Tay - Reports

TOUGH GOING ON THE RIVER TAY!

(River Tay weekly report week ending 11th May 2024) 

We are now moving into mid-May, and the signs of spring are all around us to see. It is getting gradually warmer and river levels are beginning to drop. It certainly felt spring like across Perthshire towards the end of last week. On Friday, temperatures rose into the early twenties and remained warm over the weekend.  

It was tough going on the Tay last week when you take into consideration we are now into the middle of May. The tributaries like the River Tummel produced a few nice fish, as did the main river, but in all honesty, catches were disappointing for the time of year. Despite this, the fish caught were top quality specimens, and hopefully, catches will improve as we move through May. River levels were steady for most of the week, apart from a slight rise on Monday following heavy thundery showers overnight. This led to the water carrying some colour especially on the lower river. 

Last week, fish were caught at Findynate and Upper Farleyer on the upper river, which was good to see. Fish are now travelling through the fish pass on the River Tummel at Pitlochry and heading into Loch Faskally in more significant numbers and there was a fish caught from the loch on Wednesday. There was some decent sport on the Portnacraig Beat of the River Tummel last week. On Monday, Mr Steve Watt caught a fine twelve pounder from the Pitlochry Bank. Mr. Jim Fisher made it a dam double at Portnacraig on Monday when he caught a thirteen pounder in the evening. 

On Tuesday morning, Mr Alun Williams landed a fine Tummel hat trick when he caught three fish, two of which weighed fifteen pounds. All the fish were caught from the Portnacraig Bank. Three springers in a morning is just what fishing dreams are made of! On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Dave Stewart enjoyed success when he caught a lively eight pounder again from the Portnacraig Bank. On Wednesday at Portnacraig, Mr Graham Christie landed a cracking six pounder from the Pitlochry Bank in the afternoon.

A fine springer was caught from the Lower Kinnaird Beat on Wednesday. A nice fish was also caught from the Murthly 2 Beat on Wednesday. It was a fantastic Friday at Kercock for Mr Rob Mitchell, who caught a lovely springer from the beat. Well done Sir!

It was good to see a fish caught at Meikleour on Tuesday. Further downstream, a fish was caught at Taymount on Friday.

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

With only a couple of weeks of the spring season remaining, time is running out to make contact with that big Tay springer. So why not book a day on one of Scotland's most famous salmon rivers next week? You might just have that day to remember!

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 wished to be mentioned in the TDSFB report)

(week ending 11th May)

SALMON & GRILSE: Findynate 2, Upper Farleyer 3, Loch Faskally 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 7, Lower Kinnaird 1, Murthly 2, 1, Kercock 1, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Taymount 1

Total: 18 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 15lbs

TIME RUNNING OUT TO CATCH THAT TAY SPRINGER!

 (River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 13th May 2024)

We are moving into mid May, so time is running out to catch that Tay springer. This is traditionally the prime spring period for many beats on the middle river and hopefully, more anglers will taste success on the Tay over the next few weeks. 

River levels were settled for much of last week, apart from a slight lift on Monday. Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry and warm, with some spots in Perthshire reaching the dizzy heights of twenty degrees. However, there were a few heavy showers on Sunday. It is set to become more unsettled next week as low pressure starts to influence our weather. Monday and Tuesday, we will see showers or longer spells of rain, which will affect many parts. It will also feel cooler than of late. From midweek onwards, the showery theme is likely to continue.

Again, last week's catches were well spread on the Tay system from Findynate down to Taymount. A number of the fish caught were sea liced, which was good to see. With water temperatures rising, fresh fish could be caught anywhere on the main river, as well as Loch Tay and Loch Faskally. The River Isla could also be a good bet. There is good availability on the river next week to suit all budgets and the great variety of fishing offered on the Tay system is second to none. 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.