(River Tay weekly report week ending 18th July 2026)
It was another week of difficult fishing conditions across Scotland, including Perthshire. Unfortunately, this seems to be becoming a common theme of the summer so far this year. Temperatures gradually rose through the course of last week, peaking in the mid-twenties by the end of the week. This, coupled with bright blue, cloudless skies and sparkling sunshine, made fishing tough, and it was reflected in the catches. There was a little more cloud cover on offer on Friday and Saturday. However, it felt like Mother Nature was conspiring against anglers fishing the river last week. River levels were steady for much of last week.
On the middle river, there was a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday and Saturday. Mr Norman Deakin caught a cracking fish from the Boil on the fly at Newtyle on Thursday. The Murthly beats finished with a combined total of eight fish for the week.
Despite the hot weather, Mr Emm caught two nice fish at Meikleour on Wednesday. The fish weighed six and seven pounds and were caught from the Castle and House Pools. There was more success at Meikleour on Thursday.
At Islamouth, Ms Rosamund Weaver caught a nice fresh fish from Donnits on Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday at Islamouth, Mr Pedro Landale caught a fine grilse from the Cutty. Ms Rosamund Weaver enjoyed more success when she caught a good fish from the Newshot.
On Thursday, Mr Keith Skeoch landed a fine hat trick at Islamouth and Mr Ian Farr caught a grilse from Davies Stone. There was more success for Mr Ian Farr on Saturday when he caught another grilse from Davies Stone.
It was a memorable day for twelve-year-old Oscar at Cargill on Tuesday. Young Oscar caught his first ever salmon…hopefully the first of many! Mr Gavin Mason caught a nice fish at Cargill on Saturday. This was one of five fish caught at Cargill on Saturday, which included a cracking twenty pounder. There was success at Stobhall on Thursday.
On the Stanley, Mr Jason Stratton caught a fine grilse from the Catholes Stream at Catholes on Friday. A couple of nice fish were caught at Benchil on Tuesday.
Successful anglers included Mr John Sturt and Mr Carl Sutton. Both fish were caught in the Skellies. On Saturday,
Mr Colin Lowson landed a lovely fresh grilse in the Long Shot at Benchil.
There was success at Fishponds on Friday. It was good to see a cracking fish caught by Mr Iain Law at Upper Redgorton on Tuesday.
It was a productive day at Upper Redgorton on Thursday, where three nice fish were landed, including a magnificent seventeen pounder. On Saturday, there were a couple more fish caught at Upper Redgorton. The Upper Redgorton Beat finished their week with a total of six salmon.
The Waulkmill Beat finished with three fish for the week.
It is hoped that some cooler and cloudier conditions will prevail in the not too distant future and with that, catches on the Tay system will improve. Hopefully, the fishing gods will be kinder to anglers fishing the River Tay next week.
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 18th July)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Kinnaird 2, Newtyle 1, Murthly 1, 3, Murthly 2, 5, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 3, Islamouth 10, Cargill 5, Stobhall 1, Catholes 1, Benchil 3, Fishponds 1, Upper Redgorton 6, Waulkmill 3
Total:42 Largest: Cargill 20lbs
MORE DRY AND SUNNY WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 20th July 2026)
It was tough on the Tay last week. Very hot weather, coupled with cloudless skies and sparkling sunshine on most days, impacted catches. River levels were steady for much of last week. It remained dry over the weekend, with temperatures widely in the low twenties.
Looking ahead to next week, high pressure is set to remain in charge for much of the week. This will lead to a lot of dry and fine weather. However, there is a chance that it might be slightly cooler with more cloud on offer on some days. This will be music to the ears of anglers fishing the river. There is a chance of some light rain towards the end of the week and into next weekend as an area of low pressure develops. Winds will be light with temperatures in the high teens or low twenties on most days.
Catches on the river were well spread last week from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill. With the river currently at a good height for fly fishing on many beats. There is a chance of a fish anywhere on the river next week but particularly on the middle and lower river. 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 summer period (June-August)
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 summer months water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or 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 is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water during the summer months a sink tip or intermediate 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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the summer months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. Don’t forget how effective flies like the Sunray Shadow can be at this time of year. These flies fished close to the surface can really do the business especially if the fish are keen on chasing a fly and in an active mood.
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 thirty 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 thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months.
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.
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. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. 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.