(River Tay weekly report week ending 21st June 2025)
We are currently in the midst of the Scottish summer, with July almost upon us. Indeed, Saturday was the summer solstice, the longest day in the northern hemisphere. Hopefully, the summer run will build in the next few weeks, giving anglers some good sport to enjoy.
Last week was quite settled and dry as high pressure developed. As the week progressed, temperatures soared, peaking towards the end of the week and into the weekend at around twenty-five degrees across some parts of Perthshire. The heat, combined with bright conditions, made it challenging for anglers, especially towards the end of the week. Despite this, there were some nice summer salmon and grilse caught from the river, which was good to see.
On the middle river, there was a fine brace landed from Murthly 2 on Monday, with a couple more caught from the beat on Tuesday. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with five fish for the week. Mr Stuart Lang had a happy Monday when he caught a nice fish from the Glendelvine Beat. The fish was caught from the Bargie on the fly.
Mr Gary Furness had a super Saturday at Delvine & Burnbane. Mr Furness caught a cracking eighteen pounder on the fly on Saturday. The fish was caught from the tail of the Sparrowmuir Pool and gave a terrific account of itself. There were three fish caught from the Kercock Beat last week including two landed from the beat on Saturday. Further downstream, there was success at Meikleour on Monday and Saturday.
At Islamouth, Mr Brett Gills party was fishing during the first half of the week. Mr Mike Jennings caught a nice thirteen pounder. On Tuesday there was a fine fish caught from the Longhead. During the second half of the week, the Nolan party was fishing the beat and they landed a brace on Thursday. The fish were caught from the Longhead and Sandyford.
At Stobhall, a lovely fifteen pounder was caught on Monday with more success on Tuesday and Wednesday. Stobhall finished with three fish for the week. There was a fish caught at Taymount on Friday, which was good to see.
The Daniel La Far party had a Monday to remember at Benchil, where they caught a cracking twelve pounder. The smiles say it all!
At Fishponds, Mr Simon Furniss caught a fresh ten pounder from the Craigs on Tuesday. The fish was caught on a Vision 110 lure and put up a great fight. Further downstream, a nice fish was caught at Waulkmill on Thursday.
With many people on holiday in the next few weeks, it could be the perfect time to book a few days to go fishing on the River Tay, so why not have a cast? There is no better way to start July than landing some fresh Tay silver!
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 21st June)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Murthly 2, 6, Glendelvine 1, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Kercock 3, Meikleour & U Islamouth 2, Islamouth 4, Stobhall 3, Taymount 1, Benchil 1, Fishponds 1, Waulkmill 1
Total: 24 Largest: Delvine & Burnbane 18lbs
COOLER CONDITIONS DURING THE WEEK AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 23rd June 2025)
There were some fine fish caught from the river last week. River levels were steady, but temperatures soared as we moved through the week and into the weekend. This, coupled with bright conditions, made it hard going at times; fishing conditions were far from ideal. Some anglers who fished unsociable hours did well and some evenings were particularly productive. This is often the case when it is hot and sunny throughout the day.
The fish caught were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and a few hard fighting grilse and many were sea liced, which was great to see. In the upcoming weeks, more salmon should enter the Tay system daily, giving anglers the chance to make contact with the king of fish. Hopefully, some good sport will be had as we move into July.
It was mainly dry, hot and sunny on Saturday. Sunday saw a few showers some of which were heavy. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday will be mainly dry with light winds apart from the odd shower. From midweek onwards, there is a chance of more showers and even longer spells of rain. Temperatures will mostly be in the mid teens, so it will feel cooler than of late.
The best chance of success next week would probably be on beats situated on the middle and lower river. As always, a good variety of salmon fishing is available on the Tay in the upcoming days, with fishing to suit even the most discerning of anglers’ tastes. So why not chase some summer silver on the Tay next week? You could have a July day to remember!
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 summer period (June-August)
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 summer months water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well.
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 water during the summer months a sink tip or intermediate 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 summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the summer months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. Don’t forget how effective flies like the Sunray Shadow can be at this time of year. These flies fished close to the surface can really do the business especially if the fish are keen on chasing a fly and in an active mood.
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 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 summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise 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. These lures can be excellent during the summer months.
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 summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. 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.