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(River Tay weekly report week ending 24th February 2024)
Some fine fish have been caught from the Tay system in recent weeks, with the quality of salmon being landed second to none, which has been great to see. Last week was no different, with some cracking springers caught by anglers. Hopefully, this trend will continue through February and into March.
Casting a fly at Cargill last week
Mr Donald Brown had a super Saturday on Loch Tay when he caught a fine eleven pounder. After a great fight, the sparkling springer was returned safely to carry on its journey and on the upper River Mr Jock Monteith caught a nice fish on Friday from the Upper Kinnaird Beat. The fish was caught from the Rock Pool on a Salmo lure and gave an excellent account of itself.
A magnificent springer caught by Mr Jock Monteith from Upper Kinnaird on Friday
At Meikleour, a lovely eleven pounder was caught from Boxwood Bush on Thursday. The fish took a pink & white Kynoch lure. There was more success at Meikleour on Friday when Mr Nick Sylvan caught a beautiful sixteen-pounder; well done, Sir!
A stunning springer caught at Meikleour on Thursday
The Taymount Beat has been productive in recent weeks and it was an excellent start to the week, with a nice fish being caught from the beat on Monday and then again on Wednesday.
Mr Nick Sylvan lands a Meikleour cracker on Friday!
At Burnmouth, Mr Gordon had a magical Monday when he caught three lovely springers, the best, tipping the scales at eighteen pounds. What a day’s sport! Three springers in one day can’t be bad! Another fish was caught from the beat on Monday, making the total tally for the day four springers at Burnmouth. There was more success at Burnmouth on Saturday when another fine springer was landed from the beat.
Several other lovely springers were also caught from the Tay system last week; however, these beats do not wish to be mentioned in the TDSFB report.
Maybe a fly to tempt a big Tay springer next week?
There should be a few Tummel salmon beginning to enter the system in the upcoming weeks, as well as salmon destined for Loch Tay and beyond. With the quality of salmon currently being landed on the Tay system being second to none, why not chase some spring silver on the mighty River Tay in the upcoming days? Nothing beats landing that February bar of silver.
We want 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 this report, please get in touch with 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 mentioned in the TDSFB report)
(week ending 24th February)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Kinnaird 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 2, Taymount 2, Burnmouth 5,
TOTAL: 10 LARGEST: Burnmouth 18lbs
WILL MORE FINE SPRINGERS BE LANDED IN THE WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 26th February 2024)
There were some lovely springers caught last week from the Tay system and hopefully, this trend will continue as we move through February and into March. Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry apart from the odd shower and it has felt cold. Looking ahead to the upcoming week, Monday should be mostly dry with variable amounts of cloud and light winds. A band of rain will spread eastwards on Tuesday, with Wednesday being mainly dry. Towards the end of the week, it may become more unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain as low pressure starts to dominate our weather. Temperatures will be around average values for the time of year.
In the next few days, there is a decent chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river. Loch Tay is also worth considering at this time of year. As always, there is no shortage of options for fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. Hopefully, there will be more fine springers landed in the week ahead. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? There might just be a 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 THREE SPRINGERS IN ONE DAY CAN’T BE BAD! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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