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(River Tay weekly report week ending 10th May 2025)
We are moving towards mid-May, a prime spring month on many Scottish rivers. Before our eyes, the seasons are changing, as we move deeper into spring. With the days getting longer, it is only a matter of time before we experience those magical balmy summer evenings with the dark winter nights being distant memories. Around us, the landscape is changing and in Perthshire, the banks of the River Tay are becoming awash with colour. More foliage on the trees and vibrant greens are replacing the dull greys of early spring. This is the time of year when many purists of our sport start their quest for silver. With the weather getting warmer and river levels dropping, small dressed flies and floating lines can often be the order of the day.
Unfortunately it was almost wall to wall sunshine last week
The dry weather of recent weeks continued last week with no rainfall once again. The Tay has been running at summer levels for weeks and unseasonably low for most of the spring. It was a case of tough days on the Tay in May last week, with catches on the river disappointing. However, it was very bright and hot most days, which did not help the cause.
Some lovely springers were caught from the Tay system last week, but anglers had to work hard for their fish. The fish caught were in superb condition, which was great to see.
Mr John Coleman with a cracker from East Haugh caught on Wednesday
On Monday, at Portnacraig on the River Tummel, Mr Steve Watt caught a nice fish weighing twelve pounds from the Pitlochry bank. Further downstream at East Haugh, Mr John Coleman caught a fine springer from the Home Stream on Wednesday. The fish was caught on a Willie Gunn.
Mr Dafydd Burrell with a Newtyle cracker caught on Monday
It was good to see a fish caught at Dalmarnock on Thursday. Mr Dafydd Burrell banished away those Monday morning blues at Newtyle when he caught a magnificent sixteen pounder. The fish was caught on the fly from the Boil.
Mr Ronnie Fraser enjoyed success on the Murthly 1 Beat on Thursday evening. Mr Fraser also lost another fish. It was good to see a fish caught from the Murthly 2 Beat on Tuesday.
Mr John Horlock lands a nice fish at Islamouth
Mr Roger Lester from Cornwall had a day to remember on Friday at Kercock. Despite the very bright and hot conditions, Mr Lester landed a beautiful springer from the beat, which was caught on the fly. There was success at Meikleour on Wednesday.
Mr Roger Lester lands a fine Kercock springer on Friday
At Islamouth, Mr John Horlick caught a nice springer from Donnits on Thursday. It was a fantastic Friday for Mr Greg Dodd, who caught a cracking springer from Cargill. There was another springer caught at Cargill on Saturday.
A nice fish caught at Cargill on Friday
Further downstream, Mr Craig Graham had a super Saturday at Stobhall when he caught a fine fish on the fly despite the baking hot conditions. Well done, Sir!
A nice springer being returned at Cargill on Saturday
With only a few weeks of the spring season remaining, time is running out to make contact with big Tay springer. So why not book a day on one of Scotland’s most famous and prolific salmon rivers next week? You might just have that May day to remember!
Mr Craig Graham lands a nice fish at Stobhall on Saturday
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 this report, please 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 10th May)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, East Haugh 1, Dalmarnock 1, Newtyle 1, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 1, Kercock 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 1, Cargill 2, Stobhall 1
Total: 12 Largest: East Haugh & Newtyle 16lbs
MORE STUNNING SPRING SALMON TO BE LANDED IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 12th May 2025)
It has been very dry this spring, with very little rainfall, and last week was again no different. The Tay remained at summer levels as it has done for most of the spring. Catches were disappointing for the time of year but it was very bright on most days with temperatures rising towards the end of the week and into the weekend. The fish that were caught were in excellent condition. Indeed, there were some stunning spring salmon caught last week and hopefully, there will be more to come in the days ahead.
It has been mainly dry over the weekend and it has felt warmer. Looking ahead to next week, it is set to be another dry week with light winds and variable amounts of cloud. Temperatures will be mainly in the high teens.
The majority of fish were caught on the middle and lower river last week, with the River Tummel also producing the odd fish. A number of the fish caught were sea liced which was good to see. Fresh fish could be caught almost anywhere on the river, as well as Loch Tay and Loch Faskally, 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 recently, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? You might just experience some mid-May magic!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Sandy & Sandy Datta
Tactics for the River Tay during the spring period (April-May)
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 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 TOUGH DAYS ON THE TAY IN MAY! appeared first on Tay Rivers.
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