Tay - Reports

SOME TOP QUALITY SPRINGERS LANDED FROM THE TAY SYSTEM! 

(River Tay weekly report week ending 27th April 2024) 

We are now moving towards the end of April, which is traditionally a prime time for spring salmon fishing on many of Scotland’s rivers. Usually, spring catches build from early March and peak over the next few weeks. On the River Tay, April and May are often the most productive spring months, especially for beats located on the middle river. This usually coincides with larger runs of salmon entering the Tay, which are destined for rivers like the Lyon and Tummel. Hopefully, decent numbers of hard fighting spring salmon will enter the Tay system over the next few weeks.

There were some top quality springers landed from the Tay system last week. It was good to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Monday and Thursday. There were some nice fish caught at Portnacraig on the River Tummel last week, including six on Monday. Mr Gordon Nichol got things underway with a lovely seventeen pounder. Mr. Iain McLaren landed a fine twelve pounder on the Pitlochry Bank. Other successful anglers on Monday included Mr. Steve Watt and Mr. Jim Fisher. There were two more fish caught from the beat on Tuesday. On Thursday at Portnacraig, Mr Craig Masson caught a lively twelve pounder from the Pitlochry Bank. The Portnacraig Beat finished with thirteen fish for the week.

A nice ten pounder was caught at Dalmarnock on Saturday. There was also action on the Dunkeld Beat on Friday when three fish were landed. Two fish weighed seven and nine pounds and were caught from the Cathedral Stream on a Vision 110 lure. 

Both Murthly Beats produced fish during the first half of the week, including a fine twelve pounder from the Murthly 2 Beat on Wednesday. The Glendelvine Beat has produced some nice fish this season, and there was more success on Tuesday. Mr Glenn Baikie had a day to remember at Delvine on Tuesday. Mr Baikie hooked and landed a magnificent eighteen pounder from Red Brae on the fly. What a fish!

Last week, fish were caught on both the River Isla and Ericht, which was good to see. On Tuesday at Cargill, Mr. Neil French landed a stunning seven pound sea liced salmon from Manse Bay. The fish was caught on a Toby lure. Further downstream, a nice fish was caught at Burnmouth on Monday. It was a happy end to the week at Upper Redgorton, where a fine springer was landed on Saturday.

There were also other fish caught last week from the Tay system on beats that do not wish to be mentioned in this report.

We are now moving into what should be traditionally the prime spring period for many beats on the River Tay. With some cracking spring salmon being landed from the Tay system last week, there is every chance that anglers will catch some decent fish in the days ahead. There is good availability on the river next week with salmon fishing to suit all tastes. So why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers in the upcoming days? You might just finish April 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. 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 feel free to contact us at [email protected] 

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

Tight lines,

Samantha & Sandy Datta

Beat catches reported (only for beats that wish to be mentioned in the TDSFB report)

(week ending 27th April)

SALMON & GRILSE: Farleyer Upper 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalmarnock 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 13, Dunkeld 3, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 4, Glendelvine 1, Delvine & Burnbane 1, West Grange 4, Kethick Mains 1, Cargill 1, Burnmouth 1, Upper Redgorton 1

Total:35 Largest: Delvine & Burnbane 18lbs

WHAT WILL MAY HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS ON THE TAY?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 29th April 2024)

The vagaries of the Scottish weather were highlighted spectacularly last week. Some days felt spring like, and on other days, it was bitterly cold. Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry, apart from a few showers on Saturday and Sunday.

Looking ahead to next week, the weather is set to get warmer as a south easterly wind develops. Monday should be mainly dry. Tuesday and Wednesday will see a few scattered showers affect Perthshire. It will feel milder than of late, with temperatures in the mid-teens. As we move towards next weekend, there is a chance that high pressure may build, bringing drier, more settled conditions. 

It will be interesting to see what May will have in store for anglers fishing on the Tay. Last week, fish were caught from Upper Farleyer down to Upper Redgorton, so catches were well spread on the Tay system. There were beats on the River Tummel that produced some lovely fish and there were also fish caught from the River Isla and Ericht. There is a reasonable chance of a springer almost anywhere on the Tay system next week, as catches in recent days suggest. So why not book a day on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats 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 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 April and May water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. As river levels start to drop and water temperatures rise often heavy sinking lines and big tube flies are no longer needed. Instead sink tip lines or even floating lines coupled with a sinking polyleader can be more than adequate.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. 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.
In April and May depending on the water height and temperature smaller tube flies of various weights can work well.  If the water temperatures are low weighted copper, brass or even tungsten tubes will allow your fly to get well down. Usually by late April and into May depending on the water height dressed flies can also be considered as a good alternative to the tube.

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.
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. In April and May, the Floating Devon can also work well. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the spring months. Once the water temperature rises sufficiently the Flying C is also a great lure and one which can produce the goods.

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.
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 practiced 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 of respect at all times.