producing spring silver and hopefully, plenty more will follow in the upcoming days and weeks. Monday also saw the famous Taymount Beat produce its second fish of the year and there was more success on the beat again on Wednesday. At this time of year beats below the Linn Pool can be productive especially in high water. 

Maybe the perfect weapon to tempt a big Tay springer next week?

It is likely that more fish would have been caught from the river if there had been more anglers fishing but it is still very early in the season. However, the fish that were caught were in excellent condition and it just shows what the Tay system is capable of producing at this time of year.
With some nice fish already landed over the past few days why not wet a line on the Tay next week? With fish already in the system and more running the river on a daily basis, there might just be a January springer with your name on it!

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 and Sandy Datta

Beat catches reported (week ending 26^th January)

SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Tay 1, Lower Bolfracks 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalmarnock 1, Keithick Mains 1, Couper Grange 1, Taymount 2,

Total: 8 Largest: Loch Tay 19lbs

MORE RODS ARE LIKELY TO LEAD TO MORE FRESH SPRINGERS BEING LANDED 

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 27^th January 2020)

The past week has seen mainly settled dry conditions predominate across much of Scotland including Perthshire. This was courtesy of a large area of high pressure centred over the UK. However, on Sunday a cold front moved South and East across the country, and this has signified a change in the weather pattern. Next week is set to be much more unsettled as a number of low-pressure systems bombard the UK from the Atlantic on a reinvigorated Jetstream. This will lead to frequent spells of heavy rain and wind and it is likely to even be some snow which could fall to lower levels. Temperatures will fluctuate quite markedly before it finally turns milder by the end of the week. Monday will be mainly dry with the chance of the odd wintry shower. Tuesday will see more showers in a brisk westerly wind. Wednesday should be mainly dry before more showers or longer spells of rain affect many parts on Thursday with temperatures rising.
There were fish caught from the upper, middle and lower river last week as well as on Loch Tay and the River Isla. It is likely that more fresh fish would have been landed if more rods had been fishing. 
Next week there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. Loch Tay produced a fish last week and is 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 Tay next week? You might just make contact with some early season silver!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha and 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.

 

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 18th February 2019.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 18th February 2019.

The Salmon fishing season is entering mid-February on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland with improving catches after a spate and milder weather. We have been encountering some varied conditions with very cold wintery weather over the first few weeks, but Storm Eric caused a large spate a week ago and after that it has been unseasonably mild. The river has settled back to normal spring levels and excellent conditions with a milder picture for the coming week yet again. There is a full moon coming as well to give large spring tides which may spur on a bigger run. Currently a more settled weather will continue to give us more steady water and a chance of good fishing. On the opening weeks several anglers braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The cold weather hopefully will give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements as any fish progress slowly through the system.

Currently the river is reasonably settled at a good spring height (around 4’ on the Ballathie gauge and just over 2’ on the Murthly gauge).

The Weatheris to remain reasonably settled over the next few days but unseasonably mild with some rain on Tuesday going into Wednesday. Colder conditions certainly benefit the river at this time of year slowing the spring salmon run down and giving everyone a chance to catch as they run up the river slowly. The milder weather forecast at times has given us more water and would have encouraged salmon to run the river. Colder settled weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature has risen following the warmer weather to around 42 degrees Fahrenheit or 5.5 degrees Celsius on the lower river. These are slightly high temperatures for this time of year but that will encourage salmon to run. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Should you require guidance on salmon identification in early season please see this salmon identification for some help.  

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method in early season but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience. 

Tackle recommendations for fishing the Tay throughout the season.

What rods and l    FlyRods. 

The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned.  In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances. 

Fly Lines.

In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down. 

Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay. 

Spinning Rods.

Rods.

You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms. 

Line. 

A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line. 

Baits.

Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling. 

What flies should I take? 

In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day. 

As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water. 

