(River Tay weekly report week ending 31st January 2026)
We move into February next week and thankfully, we will be into the final month of winter. So far, it has been a relatively mild winter, except at the beginning of January, when it was bitterly cold. However, over the past couple of weeks, there has been no shortage of rainfall and this has led to the river being unfishable for periods of time.
It was another tough week on the Tay, as unfortunately, the weather did not play ball for much of last week. However, the week ended on a high with a super Saturday at Cargill. At the beginning of the week, the river was already running high from heavy rain the previous week. On Tuesday, there was a further spell of heavy and persistent rain and this led to a rapidly rising river. River levels at Ballathie peaked at over twelve feet on Wednesday. This made fishing conditions difficult for the rest of the week. More rain fell across the catchment area on Friday and Saturday. There was also a nagging easterly wind for much of the week, which made it feel unpleasant at times.
In spite of the tough conditions and a rising river, there were two lovely springers caught at Cargill on Saturday. Mr Gavin Mason and Mr Patrick McKay were the successful anglers. It was the first time in about 20 years that two fish were caught at Cargill in January. What a great achievement and hopefully this is a sign of things to come on the Tay system this spring!
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 31st January)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Total: Cargill 2 Largest: Cargill 11 pounds
WILL THERE BE SOME FEBRUARY SILVER LANDED IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 2nd February 2026)
Fishing pressure remains relatively light on the Tay system, which is not surprising as it is still early in the season and the weather has been inclement for much of the time. In spite of this, there were two salmon caught from the Tay at Cargill on Saturday. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come and we will see more fresh fish landed as we move through February.
It was another week of awful weather with spells of heavy rain and a chilly easterly wind making it feel raw at times. River levels were high and unsettled and this made for tough fishing conditions, especially during the middle part of the week when the river was rising. Over the weekend, there has been some rain on both Saturday and Sunday and the easterly wind has persisted.
Looking ahead to next week, the unsettled weather is set to continue. Monday and Tuesday will see showers, with longer spells of rain, and snow falling over higher ground. The rain is likely to be more persistent and heaviest on the east. From midweek onwards, the showers will continue with an odd drier interlude. The easterly wind will make it feel cold with temperatures generally in the low to mid-single figures.
There is a chance of finding that elusive springer almost anywhere on the Tay system once the water drops to a more fishable height. We just need to hope for a settled spell of weather.
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.