River Tay weekly report week ending 29th January 2022
It was the second full week of the season on the River Tay last week and the weather was quite settled during the first half of the week with river levels steady. A large area of high pressure centred itself over much of the UK including Scotland and this led to it being mainly dry with variable amounts of cloud until Wednesday. There was some rain on Wednesday night and as we moved towards the weekend conditions became more unsettled with rain affecting mostly the western side of the catchment area. On Saturday there was a spell of very stormy weather with gale-force winds affecting much of Perthshire courtesy of Storm Malik. The water temperature last week was 39.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 4.2 degrees Celsius.
Fishing pressure on the river last week was relatively light which is unsurprising with it being so early in the season. Despite this more beats on the river got off the mark for the season which was great to see. It was a magical Monday at Meikleour for Mr Gerry McGhee. Mr McGhee hooked a powerful fish in the House Pool and after a great fight landed a stunning springer weighing fifteen pounds. What a great start to the season at Meikleour and long may it continue!
Mr Gerry McGhee with a fine springer caught at Meikleour on Monday
On Wednesday there was a beautiful springer caught on the Taymount Beat weighing eighteen pounds. The fish was caught by Mr David McDonald and took a Vision110 lure. Well done sir!
Away from the fishing, the TDSFB have been continuing their hard work. This week the team started stocking maiden salmon eggs. Small batches of these eggs have been stocked in the Garry, Tilt, Earn and Fillan. Hopefully, this will mean that generations to come will continue to enjoy good sport on the Tay system.
Hopefully anglers will land a few more spring crackers like this next week!
It is likely that more fish would have been caught from the river if there had been more anglers fishing but it is still very early in the season. As the week’s progress there should be more fresh fish entering the Tay system increasing the chances of making contact with some early season silver.
Stocking out maiden salmon eggs on the Tay system last week
With some nice fish already landed this season why not wet a line on the Tay next week? With fish already in the system and more running the river daily, there might just be a February springer with your name on it!
A fly for next week?
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 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 29th January)
SALMON & GRILSE: Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Taymount 1
TOTAL: 2 Largest: Taymount 18lbs
WHAT WILL FEBRUARY HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS ON THE TAY?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 31st January 2022)
We move into February next week and as each day passes there is more chance of landing that ultimate spring prize in our sport. It will be interesting to see what February will have in store for anglers on the Tay. Conditions were decent for much of last week with the river being at a good height for many beats. It is likely that more fish would have been caught if there had been greater fishing pressure.
Over the weekend it has been very stormy with gale-force winds on Saturday courtesy of Storm Malik. On Sunday night we did it all again as this time Storm Corrie unleashed its wrath across much of Scotland. Looking ahead to next week it will feel cool on Monday in the brisk northwesterly wind with the chance of a few isolated snow showers. Tuesday and Wednesday should be mostly dry with temperatures in the high single figures. As we move towards the end of the week the unsettled theme will return once again with spells of wind and rain with interludes of drier and brighter weather. Temperatures will be around average for the time of year.
Next week there is a good chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the main river as well as Loch Tay and the River Tummel. As always there are no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. The Tay system offers tremendous value for money at this time of year with anglers being able to fish on some of the most famous and prestigious beats in Scotland at a very reasonable price. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? You might just make contact with some early season 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 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 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 early spring months water temperatures are often low and river levels high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly is moving 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 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 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 are likely to 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 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 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 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 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 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 respect at all times.