CATCHES HAMPERED BY HIGH WATER BUT THE TWENTY POUNDERS JUST KEEP COMING!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 3rd April 2020) 

We moved into April last week and the Scottish weather made many of us look like April fools. During the previous week, the weather had felt quite spring like with milder conditions predominating across much of Scotland. The weather during the first few days of April has been quite a shock to the system. Northerly winds predominated towards the end of last week and there was a distinct chill in the air. The culprit for the colder weather was a cold front which moved southwards on Thursday. The weekend has been mainly dry but it has remained cold. If the forecast is to be believed then it is set to get even colder early next week when we are due to get an Arctic blast with even snow showers possible in some places.  Perhaps we should not be surprised, as statistically, it is more likely to snow in Scotland over Easter than at Christmas.

Unfortunately, high water hampered catches for the first half of last week due to the heavy rain last weekend. As the week progressed river levels dropped gradually but the river was still high on Saturday. On a positive note, there were fish landed around the twenty pounds mark on most days. This just goes to show what the Tay system is capable of producing at this time of year. The water temperature last week was around 41.5 degrees Fahrenheit which is 5.3 degrees Celsius. 

On Tuesday Mr Iain McLaren was fishing on the River Tummel at Portnacraig. It was Mr McLaren’s first run down the Portnacraig bank when his fly line tightened. After a good fight, Mr McLaren landed a nice twelve pounder. 

Mr Iain McLaren with a fine fly caught salmon from the River Tummel

Mr Alun Williams was next on the scoresheet at Portnacraig when he landed a stunning salmon weighing twenty two pounds also caught on the fly. Needless to say, the fish led him a merry dance. Well done Sir! On Tuesday Mr Ally Gowans also landed a fish from the Portnacraig Bank on the fly. So, all in all, it was a great first half of the week at Portnacraig. 

 Mr Alun Williams with his cracking twenty two pounder!

There was success at Dunkeld on Saturday for Mr Ross who caught a lovely fish from the Gauge Pool which was sea liced and as fresh as paint.

A lovely sea liced springer caught from Dunkeld on Saturday

It was good to see the West Grange Beat on the Ericht produce the goods on Monday. A beautiful spring salmon weighing twenty pounds was caught from the Dykes on a Willie Gunn tube fly.

 Spring silver on the Ericht at West Grange

Mr Simon Furnace and his party were fishing on the prolific Islamouth Beat. Conditions were far from ideal because of the high water. In spite of this, a lovely twenty one pounder was landed from the beat on Wednesday. The fish was caught from the Isla mouth itself. Mr Jim Ferrie had a red letter day on Friday at Islamouth when he landed three springers two of which were weighing eighteen and nineteen pounds. The eighteen pounder gave him a great fight on the fly rod. There was more success for Mr Ferrie on Saturday when he finished his week with a cracking nine pounder just before the final whistle was blown. What a few days for Mr Ferrie, memories which will live with him for years to come!

Mr Jim Ferrie enjoys a red letter day at Islamouth

Mr Sandy Pringle had a day to remember at Stobhall on Wednesday. Mr Pringle was fishing the Trinks on the Linn Pool when he hooked and landed a sparkling springer. 

Mr Sandy Pringle with a carcker caught from Stobhall on Wednesday

There was more success on Friday at Stobhall this time for Mr Gary Bruce who caught a spanking sea liced springer from Bellymore. At Taymount there was a fine brace caught on Thursday with fish also landed from the beat on Friday and Saturday.

 Mr Gary Bruce with a Stobhall cracker!

It was a super Saturday for Mr Jonny Muir at Catholes. Mr Muir was fly fishing when he got a savage take and after a terrific fight landed a lovely fresh springer.

Mr John Muir with a sparkling fish caught from Catholes

Unfortunately, mother nature was against anglers fishing the Tay last week because of the high water. Hopefully, the weather will settle down in the next few days, as anglers all we can do is to keep our fingers crossed. As we move through April and into May the runs of spring salmon entering the river should continue to increase. This gives anglers an excellent chance of making contact with that elusive spring silver tourist. 

