(River Tay weekly report week ending 15th February 2025)
We moved into the second week of February and the weather was relatively settled. High pressure located to the north and east of the UK led to mainly dry conditions but the settled weather did come at a price, as it felt bitterly cold at times in the raw easterly wind. There were also some light snow flurries from time to time over the tops of the mountains. The easterly wind brought in a lot of cloud from the North Sea and very little sunshine was on offer. River levels were steady for much of the week and the dry weather continued over the weekend apart from the odd snow flurry.
The river was at a good height for many beats last week, but fishing pressure remained relatively light, especially during the middle part of the week and this was probably reflected in the catches. Despite this, some lovely springers were caught from the Tay system last week.
It was great to see the first fish of the season caught from Loch Tay on Saturday when Mr Ian Golledge caught a fine thirteen pounder. Hopefully, this will be the first of many from the loch this season.
On Thursday, Mr Les Dargie enjoyed success on the Portnacraig Beat. In the afternoon, Mr. Dargie was fly fishing down the Portnacraig bank when he hooked and landed a fine springer. The fish weighed ten pounds.
There was a cracking fresh springer caught from the Taymount Beat on Monday which was great to see. This was the first fish of the season from the beat. It was not too long before the second fish of the season was caught from the beat when another fine fish was landed at Taymount on Wednesday weighing nine pounds.
Mr Gregor Nimmo had a day to remember on Thursday. Mr Nimmo was fishing at Upper Redgorton when he hooked a powerful fish in Shochie Mouth. After a great fight, Mr Nimmo went on land a lovely springer. The fish was caught on a pink & white Kynoch lure. Well done, Sir!
There were also fish caught from the Tay system last week on beats, which do not wish to be mentioned in this report.
As we move through February, more fish should be entering the Tay system on a daily basis. Currently the river is at a great height. So, if you fancy chasing some Scottish spring silver, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? There might just be a springer with your name on it!
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 this report, please get in touch with 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 (For beats wishing to be included in this report only)
(week ending 15th February)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Taymount 2, Upper Redgorton 1
Total: 4 Largest: Taymount 14lbs
On Saturday, 1st February, the Catch & Release Best Guidance was launched. Please take 5 minutes of your time to go through the guidance to help protect our salmon.
HOPEFULLY, ANGLERS WILL LAND SOME NICE SPRINGERS IN THE WEEK AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 17tht February 2025)
As we move through February, there is no doubt that with each day, more fresh fish will be entering the Tay system. The weather was settled for much of last week and the river was at a good height for many beats. Anglers will have their fingers crossed that the weather remains settled. Unfortunately, fishing pressure on the river was very light last week and this was probably reflected in the catches.
It has been dry over the weekend apart from the odd snow flurry. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday may see some snowfall. From midweek onwards, it is set to turn milder and more unsettled, with showers or longer spells of rain affecting many parts. By the end of the week temperatures could reach double figures.
There is a reasonable chance of making contact with that elusive spring salmon almost anywhere on the main river next week and Loch Tay is always worth a cast at this time of year. Hopefully, there will be more anglers on the water next week and there will be a few more Tay springers landed in the upcoming days. 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.