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(River Tay weekly report week ending 13th May 2023)
We have now moved into mid-May, which is 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 evenings of summer with the dark winter nights being a distant memory.
Around us, the landscape is changing and in Perthshire, the banks of the River Tay are becoming a sea of colour. There is more foliage on the trees and vibrant greens are replacing the dull greys, as nature has its relentless paintbrush out once again. It is a truly magical time of year to visit magnificent Perthshire.
River levels were steady for much of last week making it perfect fly fishing conditions for many beats on the river. However, due to some isolated thundery showers, there was a small lift in water towards the end of the week which led to the lower river carrying some colour. The water temperature last week on the river was 10.5 degrees Celsius which is 50.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
There were some lovely spring salmon caught from the Tay system last week but in all honesty, catches for the time of year were underwhelming and anglers found it tough going on the Tay.
There have been some nice fish caught from the upper river in recent days and last week was no different with fish caught from both Farleyer beats as well as Findynate and Upper Kinnaird.
A sea-liced fish weighing 14lbs for David Thomson caught at Portnacraig
Mr David Thomson had a day to remember at Portnacraig on the River Tummel. Mr Thomson was fishing the Pitlochry bank in the afternoon when he hooked a powerful fish. After a good fight, Mr Thomson landed a fine sea liced fourteen pounder. On Thursday Mr Gordon Hanslip was the successful angler at Portnacraig when he intercepted a fine springer weighing eleven pounds. Mr Steve Watt caught a fish from Portnacraig on Saturday.
Back on the main river, it was good to see fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on both Tuesday and Wednesday. There was success at Dalguise on Wednesday and Dalmarnock managed to land silver on both Friday & Saturday. There was a superb eleven pounder caught from the Murthly 2 Beat on Tuesday and there was a magnificent hat trick landed from the beat on Thursday. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with a very creditable six fish for the week.
On the River Ericht, there was a couple of fish caught from the West Grange Beat on Monday.
Annie catches her first salmon at Meikleour on Friday
It was a fantastic Friday for Annie who was fishing at Meikleour. Annie hooked a powerful fish on the fly and after a great fight landed her first ever Tay salmon. The lovely springer weighed ten pounds. Well done Annie, you never forget your first Tay salmon!
Mr Gavin Mason lands a Cargill sparkler on Monday
It was a happy Monday for Mr Gavin Mason who was fishing at Cargill. Mr Mason was fishing the Pot Shot in the afternoon when he got a savage take on the fly. After a few powerful runs, Mr Mason landed a beautiful sea liced springer. I think the smiles says it all!
There were also other fish caught last week from the Tay system on beats that do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
With only a few weeks of the spring season remaining time is running out to make contact with that 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 magical May day to remember!
Maybe a pattern to tempt a 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 (For beats reporting on Fishpal only)
(week ending 13th May)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 3, Lower Farleyer 1, Findynate 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 3, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 2, Murthly 2, 6, West Grange 2, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Cargill 1
Total: 24 Largest: Cargill 16lbs
SETTLED WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 15th May 2023)
It was a milder week across Perthshire last week with temperatures on certain days in the mid to high teens and it felt positively spring like. Through the middle part of the week, the higher temperatures sparked off some heavy downpours which were widespread and thundery in some spots. Over the weekend it was mainly dry on Saturday with some rain on Sunday.
Looking ahead to next week high pressure is set to build bringing mainly dry and settled conditions to much of Scotland including Perthshire. 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 and hopefully, anglers will taste success on the Tay in the upcoming weeks.
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 Upper Farleyer down to Cargill. 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 Tay, the River Tummel and also 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 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.
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