(River Tay weekly report week ending 3rd August 2024)
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 days, with temperatures widely in the early twenties, especially during the first half of last week. Towards the end of the week, there were a few showers and it was slightly cooler. River levels were steady for much of last week. The soaring temperatures of last week unfortunately impacted catches somewhat, but there were still well over one hundred and sixty salmon that landed for the week. The Tay has fished well in July and anglers will be hoping that the good sport continues as we move through August.
On the upper river there was a fish caught at Findynate on Monday and Upper Farleyer on Friday. The Lower Kinnaird Beat produced a fish on Wednesday with four more fish caught from the beat during the second half of the week. There was success at Dalmarnock on Tuesday and it was a fine end to the week with three fish caught from the beat on Saturday. There was a nice fresh grilse caught at Dunkeld on Thursday. It was good to see a fish caught from the Newtyle Beat on Monday.
Both Murthly beats have fished well in recent weeks, and last week was no different, with fish being caught on most days, including a magnificent eighteen pounder on Thursday. Notable catches at Murthly included young fourteen year old Roan Law, who proved that a fly box was better than an X-box! Roan caught his first ever salmon on the fly from the Island Stream. He was assisted by a very proud Dad, Mr. Iain Law. Well done, young man, the first of many, we are sure. It is just great to see the younger generation enjoy our wonderful sport! The Murthly beats fished with a combined total of fourteen fish for the week.
Anglers enjoyed some decent sport at Kercock, with fish caught on most days, including three on Thursday. Mr Darren Kaye had two nice fish weighing five and fourteen pounds. The Creswick family did well, with Pete, Sue and son Alexander Creswick all catching fish. Indeed, Alexander caught a magnificent fourteen pounder on the fly. Mr Andrew Chapman caught a superb sixteen-pounder on the fly at Kercock
At Meikleour, a couple of fish were caught from the beat on Monday and Wednesday in spite of the hot conditions. Three fish were also caught during the second half of the week.
Things got off to a flyer at Cargill on Monday, with two fish landed from the beat. There were two more fish caught from the beat on Wednesday. On Thursday Mr Jake Herman landed a nice fish from the beat in the evening from the Pot Shot. Mr Herman enjoyed more success at Cargill on Friday.
On Saturday there were seven fish caught at Cargill. Successful anglers included Mr Graham Pyper, amongst others. The Taymount Beat finished with eight fish for the week.
At Catholes, Mr Gregor Nikolov caught a lovely fresh grilse on Thursday, which was great to see. Mr Tim Greenfield caught a nice fish on the fly at Pitlochrie on Wednesday. The fish was caught from Woodside. Four fish were caught at Upper Scone on Monday, and two more were landed on Tuesday.
Mr Frank Muller enjoyed success at Benchil on Thursday when he landed a grilse from the White Craigs. On Saturday Noah Greenfield caught a superb fourteen pounder at Benchil from the Skellies after a crazy fight.
At Fishponds there was a fine brace landed on Monday. On Thursday at Fishponds there were a couple of grilse caught from Red Brae and Cochrane’s. Mr Neil Tong and his party enjoyed good sport at Fishponds on Friday, landing a total of five fish. Successful anglers included Mr. Andy Heindmarch, Mr. Mick Miller and Mr Martin Ferrie. Mr Tong himself landed a fine nine pounder. Anglers at Upper Redgorton enjoyed some decent sport last week. The week started well, with three fish being caught from the beat on Monday. There were two more fish caught from the beat on Wednesday. Upper Redgorton finished with ten fish for the week.
On Monday and Tuesday, a fine brace was landed at Waulkmill. Three more fish were caught from the beat on Wednesday. The Waulkmill Beat finished the week with fifteen fish.
There were also fish caught last week on beats, which do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
With 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 experience some midsummer magic!
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. 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 (For beats wishing to be included in this report only)
(week ending 3rd August 2024)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 1, Findynate 1, Dunkeld 1, Lower Kinnaird 5, Dalmarnock 4, Newtyle 1, Murthly 1, 3, Murthly 2, 11, Kercock 9, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 7, Cargill 15, Taymount 8, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 1, Pitlochrie 1, Upper Scone 8, Benchil 3, Upper Redgorton 10, Fishponds 11, Waulkmill 15
Total: 116 Largest: Murthly 1, 18lbs
A COOLER FEEL IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 5th August 2024)
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. Many of the fish caught were sea liced, which was good to see. It was very warm last week, especially during the first half of the week, but into the weekend, it turned a little cooler. The high temperatures certainly impacted the catches.
Looking ahead to next week, we will see some rain on Monday, which will affect much of Perthshire and will be heavy in western areas. Tuesday will see some showers as low pressure continues to influence our weather. It will also be a little cooler, with temperatures in the high teens. From midweek onwards, the unsettled theme will likely continue with showers or longer spells of rain. Temperatures will be around average for the time of year as we move towards next weekend.
Salmon on the mainstem of the river were caught last week from Upper Farleyer down to Waulkmill, which shows that the fish are well spread throughout the system. 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 more significant 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 just 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.