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 3rd April 2020)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Portnacraig Pitlochry 3, Dunkeld 1, West Grange 1, Islamouth 7, Stobhall 2, Taymount 4, Catholes 1

Total:19 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 22lbs

MORE TWENTY POUNDERS IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 5th April 2020)

The Scottish weather bared its teeth once again as there was a dramatic temperature drop from Thursday of last week onwards. Thankfully it was mainly dry over Easter weekend but on Sunday the temperature dropped further as a raw northerly wind set in. Looking ahead to next week there will be frequent snow showers on Monday mostly over higher ground but there is a chance of few flakes even down to lower levels.  There will also be gale force northerly winds which will make it feel very raw. On Tuesday it will remain very cold with the chance of more snow showers. It should be drier on Wednesday with lighter winds. Towards the end of the week, temperatures will rise slightly and there is a chance of some rain especially in western parts of the catchment area. 

Catches were hampered on the Tay at the start of last week because of the high water and when you combine this with limited fishing pressure because of the pandemic regulations it’s easy to see why there was only a handful of fish caught. It was encouraging to see the number of larger fish caught including a few over the magical twenty pounds mark. This just goes to show what the Tay system is capable of producing at this time of year and hopefully, there will be plenty more twenty pounders landed in the days ahead. 

It was good to see the River Tummel produce a few fish and a twenty pounder was caught from the River Ericht. As we move through April and into May sport on these tributaries should continue to improve. Many of the fish caught last week were sea liced indicating that the fish entering the system are now running hard. There is a chance of picking up a fresh fish anywhere on the main river next week as catches in recent days would suggest. Loch Tay is also a good option as is the River Tummel and Ericht. 

With lovely fish being landed daily and if current pandemic restrictions allow why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers next week? You might just have that April day to remember!

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 spring period (April-May)

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. 

THE MOST PRODUCTIVE WEEK OF THE SEASON SO FAR AS WE MOVE TOWARDS EASTER!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 27th March 2021) 

We move into April next week with Easter now on the horizon. It always seems to be a date in the calendar when it feels like spring has finally sprung in Scotland. The nights are getting longer, and the clocks have gone forward. As the sun gets stronger there is no longer such a stark temperature contrast between night and day. 

April is traditionally the beginning of the prime spring period on many Scottish rivers including the Tay. Usually, at this time of year, the numbers of fish entering the river and heading for many of Tay’s tributaries start to increase. This is in addition to the fish travelling up the main stem of the river to Loch Tay and beyond. 

There have been some cracking Tay springers landed in recent days. Things got off to a flyer last week on the Tay system when on Monday thirteen fish were landed which was great to see. In actual fact last week ended up being the most productive week of the season so far and hopefully, this is a sign of things to come as we move towards Easter and beyond.

Loch Tay has produced some stunning fish in the past few weeks and there was a lovely fish landed from the loch on Tuesday. The magnificent eight pounder was caught by Mr Grant Tigwell and on his first run down the loch.

A lovely fish caught on Saturday from Loch Tay

There were also a couple landed from the loch on Saturday including a fine sixteen pounder.

A lovely springer caught by Mr Fothringham from Murthly 2 on Monday

It was good to see the Dalguise Beat taste success on Monday when a fine springer was landed. There was a fish caught at Dalmarnock on Saturday. Monday at Murthly 2 proved to be magical when four springers were landed. This was the first day that the beat has opened this season because of the pandemic and what a start. Mr Patrick Fothringham was one of the successful anglers. There was another fish caught from the beat on Thursday.

One of the four springers caught from Glendelvine on Monday

There was also four fish landed from the famous Glendelvine Beat on Monday including a magnificent twenty four pounder. This is one of the biggest salmon landed from Scotland’s rivers so far this season and being caught from the Tay is great to see. There were three more fish caught from the beat on Friday.

A cracking springer caught from Glendelvine on Monday

Consistency was the name of the game at Islamouth with fish caught everyday including three on Thursday. The fish were caught on a mixture of fly and spinner with the best weighing seventeen pounds. Islamouth finished with a respectable nine fish for the week. 

Fine Cargill silver landed on Monday

Further downstream at Cargill it was a happy Monday with two nice springers landed. On Tuesday there was another two fish caught from the beat including one weighing sixteen pounds. This was great sport at Cargill through the early part of the week. The week ended on a high with a further springer landed on Saturday.

