(River Tay weekly report week ending 7th February 2026)
We moved into the first full week of February last week, which heralded the final month of winter. Many anglers will be pleased to see the back of winter, especially as it has been so wet and unsettled since the river opened in mid-January. Multiple days have been lost due to the high water and when river levels have dropped on the odd occasion to a reasonable height, a cold easterly wind has made it feel pretty raw.
Last week saw more of the same when it came to the weather. There were long spells of heavy rain, and the easterly wind persisted. Some of the rain fell as snow over higher ground. Water levels were unsettled for much of the week but the river was fishable on most days, which was positive. It was another week with light fishing pressure.
A few nice springers were caught from the Tay system last week. It was good to see a fish caught from the Taymount Beat on Monday with another fish landed at Taymount on Friday. The fish on Friday was a magnificent specimen weighing in at twenty pounds. There have now been four springers caught from Taymount so far this season.
It was a day to remember for Mr Angus Rutherford, who was fishing on the Stobhall Beat on Saturday. Mr Rutherford landed not just one but two sparkling springers in quick succession, the best weighing eight pounds. Landing a spring double in early February is a great achievement!
On Friday Mr Jack Ellis was fishing the Back Dam at Catholes when he got a powerful take on a Vision lure. After a great battle Mr Ellis went on to land a stunning springer weighing seven pounds. To top it all, this was Mr Ellis’s first ever salmon. A massive congratulations to Mr Ellis and hopefully the first of many!
As we move through February, more fish should be entering the Tay system each day. So, if you fancy chasing some Scottish spring silver, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? There might just be a springer with your name on it!
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 7th February)
SALMON & GRILSE: Taymount 2, Stobhall 2, Catholes 1
Total: 5 Largest: Taymount 20lbs
HOPEFULLY ANGLERS WILL LAND SOME NICE SPRINGERS AS WE MOVE THROUGH FEBRUARY!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 9th February 2026)
As we move through February, there is no doubt that, with each passing day, more fresh fish will enter the Tay system. The weather was again unsettled for much of last week. Anglers will have their fingers crossed that the weather improves over the upcoming days and weeks. Fishing pressure on the river was very light last week and this was probably reflected in the catches.
The easterly wind persisted for much of last week and there were showers and even some longer spells of rain. The rain was heaviest in the east and water levels were unsettled. Over the weekend, low pressure continued to dominate, bringing showers and even longer spells of rain.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will be mainly dry apart from the odd shower. There is likely to be some rain early on Wednesday. As we move towards next weekend, it is set to get colder again, with the possibility of snow even at lower levels. There is a reasonable chance of making contact with that elusive spring salmon almost anywhere on the main river next week. Hopefully, more anglers will be on the water and a few Tay springers will be landed as we move through February. 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.