(River Tay weekly report week ending 23rd May 2026)
We are now moving towards the end of May, which for many heralds the end of the spring salmon fishing season across Scotland. This, of course, does not mean that fresh springers cannot still be caught, as salmon do not have calendars! Early June can often be a good time of year to catch late running springers. Indeed, in the past, some of the beats located on the middle River Tay have continued to produce nice spring salmon well into June. Let us hope this is the case in the days and weeks ahead.
It was quite showery last week, especially during the first half of the week. The showers were heavy at times, accompanied by the odd rumble of thunder. This led to a rise in water of around ten inches through the middle part of the week and the river became quite coloured for a couple of days. As we moved towards the weekend, showers became fewer and it started to get warmer. Indeed, some spots reached over twenty degrees by the weekend. There were some stunning spring salmon caught on the Tay system last week and hopefully this trend will continue as we go into the final few days of May.
On Loch Tay, Mr. John Kangley caught his first ever salmon on Wednesday. Well done, Sir…you never forget your first. Mr. Colin McLuckie and Mr. John Hamilton caught a nice fish on the loch on Friday.
Saturday, Mr. Neil Cunningham hit it right when he landed a cracking fish from the loch with Trolling for Salmon on Loch Tay
On the upper river, there was success at Upper Farleyer on Monday, with three more fish landed from the beat on Friday. There was also a fish caught at Findynate last week.
It was good to see a fish caught on Loch Faskally on Saturday. At Portnacraig on the River Tummel, Mr Martin Timmins landed a nice fish on the fly from the Pitlochry bank on Tuesday night. On Thursday, Mr. Ian Willis caught a superb twelve pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry bank. Mr. Robert Galbraith and Mr. Gordon Hanslip both caught fish on the fly at Portnacraig on Friday. Further downstream on the River Tummel, there were fish caught from both the PAC Sawmill Beat as well as East Haugh.
Mr. Jon Amos had a happy Monday when he caught a nice fish from the Steps Pool at Newtyle. There was more success at Newtyle on Tuesday. The Murthly beats produced a combined total of five fish for the week.
At Glendelvine, Mr. Stuart Lang caught a cracking springer from the Garth on Thursday. Mr. John Dewar caught a nice fourteen pounder from the Kercock Beat on Monday from the Gean Tree Pool.
At Meikleour, angler Malcolm caught a fish on the fly from the Castle Pool on Monday. There was more success for Malcolm on Tuesday at Meikleour when he landed a fine springer.
Malcolm’s good friend Dirk went on to land a magnificent seventeen pounder on the fly on Tuesday afternoon. The successful fly was a size 10 Aurora Cascade.
Angler Gerrard caught a lovely thirteen pounder from the Castle Pool on Wednesday at Meikleour. There was more success at Meikleour on Friday this time for angler Dave who caught a lively twelve pounder.
It was a productive day at Islamouth on Monday, where eight fish were landed. Mr. Ronnie Fraser caught some nice fish, including a cracker from Donnits. Mr. Iain Wood caught fish from Donnits and the Longhead. Other successful anglers at Islamouth on Monday included Mr. Gary Robertson.
On Tuesday, there was more success at Islamouth for Mr. Iain Wood when he caught a fish from Davie’s stone in the morning.
On Friday, Mr. Robert Carter had a great day at Islamouth, landing two fish, the best weighing twenty pounds.
Mr. Andrew Duncan caught two lovely fish at Islamouth on Saturday. The fish were caught from the Longhead and Sandyford. Mr Ian Moulton also landed a superb springer from Davie’s Stone.
At Ballathie, Mr. Paul Love caught a fine springer from the Clockston on Monday.
At Cargill, Mr. Mike Lankshear caught a lovely springer on Tuesday. There was a fish caught at Taymount on Monday and Saturday.
It was good to see a fish caught at Upper Redgorton on Tuesday. At Fishponds, Mr Jim Ferrie caught a magnificent seventeen pounder from the Luncarty Pool on Saturday afternoon. The fish was caught on a Vision lure and was covered in sea lice. Towards the bottom end of the river, the Waulkmill Beat got off the mark for the season on Monday.
With only one full week of May remaining, hopefully, more hard fighting spring salmon will enter the Tay system, so anglers can enjoy some good sport. So why not chase some spring silver on the mighty River Tay next week? You might just experience some Tay magic!
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 23rd May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Findynate 1, Upper Farleyer 4, Loch Faskally 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 4, East Haugh 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Newtyle 2, Murthly 1, 3, Murthly 2, 2, Glendelvine 1, Kercock 1, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 6, West Grange 5, Islamouth 14, Ballathie 1, Cargill 1, Taymount 2, Fishponds 1, Upper Redgorton 1, Waulkmill 1
Total:53 Largest: Islamouth 20lbs
HIGH PRESSURE TO REMAIN IN CHARGE NEXT WEEK!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 25th May 2026)
Being in the right place at the right time is a very difficult skill to master as an angler, but that certainly seemed to be the key to success on the Tay system last week. Some ghillies reported seeing fish running hard from time to time which was encouraging.
There were frequent heavy showers for much of last week, which led to a rise in water levels through the middle of the week, and the river became quite coloured for a couple of days. Towards the end of the week, it did get significantly warmer. Over the weekend, it has continued to feel warm but it has been mainly dry.
Looking ahead to next week, high pressure will likely remain in charge for much of it. This will bring a lot of dry and settled weather with light winds. It will also feel warm at times. Cloud amounts will vary daily. Temperatures will be in the high teens or low twenties for the most part.
Salmon were caught last week from Findynate down to Waulkmill on the main river. There were also fish landed on Loch Tay, the River Tummel and the River Isla which was great to see. As recent catches suggest, there’s a good chance of catching a fresh fish almost anywhere on the system.
As always, there is a good variety of salmon fishing available on the Tay system next week, with fishing to suit even the most discerning of anglers’ tastes. With one full week of the Scottish spring salmon fishing season remaining, time is running out to land that elusive springer. The River Tay might just be the place to do it!
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.