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(River Tay weekly report week ending 1st July 2023)
We moved into July last week and the height of the Scottish summer. July is a special time of year to be out on the river. If there is favourable water and weather conditions, often fishing can be good with decent numbers of hard fighting grilse and summer salmon being caught. If, however, river levels are low, and it is hot and sunny then fishing unsociable hours can be the key to success. Often fishing first thing in the morning and then again at dusk can produce the best results. This is usually because it is much cooler at these times and in low light conditions the fish often feel more confident to run upstream and take a fly or lure. Many an angler has enjoyed a magical balmy July evening on the banks of River Tay when their line has tightened, and reel has sung with a hard fighting salmon on the other end leading them a merry dance!
It was thankfully cooler last week across Perthshire and it definitely felt fresher. Some rain last Sunday unfortunately did not impact river levels but it felt less humid after the rain. The unsettled weather theme continued for much of the week with widespread showers as low pressure was in control.
On the middle river, Mr Ian Eckersley had a lovely fish at Newtyle on Wednesday from the Trap. There were a couple of fish caught from the Murthly 1 Beat on Wednesday including a magnificent twenty pounder and it was good to see a fish caught at Glendelvine also on Wednesday. There were two fine fish caught at Kercock on Thursday and another on Friday.
A lovely fresh summer salmon caught from the Kercock Beat
It was a great end to the week at Kercock when three fish were landed on Saturday. Successful anglers at Kercock last week included Mr Mark Mitchell and Mrs Sue Creswick amongst others.
It was a great start to the week and a family affair at Cargill. Mr David Harrington and his son had a great day on Monday. Mr Harrington senior landed two lovely fish from the beat.
Magnificent Cargill silver!
Not to be outdone when his son Mr David Harrington junior caught a lovely fresh fish from the rumbling stone. There were also six fish lost at Cargill on Monday.
A big Cargill salmon is returned
Later in the week, Mr Pat McKay had a fantastic day at Cargill landing three salmon including a magnificent twenty four pounder.
A Cargill cracker caught last week!
Other successful anglers at Cargill included Mr Richard Simm and Mr Jamie Maclauchlan amongst others.
Mr Jamie Maclauchlan lands a lovey Cargill salmon
Further downstream there were fish caught on both the Taymount and Waulkmill beats last week.
There were also fish caught from the Tay system last week on beats who do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
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 as 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 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
(week ending 1st July) (For beats wishing to be included in this report only)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Lower Kinnaird 1, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 1, Murthly 1, 2, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 6, Cargill 13, Taymount 4, Waulkmill 1
Total: 30 Largest: Cargill 24lbs
PROMISING WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 3rd July 2023)
Last week saw cooler and fresher conditions than of late which was a blessing for anglers. A large area of low pressure brought frequent showers and some longer spells of rain across much of Perthshire. Unfortunately, the rain had little impact on river levels with the ground being so dry.
Over the weekend the showery theme has continued with low pressure dominating. Looking ahead to next week the weather is set to be unsettled. Monday and Tuesday will see showers with Wednesday set to be drier. From midweek onwards the showers will continue with some brighter interludes. There will be a keen north-westerly wind for most of the week with temperatures in the mid-teens. All in all, it appears to be a promising weather forecast for the week ahead.
The quality of some of the fish caught from the Tay system last week were second to none. These included some very hard fighting strong grilse as well sea liced larger summer salmon. Hopefully, the runs of summer fish entering the river should start to gain momentum over the next few weeks ensuring good sport for anglers. Probably the best chance of success in the upcoming days would be on some of the beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability in the upcoming days so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? You might just get that 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 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.
The post A FAMILY AFFAIR, THREE SALMON IN A DAY AND TWENTY POUNDERS! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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