(River Tay weekly report week ending 29th March 2025)
We move into April next week, with Easter now on the horizon. It always seems to be a date in the calendar when it feels like spring has finally sprung in Scotland. The nights are getting longer, and the clocks have gone forward. As the sun gets stronger, there is no longer such a stark temperature contrast between night and day.
April is traditionally the beginning of the prime spring period on many Scottish rivers including the Tay. Usually, at this time of year, the number of fish entering the river and heading for many of the Tay’s tributaries starts to increase. This is in addition to the fish traveling up the river’s main stem to Loch Tay and beyond. There have been some cracking Tay springers landed in recent weeks and hopefully, there will be plenty more caught in April.
It certainly felt springlike last week, with afternoon temperatures in the midteens on some days. It was very bright, especially at the beginning of the week and this, coupled with low water conditions, may have hampered catches somewhat. However, towards the end of the week, there were some showers and longer spells of rain and it felt much cooler in the north westerly wind. River levels were steady until Thursday last week. Heavy rain on Thursday led to a big lift in water on Friday, and the river was quite coloured. The river was up almost three feet but dropped quickly over the weekend. It is hoped that the lift in water could be the catalyst for improved catches next week.
Mr Robert McFarlane and his son were fishing on Loch Tay on Saturday when they hooked a lovely fish. After a great fight, the father & son team went on to land a cracking springer weighing sixteen pounds. A great moment for them both to share!
On the upper river, the Upper Farleyer Beat produced a fish on Wednesday. The River Tummel at Portnacraig was where Mr Jimmy Ross caught a fine ten pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry bank on Monday. There was another fish caught at Portnacraig on Saturday.
At Dalguise, a nice fish was caught on Saturday by angler Stuart. Further downstream, it was good to see fish caught at Dalmarnock on Wednesday and Friday. On Saturday a cracking twenty four pounder was landed on the beat. It just goes to show the calibre of fish the Tay can produce at this time of year.
Mr Iain Law opened his account for the season when he caught a nice fish from the Murthly 2 Beat on Monday and there was more success at Murthly 2 on Saturday. There was a nice brace landed from the Murthly 1 Beat on Thursday.
It was a magical Monday for Mr. Craig Ramsay at Glendelvine. Mr Ramsay was fishing the Garth Pool at the top of the beat when he got a powerful take on the fly. After a good fight, Mr Ramsay went on to land a lovely fresh springer.
Mr John Dewar recently celebrated his 60th birthday. On Saturday, Mr Dewar was fishing the Kercock Beat when he hooked a powerful fish. After a great fight during which the fish made numerous long runs, the fine springer was landed. What a belated birthday present for Mr Dewar!
At Meikleour, angler Ben caught a nice fish on the fly from Boxwood on Monday, which was good to see. On Saturday at Meikleour, angler Steven caught his first ever salmon from the Meadows and what a fish it was. Well done, Sir, on catching your first fish, hopefully the first of many!
On Thursday Mr Robert Jamieson caught a cracking fish at Islamouth. The fine springer was caught from Donnits in the afternoon.
Mr Martin White enjoyed success at Ballathie on Thursday. Mr White was fishing the Rumbling Stone when he caught a fine fifteen pounder. Mr Whyte could have had a spring double as he lost a bigger fish around ten minutes later!
The Taymount Beat produced a cracking springer weighing seventeen pounds on Tuesday.
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 29th March)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 3, Murthly 1, 2, Murthly 2, 2, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 2, Islamouth 1, Ballathie 1, Taymount 1
Total: 18 Largest: Dalmarnock 24lbs
MORE NICE FISH TO BE LANDED AS WE MOVE TOWARDS EASTER?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 31st March 2025)
River levels were generally settled for much of last week. It was very bright on certain days and this, coupled with the low water conditions, may have hampered catches. However, towards the end of the week, there was a distinct change to the feel of the weather as it felt much cooler. Heavy rain on Thursday led to a big lift in river levels on Friday. Over the weekend it was wet on Saturday but dry on Sunday.
Looking ahead to next week, high pressure is set to build with a lot of dry and settled weather forecast. Winds will be light and there will be variable amounts of cloud. There is a chance of night time frosts. Temperatures could rise to the mid-teens or even low twenties.
There is a chance of a fresh fish anywhere on the system next week. Loch Tay and the River Tummel have produced some nice fish in recent weeks. The fish entering the system heading for the River Tummel should gain momentum over the next few weeks. On the main river catches were well spread last week from Upper Farleyer down to Taymount, so you could make contact with that elusive silver tourist almost anywhere. Hopefully there will be more nice fish landed as we move towards Easter.
With the River Tay offering anglers excellent value for money when it comes to spring salmon fishing, there is no better time to book a day’s fishing on one of Scotland’s most prolific and iconic salmon rivers. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? You might start April with a bang, by landing that big Tay springer!
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 spring period (April-May)
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 April and May water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. As river levels start to drop and water temperatures rise often heavy sinking lines and big tube flies are no longer needed. Instead sink tip lines or even floating lines coupled with a sinking polyleader can be more than adequate.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful 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 can work well. In higher water an intermediate or full sinking 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 early spring period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain. Usually a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds ideal.
In April and May depending on the water height and temperature smaller tube flies of various weights can work well. If the water temperatures are low weighted copper, brass or even tungsten tubes will allow your fly to get well down. Usually by late April and into May depending on the water height dressed flies can also be considered as a good alternative to the tube.
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 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. In April and May, the Floating Devon can also work well. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the spring months. Once the water temperature rises sufficiently the Flying C is also a great lure and one which can produce the goods.
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 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.