(River Tay weekly report week ending 30TH July 2022)
We move into August next week which can be a prime summer month on many of Scotland’s rivers including the mighty Tay. Given decent conditions, it is usually when the runs of summer salmon and grilse peak. There is also a chance of catching some of the early running autumn fish towards the end of the month and these usually tend to be much bigger in size. Let us hope that August is a productive month for anglers who wet a line on the mighty Tay.
After the record-breaking temperatures of the previous week anglers were rejoicing in the fact that last week conditions were much cooler and more akin to a Scottish summer. Heavy rain last weekend led to a lift in water at the beginning of the week. Unsurprisingly the river had some colour on Tuesday but this cleared quickly. The cooler conditions and lift in water appeared to be the catalyst for improved catches on the Tay system last week. Indeed, it ended up being by far the most productive week of the season so far with well over two hundred fish caught. It was great to see some magnificent larger summer salmon caught as well as numerous hard fighting fresh grilse. The water temperature last week was 14.6 degrees Celsius which is 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the upper river, there was success last week at Upper Farleyer and Lower Bolfracks. It was nice to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday and Wednesday. This was following four salmon being caught from the beat last Saturday. At Dalguise Tuesday was a day to remember for Mr Paul Steele who caught his first ever salmon weighing thirteen pounds. The fish was caught on a harled fly. Well done sir, hopefully, the first of many!
It was great to see three fish caught from the Dalmarnock Beat on Friday. There were three fish landed at Newtyle on Tuesday and successful anglers included Mr Peter Brown who caught a fine brace and Mr David Gardner. Ms Marina Gibson caught a lovely fresh fish from the Boil at Newtyle on Wednesday.
There were some nice fish caught from the Murthly 2 Beat through the course of the week including ten on Wednesday and five on Friday. There was success at Glendelvine on Tuesday with three more fish caught on Saturday. Mr Jim McDonald tasted success at Delvine & Burnbane on Monday when he landed a fine fifteen pounder at the tail of Burnbane Pool on a Vision 110 lure.
There was some great sport to be had for anglers fishing at Kercock last week with ten fish being caught on Monday and Tuesday. This included a magnificent twenty five pounder on Tuesday for Kercock regular Mr Ernie Donnell. Other successful anglers last week fishing at Kercock included Mr Peter and Sue Creswick, Mr James and Murdo McLennan and also Mr Robert McFarlane.
Mr Jonathan Pritchard caught his first ever salmon weighing seven pounds on the fly from the Meikleour Beat on Tuesday. On Thursday Mr Euan Ivory landed a fine brace on the fly from the beat. The fish were caught from the Cormorant Tree and the Castle.
Mr Angus Johnstone’s party were fishing at Islamouth for the first three days of the week and landed a total of eight fish. Mr Barry Ward had four to his own rod largest weighing seventeen pounds on the fly. During the second half of the week, the Shropshire party were fishing the beat. Mr Will Shrophire and his son Frank both enjoyed some great sport. Frank landed a lovely sixteen pounder but not to be out done father, Will caught a fine fourteen pounder on Friday. Just great to see youngsters enjoying our wonderful sport!
There were fish caught at Ballathie on most days. Anglers fishing at Cargill last week landed some magnificent fish.
On Tuesday there was success for Mr Jonathan McNeish and Ms Marina Gibson. The good sport continued towards the end of the week at Cargill.
A good week was had by the Howe and Sandler Party who were fishing at Stobhall last week. The beat finished with sixteen fish up to twenty pounds in weight, with multiple fish lost.
Anglers at Taymount enjoyed some good sport landing twenty nine fish for the week.
Mr Ronnie Fraser caught a nice summer salmon from Upper Scone on Wednesday on the fly.
There was more success at Upper Scone during the second half of the week.
At Pitlochrie, Phil from Virginia, USA caught a lovely fresh grilse on the fly on Wednesday. This was one of two fish caught from the beat that day.
Mr Robert White caught a nice fish from Benchil on Tuesday. There was more success at Benchil and Pitlochrie towards the end of the week for Mr Paul Devlin and his party.
It was good to see four fish landed at Fishponds on Wednesday and a couple more on Thursday. At Upper Redgorton there was success for Mr Ronnie Fraser when he landed two sparkling grilse in an hour on Tuesday. There were some cracking fish caught from the beat through the course of last week. It was a productive first half of the week at Waulkmill with a couple of fish caught on Monday and then ten on Tuesday. The good sport continued as the week progressed. Anglers at Almondmouth caught some nice fish last week and they finished with thirty fish for the week.
Let us hope that good numbers of fresh enter the river throughout the course of August so many anglers can enjoy that magical experience of landing some hard fighting Tay silver!
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 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 30th July 2022)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 2, Lower Bolfarcks 1, Ruan Ruarie 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalguise 2, Dalmarnock 3, Newtyle 5, Murthly 2, 23, Glendelvine 4, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Kercock 19, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 4, West Grange 2, Islamouth 17, Ballathie 11, Cargill 17, Stobhall 16, Taymount 29, Upper Scone 5, Pitlochrie 3, Benchil 6, Fishponds 10, Upper Redgorton 11, Luncarty 2, Waulkmill 28, Almondmouth 30.
Total: 254 Largest: Kercock 25lbs
A PRODUCTIVE AUGUST AHEAD?
(prospects week commencing 1st August 2022)
We move into August next week which can often be one of the most productive months on the Tay system. Usually, there are good numbers of summer salmon and grilse entering the system and towards the end of the month, some of the larger autumn fish also start to run upstream. So, everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed for a productive month ahead.
Thankfully last week was much cooler compared to the record-breaking heat of the previous week and this coupled with a lift in water resulted in the most productive week of the season so far.
There have been a few showers over the weekend with temperatures above average values for the time of year. Looking ahead to next week Monday should be mainly dry. From Tuesday onwards there will be some showers on most days. Towards the end of the week, there is a chance that high pressure may build bringing drier and more settled conditions with temperatures around average values for the time of year.
Last week fish were caught from Upper Farleyer down to Almondmouth with the majority of fish caught on the middle and lower river. With the recent lift in water probably the best chance of success next week would be on beats situated in these areas of the river. There is an excellent variety of salmon fishing available on the Tay system next week including fishing on some very prestigious beats. As always, the River Tay offers great value for money so why not chase some August silver next week? You might just have one of those midsummer days to remember!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Sandy & Samantha 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 a go. 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 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 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. Anglers must treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.