(River Tay weekly report week ending 1st October 2022)
We have now moved into October and are into the twilight of the 2022 Tay salmon fishing season. Historically September and October have been prime months on the river when large catches have been made. In recent years, however, the autumn run has not been as prolific as it once was. This not only goes for the Tay but many other rivers around Scotland. Unfortunately, it appears that this year is no different with very few fresh fish around.
There was a real nip in the air at the beginning of last week as a strong north westerly wind led to temperatures plummeting and catches did pick up a little compared to the previous week for a few days. River levels were quite steady for much of last week but there was a spell of heavy rain on Friday which led to a decent lift in water on Saturday. The water temperature last week was 51.3 degrees Fahrenheit which is 10.8 degrees Celsius. There was some reasonable sport to be had on the river last week but sadly there seems to be a distinct lack of fresh genuine autumn salmon.
On the upper river, there were fish caught on the Upper Farleyer, Lower Bolfracks and Upper Kinnaird beats amongst others last week. There were fish caught on the middle river from the Lower Kinnaird and Dalguise beats. There was a couple of fish caught at Dalmarnock on Thursday and Friday which was good to see.
It was a day to remember for Mrs Jan Mathison from Washington, USA. Mrs Mathieson was fishing in Scotland with her husband for the first time when she caught her first ever salmon from the Cotter Pool at Newtyle. The fish weighed ten pounds and put up a great fight.
On Tuesday Mr Tony Hall had a great tussle when he hooked and landed a cracking twenty two pounder from the Boil on the fly.
On Wednesday Newtyle regular Mr John Amos caught a nice fish from the Steps. This was one of two fish caught from Newtyle that day.
There was some decent sport to be had on both Murthly Beats with fish caught on most days. Anglers at Kercock enjoyed some good sport last week. There were three fish caught from the beat on Tuesday and another on Saturday.
The Fisher party were casting a line at Islamouth during the first half of last week and Mr Will Shrophire was on fire landing two twenty one pounders. The party finished with eighteen fish for their three days. During the second half of the week, the Parker party also landed some nice fish at Islamouth.
There was some good sport to be had at Ballathie last week with six fish caught during the first half of the week. There were more fish caught from the beat as the week progressed with some landed weighing well into the teens of pounds.
Anglers at Cargill enjoyed some good sport last week. On Monday there were a total of three fish caught from the beat including a twenty one pounder with five more on Tuesday. Fish were caught from most of the pools on the beat last week including the Bridge Stream, Pot Shot and Rumbling Stone. Successful anglers at Cargill last week included Mr Johnathan McNeish, Mr David Sands and Mr Lyndsay Cripps amongst others. Mr Lyndsay Cripp landed Cargills 300th fish of the season. Well done sir!
There were fish caught on most days at Stobhall and Taymount last week including a superb twenty four pounder caught at Taymount on Thursday.
It was a decent first half of the week at Upper Scone with four fish landed including a magnificent seventeen pounder on Wednesday. There was a couple of fish caught at Benchil on Tuesday.
At Fishponds, there was a big fish lost after a twenty minute tussle on Wednesday from the Craigs. Mr Adam Joseph caught a nice fish on the fly on Friday.
There was also a fish caught from Benchil Green. Ms Ann Emsens caught a nice fish on the fly from the boat at Luncarty on Monday which was good to see.
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 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
SOME DECENT SPORT BEFORE THE SEASON FINALLY DRAWS TO A CLOSE?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 3rd October 2022)
There are now only two weeks of the 2022 Tay salmon fishing season remaining. Hopefully, there will be some good sport to be had before the season finally draws to a close on the 15th of October.
There were reasonable numbers of fish caught from the river last week but unfortunately, the vast majority of these were older. This seems to be mirroring the picture across most other rivers in Scotland this year with very few fresh genuine autumn fish around. River levels were steady for much of last week but there was a decent lift on Saturday following heavy and persistent rain on Friday.
Looking ahead it is set to be quite unsettled next week but it will feel milder than of late. Monday should be mainly dry but on Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be some showers or longer spells of rain affecting many parts. It will feel warmer in the stiff westerly winds. Towards the end of the week, it is set to get cooler and a little drier and there may even be some night time frosts.
Last week there were fish caught on the main river from Upper Farleyer down to Almondmouth with the bulk of the fish being caught from the beats situated on the middle and lower river. There were also a fair number of fish caught from the River Isla and Ericht. It was good to see that some of the fish landed weighed well into the teens including a few in excess of the magical twenty pounds mark. Probably the best chance next week would be on any of the beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week on some famous Tay beats so why not book a day? There is no better way to end the season on a high, than landing a big Tay salmon!
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 autumn period (September and October)
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 autumn months, water temperatures usually begin to fall on the river but much depends on the weather. The weather and water conditions can vary greatly during the autumn months with hot weather and low water coupled with high water temperatures especially if we have an Indian summer. Conversely, it can be quite cool with regular spells of wind and rain and even night time frosts. The fish also start to become a bit more aggressive especially when they turn their thoughts towards spawning. At this time of year, full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well especially if conditions are more akin to the summer months.
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, colder water a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got 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 autumn period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there can be some large fish around towards the end of the season. Usually, a breaking strain of around fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the autumn months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well if river levels are low and temperatures are high. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. If there are frequent night time frosts and high water, tube flies of various lengths and weights may be the order of the day.
Spinning
A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven feet 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 autumn months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive.
The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures are higher 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. In high cold water, it can often be more about fishing the lure that bit slower and at an adequate depth.
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 autumn months, good conditions arise on many beats for harling, especially in higher water. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practised at the beat ghillies discretion.