(River Tay weekly report week ending 14th February 2026)
It was another week of quite unsettled weather across much of the country, including Perthshire, especially during the first half of the week. The easterly wind persisted, bringing showers and from time to time, longer spells of rain.
Thankfully, towards the end of the week, it became much drier and brighter as a northerly airflow developed but it felt much colder.
Over the weekend, Saturday was mainly dry but there were further spells of rain, sleet and snow during the early hours of Sunday.
There was more than a fish a day caught from the Tay last week and this was with fishing pressure being relatively light. The quality of the fish that were landed was second to none, which was great to see. It was nice to see that the Meikleour Beat got off the mark for the new season on Tuesday when a beautiful nine pounder was caught from the March Pool.
The week started off with a bang on Monday at Taymount, where three lovely fish were landed best weighing twelve pounds. There were a couple more fish caught at Taymount on Friday, including a magnificent sixteen pounder. The Taymount Beat has produced some fine springers already this season and hopefully, there are plenty more to come in the coming weeks.
Mr. Callum Imray was fishing the Stobhall Beat on Thursday when he got a powerful take on the fly. After a terrific battle Mr Imray went on to land a lovely eight pounder. This was the first fish caught on the fly from Stobhall this season. On Saturday, four more fish were caught from the Stobhall Beat, weighing up to fourteen pounds, which made it a great end to the week. It appears that there are a few fish in this area of the river and maybe the famous Linn Pool is proving to be a popular resting point for springers running upstream.
With the quality of salmon currently being landed on the Tay system being second to none, why not chase some spring silver on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats landing that February bar of silver.
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 14th February)
SALMON & GRILSE: Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Taymount 3, Stobhall 5
TOTAL: 11LARGEST: Stobhall 14lbs
COLDER WEATHER ON THE HORIZON?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 16th February 2026)
The weather was quite unsettled, especially during the first half of last week but as the week progressed, it became drier as a northerly airflow established itself over the country. Over the weekend, it was mainly dry and bright on Saturday, with light winds, but more rain fell on Sunday, which turned to snow over higher ground.
The weather for the week ahead looks set to be quite changeable with low pressure being in charge for much of the week. However, on a positive note, the persistent cold easterly wind that has plagued much of the country for weeks will be replaced by westerly and north-westerly winds. Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry apart from a few showers. Winds will be light and it will feel cold in the north westerly wind. From midweek onwards, there is a chance of colder weather, with the possibility of snow even down to lower levels. Temperatures will be in low single figures for the most part, with the possibility of some hard night time frosts.
There were some lovely springers caught last week from the Tay system and hopefully this trend will continue as we move through February and into March. Next week, there is a reasonable chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere on the system. It should not be too long before the first fish is caught from the River Tummel and Isla.
As always, there are no shortage of options when it comes to fishing on the Tay system, with fishing to suit all tastes. So why not wet a line on the Tay next week? There might just be a springer with your name on it!
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.