(River Tay weekly report week ending 15th March 2025)
We have moved into mid-March and over the next few weeks, we should be entering the prime spring period for many salmon fishing beats on the Tay system. Gradually, the runs of salmon entering the system destined for the River Isla and Tummel should start to gain momentum in addition to the fish that run the main river into Loch Tay and beyond.
Last week was much colder and at times, it almost felt like a return to winter. The northerly wind made it feel quite raw and there were also a few snow showers over higher ground. River levels were steady for much of the week, which suited many beats on the river. There were some stunning spring salmon caught from the Tay system last week which was great to see.
On Thursday, Mr Ian Beaton caught a lovely fish from the Pitnacree & Balnabeggan Beat on the upper river, which weighed in at thirteen pounds. On the River Tummel there were a couple of fish caught from the East Haugh Beat through the course of last week.
On the middle river it was good to see a fish caught at Dalguise from the Bridge Pool on Friday. It was a great start to the week at Dalmarnock on Monday when a fine fish was landed on the fly from the Dalmarnock Bank Pool. There was another fish caught from Dalmarnock on Friday.
It was a red letter day on Tuesday at Newtyle for Mr. Dave Maxwell. Mr Maxwell was fishing the Alders when he got a powerful take. After a good fight, which included several long runs, Mr Maxwell went on to land a cracking fresh springer.
On Friday Mr John Amos landed a cracking springer on the fly from the Cotter Pool. In the afternoon, he went one better, landing a twenty four pounder. Both Murthly Beats produced fish on Saturday, and at Stenton, there were fish caught on Thursday and Saturday.
Mr. Sandy Datta was lucky enough to land a lovely springer from Glendelvine on Friday evening. The fish was caught from the Garth Pool on a small pink & pearly Kynoch and weighed fourteen pounds.
There was some good sport to be had at Islamouth last week. First on the scoresheet was Mr Iain Wood who caught a fine springer on the fly from the Green Bank on Wednesday. It was a day to remember for Mr. Liam Ambrose at Islamouth on Thursday. After seven years of fishing, Mr Ambrose caught his first ever salmon from Longhead, which weighed nine pounds. Well done, sir. What a great effort!
Other successful anglers at Islamouth last week included Mr John Sinister, who caught a ten pounder from Sandyford on Friday morning.
It was good to see fish caught from the Taymount Beat on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
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 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 15th March)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Pitnacree & Balnabeggan 1, East Haugh 2, Dalgusie 1, Dalmarnock 2, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 1, Murthly 2, 1, Stenton 2, Glendelvine 1, Islamouth 3, Taymount 3
Total: 20 Largest: Newtyle 24lbs
PROSPECTS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 17th March 2025)
It was much colder last week compared to the previous week, mainly due to an Arctic airmass and a northerly wind. There were some snow showers, mainly over higher ground but also the odd flurry down to lower levels. River levels were steady for much of last week and conditions were reasonable on many beats. There were some nice fish caught from the Tay system and hopefully, catches will go from strength to strength as we move through March.
Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry with light winds and felt slightly milder than of late. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will be cold and dry with light winds. It may turn a little more unsettled from midweek onwards with some showers but it will feel milder.
Catches were well spread across the river last week from Pitnacree down to Taymount. There was also fish caught on Loch Tay and the River Tummel. On the main river there is a decent chance of making contact with a fresh fish almost anywhere as catches from last week would suggest. Several Tay Beats offer prime spring salmon fishing at this time of year, representing excellent value for money compared to many other rivers across Scotland. So why not have a cast on the Tay next week? You may experience some March spring magic!
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.