(River Tay weekly report week ending 17th May 2025)
We are now into mid-May and the current dry spell feels like it has lasted an age. Indeed, it could be the driest and warmest spring on record across the UK. This, of course, can only be confirmed at the end of the month. Regardless, most rivers across Scotland are desperately low and a decent lift in water could make all the difference.
It was another dry week across Perthshire with plenty of bright sunshine. Towards the end of the week, temperatures soared above twenty degrees and once again, this made it tough for anglers. The fish that were caught were in excellent condition, and this included some sea licers. This shows that despite the river being at summer levels, there is always enough water for fresh fish to run the Tay, which is a comforting thought.
On the River Tummel at Portnacraig, Mr Danny Fulton caught a nice ten pounder on the fly on Friday. Further downstream, a couple of fish were caught from the East Haugh beat on Wednesday.
On Monday, there was a magnificent twenty two pounder caught from the Lower Kinnaird Beat. This shows the calibre of fish the Tay can produce at this time of year. There was success at Dalguise on Saturday. It was good to see a fish caught from the Dalmarnock Beat on Thursday.
At Newtyle, Mr Roy Thue had a happy Monday. When he hooked a powerful fish, Mr Thue was fly fishing in the Trap. After a great fight, Mr Thue went on to land a lovely sea liced springer.
At Cargill, Mr Mathew Hartup caught a lovely fish from the Cradle Wall on Thursday morning. Further downstream, it was good to see a fine eleven pounder caught at Taymount on Saturday.
Mid May should be a productive time of year on the Tay system especially for beats located on the middle river. Unfortunately, this has coincided with challenging fishing conditions for much of the past month. Soaring temperatures, low water, bright sunshine and cloudless skies have given the distinct feeling that Mother Nature has not been on the angler’s side. Hopefully, weather conditions will become more conducive to salmon fishing in the upcoming weeks, resulting in improved catches on the Tay system.
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 17th May)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, East Haugh 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 1, Newtyle 1, Cargill 1, Taymount 1
Total:9 Largest: Lower Kinnaird 22lbs
A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER ON THE HORIZON?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 19th May 2025)
Most of Scotland again basked in bright sunshine and warm temperatures for much of last week. Unfortunately, this has been a familiar story over the past few weeks. There were cloudless blue skies, wall to wall sunshine and temperatures rising to the dizzy heights of twenty-two degrees across Perthshire. This was good news for many, but certainly not for anglers. River levels are currently unseasonably low for the time of year.
Looking ahead to next week, the weather forecast looks set to be mainly dry again with high pressure remaining in charge to start the week. However, as we move towards the end of next week, there may be a change in the weather as low pressure may begin to exert its influence and this could lead to some showers or longer spells of rain next weekend. Only time will tell whether there will be enough rain to lead to a lift in water.
Traditionally, beats located on the middle river are usually the most productive at this time of year. Last week, fish were caught from the Lower Kinnaird down to Taymount. The River Tummel also produced some nice fish. With water temperatures rising, any fresh fish entering the system will be running hard, so there is a chance of a fish almost anywhere on the system.
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.