(River Tay weekly report week ending 28th February 2026)
We have now moved into March and this is often when many anglers decide to pick up a rod for the first time in the new season. In March, the days get notably longer, and the weather starts to improve. Usually, more fresh fish start to enter many of Scotland’s salmon rivers, including the Tay. Compared to January and February, salmon fishing in March can often be a much more pleasurable experience. March, of course, is also the first month of spring and after a long winter, this is welcome news.
River levels were quite unsettled last week, with multiple lifts in water. With milder temperatures, melting snow seemed to be the primary cause. In addition, there were showers and even longer spells of rain towards the end of the week. The water temperature last week was 4.2 degrees Celsius, which is around 39.7 degrees Fahrenheit.
There were some nice spring salmon landed from the Tay system last week, which was good to see. It was great news to see that Loch Tay finally got off the mark on Saturday. Mr. Kevin Gath, Mr. Robert Ramage and Mr. Sid Gath teamed up to land a lovely sixteen pounder from the loch.
Mr Richard Henderson had a day to remember at Newtyle on Tuesday. Mr Henderson was fishing the Steps Pool when he hooked and landed a fine springer weighing ten pounds. The fish was the first fish of the season caught from the Newtyle Beat this year. Hopefully the first of many. There was success at Meikleour & Upper Islamouth on Friday.
At Cargill Mr Gareth Craze from Cornwall caught a lovely springer from the upper beat on Thursday, weighing ten pounds. A February Tay springer is definitely worth the long journey north!
There was success at Stobhall on Friday. The Taymount Beat continued its recent run of good form when on Monday, a fine brace was landed. There were three more fish caught at Taymount on Friday. It was good to see a fish caught on the Burnmouth Beat on Thursday and Saturday.
At Catholes Mr James Holder caught a lovely salmon on Saturday. Mr. Robert White had a good day on Wednesday, fishing the Pitlochrie Pool on the Stanley beats. Mr. White was fly fishing when he hooked a powerful fish. The sparkling springer, weighing eight pounds and made several good runs before it was successfully netted. It was a good start to the week at Upper Scone, where a nice fish was caught from the beat on Monday.
Away from the fishing, there did not seem to be much evidence of the diesel spill (which occurred on the River Dochart week before last), especially on the main river. The multiple lifts in water would have definitely helped to flush out the system. The TDSFB are fully engaged with the clean-up operation and will provide any support they can to safeguard the environment. We just have to hope and keep our fingers crossed that there is no longer term environmental impact on the Tay system and the surrounding area.
With some fine fish being landed in recent days, why not chase Scottish spring silver on the Tay next week? You could have that magical March 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 28th February)
SALMON & GRILSE: Newtyle 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Cargill 1, Stonhall 1, Taymount 5, Burnmouth 2, Upper Scone 1, Catholes 1, Pitlochrie 1
Total: 14 Largest: Taymount 16lbs
WHAT WILL THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 2nd March 2026)
There were multiple lifts in water last week and this was mainly because of melting snow due to milder temperatures. Indeed, on some days the temperature reached double figures and it felt quite spring like at times. The weather was quite settled during the first half of the week. However, towards the end of the week, there were some showers and even some longer spells of rain. Over the weekend, it was mainly dry on Saturday with rain on Sunday. Looking ahead to next week, it seems the weather could settle down a bit as high pressure builds. There will be a few showers on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday should be mainly dry with lighter winds. Towards the end of the week, there is a chance of some rain.
There were some nice springers caught from the Tay system last week. The quality of some of the fish landed was second to none and it just goes to show the calibre of fish the Tay system is capable of producing at this time of year.
It does now appear that the fish are gradually beginning to spread themselves a little more throughout the system, so anywhere on the main river could produce that elusive springer next week. Loch Tay and the River Tummel could also be well worth considering. It will be interesting to see what the first week of March will have in store for anglers on the Tay system. Hopefully, catches will improve as we move through March
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 early spring period (January-March)
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 get in touch with your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring before visiting the River Tay.
Fly Fishing
During the early spring months, water temperatures are often low and river levels are high. In such conditions, the depth at which your fly moves through the water column can be the key to success. Often you may be required to use floating lines coupled with sinking polyleaders, intermediate or even full sinking lines. It is therefore important that you have a fly rod that can work in harmony with a heavy line. As the Tay is a big river, a powerful fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating usually covers almost any eventuality.
In terms of lines, whether a full Spey line or Shooting head system, a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates can work well. An intermediate or full sinking line may be required in higher water to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has 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 to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain during the early spring period. Usually, a breaking strain between fifteen and eighteen pounds is ideal.
During the early part of the season, tube flies often work well. If the water temperatures are low, weighted copper, brass, or even tungsten tubes of a decent length will allow your fly to get well down and close to where the fish will likely be lying. In cold weather, the fish are unlikely to be keen on moving fast, so it is better that your fly moves through the water column at an adequate depth and not too quickly.
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 cast lures comfortably, 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 during the early spring months. Vision 110s and Rapalas are also lures that are well worth considering.
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 that is very much dependent on water height 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 for 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 worth remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long as possible and use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. Anglers must treat their quarry with the utmost respect at all times.