(River Tay weekly report week ending 25th April 2026)
Last week was one of the drier weeks of Spring 2026, which was good news for anglers. So far this season, the river has remained quite high due to a combination of melting snow and relentless rainfall, mostly over the western side of the catchment. This has led to frequent rises in water levels and quite unsettled river conditions, which have made salmon fishing on the Tay system tough at times. Last week’s drier weather led to river levels dropping away gradually and a few fish started to show in some of the pools on the river. The reason for all the fine, settled weather was a large area of high pressure that centered over the UK, leading to mainly fine and dry conditions for much of the week. Water heights are now perfect for many beats on the middle and lower river and there have been some stunning spring salmon landed from the Tay system in the sparkling Perthshire sunshine over the past few days.
On the upper river, there were fish caught from both Farleyer beats last week. It was good to see the first fish of the season caught from Loch Faskally on Friday.
It was a fantastic start to the week at Portnacraig on the River Tummel, where seven fish were caught on Monday. Mr. Dave Stewart caught a nice eight pounder from the Portnacraig bank. Mr Ally Gowans landed two fish, one from the Portnacraig bank and one from the Pitlochry bank, both weighing around the eight pounds mark. Mr. Graeme Stewart had a fine thirteen pounder and Mr. Steve Watt caught a twelve pounder, with both fish again being landed from the Piltochry bank. Other successful anglers at Portnacraig on Monday included Mr. Les Dargie and Mr. Jim Fisher.
On Wednesday, Mr. Jimmy Ross caught a lovely thirteen pounder on the fly at Portnacraig from the Portnacraig bank. Mr. Jim Fisher caught a superb eighteen pounder at Portnacraig on Thursday, again from the Portnacraig bank. The Portnacraig Beat finished with twelve fish for the week.
Further downstream on the River Tummel at East Haugh, there were some nice fish caught last week. Successful anglers Mr. Rab Deacons and Mr. Stuart Dobrijevic.
Mr. John Murray caught a nice springer from the Lower Kinnaird Beat on Tuesday.
The Newtyle Beat has produced some nice fish in recent days and last week was no different. On Monday, Ms. Elizabeth Way caught a cracking fish from the Plain Tree Pool on a Willie Gunn. In the afternoon, Mr. Edward Parkes landed a magnificent sixteen pounder on the fly from the Cotter Pool. On Tuesday, Mr. James Lumsden landed a fine springer from the Lairds Bank.
A fish was caught at Newtyle on Thursday. On Saturday, it was the turn of Ms Marina Forbes Leith, who caught a lovely fish from the Steps.
It was good to see both Murthly beats produce fish last week.
The Murthly beats finished with a combined total of seven fish for the week, including a lovely fifteen pounder caught from the Murthly 1 Beat on Saturday. There was a fish caught at Stenton on Friday.
There were three fish caught at Glendelvine on Thursday. Mr. Stuart Lang caught a good fish from the Bargie on the fly and Mr. Bryan McLean landed not one but two fine fish from the Boat Pool.
There was a fish caught at Meikleour on Monday. On Saturday, angler Graeme caught a nice eight pounder from the Castle Pool at Meikleour. There were some nice fish caught from both the Kethick beats as well as the West Grange beat on the River Ericht last week.
At Islamouth, Mr. Tom Raill caught a nice springer on the fly from the Junction on Monday.
On Thursday morning, Mr. Neil Tong landed a lovely fish from Donnits. On Saturday, Mr Barry Ward and Mr Stuart Lang both caught nice fish at Islamouth.
At Cargill, Mr. Pat McKay banished away those Monday morning blues when he caught a lovely fish in the morning. There was a fish caught at Burnmouth on Wednesday, which was good to see. Mr Colin Frood caught a magnificent twenty two pounder at Stobhall on Monday.
Well done, Sir, what a fish! There was another fish caught at Stobhall on Saturday. It was good to see a fish caught at Taymount on Saturday.
On the Stanley beats, Mr. Robert Fyfe caught a cracking fresh fish at Catholes from the Back Dam on Monday evening. There was more success at Catholes on Wednesday when Gerry Rattray landed a lovely springer. Further downstream, it was good to see a couple of nice fish caught at Upper Scone last week.
We are now moving towards what should be traditionally the prime spring period for many beats on the middle River Tay. With some cracking 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 end April on a high!
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 25th April)
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Farleyer 1, Loch Faskally 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 12, East Haugh 3, Lower Kinnaird 1, Newtyle 5, Murthly 1, 2, Murthly 2, 5, Stenton 1, Glendelvine 3, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 2, Kethick Streams 1, Kethick Mains 2, West Grange 6, Islamouth 4, Cargill 1, Stobhall 2,Taymount 1, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 2, Upper Scone 2
Total: 59Largest: Stobhall 22lbs
MORE SETTLED CONDITIONS IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 27th April 2025)
Courtesy of a large area of high pressure, the weather was mainly dry and settled last week apart from some patchy light rain on Monday. Winds were light with temperatures in the mid-teens for the most part. River levels gradually dropped throughout last week, and fishing conditions were decent on many beats, but it was very bright towards the end of the week, with little cloud cover. It has been mainly dry and settled over the weekend. Looking ahead to next week, high pressure will continue to dominate. There will be variable amounts of cloud on most days with sunny spells and winds will be light. Temperatures will again be in the mid-teens for the most part. There is a chance of cooler, more unsettled weather as we move towards next weekend, but there is currently a lot of uncertainty about this.
There were more stunning spring salmon caught from the Tay system last week and a number of these were sea liced, which was great to see. Fish entering the river seem to be running hard, with sea liced fish being caught regularly on the middle river. Catches on the system were well spread last week, from Loch Tay down to Upper Scone. The River Tummel continues to fish well, especially at Portnacraig and there were also fish caught on the River Ericht. The number of fish entering the Tay system and heading for one of the many tributaries should continue to increase in the upcoming weeks, so hopefully, there will be plenty more good sport to be had. There is a decent chance of catching 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.