(River Tay weekly report week ending 19th April 2025)
We have now moved into mid-April and there was a distinct change to the feel in the weather last week. The high pressure that had dominated our weather for much of April moved away to the near continent and low pressure established itself over the country. This brought showers and some longer spells of rain on most days and it felt much cooler. This was a relief to anglers as the conditions were much improved compared to the high temperatures and wall to wall sunshine of previous weeks. There were some fine fish caught from the Tay system last week and hopefully, this trend will continue as we move towards the end of the month and into May.
It was a day to remember for twelve year old Jake McFarlane on Loch Tay on Wednesday. Jake was fishing with his Dad when he hooked a heavy fish. After numerous long and powerful runs, Jake went on to land a magnificent twenty three pounder. What a fish and well done, young man!
The first fish of the season from Loch Faskally was landed on Friday weighing twenty pounds. At Portnacraig on the River Tummel, Mr Massimo Castelvecchi caught a nice ten pounder from the Portnacraig bank on the fly on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Mr Derek Martin caught a fine ten pounder on the fly at Portnacraig.
It was good to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. At Newtyle, a cracking springer was caught on the fly from the Steps Pool on Wednesday evening. There was a fine brace caught at Murthly 2 on Monday, with another fish caught from the beat on Tuesday. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with five fish for the week. There were a couple of fish caught at Stenton on Thursday.
On Monday at Glendelvine, Mr Stuart Lang was fishing the Minsters Pool when he got a powerful take on the fly. After a monumental fight Mr Lang went on to land a stunning springer weighing twenty two pounds. The fish was caught on a Roncade fly and after a quick picture, was safely returned. What a fish! Do Mondays get any better than this?
Mr David Clarke’s party were fishing at Islamouth last week. Mr Michael Clarke had a nice fish on Monday. There were two more fish caught on Tuesday. Successful anglers included Mr. Brian McLean and Mr. Michael Clarke. Both fish were caught from the Longhead.
Towards the end of the week, Mr Stuart Foxall caught a fine twelve pounder. The Islamouth Beat finished with eight fish for the week.
On Saturday Ms Jennifer Mcilravie caught a fine springer from the Pot Shot at Ballathie. The fish weighed approximately ten pounds and was in excellent condition. It was good to see a fish caught at Stobhall 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 fishing the Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat catches reported
(week ending 19th April)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Loch Faskally 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Newtyle 1, Murthly 2, 5, Stenton 2, Glendelvine 1, Islamouth 8, Ballathie 1, Stobhall 1,
Total: 23 Largest: Glendelvine 22lbs
A MAINLY DRY WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 21st April 2025)
There were some lovely springers caught from the Tay system last week and there was an improvement in fishing conditions. Gone were the warm temperatures and bright skies of the previous week and instead, it was much cooler with showers and some longer spells of rain. Over the weekend, there were a few showers. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will see some showers affect parts of Perthshire. From midweek onwards, high pressure will build, bringing mostly dry and settled conditions. It will also feel cooler.
Last week, there were fish caught from Loch Tay down to Stobhall, so fish are well spread throughout the system. More fish should be entering the river as we move towards the end of April and into May. We are now moving into what should be the prime spring period on the river, especially for beats situated on the middle river. Hopefully, there will be some nice Tay springers caught in the week ahead. There is a decent chance of catching a fish almost anywhere on the main river next week as well as the River Tummel and Ericht.
Good luck to all those fishing on the 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.