(River Tay weekly report week ending 14th June 2025)
We are now into the middle of June and hopefully, in the days and weeks ahead, the summer run on the River Tay will start to build momentum. There have already been a few grilse and larger summer salmon caught from the Tay system in recent weeks as well as the odd late running springer. As we move through June and into July, more summer fish should enter the river with every tide, giving anglers the opportunity to catch hard fighting grilse and summer salmon.
It was another mixed bag of weather last week. There were some showers, some of which were thundery, and also some longer spells of rain. On Saturday, a spell of hefty rain across Perthshire led to river levels rising. Temperatures were rising from midweek onwards and by the end of the week, there was quite a humid feel to proceedings.
Some nice fish were landed from the Tay system last week but most anglers are now waiting for the summer run to get into full swing.
On the upper river, a fine fourteen pounder was caught at Upper Farleyer on Saturday. It was good to see a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. There was a fish caught at Dalmarnock on Friday.
On Monday, it was a flying start to the week at Newtyle when Mr David Craig landed a nice fish from the Steps on the fly in the morning.
Mr Simon Furniss and his party were fishing on the Murthly 2 Beat for the week and were successful on Monday and Tuesday.
On Friday, Mr Mark McCloone caught a fine thirteen pounder from the Garth at Glendelvine. This was Mr. McCloone’s first fish of the season, hopefully, the first of many! There was a cracking sixteen pounder caught from the Kercock Beat on Monday, with another fish landed on Thursday. Kercock finished with three fish for the week.
At Islamouth Mr Stuart Yates and his party were fishing during the first half of the week. There were five fish landed at Islamouth on Monday, including a magnificent eighteen pounder. Successful anglers included Mr. James Holder, amongst others.
Three more fish were caught at Islamouth on Tuesday, all from Donnits. On Wednesday, Mr Jim Coates caught a cracking salmon from Davie’s Stone.
On Friday, Mr Andrew Cuthbert caught a salmon from the Castle Pool at Islamouth.
Further downstream at Cargill, Mr Lance Montaigue caught a cracking fifteen pounder from the Cradle on Monday. This was Mr Montaigue’s first ever Tay salmon. Well done, Sir! There was also a fish caught at Ballathie on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, which was good to see.
The Taymount Beat finished with four fish for the week, including a fine sixteen pounder on Wednesday. There was a fish caught further downstream at Upper Redgorton on Wednesday.
It was nice to see some lovely fresh fish caught from the Tay system last week. Summer salmon and grilse numbers should start to build in the river in the upcoming weeks, so why not wet a line on the Tay next week? With good current water conditions for many beats, you might have a day to remember!
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 June)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalmarnock 1, Newtyle 1, Murthly 2, 2, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 3, Islamouth 11, Ballathie 3, Cargill 1, Taymount 4, Upper Redgorton 1
Total: 30 Largest: Islamouth 18lbs
A SETTLED WEEK AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 16th June 2025)
We are now into mid-June and more summer salmon will be entering the Tay system on every tide. Over the next few weeks, the summer run on the Tay should begin to gain momentum. It was a mixed bag of weather last week with some widespread showers, some of which were heavy at times. In the sunshine, it felt pleasantly warm. A spell of heavy rain on Saturday led to a lift in water but it was drier on Sunday. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry, apart from the odd shower. From midweek onwards, the weather is set to turn more settled as high pressure builds. It will also feel warmer with temperatures in the mid to high teens.
There is a chance of fresh fish anywhere on the Tay system next week but more so on the beats located on the middle and lower river.
As always, there are some fantastic salmon fishing opportunities on the river in the coming days that will suit all budgets. The great variety of fishing on offer on the Tay system is second to none. So why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? Nothing beats landing some Tay mid-summer silver!
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.