(River Tay weekly report week ending 16th August 2025)
Temperatures soared across Perthshire again last week, and by the middle part of the week, some spots peaked in the high twenties. This made it far from ideal for salmon fishing at times and definitely impacted catches. Thankfully, as the week progressed, it became a little cooler and by the weekend, temperatures were in the high teens to low twenties. Despite the warmer weather, there were some cracking summer salmon and grilse caught from the Tay system last week, which was great to see.
There was a fish caught from the Upper Farleyer Beat on the upper river on Tuesday. On the middle river, there was success at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. It was good to see a couple of fish caught at Dalguise on Monday and success at Dalmarnock on Saturday. Dukeld saw fish landed on both Monday and Tuesday.
At Newtyle, there was a fish caught from the Boil on Tuesday and another caught from the Steps Pool on Wednesday. On Monday, Mr Kevin Gilmour caught a nice fish from the Garth at Glendelvine.
Mr Kenny Milne and Mr Scott Sykes both caught fish at Kercock on Saturday. On Monday, Mr Charlie McVeigh caught a fresh grilse from Davie’s Stone at Islamouth.
On Tuesday, Mr Willie Getting landed a good fish at Islamouth. Mr McVeigh caught another grilse from Sandyford on Wednesday.
It was good to see a fish caught at Ballathie on Friday. Three fish, including a magnificent nineteen pounder, were caught on Monday at Cargill.
On Tuesday, Mr Alan Lunardi caught a fresh grilse at Cargill despite the high temperatures. There were a few more fish caught through the course of the week at Cargill.
There were fish caught at Stobhall on Monday, Thursday and Friday. The Taymount Beat finished with five fish for the week.
It was good to see a fish caught at Burnmouth on Monday and success at Upper Scone on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Anglers at Benchil had some rod bending action on Wednesday and Friday. There was some decent sport to be had at Fishponds last week. On Monday, Mr Werner Steiner caught a lovely seven pounder on the fly from the Red Brae. On Tuesday evening, Mr Simon Furniss managed a nice four pound grilse and an eight pounder from the Craigs and Benchil Green. On Thursday twelve year old Charles Wood had a day to remember at Fishponds. Charles was fly fishing in the Craigs Pool when he hooked a powerful fish. After a great fight, Charles went on to land a lovely sixteen pounder. What a fish and well-done young man!
Success for the youngsters continued on Friday at Fishponds when Ethan Thomas caught a lovely fish from the Fireshot on the fly.
It was good to see a fish caught at Upper Redgorton on Monday. It was a great start to the week at Waulkmill with eight fish landed from the beat on Monday. Successful anglers included Mr Iain Law and his son Roan. Waulkmill finished with thirteen fish for the 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 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 16th August)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalguise 2, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld 2, Newtyle 2, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 2, Islamouth 3, Cargill 9, Ballathie 1, Taymount 5, Stobhall 3, Burnmouth 1, Upper Scone 4, Benchil 2, Upper Redgorton 1, Fishponds 7, Waulkmill 13
Total: 61 Largest: Stobhall 22lbs
COOLER TEMPERATURES ON THE HORIZON?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 18th August 2025)
There were some fine fish caught from the river last week, including a number weighing in the high teens of pounds, which was good to see. In addition, some nice hard fighting fresh grilse were landed; hopefully, there will be plenty more in the days and weeks ahead.
In terms of the weather last week, it became much warmer and humid, with temperatures by midweek hitting the high-twenties in some spots and this seemed to impact catches. Thankfully, it became a little cooler towards the end of the week and into the weekend.
Looking ahead to next week, some cooler temperatures are on the horizon compared to last week. It will be mainly dry with very little rainfall and light winds. Cloud amounts will vary with the chance of an odd isolated shower. Temperatures will be in the high teens for the most part.
The fish caught last week were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting fresh grilse, with many being sea liced. Salmon were caught from Upper Farleyer down to Waulkmill, which shows that there are fish well spread throughout the system. The best chance of success next week would probably be on some of the beats on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week on some famous and prolific beats, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay summer silver? You might just get a twenty pounder coming your way!
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.