Finally, you are reminded that the <b>Tay's policy for January – 1st April 2019 is that all spring salmon must be released, i.e. the Tay has a policy of 100% mandatory release of all salmon caught under the new Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the release of salmon as it is a now legal requirement during this period even if a fish has died. The Board's bailiff team will be enforcing this legislation.

When releasing salmon please try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible to give them every chance to recover prior to release. Releasing fish from boats in the river is not recommended. 

good catch and release practice

Thank you all who have shared information with me to make the report week in week out, without that it would not be possible to compile such a detailed report for the river. If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in the reports.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 16th February 2019.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 16th February 2019.

The river Tay has gone into February with a bit more optimism following a large spate from storm Eric. It has been a reasonably quiet start to the season with settled good low water heights but cold. In the past week we have seen a lot more water and much milder temperatures producing an upturn in catches encouraging everyone throughout the system. Hopefully settled weather over the coming weeks will give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver” and even possibly a fish of a lifetime with some three winter salmon arriving.

Beat catches reported
(week ending 16th February)

SALMON & GRILSE: Catholes 1, Upper Scone 2, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 1, Taymount 3, Ballathie 1, Islamouth 2, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Delvine Burnbane 1, Dunkeld House 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 3.
Total: 21 Largest: Burnmouth 18lbs
SEA TROUT: Delvine Burnbane 2.
Total: 2 Largest: Delvine Burnbane 4lbs

Last week saw an improvement in catches recorded with a few small runs working up the system. It is early in the season but after a good spate expectation was far higher and the results came. 

It was a steady week with fish recorded every day and there was a spread throughout the river as temperatures came up and encouraged salmon to run. 

On the lower river Upper Scone and Catholes caught their first fish of the season. 

Upper Scone had the Thomas party fishing for the week achieving 2 in the period with Phil Gibson landing a 15 pounds fish from the Wash House on the Pitlochrie beat, the other fish was landed in the famous Pitlochrie pool earlier in the week. 

On Catholes, a delighted James Holder caught a 7 pounds fish fly fishing from the boat in the Black Stones. Burnmouth also recorded their first of the season and the largest off the river last week at 18 pounds. Taymount caught 3 in the week for Stuart Voce’s party. 

Stuart managed a couple in the week up to 14 pounds and guest 

Johnny Gordon landed a 7 pounder for good measure. Two of the fish came from the legendry Linn pool on Tuesday following increased water levels from the previous weekend. 

Stobhall also had a fish from the Linn pool on Wednesday with John Nevin being the successful angler. 

Further upstream Ballathie had success on Saturday with an 11 pounds salmon falling to Alan Rankin in the Garden pool from the boat. Islamouth had a couple in the week and reported seeing odd fish as well as they travelled through the beat which was encouraging. 

Douglas Miller caught a 7 pounds fish on Saturday and the Richard Muir party caught a 14 pounds fish earlier in the week. 

Upper Islamouth and Meikleour caught a 14 pounds fish with Alex MacPhee landing his first ever salmon from the boat. 

The middle riverhas seen some action last week as fish travel slowly up the system. The milder weather has seen water temperatures climb a bit encouraging salmon to run further afield. Delvine Burnbane saw their first salmon coming in at 8 pounds from the boat at the tail of the beat. Much further up river, Dunkeld House caught a couple in the week up to 10 pounds from the Gauge and Chestnut pools from the boat. 

The upper river saw a single fish come from Upper Kinnaird weighing 16 pounds. 

On Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips have got off the mark with a couple of early run fish up to 16 pounds. 

Robert McFarland was the successful angler landing 2 fish on Tuesday weighing 12 and 16 pounds caught on Rapalas. 

The Tummel is also seeing some early action proving fish are certainly running up the system. The Pitlochry angling club stretch below the Dam accounted to 3 fish last week up to 15 pounds all on the fly. 

Neill Sproull caught a fish at 15 pounds from the town bank and 

Steve Watt landed 2 fish during the week up to 15 pounds from the Port-na-Craig bank. That is an excellent early start for the club. 

