(River Tay weekly report week ending 30th May 2026)
We have now moved into June, which heralds the end of the traditional spring salmon fishing season in Scotland. However, in the past, on the Tay system, early June has produced some nice late running springers and given decent fishing conditions; it can be quite a productive time of year. A number of rivers across Scotland have already produced some early running grilse over the past few days, and hopefully, in addition to the late running springers, some early summer fish will also be caught on the Tay in the upcoming weeks.
Last week saw temperatures soar across Scotland, especially during the first half. Indeed, some spots in Perthshire recorded temperatures in the mid-twenties. This, coupled with bright blue cloudless skies and sparkling sunshine, made it tough going on the Tay. As the week progressed, it did turn a little cooler and there was more cloud cover. In spite of the difficult conditions, some nice fish were caught from the Tay system, which was good to see.
On the upper river, there was a fish caught at Edradynate on Thursday. There are now well over eight hundred fish through the fish counter at Pitlochry on the River Tummel and so it was no surprise that a fish was landed on Loch Faskally on Tuesday.
Mr. Graeme Stewart caught a fine seven pounder from the Pitlochry bank at Portnacraig on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Mr. Jim Fisher landed a lovely ten pounder again from the Pitlochry bank. There was more success for Mr. Jim Fisher on Thursday when he caught a fine eight pounder at Portnacraig from the Pitlochry bank. There were two more fish caught at Portnacraig on Saturday.
There were nice fish caught from the Lower Kinnaird Beat on Tuesday and Wednesday. There was success at Dalguise on Monday, where a sparkling springer was caught from the Bridge Pool. It was great to see a magnificent sixteen pounder caught at Dalmarnock on Thursday. On Friday, there were two more fish caught at Dalmarnock, which included a cracking fish tipping the scales at just over seventeen pounds.
Angler Robert had a day to remember at Dunkeld on Wednesday. Robert caught not just his first but also his second ever springer. He also went on to lose another fish. What a great day. Robert will be thinking catching springers is easy!
There was a fine brace landed at Newtyle on Friday. Mr. Torgeir Finnesand from Norway caught a lovely fish from the Boil on a sunray in the morning. Not to be outdone, Mr. Ole Rosvold caught a cracker from the Steps in the afternoon. It was good to see success at Stenton on Friday.
At Murthly, Mr. Colin Maclean had a nice fish from Garth late in the evening on Monday.
Mr. Stuart Lang caught a lovely fish from the Burn very early on Tuesday morning.
Mr Colin Maclean enjoyed more success at Murthly on Wednesday when he caught a cracker from the Stone Seat. Mr. Kevin Gilmour rounded the week off nicely on Friday when he landed a nice fish again from the Stone Seat.
It was great to see fish caught at Kercock on Thursday and Friday.
On Saturday, Mr. John Dewar caught a fine fifteen pounder at Kercock.
At Islamouth, Mr. Lawson Steele caught a fine fish from Donnits on Monday morning.
Not to be outdone, Mr. Max Thomas caught a cracking springer on Monday afternoon from the Castle. There was more success for Mr. Max Thomas on Tuesday at Islamouth when he landed a nice fish from the Ring Stone.
On Thursday, Mr. James Aird caught a lovely springer from the Ashtree.
On Saturday, Mr Victor Beamish and Mr Ali Cuthbert both caught fish at Islamouth.
Mr. Steve Caroll caught a superb eleven pounder at Ballathie on Monday from the Rumbling Stone. The fish put up a great fight and was safely returned. There was more success at Ballathie on Thursday.
It was great to see a fine brace landed at Cargill on Wednesday. On Saturday, Mrs. Lucinda Ewin caught a nice fish at Cargill.
There were also fish caught at Stobhall and Taymount last week, including four at Taymount on Saturday. There was a fish caught at Burnmouth on Saturday, which was good to see.
It was a day to remember for nine-year-old Asien White at Fishponds on Monday. Asien caught his first ever salmon from the Well Hole on a Vision 110 lure. What a magnificent fish for your first…well done, young man! Further downstream, it was good to see a couple of fish caught from the Waulkmill Beat last week.
So, it was a tough week on the river and the extreme heat and bright conditions definitely played a part. Thankfully, next week’s weather forecast does look a little more promising, so why not wet a line in the mighty River Tay? You might just experience some early June magic!
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 30th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Edradynate 1, Loch Faskally 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 5, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalguise 1, Dalmarnock 3, Dunkeld 2, Newtyle 2, Stenton 1, Murthly 1, 4, Kercock 3, Islamouth 6, Ballathie 2, Cargill 3, Stobhall 1, Taymount 5, Burnmouth 1, Fishponds 1, Waulkmill 2
Total:46 Largest: Dalmarnock 17lbs
COOLER AND MORE UNSETTLED WEATHER ON THE HORIZON?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 1st June 2026)
Last week saw very warm, bright conditions across much of Scotland, including Perthshire. Indeed, during the first half of the week, temperatures soared into the mid-twenties in some spots. Anglers who chose to fish early in the morning and then again late at night enjoyed some success. Thankfully, towards the end of the week, it did turn a little cooler and there was more cloud cover on offer at times. Over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday were mainly dry apart from the odd shower and winds were light.
Looking ahead to next week, the weather is set to turn more unsettled and cooler, which will be welcome news for anglers. Monday will see some showers or longer spells of rain. Tuesday will see widespread showers, likely heavy and prolonged at times. The showery theme is likely to continue as the week progresses, as low pressure influences our weather. Temperatures will be in the mid-teens for the most part. All in all, a much more promising weather forecast.
Catches on the Tay system were again well spread last week, from Edradynate down to Waulkmill. There were also fish caught from Loch Faskally and the River Tummel. Many of the fish caught were sea liced, indicating that the fish entering the system were running hard. There is a good chance of catching a fresh fish anywhere on the main river next week, as the spread of recent catches suggests. Probably the best chance would be anywhere on the middle river or the upper part of the 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 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.