(River Tay weekly report week ending 5th April 2025)
Statistically, it is more likely to snow in Scotland over Easter than Christmas, but hopefully, none of the white stuff will fall over the next few weeks. The weather has been very pleasant over the past few days, with long, bright, sunny spells. It has also felt warm, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures in the high teens, although there has been a nagging easterly wind on some days. River levels were steady for much of the week, running at a decent height for many beats on the Tay system.
It was good to see a fish caught from the Edradynate Beat on the Upper River on Friday. Other beats that produced fish on the upper river last week included Lower Farleyer.
At Portnacraig on the River Tummel, Mr. Steve Watt enjoyed a dam double on Monday when he landed a superb twenty one pounder followed by an eleven pounder. Both fish were caught on the spinner from the Portnacraig bank. On Tuesday, Mr Les Dargie tasted success at Portnacraig when he caught a nice ten pounder on the fly. There were two more fish caught from the beat on Saturday.
There was a fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday and it was good to see fish caught at Dalmarnock and Dunkeld last week. Indeed, the fish caught at Dunkeld on Monday weighed a magnificent twenty two pounds.
At Glendelvine, Mr Stuart Lang caught a fine fourteen pounder on a Nasty Banana fly on Wednesday, which was great to see. Further downstream Mr Moyers banished away those Monday morning blues when he caught a nice springer at Meikleour. It was a fantastic Friday for Ms Lesley Reid at Meikleour who landed a cracking springer.
At Islamouth, Mr Simon Furniss got his season underway in style when he caught a lovely fresh fish from the Longhead on the fly on Thursday.
Next on the scoresheet at Islamouth was Mr Jim Ferrie, who caught a fine sixteen pounder from Donnits on Friday.
The party continued their good form on Saturday at Islamouth. That man, Mr Simon Furniss, was at it again, this time landing a double, catching fish from both the Longhead and Sandyford. On Saturday afternoon, Mr Allan Ferrie got in on the act when he landed a cracking fish in the Longhead.
It was a double success at Ballathie on Tuesday when two springers were caught. One of the fish was caught from the Garden Pool on a pink & white Kynoch. Two springers in a day can’t be bad! It was good to see fish caught at Taymount on Tuesday.
Mr Joe Maloy had a day to remember on Wednesday at Catholes. Mr Maloy was fishing the Black Stones with a spinner when he hooked a good fish. After a great fight, Mr Maloy went on to land a lovely fresh fish. Well done Sir!
Towards the bottom end of the river, there was success at Upper Scone on Tuesday.
Many people will have a few days holiday around Easter, so why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most famous and prolific salmon rivers? There is no shortage of salmon fishing options on the Tay system with fishing to suit every angler’s taste. You never know; you might have a cracking Easter landing and a big Tay springer!
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 reporting on Fishpal only)
(week ending 8th April)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Edradynate 1, Lower Farleyer 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 5, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld 1, Glendelvine 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 5, Islamouth 5, Ballathie 2, Taymount 1, Catholes 1, Upper Scone 1
Total: 27 Largest: Dunkeld 22lbs
IMPROVING CATCHES AS WE MOVE THROUGH APRIL?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 7th April 2025)
April can be a prime time of year on the River Tay on many beats for spring salmon fishing, especially on beats located on the middle river. Hopefully, catches will improve on the Tay system as we move through April and into May.
It was a settled week of weather with no rainfall but there was a gusty easterly wind from time to time. It felt very springlike, with temperatures on some days into the high teens. River levels were steady and generally, conditions were decent on many beats. It has been mainly dry and settled over the weekend. Looking ahead to next week, high pressure is set to remain in charge, bringing lots of dry and settled weather. Winds will be light and there will be variable amounts of cloud. Temperatures could peak in some spots in the high teens or even low twenties.
Catches on the Tay system were well spread last week from Edradynate down to Upper Scone. The River Tummel also produced some nice fish. Realistically, there is a decent chance of catching a springer almost anywhere on the Tay system 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 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.