(River Tay weekly report week ending 17th January 2026)
A new season dawned once again on the mighty River Tay as anglers made their first casts of 2026 on Thursday. Mr Steve Clarke, the Scotland national football team manager, opened the river at Meikleour, and the official opening ceremony was well attended. There were smaller ceremonies held on beats up and down the river to mark the special day.
Following heavy snowfall and a subsequent rapid thaw, river levels remained high all week. Indeed, at the beginning of the week, river levels on the Ballathie gauge peaked at over thirteen feet. As the week progressed, river levels gradually dropped, but the river was still very high on opening day.
Unfortunately, there were no fresh fish landed from the Tay system on opening day but some anglers got their rods bent by last year’s models.
Angling pressure on the river is likely to be limited over the next few weeks, which is hardly surprising given that it is still very early in the season. However, it is still worth booking a day on the river as you just never know!
On Saturday, there was a spell of heavy rain in the morning, but Sunday was mainly dry. Looking ahead to next week, there could be a few nice days weather-wise. So, if you fancy chasing a spring salmon next week, why not enjoy a day’s fishing on the River Tay? There is no better way to start your season than by catching a big January Tay springer!
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 (week ending 17th January)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Total: 0 Largest:
WILL THE RIVER TAY YIELD A SPRINGER NEXT WEEK?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 19th January 2026)
The river was high for much of last week due to a combination of rapidly melting snow and occasional rain. Over the weekend, there was some rain on Saturday but Sunday was mainly dry apart from the odd shower.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry apart from the odd shower. It will feel milder in the southerly wind with temperatures in the high single figures. The forecast shows the likelihood of heavy rain on Wednesday. Towards the end of the week, it is likely that an easterly airflow will establish itself over the country. This is likely to lead to much cooler conditions with some wintry showers possible, especially over higher ground. We are still waiting for the first fish of the season to be landed from the Tay system and history tells us that this could happen any day. On the main river, there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere. Loch Tay and the River Tummel are also well worth a cast. There should be a handful of fresh fish in the system; you just need to find one! So why not wet a line on the Tay system next week? There is no better way to blow away those close season cobwebs than having a day on the river!
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.