A silver bullet caught from Cargill on Tuesday

Taymount produced a nice fish on Monday and a couple on Saturday. There was also a fish caught on the Burnmouth Beat on Monday. It was nice to see some success at Catholes on Thursday. The cracking spring salmon was caught on the fly from the Woodside Pool.

It was good to see catches improve on the Tay system last week and hopefully, this is a sign to come in the days and weeks ahead. The Tay has traditionally a reputation for producing big fish and last week was no exception with a twenty four pounder landed. When you combine this with the improving catches there is no better time to go in search of spring silver on the mighty River Tay. So why not wet a line next week, if current travel restrictions allow? You might just hook into a twenty pounder…or maybe even something bigger!

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 27th March)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Loch Tay Fish N Trips 3, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 1, Murthly 2, 5, Glendelvine 7, Islamouth 9, Cargill 5, Taymount 3, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 1

Total: 36  Largest: Glendelvine 24lbs

MORE NICE FISH TO BE LANDED AS WE MOVE TOWARDS EASTER?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 29th March 2021)

River levels were generally settled for much of last week until Friday. On Thursday night heavy rain swept across Perthshire and this led to a decent lift in the water. However, by Saturday the river was dropping nicely. Catches on the Tay system were up on the previous week which was great news for anglers. 

April is a great time of year to be out on the river with more fresh fish entering the river on a daily basis. The weather also starts to improve with the nights stretching. Hopefully, there will be more nice fish landed as we move towards Easter.

It has been a mixed bag of weather over the weekend with rain on Saturday night which led to rising river levels on Sunday. It was drier for a time on `Sunday before more rain swept in from the west. Looking ahead to next week there will be some rain on Monday and Tuesday which will always be heavier towards the western side of the catchment area. It will also feel milder than of late with temperatures in the mid-teens.  From midweek onwards a northerly wind is set to develop and temperatures will drop sharply. By next weekend there is a chance of some wintry showers.

There is a chance of fresh fish anywhere on the system next week. Loch Tay has produced some nice fish in recent weeks as has the River Tummel. The runs of fish heading for the Tummel entering the system should gain momentum over the next few weeks. On the main river, catches were well spread last week from Dalguise down to Catholes, so you could make contact with that elusive silver tourist almost anywhere. 

With the River Tay offering anglers excellent value for money when it comes to spring salmon fishing there is no better time to book a day’s fishing on one of Scotland’s most prolific and iconic salmon rivers if travel restrictions allow. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? You might just start April off with a bang by landing that big Tay springer!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

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

The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.

Fly Fishing

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

Make sure your fly reel has a good drag system

In terms of lines whether that be a full Spey line or Shooting head system a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates can work well. In higher water, an intermediate or full sinking line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got an adequate backing capacity and a good reliable drag system. On the River Tay when that line tightens the fish could turn out to be that one of a lifetime. It is also important during the early spring period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain. Usually a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds ideal.

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

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

Spinning

A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven foot is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to forty grams. A good fixed spool or multiplier reel with a reliable drag system is perfect for the River Tay. The reel should be able to accommodate a large amount of either nylon or braided line with an adequate breaking strain. 

The Vision 110 can be a productive lure on the River Tay

In terms of lures, spoons like the Toby, Salmo Toby and Blair variety work well on the river. These can range in weight from eighteen to forty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures which are well worth considering.

Harling

Harling is a method unique to the River Tay which involves fishing from a motorised boat. This method is employed on many beats and can be highly effective during the early spring months. 

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

Usually, two or three rods are placed in rod holders with various lures and then the ghillie skilfully combs the water by moving back and forth in the boat, whilst gradually dropping downstream, covering the likely lies on the beat. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion. 

TDSFB Conservation Policy

All anglers fishing on the River Tay system are reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15^th to 1^st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.

SOME LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, AS SOME LOVELY SPRING SALMON ARE LANDED FROM THE TAY SYSTEM!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 20th March 2021) 

There finally seemed to be some light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the pandemic last week as it was announced by the Scottish government that if the data allows, travel restrictions could be relaxed and holiday accommodation could open from the 26th of April. This would mean that anglers from across Scotland would once again be able to wet a line on the mighty Tay and not just locals as it has been so far this season. Let us hope that this is the case, so many more anglers can enjoy the delights of the River Tay from the end of next month. 

