(River Tay weekly report week ending 24th January 2026)
It was the first full week of the season on the Tay system last week and during the first half of the week, the weather played ball. It was mostly dry and river levels were high but settled. However, from midweek onwards, there was a spell of heavy, persistent rain, coupled with a strong south-easterly wind, which affected mainly the eastern side of the catchment area. This made it feel quite bitter and unpleasant at times. By the weekend, temperatures had dropped somewhat compared to the beginning of the week and there were even some snow showers over higher ground. Unsurprisingly, the heavy rain led to a rising river, culminating in a major flood towards the end of the week and into the weekend. Indeed, on Thursday, river levels on the Ballathie gauge peaked at over sixteen feet.
Fishing pressure on the river was generally light last week and this was hardly surprising given that we are still very early in the season. The first two salmon in Scotland were landed from the River Tay on Wednesday. The successful anglers included Mr Cohn O’ Dee and Mr David Park. Both fish were caught on a Vision 110 lure from the Linn Pool at Taymount. It was great to see the Tay produce such top-quality springers in January.
Other hardy anglers who ventured out last week managed to get their rods bent by a few of last year’s models. As the weeks progress, fresh fish should start entering the Tay system on a consistent basis, increasing the chances of making contact with some early season 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 26th January)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Total: Taymount 2 Largest: Taymount 15lbs
COLDER WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 26th January 2026)
Angling pressure was light on the Tay system last week and the weather towards the end of the week did not help entice anglers onto the riverbank. It was great to see the first two fish of the season caught from the Tay system last week. The fish were caught from the Taymount Beat. Indeed, these were the first two salmon caught in Scotland this season. Other anglers who ventured out last week got their rods bent by last year’s models.
We saw quite a mixed weather pattern last week. The week started on a mainly dry, settled note and river levels remained steady. However, from midweek onwards, there was relentless, heavy, persistent rain accompanied by a strong, gusty south-easterly wind. This made it feel raw and unpleasant at times. Heavy rain led to a rapidly rising river at the end of the week, culminating in a big flood. For all intents and purposes, the river was unfishable during the second half of the week for most beats. The easterly wind has persisted over the weekend and there have been several showers. Some showers have fallen as snow on higher ground.
Looking ahead to next week, it is set to get colder with the prospect of some snow showers even down to lower levels. The easterly wind is likely to persist, making it feel cold with temperatures in mid to low single figures. Monday will be mainly dry apart from the odd shower. There is the chance of further rain on Tuesday and Wednesday with snow falling over higher ground. The unsettled weather is likely to continue towards the end of the week. It will feel cold in the easterly wind.
For those looking to wet a line next week, the Tay system offers tremendous value for money at this time of year, with anglers being able to fish on some of the most famous and prestigious beats in Scotland at a very reasonable price.
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.