Tay - Reports

A nice fish caught on Loch Faskally on Thursday

A lovely fish caught at Dunkeld on Tuesday

One of two fish caught by Mr Rory Matheson at Newtyle

Mr Peter Chapman lands Kercock silver on Tuesday

A nice fish caught at Meikelour on Tuesday

One of three salmon caught by Mr Paul Jack on Saturday at Kercock

Angler Logan from Switzerland lands a nice fish at Meikleour

A nice fish for Mr James Holder caught at Islamouth on Tuesday

Mr Jim Coates lands a lovely fish fron Sandyford at Islamouth on Tuesday

Mr Ryan Mcilravie lands Ballathie silver

Mr James with a cracking fish caught from the Long Shot

Mr Colin Campbell lands a nice fish at Ballathie on Friday

Ms Sarah Taylor enjoys success at Stobhall on Thursday

Beat catches reported

(Last week)

MORE SHOWERS IN THE WEEK AHEAD!

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 15th June 2026)

We are now in mid-June and summer salmon and grilse should start entering the Tay system on every tide. Over the next few weeks, the summer run on the Tay should gain momentum. Hopefully, there will be plenty of top quality summer salmon and grilse caught in the days and weeks ahead.

Even though we are now well into the summer fishing season, the weather was far from summer-like across much of Scotland, including Perthshire, last week. There were frequent heavy showers and temperatures were in the mid teen for the most part. It was also very windy at times. Anglers had to contend with a rising river on Monday following heavy overnight rain on Sunday. It has been drier over the weekend apart from the odd shower and it has felt warmer. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry with light winds and temperatures will be in the mid to high teens. However, from midweek onwards, there will be heavy, frequent showers affecting many parts, which could lead to a rise in river levels.

Catches were well spread on the Tay system last week, from Upper Farleyer down to Benchil. The River Tummel also produced fish, indicating that the fish are well spread throughout the system. There is a chance of a fresh fish anywhere on the Tay system next week but especially on the beats located on the middle and lower river.

As always, there are some fantastic salmon fishing opportunities on the river next week to suit all budgets and the great variety of fishing on offer on the Tay system is second to none. So why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats landing some Tay mid-summer silver!


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.