Saturday marked the spring equinox when the hours of night and day are of approximately equal length. It can be a long winter in Perthshire and this is another sure sign that those dark, cold days are now behind us. Thankfully, the weather was much more settled across Perthshire last week and it was also milder. The unforgiving heavy rain and gale force winds that had plagued anglers for much of the previous week seemed to be a distant memory as it was mainly dry for most of the week with light winds. River levels gradually dropped and fishing conditions were decent for many beats on the river. There were some lovely spring salmon landed from the Tay system last week and many were sea liced.

It was good to see a beautiful sixteen pounder caught from Loch Tay on Saturday. A cracking twenty pounder was caught on the fly from Upper Farleyer on Friday in the Junction Pool. On Saturday Upper Kinnaird produced a stunning twenty pounder. Mr Steven Stewart caught the magnificent fish on a silver toby from the Greenbank.

 A cracking springer caught from the Dunkled Beat on Wednesday

 

Mr Alan Lumsden had a day to remember on Wednesday when fishing the Dunkeld Beat. Mr Lumsden was wetting a line in the Chestnut Tree pool when is line tightened. After a terrific and sometimes savage fight, Mr Lumsden landed a lovely twenty pounder. This was the second fish of the week for Mr Lumsden who enjoyed success on the lower river on Monday.

On Thursday Mr Tony Black ghillie at Murthly 2 was busy putting his boats back into the river as the beat has been closed so far this season due to the pandemic. Mr Black decided to go for a little harl for an hour. It did not take him long to get back into the swing of things when on only the second turn of the boat one of the rods buckled. After a great fight, Mr Black landed a fine springer. There was another fish caught from the beat on Saturday. It was nice to see the Glendelvine Beat produce a fish at the beginning of the week. 

 

The Murthly 2 Beat gets off the mark in style!

 On the River Isla, the Kethick Mains Beat enjoyed success on Monday and Tuesday with a couple of fish landed. As we move through March and into April there should be more fish caught from the Isla. 

The prolific Islamouth Beat produced a couple of fish on Tuesday. On Saturday Mr Barry Ward struck silver on the beat when he landed a lovely springer.

A fine springer caught by Mr Barry Ward on Saturday from Islamouth

Ballathie was another beat that was getting ready to start their 2021 season last week by putting their boats on the water on Thursday. Ghillie Gary Mcerlain decided to go for a cast in the afternoon and enjoyed some good sport landing two lovely springers from the upper beat weighing seven and twelve pounds. The fish were caught from the Garden Pool on a Vision110 lure.

A sparkling Ballathie springer caught on Thursday

Cargill regular Mr David Sands was wetting a line on the beat on Tuesday. Mr Sands hooked a nice powerful fish which gave a great account of itself. After a good fight, Mr Sands landed the fine springer before returning it safely to carry on with its journey upstream.  It was a super Saturday for Mr Derek Main who landed a cracking springer on Saturday from Cargill.

Cargill sping silver caught on Saturday

Mr Hugh Law was quick to banish away those Monday morning blues at Stobhall when he landed a sparkling springer from the Linn Pool. The fish put up a great fight and was as fresh as paint.

 Mr Hugh Law landed this fine springer from Stobnhall on Monday

On Wednesday perseverance was the name of the game at Stobhall. Mr Willie MacDiarmid was fishing late in the afternoon when he hooked and landed a fine springer. It appeared that a pod of fresh fish had gone through the beat as all the anglers fishing had their chances during the final hour of fishing. The Taymount Beat produced a nice fish on Thursday and a fine brace on Saturday.

More Stobhall silver landed on Wednesday

Mr Alan Lumsden had a happy Monday when he caught a fine springer on Upper Redgorton. This was the first fish of the season from the beat.

More Stobhall silver landed on Wednesday

There now does seem to be a reasonable head of spring salmon in the Tay system and with more fish entering the river daily anglers stand a great chance of making contact with some early season silver. So why not cast a line on the magical River Tay next week if current government travel restrictions allow? It could be the perfect way to end March on a high!

