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(River Tay weekly report week ending 10th June 2023)
We are now moving towards mid-June and hopefully, in the days and weeks ahead the summer run on the River Tay will begin to gain momentum. There have already been a few grilse and larger summer salmon caught from the system in recent days as well as the odd late running springer. As we move through June and into July more summer fish should enter the river with every tide giving anglers the opportunity to catch hard fighting grilse and summer salmon.
It was another week of mainly dry and settled weather across much of Scotland including Perthshire. It was always a little cooler towards the east coast with low cloud and haar lingering on some days. As the week progressed temperatures started to rise and by the weekend some spots recorded values in the mid-twenties. The water temperature last week was 14.4 degrees Celsius which 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
A fine salmon caught from Newtyle on Thursday
There were some nice salmon caught from the river last week as well as some lovely fresh Sea trout which is always good to see. Also, grilse started to make an appearance on the Tay as there were a number caught and some anglers reported seeing a few each day.
A fine grilse caught at Glendelvine
There was success at Newtyle on Thursday when a nice fish was caught in the Steps on the fly on in the evening. The fish weighed ten pounds and was in terrific condition. It was good to see a fish caught from the Murthly 1 Beat on Wednesday.
A lovely Sea trout caught at Glendelvine
Mr Stuart Lang enjoyed some great sport on Wednesday evening at Glendelvine. Mr Lang landed a lovely grilse as well as a couple of stunning fresh Sea trout. All the fish were caught on the fly.
More success at Glendelvine!
It was a day to remember for Mr Andrew Chapman on Tuesday at Kercock. Mr Chapman was fishing the Dungeon Pool when he got a savage take. After a great fight, Mr Chapman went on to land a lovely Tay salmon. Well done Sir!
Mr Scott Sykes was next on the scoresheet at Kercock when he caught a cracking fish from the beat on Friday. There was also a fish caught at Kercock on Saturday.
It was a super Saturday at Cargill with three fish landed from the beat. This was no mean feat as it was very hot and sunny for the most part on Saturday, with cloudless blue skies. Mr Kevin McKay was fishing with his son Charlie who was one of the successful anglers.
At Fishponds Mr Simon Bedford was fishing the Craigs Pool on Wednesday. Mr Bedford hooked a decent fish which made several powerful runs. At one point the fish started to head for the beat above. After a tremendous fight, Mr Bedford went on to land a magnificent eighteen pounder which was sea liced. What a fish!
Mr Simon Bedford lands a cracker at Fishponds!
Further downstream it was good to see a few fish caught at Waulkmill last week. Two were landed on Wednesday with another fish caught from the beat on Thursday and one Saturday. Hopefully, as we move through June and into July more fish will be caught from beats situated in this area on the river.
There were also fish caught from the Tay system last week on beats who do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
Catches were disappointing last week but on a positive note, the fish that were caught were in excellent condition and were as fresh as paint. In addition to the salmon caught it was good to see that grilse and Sea trout have now started to make an appearance. Looking ahead, a lift in water would certainly help the fishing and freshen up conditions as the water has been low for several weeks with no appreciable rainfall. A lift in water may encourage any fish hanging around in the estuary to run the system. Let us hope that the settled weather breaks and anglers get what they want in the upcoming days and weeks.
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 (For beats that wish to be included in this report only)
(week ending 10th June)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Newtyle 1, Murthly 1, 1, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 3, Cargill 3, Fishponds 1, Waulkmill 4
Total: 14 Largest: Fishponds 18lbs
ANY RAIN FORECAST IN THE WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 12th June 2023)
We are now moving towards mid-June and hopefully more summer salmon will be entering the Tay system on every tide. Over the next few weeks, the summer run on the Tay should start to gain momentum. Hopefully, there will be some top quality summer salmon and grilse caught in the days ahead.
It was another settled week of weather last week courtesy of a large and persistent area of high pressure. The river has been low for a number of weeks and a decent lift in water is badly needed to freshen conditions.
It was hot and sunny on Saturday but on Sunday there were some heavy localised showers. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday could see some rain in some spots as there is a chance of some thundery downpours which could be heavy and persistent. These are likely to be scattered in nature with not everyone seeing rainfall. It will feel warm and more humid than of late with temperatures in some spots reaching the early to mid-twenties. Towards the end of the week, high pressure could build once again leading to more settled conditions but it will remain hot.
It was good to see grilse and Sea trout start to make an appearance on the Tay last week. Looking ahead a lift in water would certainly help the fishing and freshen up conditions. Also, a lift in water may encourage any fish hanging around in the estuary to run the system.
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.
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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