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(River Tay weekly report week ending 13th April 2024)
We are now moving into the middle of April and as each day passes, more hard fighting spring salmon should be running the Tay system. Over the next few weeks, we should be coming into the prime spring period on the river and hopefully, there will be some good sport to be had for anglers.
The weather has been anything but springlike recently, with relentless rain and strong winds almost daily. This has led to multiple lifts in water, which has undoubtedly impacted catches. We need a period of settled weather and steady river levels. Anglers and ghillies alike are looking to the weather gods and pleading, “No more rain …please!” Let us hope that the weather will become more settled and springlike in the days and weeks ahead.
Last week, there were more spells of heavy rain, which led to multiple lifts in water. In all honesty, this was the last thing anglers needed. In spite of this, the quality of some of the fish landed last week on the Tay system was second to none, which was great to see. On the upper river, a nice fish was caught from the Upper Kinnaird Beat on Monday.
Jim Fisher with a Portnacraig cracker caught on Monday
It was a magical Monday on the River Tummel at Portnacraig, and a total of five fish were landed from the beat. Mr Steve Watt caught a couple weighing seven and thirteen pounds. Mr Bruce Campbell enjoyed dam success when he landed a nine pounder from the Portnacraig Bank on the fly. Mr Jim Fisher landed a fine ten pounder, also caught from the Portnacraig Bank. On Monday evening, Mr Martin Wilson caught a cracking fifteen pounder again from the Portnacraig Bank.
More good sport was to be had at Portnacraig on Thursday when three fish were landed from the beat. Mr. Iain McLaren landed a dam double when he caught two stunning springers weighing fifteen and seventeen pounds. On Thursday, other successful anglers at Portnacraig included Mr. Steve Watt, who landed a nine-pounder from the Pitlochry Bank. The Portnacraig Beat finished with nine fish for the week.
A nice fish caught by the Smith party at Meikleour on Tuesday
It was good to see a fish caught from the Murthly 1 Beat on Monday.
Despite the unsettled water, the Smith party at Meikleour landed two beautiful springers during the first half of the week. On Tuesday, a member of the Smith Party landed a nice fish weighing fourteen pounds. On Wednesday, angler John, also a member of the party, landed the second springer for the week from the House Pool. The fish was sea liced and what a great result in challenging conditions!
More Meikleour silver for the Smith party caught on Wednesday
The West Grange Beat on the River Ericht has produced some nice fish in recent weeks and last week was no different, with a total of four fish landed for the week, including three on Friday.
There were also other fish caught last week from the Tay system on beats that do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
There now seems to be a few fish in the Tay system. Hopefully, the weather will become more settled over the next few days and if this is the case, there is every chance there will be some decent sport to be had.
Maybe a pattern for next week to tempt that bug Tay springer?
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 info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com
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 13th April)
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 9, Murthly 1, 1 Meikleour & U Islamouth 2, West Grange 4
Total: 17 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 14lbs
ALL EYES ON THE WEATHER FORECAST IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 15th April 2024)
Despite the inclement weather, the Tay system continued to produce some lovely spring salmon last week. Spells of heavy rain coupled with strong winds led to multiple lifts in water, making fishing conditions far from ideal. Anglers are now getting fed up with the relentless rain and hopefully, there will be some dry weather on the horizon. So, all eyes will be on the weather forecast in the days ahead!
Thankfully, it became drier towards the end of last week and into the weekend, although it remained breezy and there were still some widespread showers. It also started to feel cooler in the brisk and gusty north westerly wind.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will see some showers and it will feel colder than of late. From midweek onwards, high pressure may build, bringing drier and more settled conditions, which would undoubtedly be welcomed by ghillies and anglers alike.
Anglers stand a decent chance of making contact with some early season silver almost anywhere on the Tay system next week, especially as some cracking fish have been landed in recent days. Loch Tay and the River Tummel are definitely worth a cast, as is the River Ericht. On the main river, there is a reasonable chance of success on most beats.
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 15th to 1st 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.
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