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 20th March)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Loch Tay Fish n’ Trips 1, Dunkeld 1, Murthly 2, 2, Glendelvine 1, Keithick Mains 2, Islamouth 3, Ballathie 2, Cargill 2, Stobhall 2, Taymount 3, Upper Redgorton 1, 

Total: 20 Largest: Dunkeld 20lbs

 

 

GOOD CONDITIONS SHOULD LEAD TO MORE LOVELY SPRING SALMON BEING LANDED IN THE DAYS AHEAD

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 22nd March 2021)

It was dry and settled for much of last week as high pressure across Scotland remained firmly in charge. There were variable amounts of cloud through the course of the week but on certain days it felt positively spring like in the sun with temperatures reaching a balmy nineteen degrees in some places. It has been mainly dry over the weekend and river levels have remained steady.

Looking ahead to next week, on Monday there is the chance of the odd shower mainly across western Perthshire. Tuesday and Wednesday should be mainly dry and winds will remain light. However, towards the end of the week, this current settled spell of weather is likely to end with spells of rain and even some of the white stuff on higher ground. The winds are also set to strengthen.

Catches were well spread on the river last week from Loch Tay down to Upper Redgorton. It was also good to see the River Isla produce some nice fish. Currently, the conditions on the river are good for mid March and this should lead to more spring salmon being landed in the days ahead. 

On the main river, there is a decent chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere, as catches from last week would suggest. Tay beats offer prime spring salmon fishing at this time of year which represents excellent value for money compared to many other rivers across Scotland. With a number of beats opening for the first time this season because of the pandemic, there is no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week if you are permitted to travel? You might just experience some late 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. 

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.

A RED LETTER DAY ON LOCH TAY, DAM DOUBLE AND SAWMILL SUCCESS!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 13th March 2021) 

We are now moving towards the end of March and as each day passes more hard fighting spring salmon are entering 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 for all. 

We endured a stormy spell of weather through the middle part of last week as much of Scotland was battered by gale force winds and heavy rain. Towards the end of the week, there were some snow showers over higher ground and it felt quite raw in the strong and gusty wind. Due to the heavy rain there was a lift in water through the middle part of the week but by Friday river levels started to drop again and the river became more fishable. Despite the inclement weather, there were some cracking spring salmon landed from the Tay system last week.

Mr Grant Tigwell had a red letter day on Loch Tay on Tuesday. Mr Tigwell was out trolling on the loch when his rod buckled. After a great fight, Mr Tigwell landed a lovely twelve pounder. Shortly afterwards Mr Tigwell had both rods go at the same time and so he had a double hook up on his hands. Unfortunately, one of the fish was lost but the other was duly landed and weighed a magnificent fifteen pounds. Towards the end of the day, Mr Tigwell landed two more springers weighing around twelve pounds each. So, four landed and one lost, not a bad day’s work for mid March! There was also another fish caught from the loch on Saturday weighing eighteen pounds.

One of four springers caught from Loch Tay on Tuesday

On the upper river, Edradynate got off the mark with a fine fourteen pounder on Saturday.

A cracker caught on Saturday from Edradynate!

It was good to see some success on the River Tummel on Monday. Mr Steve Watt landed a superb fly caught salmon at Portnacraig. The fish was caught in the morning from the Pitlochry bank and weighed nineteen pounds. In the afternoon Mr Watt enjoyed more success when he landed a seventeen pounder, this time on the spinner. It was a great dam double for Mr Watt.

A fine salmon caught by Mr Steve Watt from the River Tummel on Monday

On Tuesday there was success at the Sawmill on the PAC water again on the River Tummel. Mr Jimmy Ross landed a fine seventeen pounder on the fly from the BP Burn. It was the first fish of the season from the beat and what a fish it was!

A cracking salmon caught from the Sawmill on the River Tummel by Mr Jimmy Ross on Tuesday

On the main river, it was nice to see the Dunkeld House Beat taste success on Tuesday, when a cracking twenty one pounder was caught on the fly from the Grotto Pool. The fish was extremely powerful and gave a terrific account of itself making several powerful runs before it was safely netted. 

