(River Tay weekly report week ending 10th August 2024)
We have moved into August and are well into the summer salmon fishing season on the River Tay. So far this summer, the Tay system has produced decent numbers of fish week after week, even when river levels have been low and water temperatures high. After a tough spring on the river, this is just what the doctor ordered. Anglers will be hoping that good numbers of fish will continue to be caught from the river as we move through August and into September.
There was a lift in water at the beginning of last week of well over a foot after heavy rain on Monday. This certainly helped freshen conditions and somewhat lower the water temperature. It was another hundred fifty-plus weeks in terms of the number of fish caught. The Tay has shown amazing consistency so far this summer, which is great to see. There were numerous hard fighting grilse landed as well as several larger summer salmon. Many of the fish landed were sea liced and a high proportion were caught on the fly. Last week’s water temperature was 60.9 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 16.1 degrees Celsius.
On the upper river, there was success at Upper Farleyer, Lower Bolfracks and Upper Kinnaird last week. It was a good start to the week at Dalmarnock, with nice fish caught from the beat on Monday and Thursday. There were two more fish caught at Dalmarnock on Friday. On Wednesday, Mr Ronnie Blair caught a cracking salmon from the Lady Pool at Dunkeld. There was another fish caught from the beat on Saturday and at Newtyle, Mr Callum Richardson caught nice fish from the Trap on Wednesday. Next on the scoresheet at Newtyle was Mr Colin Innes, who landed a fresh grilse again from the Trap on Thursday.
Three fish were caught from both Murthly beats on Wednesday, which was a good result for the day. Four more fish were caught from the beats on Thursday, bringing the Murthly Beats’ combined total to twelve fish for the week.
At Delvine & Burnbane, fish were caught from the beat on Tuesday and Saturday. There were some lovely fish caught from the Kercock Beat last week. Successful anglers included Mr Scott Sykes, who had a sparkling nine pounder on the fly, Mr Alan Liversidge and Mr Sandy Datta.
There was success at Meikleour on Monday, with three more fish caught from the beat on Tuesday. It was a great end to the week at Meikleour, with three members of the Tyrell party catching their first ever salmon. Mr James Tyrell caught his first and second ever salmon on Saturday. What a day to remember! The Davenport party also caught some nice fish at Meikleour last week.
On Monday, Mr David Long and his young son Rex had a lovely fish on the fly from Cargill. On Wednesday, there were six fish hooked at Cargill, with two landed. Successful anglers included Mr. Mark Cope and Mr. Roger Worth. On Saturday, Mr Barry Ward, amongst others, enjoyed some good sport at Cargill. The Cargill Beat finished with ten fish for the week.
At Taymount, there was decent sport to be had last week, including nine fish caught from the beat on Thursday and seven on Friday.
It was good to see a fish caught at Catholes on Thursday. Golf legend and multiple major winner Mr Gary Player and his party enjoyed fishing the Tay at Pitlochrie on Monday.
Ms Susan Waterfall caught a stunning twelve pounder from Kirkie on a seven weight switch rod. The fish led her a merry dance. What an achievement and well done to Ms Waterfall. A good day was had by all the party! There were three more fish caught from Pitlochrie on Friday.
The Faisal party enjoyed some good sport at Benchil on Thursday. Ms Wendy Box also enjoyed success when she caught a sea liced grilse from Todd Holes.
Other anglers who enjoyed good sport on the Stanley beats last week included Mr John Peck and Mr Paul Dixon, who caught a fifteen pounder from Cawn Pore at Pitlochrie.
There have been some nice fish caught at Upper Scone in recent weeks and last week was no different, with a fish caught from the beat on Monday and Tuesday. The decent sport continued as the week progressed.
It was a good start to the week at Fishponds with a with a lovely 5lb grilse caught by Pat Coxen from Lodge end on Monday. Tuesday saw the rod bent for Mr Jim McDonald who caught a cracking fish from Fishponds Green on a Tay Lure. There was more rod bending action for Neil Tong’s party at the end of the week. Successful anglers included Martin Ferrie and James Holder and four more, and four more salmon landed.
On Wednesday, Mr Robert White caught a nice fresh grilse on the fly at Luncarty. The Upper Redgorton Beat produced a fine hat trick on Tuesday. On Thursday, seven fish were caught from the beat. The Waulkmill Beat finished with five fish for the week, including a magnificent seventeen pounder caught on Friday.
There were also fish caught last week on beats which do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
Currently, the Tay is at a great height for many beats and there does seem to be a good head of fish in the river. So why not book a day’s salmon fishing on the famous River Tay next week? It could be the place to provide you with that riverbank fairy-tale!
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 wishing to be included in this report only)
(week ending 10th August)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 2, Lower Bolfracks 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalmarnock 5, Dunkeld 2, Newtyle 2, Murthly 1, 6, Murthly 2, 6, Stenton 2, Glendelvine 3, Delvine & Burnbane 2, Kercock 3, Meikleour & Kethick Streams 1, Upper Islamouth 8, Cargill 10, Taymount 28, Pitlochrie 4, Catholes 1, Benchil 5, Upper Scone 9, Fishponds 7, Luncarty 2, Upper Redgorton 14, Waulkmill 5
Total: 132 Largest: Waulkmill 17lbs Others: 54
LOW PRESSURE DOMINATES IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 12th August 2024)
There were some lovely fish caught from the river last week, with numerous salmon weighing well into double figures. We are now well into August and this is when historically, many beats on the River Tay start to make bigger catches. Hopefully, in the next few weeks there will be plenty more action to be had on the river.
It was quite a mixed bag of weather, especially during the first half of last week with some heavy showers and longer spells of rain. This led to a lift in water at the beginning of the week. Over the weekend there has been a few showers mainly over the western side of the catchment area with temperatures around average values for the time of year. It has also been quite breezy.
Looking ahead to next week, it is set to be quite unsettled, with low pressure dominating our weather. There is likely to be some showers or longer spells of rain towards the west but it will always be drier in the east. Temperatures will be around average for the time of year and it will be windy at times.
The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting fresh grilse, many were sea liced which was great to see. Salmon were caught on the main river from Upper Farleyer down to Waulkmill, with the bulk of the action coming from beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? There is no better feeling when the line tightens and that reel sings!
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 summer period (June-August)
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 the summer months water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water during the summer months a sink tip or intermediate 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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the summer months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. Don’t forget how effective flies like the Sunray Shadow can be at this time of year. These flies fished close to the surface can really do the business especially if the fish are keen on chasing a fly and in an active mood.
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 thirty 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months.
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.
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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. 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.