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(River Tay weekly report week ending 11th February 2023)
We moved into the first full week of February last week and for once the weather played ball. There was very little rainfall as an area of high pressure dominated our weather. This led to mainly dry conditions and river levels were settled and gradually dropped through the course of the week. It was quite windy midweek as the high pressure slipped away and it felt colder and there were a few wintry showers on the tops of the Perthshire hills. The mainly dry weather continued into the weekend and temperatures gradually rose into double figures.
Chasing early season Tay silver!
Last week the river was at a good height for many beats. Unfortunately, fishing pressure was relatively light, especially during the middle of the week and this probably reflected the catches. As we all know if anglers are not wetting a line then the chance of decent catches are greatly diminished.
There were several kelts and baggots caught last week. There was a cracking fresh springer caught from the Taymount Beat on Wednesday. The fish weighed fourteen pounds and put up a great fight. There was another fish caught from the beat on Thursday weighing eight pounds. This was the fourth fish caught from the Taymount Beat this season.
The ultimate prize a gleaming Tay springer!
There was a very unfortunate incident on the river on Tuesday. Anglers fishing on the upper beat at Ballathie had left their rods on the left bank mid-morning and gone back across the river for a cup of coffee. Whilst the anglers were in the Ballathie hut a Blue Ford Ranger pulled up with rod carriers and stole the anglers fishing rods. Police Scotland are now investigating the incident and any additional information anyone may have would be greatly received. This truly was a despicable incident and our thoughts go to the unfortunate anglers involved.
Moving on to more positive news last week the TDSFB were working hard on the system. The team stocked the River Garry with fifty thousand maiden eggs. Hopefully, this will ensure good sport for generations to come on the River Tay.
Eggs being planted in the River Gary last week
As we move through February there should be more fish entering the Tay system on a daily basis. Currently, the river is at a great height. So, if you fancy chasing some Scottish spring silver why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? There might just be a springer with your name on it!
Maybe a pattern to tempt that big Tay springer next week?
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 11th February)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Taymount 2
Total: 2 Largest: Taymount 14lbs
HOPEFULLY, ANGLERS WILL LAND SOME NICE SPRINGERS IN THE WEEK AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 13tht February 2023)
As we move through February there is no doubt that with each day more fresh fish will be entering the Tay system. The weather was settled for much of last week and the river was at a good height for many beats. Anglers will have their fingers crossed that the weather remains settled. Unfortunately, fishing pressure on the river was very light last week and this was probably reflected in the catches.
It has been dry over the weekend. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will be mainly dry apart from the odd shower. Temperatures should just reach double figures. There is a chance of some rain on Wednesday. Towards the end of the week, the unsettled weather is likely to continue with showers or longer spells of rain. Temperatures will remain on the mild side for the time of year.
There is a reasonable chance of making contact with that elusive spring salmon almost anywhere on the main river next week and Loch Tay is always worth a cast at this time of year. Hopefully, there will be more anglers on the water next week and there will be a few Tay springers landed in the upcoming days. 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 contact 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 high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly is moving 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 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 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 are likely to 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 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 during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures which 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 which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillie’s 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 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. Anglers must treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.
The post SETTLED WEATHER DURING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF FEBRUARY! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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