Tay - Reports

A nice fish caught from the Boil at Newtyle on Tuesday

A fly caught salmon at Dunkeld on Thursday

Ms Elizabeth Clark playing a good fish at Islamouth on Monday

A nice fish caught at Islamouth on Monday

Mr Iain Clark lands an Islamouth beauty on Tuesday

Mr Tony Graham lands Benchil silver!

Mr James Holder with a cracking fish caught at Fishponds on Saturday

HOTTING UP IN THE DAYS AHEAD!

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 7th July 2025)

It was a hot and sticky start to last week before fresher and cooler conditions prevailed from Tuesday onwards. It was mainly dry for most of last week, apart from the odd shower. However, there was some heavy rain across the western side of the catchment area on Friday and this led to a rising river on Saturday. It remained mainly dry over the weekend, apart from the odd shower and it felt cooler. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will be mostly dry apart from a few showers. It will feel cool in the strong north westerly wind. From midweek onwards, it will start to warm up with temperatures rising. It will become mainly dry and winds will fall lighter.

The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting grilse, and many were sea liced, which was great to see. Salmon were caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill, which shows that there are fish well spread throughout the system. There were also fish caught on the River Lyon. As we move through July and into August, the beats located on the lower river should come into their own. Traditionally, this is when the beats located in this area of the river start to produce larger numbers of fish more consistently. The best chance of success next week would be on beats situated on the middle and lower river.

There is good availability next week, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? You might just get a twenty pounder coming your way!

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 summer period (June-August)

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 summer months water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well. 
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water during the summer months a sink tip or intermediate 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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the summer months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. Don’t forget how effective flies like the Sunray Shadow can be at this time of year. These flies fished close to the surface can really do the business especially if the fish are keen on chasing a fly and in an active mood.

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 thirty 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months.

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.
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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. 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.