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(River Tay weekly report week ending 3rd February 2024)
We moved into February last week and are now thankfully into the final month of winter. So far, it has been a relatively mild winter, apart from three weeks in January when it was bitterly cold. However, as we all know, February can also be a cold month with extreme weather, including heavy snowfall, but hopefully, this will not be the case in the upcoming weeks.
Thankfully, the weather last week was a little drier than the previous week. However, it was very windy on Wednesday, and there was also a period of heavy rain. River levels gradually dropped and temperatures were generally around average for the time of year.
Fishing pressure was relatively light on the river last week, which is hardly surprising as we are still very early in the season. It was great to hear that on Wednesday, the season’s first salmon was landed on the River Tay. The fish was caught from the Taymount Beat and weighed seven pounds.
On Saturday, the first fish of the season was caught from Loch Tay. Mr Scott Arthur hooked and played a powerful fish, and after a great fight, the twelve pounder was landed. Well done Sir!
Mr Robert Arthur lands a spring cracker caught on Loch Tay on Saturday
On the main river, it was great to see the Glendelvine Beat produce a fish on Saturday. Mr Stuart Lang was the successful angler landing a sparkling twelve pounder.
A fine springer caught at Glendelvine on Saturday
Further downstream, Mr Sam Mercier Nairne landed a lovely springer at Meikleour from the Castle Pool on Saturday. The sea liced seven pounder took a pearly pink Tomic lure and after giving a great account of itself was safely returned to carry on its journey upstream.
A magnificent fish caught by Mr Sam Mercer Nairne at Meikleour on Saturday
The tail end of last week was encouraging on the Tay system with some lovely fresh fish landed. There is good availability on the river next week for those who fancy a cast on the Tay system in search of that elusive springer. Good luck to all those venturing out to wet a line 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 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
(For beats wishing to be included in this report only)
(week ending 3rd February)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Loch Tay 1, Glendelvine 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Taymount 1
Total: 4 Largest: Glendelvine 12lbs
WILL THERE BE MORE FRESH FISH LANDED IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 5th February 2024)
Fishing pressure remains relatively light on the Tay system which is not surprising as it is still early on in the season and the weather has been inclement for much of the time. Despite this, the good news was that the season’s first fish was caught from the river last week from the Taymount Beat, and more fish were landed later in the week. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come, and more fresh fish will be landed in the days ahead.
The weather was quieter last week compared to the previous week when two named storms battered Scotland but there was a spell of rain coupled with strong winds on Wednesday. Over the weekend, it was mainly dry on Saturday, but there was a spell of rain on Sunday, which was heavy in places. It has also been relatively mild for the time of year.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see heavy rain affect Perthshire for much of the day and it will feel mild. Tuesday and Wednesday will be mainly dry but it will feel cooler in the north westerly wind. There is a chance of more stormy weather on Thursday as a low pressure system comes in from the Atlantic, which could lead to snow over higher ground. Next weekend at this stage looks cooler but drier.
There is a chance of finding that elusive springer almost anywhere on the Tay system in the upcoming days, so why not wet a line on the Tay next week? There might just be a big springer with your name on it!
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 THE SEASON’S FIRST SALMON IS LANDED ON THE MIGHTY RIVER TAY AND MORE FOLLOW IN QUICK SUCCESsION! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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