The Spring Salmon fishing was well and truly underway after all the excitement of opening day’s celebrations. It has been a quiet start but there has been far more optimism following last week results so let us hope the season lives up to every one’s expectations over the coming weeks and months and when you visit the Tay you catch a fish of a lifetime. Tight lines!

Thank you all who have shared information with me to make this report week in week out, without that it would not be possible to compile such a detailed report for the river. If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in the reports.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 11th February 2019.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 11th February 2019.

The Salmon fishing season is well and truly underway now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter mid-February.  We have been encountering some varied conditions with very cold wintery weather over the last week and then Storm Eric causing a large spate at the end of the week. The river is settling back to normal levels and excellent conditions with a milder picture for the coming week. Currently a more settled weather will continue to give us more steady water and a chance of good fishing. On the opening weeks several anglers braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The cold weather hopefully will give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements as any fish progress slowly through the system.

Currently the river is falling to a good height with a settling river (around 5’ on the Ballathie gauge and 3’ on the Murthly gauge).

The Weatheris to remain reasonably settled over the next few days but not so cold. Colder conditions certainly benefit the river at this time of year slowing the spring salmon run down and giving everyone a chance to catch as they run up the river slowly. The milder weather forecast at times has given us more water and would have encouraged salmon to run the river. Colder weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature is around 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Should you require guidance on salmon identification in early season please see this salmon identification for some help.  

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method in early season but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience. 

Tacklerecommendations for fishing the Tay throughout the season.What rods and l    FlyRods. 

The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned.  In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances. 

Fly Lines.

In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down. 

Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay. 

Spinning Rods.

Rods.

You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms. 

Line. 

A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line. 

Baits.

Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling. 

What flies should I take? 

In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day. 

As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water. 

Finally, you are reminded that the <b>Tay's policy for January – 1st April 2019 is that all spring salmon must be released, i.e. the Tay has a policy of 100% mandatory release of all salmon caught under the new Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the release of salmon as it is a now legal requirement during this period even if a fish has died. The Board's bailiff team will be enforcing this legislation.

When releasing salmon please try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible to give them every chance to recover prior to release. Releasing fish from boats in the river is not recommended. 

good catch and release practice

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in the reports.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 9th February 2019.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 9th February 2019.

The river Tay has seen out January and goes into February with a bit more optimism following a large spate from storm Eric. It has been a reasonably quiet start to the season with settled good low water heights but cold. In the past week there has also been a few more catches encouraging everyone. Hopefully settled weather over the coming weeks will give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver” and even possibly a fish of a lifetime with some three winter salmon arriving.

Beat catches reported

(week ending 9th February)
SALMON & GRILSE: Taymount 1, Ballathie 1, Cargill 1, Islamouth 1, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Glendelvine 1, Newtyle 2, Farleyer Upper 1.Total: 9 Largest: Farleyer Upper 18lbs

Last week saw an improvement in catches recorded with a few small runs working up the system. It is early in the season but after a good spate expectation should be far better for next week. 

The week got off to a better start with 3 fish recorded on Monday giving everyone heart. Islamouth recorded another fish at 8 pounds for James Redmond in the Ash Tree after their outstanding start the previous week, a slightly smaller one was caught at Taymount and an 18 pounds fish came from Upper Farleyer. 

Wednesday saw another 4 fish recorded with the largest coming from Glendelvine weighing 17 pounds. 

It was caught from the boat by Magnus Gloak on a Kynock. Cargill caught their first of the season, again from the boat with Dean McGeaver landing his first ever salmon. 

Newtyle had an early day to remember with a couple of fish landed up to 16 pounds. David Gardner landed the first one from the Ferry pool weighing 7 pounds from the bank then the second one came from the Steps again from the bank weighing 16 pounds. 

Thursday saw the only other fish caught in the week landed at Ballathie from Rumbling Stone in the boat by 

Howard Lane weighing 13 pounds. 

Friday and Saturday were washed out by Storm Eric however Upper Islamouth and Meikleour defied the odds with a 14 pounds fish from the mouth of the Isla on a Rapala. The prospects should be much better for the coming week. 