The Glendelvine Beat produced its first fish of the season on Monday and then another on Friday. Further downstream Mr John Dewar had a day to remember on the Kercock Beat. Mr Dewar’s line tightened whilst fishing from the bank and after a long and hard fight went on to land the first fish from the beat this season. The springer was in great condition and safely returned to carry on with its journey upstream.

A sparkling springer caught by Mr John Dewar from the Kercock Beat on Tuesday

There were fish caught on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from the prolific Islamouth Beat. Mr Jim Ferrie had a nice fish from the beat on Saturday. It was a fantastic Friday at Cargill with three fish lost and one springer landed. This was the second fish of the season from the beat. Consistency was the name of the game at Taymount with three fish landed during the first half of the week and then a brace on Thursday with a fifteen pounder caught on Friday. Both the Burnmouth and Catholes beats produced a fine brace on Saturday.

A sparkling Cargill springer caught on Friday

There were some lovely fish caught from the Tay system last week with a number weighing well into the teens of pounds. It is likely that if there had not been a rise in water through the middle part of the week even more fish would have been landed. 

There now seems to be a reasonable head of fish in the system for mid-March. With the weather set to become more settled next week, there is every chance that there will be some good sport to be had in the days ahead.

Something to tempt those Tay springers in the days ahead?

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 13th March)

SALMON & GRILSE: 

Loch Tay Fish N Trips 5, Edradynate 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2, Dunkeld 1, Glendelvine 2, Kercock 1, West Grange 1, Islamouth 4, Cargill 1, Taymount 6, Burnmouth 2, Catholes 3

Total: 29 Largest: Dunkeld 21lbs

COULD BETTER WEATHER LEAD TO MORE FISH BEING CAUGHT FROM THE TAY SYSTEM IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 15th March 2021)

The Tay system continued to produce some lovely spring salmon last week. At the beginning of the week, water levels were dropping nicely. Unfortunately, through the middle part of the week, there was heavy rain across much of Perthshire and this led to a lift in water and hence fishing conditions became far from ideal.  Thankfully by Friday, the river started to drop again.

Looking ahead to next week the weather is set to become more settled as high pressure begins to build. Hopefully, better weather will lead to the water gradually dropping and in turn, more fish will be landed in the days ahead. Monday will be mainly dry with lighter winds than of late. Tuesday will see some rain mostly light and patchy in nature move eastwards across Perthshire. From midweek onwards high pressure will build bringing mostly dry and settled conditions with variable amounts of cloud. Temperatures will be around or just below average for the time of year. 

Catches were well spread on the system last week from Loch Tay down to Catholes. Anglers who are permitted to travel and 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 has also produced fish in recent days. On the main river, there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere in the days ahead.  With a decent weather forecast and some cracking spring salmon currently in the Tay system why not wet a line next week if you are permitted to do so by the current travel restrictions? Nothing beats hooking that big Tay spring salmon!

Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

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

The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.

Fly Fishing

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

Make sure your fly reel has a good drag system

In terms of lines whether that be a full Spey line or Shooting head system a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates can work well. In higher water, an intermediate or full sinking line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got an adequate backing capacity and a good reliable drag system. On the River Tay when that line tightens the fish could turn out to be that one of a lifetime. It is also important during the early spring period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain. Usually a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds ideal.

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

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

Spinning

A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven foot is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to forty grams. A good fixed spool or multiplier reel with a reliable drag system is perfect for the River Tay. The reel should be able to accommodate a large amount of either nylon or braided line with an adequate breaking strain. 

The Vision 110 can be a productive lure on the River Tay

In terms of lures, spoons like the Toby, Salmo Toby and Blair variety work well on the river. These can range in weight from eighteen to forty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures which are well worth considering.

Harling

Harling is a method unique to the River Tay which involves fishing from a motorised boat. This method is employed on many beats and can be highly effective during the early spring months. 

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

Usually, two or three rods are placed in rod holders with various lures and then the ghillie skilfully combs the water by moving back and forth in the boat, whilst gradually dropping downstream, covering the likely lies on the beat. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion. 

TDSFB Conservation Policy

All anglers fishing on the River Tay system are reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15^th to 1^st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.