(River Tay weekly report week ending 29th August 2026)
It has been noticeable over the past couple of weeks that the shadows have been growing longer and the evenings becoming darker. On some recent early mornings there has been an unmistakable chill in the air. The hand of autumn is beginning to tighten its grip as we say goodbye to the Scottish summer.
We are now at the end of August when the traditional summer salmon fishing season in Scotland draws to a close. In the past, September and October have been prime autumn months on the River Tay and historically this is when the largest catches of salmon have been made. In recent years, the lack of clean autumn fish has been a problem on many of Scotland’s rivers, including the Tay. Let us hope that this season bucks that trend.
High pressure was firmly in charge of our weather at the start of last week with dry settled conditions for most. Winds were light and temperatures were in the high teens. However, from midweek onwards low pressure started to influence our weather and it did turn a little more unsettled with showers and even some longer spells of rain.
There were some nice fish caught from the Tay system last week and it is hoped that catches will build as we move through September and then on towards the end of the season.
On the upper river it was good to see the Upper Farleyer Beat produce a fish on Monday. Further downstream on the middle river, the Lower Kinnaird Beat produced a fish on Monday and a thirteen pounder on Friday. There was success at Newtyle on Thursday, which was good to see. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with five fish for the week.
At Kercock,, a couple of grilse were caught on Tuesday from the beat. On Wednesday there were three fish caught from the beat. Two of these fish were caught on the fly and one on the spinner.
It was a good day at Kercock on Thursday, with four fish landed from the beat, including a magnificent seventeen-pounder. On Saturday, Mr Paul Jack caught a fine eight pounder at Kercock.
Mr Chris Hall enjoyed a happy Monday at Meikleour when he landed a fine seven pounder from the March Pool.
On Tuesday, Mr Scott Hall caught a lovely fresh fish at Meikleour again from the March Pool. There was also a first salmon caught from the Tunnel Stream.
At Islamouth, Mr Clovis Younger caught a good fish weighing thirteen pounds from Sandyford on Monday. On Tuesday Mr Edward Scott caught a grilse from the Castle at Islamouth in the morning.
It was a great day at Islamouth on Thursday for Mr Josh Thompson when he caught his first ever Tay salmon from the Castle Pool.
There was a fantastic nineteen pounder caught at Ballathie on Tuesday and there were some more nice fish caught at Ballathie through the course of last week, including three on Wednesday.
At Cargill it was a good end to the week with a couple of fish caught from the beat on Saturday. There was success at Stobhall on Tuesday. The Taymount Beat finished with thirteen fish for the week.
On the Stanley beats, there was fish caught at Benchil on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Successful anglers included Mr Graham Johnston, Mr Colin McLean and Mr Alistair Jack.
At Fishponds, Mr Colin Whighton landed a lovely thirteen pounder on Monday. It was a red letter day for fish whisperer Mr Alistair Jack on Friday when he landed four fish on the fly from the Craigs.
Across the water at Upper Redgorton it was a fantastic Friday with four fish landed from the beat. Further downstream, the Waulkmill Beat finished with seven fish for the week.
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 29th August 2026)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Newtyle 1, Murthly 2, 5, Kercock 13, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 4, Islamouth 2, Ballathie 6, Cargill 2, Stobhall 1, Taymount 13, Benchil 3, Upper Scone 1, Fishponds 5, Upper Redgorton 4, Waulkmill 7
Total: 70 Largest: Ballathie 19lbs
WHAT WILL SEPTEMBER HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS ON THE MIGHTY RIVER TAY?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 31st August 2026)
We move into September next week and this is traditionally when larger numbers of fish are caught from the Tay system. Historically, many beats on the River Tay start to make big catches at this time of year. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, there will be decent numbers of fish caught so that anglers can enjoy some good sport up until the end of the season.
High pressure was firmly in charge of our weather during the first half of last week with dry settled conditions for most. Winds were light and temperatures were close to average values. However,, from midweek onwards and into the weekend, low pressure dominated, with some showers and even longer spells of rain.
Looking ahead to next week, the unsettled theme is set to continue. Monday and Tuesday will see showers or even some longer spells of rain. Temperatures will be in the high teens for the most part. From midweek onwards, low pressure will continue to dominate the weather, bringing more unsettled conditions.
There were some lovely fish caught from the river last week with numerous salmon weighing well into double figures. The fish caught were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting fresh grilse and some were sea liced, which was great to see. Salmon were caught from Upper Farleyer down to Waulkmill on the main river, with the bulk of the action coming from beats situated on the middle and lower river. As we move through September and into October, the beats located on the lower river should come into their own. Traditionally this is when these beats start to produce larger numbers of fish on a more consistent basis. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay silver? There is no better way to start September than by landing that big Tay Atlantic Salmon!
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.
This report is the property of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board and may not be reproduced in full, or in part, without the prior written consent of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board