(River Tay weekly report week ending 7th March 2026)
We have now moved into March and the spring salmon fishing season is well underway in Scotland. There have been some fine spring salmon caught on many of Scotland’s rivers, including the mighty River Tay and hopefully catches in the next few weeks will go from strength to strength. The Tay system can often produce some big springers in March and fingers crossed, this will be the case as we move through this month. As we all know, if you want to catch a big springer in Scotland, the Tay can often produce the goods.
Last week was the first full week of spring and it did feel spring like at times. After heavy rain last Sunday, it was quite a settled spell of weather across Perthshire last week. River levels were high on Monday, with the water peaking at over eight feet on the Ballathie gauge. However, as the week progressed, water levels gradually dropped and conditions improved. There were some nice fish caught from the Tay system last week, which was good to see.
Mr. Don Wallace, who was fishing with Robert McFarlene from Trolling for Salmon on Loch Tay, caught a cracking springer from Loch Tay on Saturday. This was the second fish caught from the loch this season.
On Tuesday, there was a magnificent twenty pounder caught from the Upper Kinnaird Beat. So far this season, there have been very few fish caught from the upper river, so hopefully this is the start of things to come.
On the River Tummel, Mr. Alan Carpenter landed a fine seven pound springer on Saturday. The fish was caught from the Dunfallandy and West Haugh Beat.
There was success at Dalmarnock on Saturday. It was great to see the Dunkeld Beat get off the mark for the new season when, on Saturday, a fine nine pounder was caught harling from the Gauge Pool.
On the River Ericht, there was a fish caught from the West Grange Beat on Wednesday.
Mr. Stuart Lang caught a fine springer at Islamouth on Thursday. This was the first fish of the season caught from the Islamouth Beat.
Ms Jane Gregson had a day to remember at Ballathie on Wednesday. Ms. Gregson hooked a powerful fish on the upper beat. After a great fight, Ms. Gregson went on to land a lovely fifteen pounder. The fish was caught on a pink Tay lure. This was also the first fish of the season caught from the Ballathie Beat.
A fish weighing seven pounds was caught at Taymount on Monday, with two more landed from the beat on Wednesday. The Taymount Beat finished with six fish for the week.
At Burnmouth, a Perth & District Angling Association member caught a fine springer on Tuesday. This was one of two fish caught from Burnmouth on Tuesday. There were a couple more fish caught at Burnmouth on Saturday.
Mr. John Steven Todd had a day to remember at Catholes on the Thursday. Mr. Todd landed not just one but two lovely spring salmon from the beat. This included a magnificent fourteen pounder. A spring double in early March is a great achievement. Well done, sir!
The Upper Scone Beat has produced some nice fish in recent weeks and last week was no different: a fine brace was landed on Tuesday, with another fish caught on Wednesday.
On Thursday the line tightened on the Upper Redgorton Beat. After a magnificent fight a fine seven pound sea trout was landed.
On Saturday, the first springer of the new season was caught at Upper Redgorton. The magnificent springer put up a great tussle and weighed eighteen pounds.
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 March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Kinnaird 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld 1, West Grange 1, Islamouth 1, Ballathie 1, Taymount 6, Burnmouth 4, Catholes 2, Upper Scone 3, Upper Redgorton
Total: 22 Largest: Upper Kinnaird 20lbs
A SETTLED WEATHER FORECAST IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 9th March 2026)
The Tay system continued to produce some nice spring salmon last week. It was mainly dry for much of last week but there was some rain on Thursday. The water was high and quite coloured last Monday, but gradually dropped throughout the week. Over the weekend, it was mainly dry on Saturday and Sunday. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday are set to be mainly dry apart from the odd shower. There is a chance of some light patchy rain on Wednesday. Towards the end of the week, it is likely to become more unsettled with some longer spells of rain. It could also turn windier and cooler. Temperatures for the most part next week will be in the low double figures with light winds during the first half of the week.
As we move through March, hopefully, more of these magnificent Tay spring salmon will be landed. There is a reasonable chance of catching a springer almost anywhere on the main river next week. Loch Tay, as well as the River Tummel, may also be well worth a cast. With some nice springers being caught from the Tay system, why not wet a line next week? Nothing beats hooking that big Tay March 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 early spring period (January-March)
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 get in touch with your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring before visiting the River Tay.
Fly Fishing
During the early spring months, water temperatures are often low and river levels are high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly moves through the water column can be the key to success. Often you may be required to use floating lines coupled with sinking polyleaders, intermediate or even full sinking lines. It is therefore important that you have a fly rod that can work in harmony with a heavy line. As the Tay is a big river, a powerful fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating usually covers almost any eventuality.
In terms of lines, whether a full Spey line or Shooting head system, a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates can work well. An intermediate or full sinking line may be required in higher water to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has 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 to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain during the early spring period. Usually, a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds is ideal.
During the early part of the season, tube flies often work well. If the water temperatures are low, weighted copper, brass, or even tungsten tubes of a decent length will allow your fly to get well down and close to where the fish will likely be lying. In cold weather, the fish are unlikely to be keen on moving fast, so it is better that your fly moves through the water column at an adequate depth and not too quickly.
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 cast lures comfortably, 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 during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures that are well worth considering.
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 that is very much dependent on water height 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 for 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 worth remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long as possible and use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. Anglers must treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.