(River Tay weekly report week ending 1st August 2026)
We have now moved into August and are well into the second half of the Scottish summer. It has certainly felt summer like in recent weeks, with temperatures widely in the early to mid-twenties. The prolonged hot, dry weather has sparked dangerous wildfires in the Highlands but thankfully, after some rain earlier this week, the risk of further fires has now subsided somewhat. The hot, dry weather has impacted fishing on many rivers, including the River Tay, with water levels now extremely low. What is needed is a good big lift in water to clear out the river and reduce the water temperature, and this will hopefully encourage fish to run the system.
Thankfully it was cooler last week and there was a spell of heavy rain on Tuesday morning. There was a slight lift in water levels through the course of the week but in general river levels were steady. It was also a better week in terms of the weather for salmon fishing. There were some nice summer salmon and grilse caught from the Tay system and catches improved significantly compared to the previous week. Indeed, it turned out to be the most productive week of the season so far.
It was good to see a couple of fish caught from Loch Faskally on Saturday. On the River Tummel at Portnacraig, Mr Massimo Castlevecchi caught a nice fish weighing twelve pounds on the fly from the Pitlochry bank.
On the middle river, there were fish caught on Monday and Saturday at Lower Kinnaird. It was a successful end to the week at Dalmarnock where a couple of fish were landed on Saturday. There was a nice fish caught from the Boil at Newtyle on Thursday. There were three more fish caught at Newtyle on Friday again from the Boil and also the Steps. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with eight fish for the week.
It was good to see a fish caught at Kercock on Monday. Mr Steve Lawler caught a nice grilse at Kercock on Wednesday. On Thursday, Mr John Dewar caught a fine sixteen pounder at Kercock.
Mr Darren Kaye caught a couple of fish on Friday at Kercock, including a fifteen pounder and Mr Alec Barron caught a nice twelve pounder.
There was more success for Mr Kaye on Saturday at Kercock on Saturday.
Mr Neil Tong caught a nice fish from the Ringstone at Islamouth on Tuesday. Another fish was caught on Tuesday in the Ash Tree at Islamouth.
Mr Robin Valentine landed a good fish from the Ringstone at Islamouth on Wednesday afternoon. There were three fish caught at Islamouth on Thursday. Successful anglers included Mr Paul Goodwin and Mr Peter Beharrel.
On Friday, Mr Peter Thomson caught a grilse in Donnits and Mr Ian Wotherspoon landed a fish in the Longhead.
Mr Tom Beharell enjoyed success when he caught a grilse from the Newshot. The Islamouth Beat finished with fifteen fish for the week.
Mr Harry Tee had a happy Monday at Ballathie when he caught a nice fish from the Bridge Stream on the upper beat. The fish was caught on a Munro Killer fly.
On Wednesday, Mr Mark Goodey caught a fish from the Rumbling Stone on the fly at Ballathie and there was also success for Mr John Westwood, who caught a fine sixteen pounder. On Friday there was more success for Mr Harry Tee who caught a seven and a twelve pounder and also for Mr Mark Goodey who landed a thirteen pounder.
There were two fish caught at Cargill on both Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday, four more fish were landed from the beat.
Mr David Sadowski was one of the successful anglers who caught a good fish from the Pot Shot on the fly. Cargill ended the week with thirteen fish.
A fish was caught at Stobhall on Monday, with more fish landed from the beat throughout last week. The Taymount Beat finished with eight fish for the week.
It was good to see a couple of fish caught at Upper Scone on Monday, with the beat finishing with six fish for the week.
On the Stanley beats, there were fish caught at Benchil on Thursday and Saturday.
At Fishponds, Mr Jim Fitzsimmons caught a seven pounder in the Craigs Pool. On Wednesday Mr Martin Ferrie caught a fine grilse again from the Craigs.
Friday there was success for Mr Charlie Martin when he caught a five pounder from Lodge end and landed another fish from the Well Hole.
Saturday there was more success for Mr Charlie Martin and also for Mr Mick Miller.
The Upper Redgorton Beat has produced some nice fish in recent weeks and last week was no different. There were two fish caught on Monday with four more landed from the beat on Tuesday. The decent sport continued as the week progressed, with five fish landed from the beat on Saturday. The Waulkmill Beat finished with twenty fish for the week, which included seven fish landed for the day on Tuesday.
With catches improving and August being one of the prime summer months on the river, why not book a day’s salmon fishing on the famous River Tay next week? It could be the perfect place to provide you with some midsummer magic!
We want 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 1st August 2026)
SALMON & GRILSE: Loch Faskally 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalmarnock 3, Newtyle 4, Murthly 2, 8, Kercock 7, Islamouth 15, Ballathie 6, Cargill 13, Stobhall 5, Taymount 8, Upper Scone 6, Benchil 2, Fishponds 7, Upper Redgorton 16, Waulkmill 20
Total: 125 Largest: Kercock, Ballathie & Upper Redgorton 16lbs
SOME RAIN IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 3rd August 2026)
There were some beautiful fish caught from the river last week. These were mainly a mixture of hard fighting fresh grilse and larger summer salmon. There was a significant improvement in catches compared to the previous week and many of the fish caught were sea liced, which was good to see. Indeed, it turned out to be the most productive week of the season so far. Thankfully, the weather was a little more conducive to salmon fishing compared to recent weeks as it was cooler with more cloud cover on offer. There was also a spell of heavy rain on Tuesday morning which led to a slight lift in water. Over the weekend there have been a few showers.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will see some showers and even some longer spells of rain as a low pressure system moves up from the south. There will be a few showers on Wednesday. Towards the end of the week, it should turn drier as high pressure builds. Temperatures will be in the high teens for the most part next week.
Salmon on the mainstem of the river were caught last week from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill, which shows that the fish are well spread throughout the system. There were also fish caught on Loch Faskally and on the River Tummel. As we move through August, the beats located on the lower river should come into their own. Traditionally this is when the beats in this area of the river 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 summer silver? You might have an August twenty pounder coming your way!
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