(River Tay weekly report week ending 25th January 2025)
It was the first full week of the season on the River Tay last week and the weather played ball during the first half of the week. It was mainly dry, with light winds and variable amounts of cloud. Unfortunately, this did not last. Toward the end of the week and into the weekend, there was a spell of stormy weather and gales coupled with heavy rain led to a rising river. Indeed, on Friday, Storm Eowyn battered much of Scotland, causing widespread disruption. There were gust in excess of one hundred miles an hour recorded in Scotland. All the stormy weather was courtesy of a supercharged jetstream due to a plunge of bitterly cold air over North America earlier in the week. The winds thankfully gradually eased over the weekend.
Fishing pressure on the river was relatively light last week, which was hardly surprising as it is still so early in the season and towards the end of the week, the weather did not help.
Some anglers that did venture out to wet a line had some rod bending action with a fair number of kelts and other older fish being caught up and down the river. Unfortunately, no fresh fish were caught from the Tay system last week.
Hopefully, once river levels settle and the weather improves, there will be a few springers landed 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 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 25th January)
SALMON & GRILSE: None
MORE UNSETTLED WEATHER ON THE WAY!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 27th January 2025)
Much of last week saw dry conditions predominate across much of Scotland, including Perthshire, especially during the first half of the week. Towards the end of the week it was all change as heavy rain and gales affected most of Scotland as the country was battered by Storm Eowyn. The unsettled weather continued into the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain. This led to unsettled river levels, making it far from ideal for salmon fishing.
The unsettled theme will continue into next week as several low-pressure systems bombard the UK from the Atlantic on a reinvigorated Jetstream. There will be frequent spells of heavy rain and wind during the first half of the week. However, there are signs that it may turn a little drier as we move towards the end of the week. Temperatures will be around average values for this time of year.
Once weather conditions improve and river levels settle, there is a reasonable chance of making contact with fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river as well as Loch Tay. As always, there are no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. The river offers tremendous value for money at this time of year, with anglers being able to fish on some of the most famous and prestigious beats in Scotland at a very reasonable price. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? You might just make contact with some early season silver!
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.