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We are now moving towards the middle of August which is usually a prime time of the year for summer salmon fishing on the River Tay. Usually during the month of August, the runs of hard fighting fresh grilse and larger summer salmon steadily increase. Hopefully, this will be the case in the upcoming weeks so anglers fishing the Tay can enjoy some good sport.
It was a more settled week of weather than of late last week, especially during the first half of the week. There was the odd shower but apart from that it was mainly dry. On Thursday temperatures rose significantly and in some places reached the mid-twenties. It also felt quite humid in the southerly wind. Towards the end of the week, there were some showers and it started to feel fresher again as low pressure became more influential. River levels remained steady for much of the week. The water temperature last week was 57.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is 14.2 degrees Celsius.
A Perch lure does the trick at Newtyle!
On the upper river, there was success at Upper Kinnaird on Monday. Further downstream it was good to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. On the Dunkeld Beat there was also a fish landed on Tuesday.
Mr Luca Montelli from Italy had a great day at Newtyle on Tuesday. Mr Montelli caught a nice grilse from the Cotter Pool. Later in the day, Mr Montelli went on to catch a second fish this time from the Steps. The fish was caught on a very unusual Perch fishing lure which is probably not often used on the Tay. It just goes to show when it comes to Tay salmon, you can never say never! There was another fish caught at Newtyle on Saturday.
A fine Kercock grilse caught on Tuesday
There were some nice fish caught from both Murthly beats last week. It was good to see some success at Glendelvine on Wednesday where a fine brace was landed.
Mr Gary Coyle from Ireland and his team of three fellow Irish Farriers were fishing at Delvine on Saturday. Mr Coyle landed a lovely eight pounder from the Burnbane Pool on a Salmo lure. It was no surprise that there were smiles all around for this very happy Farriers!
At Kercock there was some nice grilse and summer salmon caught last week. Successful anglers included Mr Derrick Wilmott and Mr John Blackhurst. Mr Robin Bachelor showed perseverance was the key when he caught a fine grilse late on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday Mr Bruce Auld landed a cracking fifteen pounder in the fly from the Cottage Stream. The week ended well at Kercock when Mr Scott Sykes caught a lovely fresh grilse on Saturday.
A lovely fresh fish caught at Meikleour last week
There were a couple of lovely fish caught from Meikleour during the middle part of last week with two more landed on Saturday.
Happy faces at Meikleour last week!
On the River Isla there was a couple of fish caught from the Kethick Streams Beat on Tuesday and Saturday.
More Meikleour silver!
It was a magical Monday for anglers fishing at Cargill where a total of eight fish were landed for the day weighing up to twenty pounds.
A big summer salmon caught at Cargill on Monday
On Wednesday there was a nice fish caught on the fly at Cargill from the Pot Shot. There were a total of fifteen fish caught from the Taymount Beat last week.
A fly caught salmon at Cargill on Wednesday
There was a couple of nice fish caught at Pitlochrie on Thursday. Mr Robert White caught a nice fifteen pounder at Benchil on Wednesday. At Upper Scone there was a fish caught from the beat on Monday and Wednesday as well as a couple on Thursday. There was a fine brace landed at Upper Redgorton on Monday with another fish caught from the beat on Tuesday.
At Fishponds Mr Alan Young landed a stunning fresh grilse from the Craigs on Tuesday. On Thursday eighteen year old Nathan Young, caught a fine fourteen pounder on a fly tied by himself from the Craigs. Well done young man, there is no better feeling than to catch a salmon on your own tied creation!
Mr David Gardner had a nice fresh grilse which was caught on the fly at Luncarty on Tuesday. Further downstream at Waulkmill it was good to see a fish landed from the beat on Friday.
A sparkling grilse caught at Luncarty
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
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 4, Glendelvine 2, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Kercock 6, Meikelour & Upper Islamouth 4, Kethick Streams 4, Cargill 11, Taymount 15, Pitlochrie 2, Upper Scone 4, Benchil 1, Upper Redgorton 3, Fishponds 2, Luncarty 1, Waulkmill 1
Total: 68 Largest: Cargill 20lbs
We are now well into August and this is when historically many beats on the River Tay start to make bigger catches. Hopefully in the next few weeks, there will be plenty of good fishing to be had on the river.
Last week the weather was more settled, especially during the first half of the week. It also felt quite warm and humid during the middle part of the week. Thankfully a little fresher conditions predominated as we moved towards the weekend but there were frequent heavy showers. River levels were steady for most of last week which was good news for anglers.
Looking ahead to next week, the unsettled theme is set to continue for much of the week as low pressure continues to influence the weather. Monday and Tuesday will see some widespread showers, However from midweek onwards there is a chance high pressure will build leading to drier conditions. Temperatures will be mostly in the mid to high teens and winds will be light.
Salmon were caught last week from Upper Kinnaird down to Waulkmill with the bulk of the action coming from beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? There is no better feeling when the line tightens and that reel sings!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
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.
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.
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 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.
