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(River Tay weekly report week ending 27th January 2024)
It was the second full week of the season on the River Tay last week and the weather was quite unsettled. Two named storms hit Scotland and led to the river rising significantly, and this put pay to any meaningful fishing being done, especially during the first half of the week.
It was a big river for much of last week!
Storm Isha battered much of the country on Sunday night, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain. The storm also brought milder conditions to our shores. Heavy rain and melting snow led to a massive river on Monday. River levels on the Ballathie gauge peaked at over fifteen feet.
There was a further lift in water on Tuesday after Storm Jocelyn brought another spell of heavy rain and strong winds to much of Scotland. The weather became more settled towards the end of the week and into the weekend, although river levels remained very high.
A beautiful early season scene at Meikleour
There has still not been a fresh fish caught from the Tay system yet, which is hardly surprising given the weather and water conditions last week. Hopefully the first fish of the season will be landed in the days ahead.
The ultimate prize a magnificent 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, 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 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
(week ending 27th January)
SALMON & GRILSE:
TOTAL: 0
WHAT WILL FEBRUARY HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS ON THE TAY?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 29th January 2024)
We move into February next week and as each day passes, there is a greater chance of landing that ultimate spring prize. It will be interesting to see what February will have in store for anglers on the Tay.
Conditions could only be described as “horrendous” for much of last week as two named storms battered the UK. This led to multiple lifts in water and there was very little meaningful fishing done, especially during the first half of the week. River levels did drop towards the end of the week but were still around the ten feet mark on the Ballathie gauge on Friday. Unsurprisingly, there were no fresh fish caught from the Tay system last week, and we are still waiting for the first salmon of the season to be landed. Hopefully, this will happen in the next few days.
Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry, apart from the odd shower. It has been breezy from time to time and it has felt milder than of late.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see a spell of rain affect much of Perthshire and this could be heavy in places. It will be drier and cooler on Tuesday, with more rain on Wednesday. It is likely to get cooler towards the end of the week with a north westerly wind developing and this could bring some wintry showers especially over higher ground.
What we need now is for river levels to drop away so anglers can search for that elusive Tay springer. Next week, there is a chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river, Loch Tay, and the River Tummel. As always, there are plenty of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. The Tay system offers tremendous value for money at this time of year, with anglers able to fish on some of Scotland’s most famous and prestigious beats at a very reasonable price. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? You might just make contact with some early season 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 early spring period (January-March)
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 get in touch with your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring before visiting the River Tay.
Fly Fishing
During the early spring months, water temperatures are often low and river levels are high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly moves through the water column can be the key to success. Often you may be required to use floating lines coupled with sinking polyleaders, intermediate or even full sinking lines. It is therefore important that you have a fly rod that can work in harmony with a heavy line. As the Tay is a big river, a powerful fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating usually covers almost any eventuality.
In terms of lines, whether a full Spey line or Shooting head system, a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates can work well. An intermediate or full sinking line may be required in higher water to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has 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 to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain during the early spring period. Usually, a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds is ideal.
During the early part of the season, tube flies often work well. If the water temperatures are low, weighted copper, brass, or even tungsten tubes of a decent length will allow your fly to get well down and close to where the fish will likely be lying. In cold weather, the fish are unlikely to be keen on moving fast, so it is better that your fly moves through the water column at an adequate depth and not too quickly.
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 cast lures comfortably, 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 during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures that are well worth considering.
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 that is very much dependent on water height 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 for 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 worth remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long as possible and use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. Anglers must treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.
The post ISHA AND JOCELYN LEAD TO VERY LITTLE MEANINGFUL FISHING BEING DONE ON THE TAY! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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