The presentation of the Redford Trophy has been made to Ian Davie for his opening day fish caught at Stobhall with Robert Jamieson, George McInnes and Arnot McWhinnie in attendance. 

The Spring Salmon fishing was well and truly underway after all the excitement of opening day’s celebrations. It has been a quiet start but let us hope the season lives up to every one’s expectations over the coming weeks and months and when you visit the Tay you catch a fish of a lifetime. Tight lines!

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in the reports.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 2nd February 2019.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 2nd February 2019.

The river Tay opened on the 15^thJanuary undeterred in slightly milder conditions for a couple of days before returning to cold frosty conditions over the last couple of weeks, scores of anglers flocked to the banks of the river to mark the opening of the salmon season with great publicity in the press and on television. The various issues and activities appeared on Television, Radio and Press giving the river extremely high exposure that was invaluable. It has been a reasonably quiet start to the season with good water by and large but cold. 

Beat catches reported
(week ending 2^ndFebruary)
SALMON & GRILSE: Islamouth 4

Total: 4 Largest: Islamouth 18lbs

Only a few fresh spring salmon have been reported so far in the early season but hopefully that will improve over the weeks to come. The Islamouth beat, which is sometimes termed the Tay’s jewel in the crown only started fishing last week on Friday but got off to a bang with 4 fish in the 2 days. Robert Jamieson’s party enjoyed good success with 4 fish weighing 18, 13,10 and 8 pounds including a couple of the fish carrying sea lice. 

Josh Cook had his first ever fish at 13 pounds caught from the boat in Donnits.

The current week has got off to a better start with 3 fish recorded on Monday giving everyone heart. 

Islamouth recorded another fish at 8 pounds for James Redmond in the Ash Tree, a slightly smaller one was caught at Taymount and an 18 pounds fish came from Upper Farleyer. 

These are disappointing figures but with a continued settled river the coming week should see improved catches.  

The Spring Salmon fishing was well and truly underway after all the excitement of opening day’s celebrations. It has been a quiet start but let us hope the season lives up to every one’s expectations over the coming weeks and months. Tight lines!

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in the reports.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 4th February 2019.

Tay Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 4th February 2019.

The Salmon fishing season is well and truly underway now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter February.  We have been encountering some very cold wintery weather last week. The river has settled back to much lower levels after a milder couple of days last weekend. We have had some settled low water conditions over last week in a cold spell however it is to be a bit more milder this coming week which may just put river levels up a bit. On the opening weeks several anglers braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The cold weather hopefully will give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements as any fish will progress slowly through the system.

Currently the river is running at lower levels for the time of year (just under 2’ on the Ballathie gauge and 1’ at Murthly).

The Weather is to remain reasonably settled over the next few days turning a bit milder again with the chance of some rain. Colder conditions certainly benefit the river at this time of year slowing the spring salmon run down and giving everyone a chance to catch as they run up the river slowly. The milder weather forecast may give us more water and would encourage salmon to run the river. Colder weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature was cold last week at 36 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 degrees Celsius at its lowest but should rise a little next week. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Should you require guidance on salmon identification in early season please see this salmon identification for some help.  

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method in early season but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience. 

Tackle recommendations for fishing the Tay throughout the season.

Fly Rods. 

The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned.  In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances. 

 Fly Lines.

In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down. 

Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay. 

Spinning Rods.

Rods.

You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms. 

Line. 

A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line. 

Baits.

Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling. 

What flies should I take? 

In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day. 

As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water. 

Finally, you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January – 1st April 2019 is that all spring salmon must be released, i.e. the Tay has a policy of 100% mandatory release of all salmon caught under the new Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the release of salmon as it is a now legal requirement during this period even if a fish has died. The Board's bailiff team will be enforcing this new legislation.

When releasing salmon please try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible to give them every chance to recover prior to release. Releasing fish from boats in the river is not recommended. good catch and release practice

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in the reports.