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(River Tay weekly report week ending 20th May 2023)
We are now moving towards the end of May and nearing the end of the spring salmon fishing season in Scotland. Traditionally the spring season draws to a close at the end of May and from June the summer season starts.
It was a mainly dry last week with variable amounts of cloud. As the week progressed it became milder especially after we lost the chilly northerly wind which was noticeable at the start of the week. By the weekend temperatures were in the high teens in some spots. River levels were steady for much of last week on the Tay and at a perfect height for fly fishing on many beats. The water temperature was 11.6 degrees Celsius which is 52.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mr Dave Stewart lands a lovely nine pounder at Portnacraig on Tuesday
There were some nice springers caught from the Tay last week as we moved through May. On the River Tummel Mr Tony Brown banished away those Monday morning blues when he caught a magnificent eighteen pounder. The fish was caught from the Portnacraig bank. What a fish to kick off the week!
Next on the scoresheet at Portnacraig was Mr Dave Stewart who caught a fine fish from the Pitlochry bank on Tuesday morning. The fish weighed nine pounds and was in terrific condition.
Mr Stephen Herd with a nice fish caught on Wednesday at Portnacraig
On Wednesday Mr Stephen Herd enjoyed success at Portnacraig when he caught a lovely seven pounder from the Pitlochry bank.
Mr Neil Tong lands a lovely springer at Portnacraig on Saturday
On Friday Mr Adam Thomson caught a nine pounder from the Pitlochry bank. It was a super Saturday for Mr Neil Tong at Portnacraig when he landed a fine ten pounder from the Pitlochry bank.
Dunkeld spring silver caught on Monday
On the main river, it was good to see a fish caught from Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. A cracking sixteen pounder was caught from the Dalmarnock Beat also on Tuesday. At Dunkeld a fine springer was landed from the Lady Pool on Monday afternoon just before the final whistle was blown. The fish weighed twelve pounds and was sea liced.
One of two fish caught at Newtyle on Monday
It was great to see a lovely brace landed at Newtyle on Monday. Both fish were fresh and gave great accounts of themselves.
A fine Newtyle springer
On Friday Mr Jonathan Martin landed a nice springer from the Cotter Pool at Newtyle. Hopefully, there will be a few more fish caught at Newtyle before the spring salmon fishing season finally draws to a close this year.
Mr Jonathan Martin lands a lovely Newtyle springer on Friday
There was success on the Murthly 1 Beat on Wednesday when a lovely fifteen pounder was landed. On Thursday there was a magnificent twenty one pounder caught from the Murthly 2 Beat which just goes to show the calibre of fish the Tay is capable of producing at this time of year.
Mr Graham McIntyre lands a lovely Kercock springer!
There were decent numbers of fish seen at Kercock all week and on Thursday Mr Graham McIntyre caught a lovely springer from the Dungeon. The powerful fish gave Mr McIntyre a great battle.
Magnificent Meikleour silver caught last week!
Further downstream there have been some nice fish caught from the Meikleour Beat so far this season and last week was no different. Successful anglers included Mr Cliff Dent who caught a lovely ten pounder from the Castle Pool on an Ally’s Shrimp fly and Mr Alex Johnson who caught a fine seven pounder on a conehead style fly from the Cormorant Tree.
A fine Meikleour springer is returned!
It was good to see a fish caught at Cargill on Monday. On Saturday Mr John Hill caught a lovely fresh springer at Cargill on the fly from the Cradle. The Taymount Beat produced a nice fish on Wednesday.
There were also other fish caught last week from the Tay system on beats that do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
Mr John Hill lands sparkling Cargill silver on Saturday
Traditionally at this time of year, usually beats located on the middle river are at their most productive. Last week’s fish were caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Taymount. Loch Faskally produced fish as well as the River Tummel. With water temperatures now rising any fresh fish entering the system will be running hard.
With a good weather forecast, there is a chance of picking up that silver tourist anywhere on the Tay system next week so why not wet a line? There might just be some hard fighting Tay silver with your name on it!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat catches reported (For beats reporting on Fishpal only)
(week ending 20th May)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Loch Faskally 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 5, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld 1, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 2 Kercock 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 4, Cargill 2, Taymount 1
Total: 23 Largest: Murthly 2, 21lbs
MORE SETTLED WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 22nd May 2023)
It was a mostly dry and settled week of weather last week as much of Scotland was under the influence of high pressure. It felt cool at the beginning of the week in the northerly wind. As the week progressed temperatures gradually rose and it felt a little milder. Over the weekend it was mainly dry on Saturday with some very light patchy rain on Sunday in some spots.
Looking ahead to next week, high pressure is set to bring mainly dry and settled conditions to much of Scotland including Perthshire. There is a chance of the odd shower through the middle part of the week. Winds will be light for the most part with temperatures widely into the mid-teens.
We are now into what is traditionally the prime spring period for many beats on the river. There were some lovely spring salmon caught last week and hopefully, there will be a few more to come in the days ahead. Again, last week’s catches were well spread on the Tay system from Lower Kinnaird down to Taymount. A number of the fish caught were sea liced which was good to see. Fresh fish could be caught almost anywhere on the main river as well as Loch Faskally, the River Tummel and the River Ericht in the upcoming days.
There is good availability 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. With some nice fish being caught from the river in recent days, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week?
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 spring period (April-May)
The ghillie’s 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 April and May water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. As river levels start to drop and water temperatures rise often heavy sinking lines and big tube flies are no longer needed. Instead sink tip lines or even floating lines coupled with a sinking polyleader can be more than adequate.
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 ideal.
In April and May depending on the water height and temperature smaller tube flies of various weights can work well. If the water temperatures are low weighted copper, brass or even tungsten tubes will allow your fly to get well down. Usually by late April and into May depending on the water height dressed flies can also be considered as a good alternative to the tube.
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. In April and May, the Floating Devon can also work well. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the spring months. Once the water temperature rises sufficiently the Flying C is also a great lure and one which can produce the goods.
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 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 SOME NICE SPRINGERS CAUGHT FROM THE TAY IN MAY! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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