(River Tay weekly report week ending 8th February 2025)
We moved into February last week and are now into the final month of winter. So far, it has been a relatively mild winter with the odd cold snap. However, as we all know, February can be a bitterly cold month with extreme weather, but hopefully, this will not be the case in the upcoming weeks.
Heavy rain on Tuesday last week, combined with melting snow around the River Garry catchment area, led to a significant lift in water. Indeed, river levels on the Ballathie gauge peaked well over eight feet. However, from midweek onwards, it became drier and colder and there were night time frosts. Gradually, the river dropped away and was in good condition for most beats by the weekend.
It was another week when fishing pressure was relatively light. However, there were more rods on the river on Friday and Saturday.
On Wednesday at Portnacraig on the River Tummel, Mr Massimo Castelvecchi caught the first fish of the season from the beat. The cracking springer weighed fourteen pounds and was caught on the fly from the Portnacraig Bank. The fish put up a great fight and was safely returned after a quick picture.
Mr Castelvecchi caught the last fish from the Portnacraig Beat in 2024, so it was great that he also caught the first fish of 2025. Mr Castelvecchi was awarded the Mitchell Trophy for the first fish of the season caught by a club member.
On Thursday Mr Peter Duncan was fishing the Back Dam at Catholes when he hooked a powerful fish on Vision X120 lure. Initially, the fish did not do much, but it was not long before it woke up and made numerous powerful runs. After a great fight, this Catholes cracker was landed and weighed fifteen pounds. What a result, and it’s great to see the Stanley Beats get off the mark for the season!
There are a few fish in the system now, and as each day goes by, more fish will enter the river. With settled weather forecast for the week ahead, it might be the right time to wet a line on the mighty Tay in the upcoming days.
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 8th February)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Catholes 1
Total: 2 Largest: Catholes 15lbs
A SETTLED WEEK AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 10th February 2025)
Fishing pressure remains relatively light on the Tay system, which is not surprising as it is still early in the season. However, the springers that have been caught have been in fantastic condition. As we move through February, more fish should be caught from the system.
It was mainly dry over the weekend and felt much cooler with night time frosts. The settled weather will continue for much of next week as high pressure remains in charge. Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry, but it will sometimes feel raw in the easterly breeze. The dry weather will continue from midweek onwards, but it will feel cold with temperatures in the low to mid-single figures. There is the chance of the odd wintry shower towards the east, but there will be a good deal of dry weather with cloud amounts varying.
There is a reasonable chance of hooking 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 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.