(River Tay weekly report week ending 7th June 2025)
We have now moved into June and hopefully, in the days and weeks ahead, the summer run on the River Tay will start to gain momentum. As we move through June and into July, more fish should enter the river with every tide, giving anglers the opportunity to catch hard fighting grilse and summer salmon.
It was a mixed week of weather last week, with low pressure firmly in charge. This brought some showers and even some longer spells of rain from time to time. It was windy through the middle part of the week, with temperatures in the mid-teens mostly. There was a lift in water on Tuesday following heavy overnight rain and river levels on the Ballathie gauge peaked at almost three feet. Water levels were quite unsettled for much of the week. Fishing conditions were much improved compared to what anglers have had to endure throughout much of the spring.
There were some nice salmon caught from the Tay system last week, as well as some lively fresh Sea trout, which is always good to see.
On Wednesday, a fish was caught at Lower Bolfracks on the upper river. On the River Garry, a couple of fish were caught from Ruan Ruarie on Wednesday.
Back on the main river, a fish was caught at Dalguise on Wednesday, and three were caught from the Dalmarnock Beat on Saturday. A father and son team had a day to remember on Wednesday at Dunkeld. Jacob caught his first ever salmon from the Green Bank, and this was quickly followed by his father (Richard) getting in on the action, landing a fish from the Gauge Pool. There were two more fish caught at Dunkeld on Saturday.
At Newtyle on Monday, Mr Michael Lund Pederson caught a fine springer from the Trap.
On Wednesday, there was a nice fish caught at Newtyle from the Trap on the fly. On Saturday, Mr. Danny Paton caught his first salmon on the fly at Newtyle. The fish was caught on a fly tied by Mr Paton himself. It doesn’t get much better than that!
A fine brace was landed on the Murthly 2 Beat on Tuesday and two more were caught from the beat on Wednesday. There was success at Stenton on Thursday and Saturday.
It was another productive week at Kercock with some cracking fish landed from the beat. There were eight fish caught from the beat on Saturday. Mr Kenny Milne caught a superb sixteen pounder followed by a ten pounder.
Mr George Doull Head Ghillie on the Thurso River landed his first ever Tay salmon. Top rod for the day went to Mr John Dewar, who landed three lovely salmon. Other successful anglers on Saturday at Kercock included Mr. Paul Jack and Mr. Sandy Datta.
It was good to see a fish caught at Meikleour on Tuesday. There were three fish caught from Islamouth on Monday. Mr Richard Collet was in the action when he landed two nice fish. Mr Jonathan Fenwick also landed a fine fish from the Castle.
Mr Richard Collet rounded off his trip to Islamouth in style when he landed another fish on Wednesday, this time from the Longhead. Islamouth finished with six fish for the week.
It was a fantastic start to the week on Monday at Stobhall when three fish were landed from the beat. Mr Robert Carter landed two nice fish with Mr David Brown also enjoying success. It was good to see a lovely thirteen pounder caught at Taymount on Tuesday with another fish caught from the beat on Thursday. Further downstream, a fish was caught at Upper Scone on Thursday.
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 7th June)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Lower Bolfracks 1, Ruan Ruarie 2, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 3, Dunkeld 4, Newtyle 3, Murthly 2, 4 Stenton 2, Kercock 11, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, West Grange 1, Islamouth 6, Ballathie 2, Cargill 1, Stobhall 3, Taymount 3, Upper Scone 1
Total: 49 Largest: Dunkeld 21lbs
TEMPERATURES SET TO RISE IN THE WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 9th June 2025)
We are now moving towards mid-June and hopefully, summer salmon and grilse will start entering the Tay system on a consistent basis. Over the next few weeks, the summer run on the Tay should begin to gain momentum. Hopefully, some quality summer salmon and grilse will be caught in the days ahead, as well as the odd late running springer.
It was quite an unsettled week of weather last week with a low pressure influence. There were some showers and even some longer spells of rain. There was a lift in water during the middle part of the week. The showery theme has continued over the weekend.
Looking ahead to next week, the weather is set to remain unsettled. Monday and Tuesday will see some showers. From midweek onwards, temperatures are set to rise, but the showery theme will continue.
There were some lovely salmon caught from the Tay system last week, as well as a few nice Sea trout, which was good to see. There are some fantastic salmon fishing opportunities on the river in the days ahead to suit all budgets. So why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats landing some Tay mid-summer silver!
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.