(River Tay weekly report week ending 18th April 2026)
We are now moving towards the end of April, which is traditionally a prime time for spring salmon fishing on many of Scotland’s rivers. Usually, spring catches start to build from early March and peak over the next few weeks. On the River Tay, April and May are often the most productive spring months, especially for beats located on the middle river. This usually coincides with larger runs of salmon entering the Tay destined for rivers like the Lyon, Tummel and Ericht. Hopefully, good numbers of hard-fighting spring salmon will enter the Tay system in the next few weeks, ensuring good sport for anglers.
Water levels were settled at the beginning of last week but heavy overnight rain on Tuesday led to a rising river on Wednesday. The unsettled weather continued from midweek onwards, leading to fluctuating river levels. It was good to see catches improve on the Tay system last week and hopefully this trend will continue as we move through April and into May.
Anglers on Loch Tay have enjoyed some decent sport in recent weeks and last week was no different. There were a couple of nice fish caught from the loch on Monday. Successful anglers included Mr. Ian Golledge, who caught a nice springer from his own boat, weighing fourteen pounds. Mr David Lymburn caught his first ever salmon when he was fishing with Mr Robert McFarlane from the Trolling for Salmon on Loch Tay team. Well done, Sir, you never forget your first!
On the upper river, Mr Colin Taylor from the PDAA caught a nice fish weighing seven pounds from the Upper Farleyer Beat on Thursday.
Mr. Alistair Dunbar caught a cracking fish on the fly from the Lower Bolfracks Beat on Thursday. The fish weighed twelve pounds.
On the River Tummel at Portnacraig, Mr Bruce Campbell caught a magnificent eighteen pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry bank on Monday. On Thursday, Mr. Kenny Hyslop caught a nice eight pounder from the Pitlochry bank on the fly. Other successful anglers at Portnacraig last week included Mr. Roger Colllins, who landed two crackers on Friday and Mr. Martin Wilson.
Further downstream on the River Tummel at East Haugh, a fish was caught from the beat on Monday. On Friday, Mr. Neil Sproul also caught a nice springer from the beat.
It was good to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday.
There was success at Dunkeld on Tuesday. On Wednesday, angler Robert caught his first and second-ever springer at Dunkeld. One of the fish was caught harling and the second fish was caught on the fly.
At Newtyle, Mr. Alan Coates caught a nice springer from the Ferry Pool on Tuesday.
On Tuesday afternoon, PDAA member Mr. Murray Wilson caught a cracking fish from the Cotter on the fly at Newtyle. On Thursday evening, Sandy Datta also landed a fish on the fly from the Cotter.
It was a fantastic Friday for Mr. John Langlands at Newtyle when he caught his first ever salmon. The fish was caught from the Steps. Well done, Sir, hopefully the first of many!
Both Murthly beats produced a combined total of eight fish for the week, which was good to see. A couple of fish were caught at Glendelvine on Tuesday. Both fish were caught by Mr. Stuart Lang, harling from the Spruces, one taken on the fly and the other on a Tomic lure. On Thursday, Mr. Per Haikkila from Sweden caught a good fish on the fly from the Bargie at Glendelvine.
Mr. Tony Griffiths caught a lovely springer on the fly at Kercock on Friday, which was great to see. With the water levels now gradually dropping, hopefully, there will be a few more nice fish caught from the beat in the upcoming weeks.
On the River Ericht, there was success at Keithick Streams Beat on Monday and there were also some cracking fish caught at West Grange last week.
At Islamouth, Mr. Brian McLean caught a nice fish from the Longhead on Monday afternoon. This was one of two fish caught at Islamouth on Monday. There was a magnificent seventeen pounder caught at Islamouth on Tuesday again from the Longhead. There were a couple more fish caught from Islamouth on Wednesday, from the Newshot and Longhead.
It was a productive Monday at Taymount with four fish landed from the beat, including a cracking eighteen pounder. There were a couple more fish caught at Taymount on Wednesday. It was good to see a fish caught at Burnmouth on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, PDAA member Mr. Mateusz Pokora caught a fine ten pounder on a Flying C lure at Burnmouth.
Mr. Iain Law banished those Monday morning blues at Catholes. Mr. Law landed not one but two fine springers on the fly in the morning.
Do Mondays get any better than this?
Eighty three year old Mr Freddie Sutherland had a fantastic day at Catholes on Tuesday. Mr. Sutherland hooked a powerful fish and, after a good fight, went on to land a fine ten pounder. The fish was caught from the Little Head.
On Saturday, Mr. Mark Hebron caught a nice springer again from the Little Head at Catholes on the fly.
Further downstream, Mr. Paul Richardson caught a nice fish on the fly from Horsey on Friday at Pitlochrie.
We are now moving into what should be traditionally the prime spring period for many beats on the River Tay. With some nice spring salmon being landed from the Tay system last week, there is every chance that anglers will enjoy more decent sport in the days ahead. There is some good availability on the river next week, with salmon fishing to suit all tastes. So why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers in the upcoming days? You might just land that April spring sparkler!
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 (For beats reporting on Fishpal only)
(week ending 18th April)
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Bolfracks 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 5, East Haugh 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dunkeld 3, Newtyle 4, Murthly 1, 2, Murthly 2, 6, Glendelvine 3, Kercock 1, Kethick Streams 1, West Grange 6, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 5, Taymount 6, Burnmouth 3, Pitlochrie 1, Cathole 4
Total:56 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry and Taymount 18lbs
SOME SETTLED WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 20th April 2026)
The weather was quite settled during the first half of last week. However, from midweek onwards, showers and even longer spells of rain occurred. This led to a rising river on Wednesday and water levels remained unsettled towards the end of the week. It was also quite windy at times. Over the weekend, there were some showers on Saturday, but it was mainly dry on Sunday.
Looking ahead to next week, high pressure is set to dominate, bringing dry, settled weather. There will be a few showers on Monday. However, from Tuesday onwards, it should be mainly dry with variable amounts of cloud. Winds will be light. It will also be cooler with light easterly winds and there is a chance of some night time frosts.
Fish were caught last week from Loch Tay down to Pitlochrie, so catches were well spread on the Tay system. The River Tummel continues to produce a few fish, as well as the River Ericht. Many of the fish caught last week were sea liced, indicating that, as the water temperature gradually rises, the fish are running hard upstream. There is a good chance of a springer anywhere on the Tay system next week, as catches in recent days would suggest. So why not book a day on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats 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.