Tay - 报告

MORE STUNNING SPRING SALMON TO BE LANDED IN THE DAYS AHEAD?

(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 12th May 2025)

It has been very dry this spring, with very little rainfall, and last week was again no different. The Tay remained at summer levels as it has done for most of the spring. Catches were disappointing for the time of year but it was very bright on most days with temperatures rising towards the end of the week and into the weekend. The fish that were caught were in excellent condition. Indeed, there were some stunning spring salmon caught last week and hopefully, there will be more to come in the days ahead.

It has been mainly dry over the weekend and it has felt warmer. Looking ahead to next week, it is set to be another dry week with light winds and variable amounts of cloud. Temperatures will be mainly in the high teens.

The majority of fish were caught on the middle and lower river last week, with the River Tummel also producing the odd fish. A number of the fish caught were sea liced which was good to see. Fresh fish could be caught almost anywhere on the river, as well as Loch Tay and Loch Faskally, in the upcoming days.

There is good availability 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. With some nice fish being caught from the river recently, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? You might just experience some mid-May magic!

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

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.