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 NEVER SAY NEVER, HAPPY FARRIERS AND A HOME TIED FLY DOES THE BUSINESS! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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It was a more settled week of weather than of late last week, especially during the first half of the week. There was the odd shower but apart from that it was mainly dry. On Thursday temperatures rose significantly and in some places reached the mid-twenties. It also felt quite humid in the southerly wind. Towards the end of the week, there were some showers and it started to feel fresher again as low pressure became more influential. River levels remained steady for much of the week. The water temperature last week was 57.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is 14.2 degrees Celsius.
A Perch lure does the trick at Newtyle!
On the upper river, there was success at Upper Kinnaird on Monday. Further downstream it was good to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. On the Dunkeld Beat there was also a fish landed on Tuesday.
Mr Luca Montelli from Italy had a great day at Newtyle on Tuesday. Mr Montelli caught a nice grilse from the Cotter Pool. Later in the day, Mr Montelli went on to catch a second fish this time from the Steps. The fish was caught on a very unusual Perch fishing lure which is probably not often used on the Tay. It just goes to show when it comes to Tay salmon, you can never say never! There was another fish caught at Newtyle on Saturday.
A fine Kercock grilse caught on Tuesday
There were some nice fish caught from both Murthly beats last week. It was good to see some success at Glendelvine on Wednesday where a fine brace was landed.
Mr Gary Coyle from Ireland and his team of three fellow Irish Farriers were fishing at Delvine on Saturday. Mr Coyle landed a lovely eight pounder from the Burnbane Pool on a Salmo lure. It was no surprise that there were smiles all around for this very happy Farriers!
At Kercock there was some nice grilse and summer salmon caught last week. Successful anglers included Mr Derrick Wilmott and Mr John Blackhurst. Mr Robin Bachelor showed perseverance was the key when he caught a fine grilse late on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday Mr Bruce Auld landed a cracking fifteen pounder in the fly from the Cottage Stream. The week ended well at Kercock when Mr Scott Sykes caught a lovely fresh grilse on Saturday.
A lovely fresh fish caught at Meikleour last week
There were a couple of lovely fish caught from Meikleour during the middle part of last week with two more landed on Saturday.
Happy faces at Meikleour last week!
On the River Isla there was a couple of fish caught from the Kethick Streams Beat on Tuesday and Saturday.
More Meikleour silver!
It was a magical Monday for anglers fishing at Cargill where a total of eight fish were landed for the day weighing up to twenty pounds.
A big summer salmon caught at Cargill on Monday
On Wednesday there was a nice fish caught on the fly at Cargill from the Pot Shot. There were a total of fifteen fish caught from the Taymount Beat last week.
A fly caught salmon at Cargill on Wednesday
There was a couple of nice fish caught at Pitlochrie on Thursday. Mr Robert White caught a nice fifteen pounder at Benchil on Wednesday. At Upper Scone there was a fish caught from the beat on Monday and Wednesday as well as a couple on Thursday. There was a fine brace landed at Upper Redgorton on Monday with another fish caught from the beat on Tuesday.
At Fishponds Mr Alan Young landed a stunning fresh grilse from the Craigs on Tuesday. On Thursday eighteen year old Nathan Young, caught a fine fourteen pounder on a fly tied by himself from the Craigs. Well done young man, there is no better feeling than to catch a salmon on your own tied creation!
Mr David Gardner had a nice fresh grilse which was caught on the fly at Luncarty on Tuesday. Further downstream at Waulkmill it was good to see a fish landed from the beat on Friday.
A sparkling grilse caught at Luncarty
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 (For beats wishing to be included in this report only)
(week ending 12th August)
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 4, Glendelvine 2, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Kercock 6, Meikelour & Upper Islamouth 4, Kethick Streams 4, Cargill 11, Taymount 15, Pitlochrie 2, Upper Scone 4, Benchil 1, Upper Redgorton 3, Fishponds 2, Luncarty 1, Waulkmill 1
Total: 68 Largest: Cargill 20lbs
MORE UNSETTLED WEATHER IN THE WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 14th August 2023)
We are now well into August and this is when historically many beats on the River Tay start to make bigger catches. Hopefully in the next few weeks, there will be plenty of good fishing to be had on the river.
Last week the weather was more settled, especially during the first half of the week. It also felt quite warm and humid during the middle part of the week. Thankfully a little fresher conditions predominated as we moved towards the weekend but there were frequent heavy showers. River levels were steady for most of last week which was good news for anglers.
Looking ahead to next week, the unsettled theme is set to continue for much of the week as low pressure continues to influence the weather. Monday and Tuesday will see some widespread showers, However from midweek onwards there is a chance high pressure will build leading to drier conditions. Temperatures will be mostly in the mid to high teens and winds will be light.
Salmon were caught last week from Upper Kinnaird down to Waulkmill with the bulk of the action coming from beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? There is no better feeling when the line tightens and that reel sings!
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 NEVER SAY NEVER, HAPPY FARRIERS AND A HOME TIED FLY DOES THE BUSINESS! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
Continue reading...