(River Tay weekly report week ending 9th May 2026)
We have now moved into May and the weather has continued to see-saw between winter and spring across much of Scotland, including Perthshire last week. The northerly wind made it feel cold at times and even some of the white stuff fell on the highest peaks. However, when the sun came out, it felt quite pleasant and springlike. River levels were steady for much of last week. This meant that many beats on the river were at a perfect height for fly fishing. Hopefully, the number of fresh fish entering the system will start to increase in the days and weeks ahead, so anglers can enjoy some good sport on the Tay system before the spring season finally draws to a close.
It did seem that perseverance was the key last week, especially when decent numbers of fish were seen running hard on most days through some of the beats on the middle river and on the upper river at Lower Bolfracks.
Mr. Ian Golledge caught a nice twelve pounder on Loch Tay on Thursday. Later in the day, Mr. Golledge went one better when he landed a magnificent nineteen pounder. On Friday, Mr. Golledge enjoyed more success on the loch when he landed another springer. Three in two days from the loch cannot be bad! Other successful anglers on Loch Tay last week included Mr. Hugh Meudell and Mr. Neil Marshall, amongst others.
It was good to see the upper river fish better last week, with a total of eight fish caught from both the Farleyer beats. This included three fish caught from the Upper Farleyer Beat on Tuesday. Hopefully, this area of the river will continue to produce fish consistently as we move through May.
On the River Tummel, there were three fish caught at Portnacraig on Monday. Mr. Evan Sinclair caught a magnificent twenty-five pounder from the Pitlochry bank. Mr. Steven Herd caught a twelve pounder in the afternoon. On Monday evening, Mr. Massimo Castelvecchi caught a fine ten-pounder from the Pitlochry bank. On Tuesday, Mr. Jim Fisher caught a nine-pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry bank. On Wednesday, Mr. Massimo Castelvecchi enjoyed more success at Portnacraig when he caught a twelve pounder again from the Pitlochry bank. On Thursday, Mr. Danny Fulton caught a fine thirteen-pounder from the Pitlochry bank. Not to be outdone in the afternoon, Mr. Brian Stobie also caught a thirteen-pounder. Other successful anglers at Portnacraig included Mr Gordon Hanslip. Portnacraig finished with nine fish for the week. Further downstream on the River Tummel, there were five fish caught from the East Haugh Beat last week, which included four on Saturday.
There was success at Lower Kinnaird on Monday and Saturday. It was good to see a fish caught at Dalguise on Saturday. Mr. Stuart Lang and his party were fishing at Murthly 1 last week. They enjoyed some good sport on Tuesday when three fish were caught from the beat. The party had more success on Thursday, landing a fine brace. It was good to see fish caught on the Murthly 2 Beat on Wednesday and Friday. The Murthly beats finished with a combined total of seven fish for the week.
There was a fish caught at Stenton on Friday. Mr. Ronnie Fraser caught a lovely fifteen-pounder on the fly from the Boat Pool at Glendelvine on Thursday evening. Mr. Colin Wilkie caught two fish on the fly at Glendelvine on Saturday, both being caught from the Boat Pool. As Glendelvine is only fished three days per week, the three fish caught were not a bad tally.
At Meikleour, it was a week of firsts. Angler Leif caught his first ever Scottish salmon on the fly on Wednesday. Well done Leif you never forget your first!
On Thursday, Mr. Mark Maisey also caught his first ever salmon on the fly. The fish was caught from Boxwood Bush. There was more success at Meikleour on Thursday this time for Mr. Rae, who caught a lovely thirteen-pounder.
Mr. Rae had a fine end to the week at Meikleour when he caught a lovely fourteen-pounder on Saturday. There were fish caught on both Kethick beats on the River Isla last week, which was good to see.
At Islamouth, Mr. Paul Ness caught a lovely fish from Donnits on Monday. On Tuesday, four fish were landed at Islamouth. Mr. Jack Hackney caught a fine brace from the Castle.
Mr. Paul Ness was back amongst the action on Tuesday afternoon when he caught two crackers from the Longhead.
On Thursday, Mr. Chris Agar caught a beautiful springer from Sandyford. This was one of two fish caught at Islamouth on Thursday. Other successful anglers at Islamouth last week included Mr Steve Tickner, who caught a nice fish from the Cutty on Friday and Mr John Horlick, who enjoyed success in Donnits. Islamouth finished with ten fish for the week.
Mr. Peter Backhouse and his party were fishing at Ballathie last week and it was good to see one of the party members landing a nice fish from the beat on Thursday. At Cargill, Mr. Greg Dodd caught a lovely springer on Thursday. There was a fine fish caught at Taymount on Friday.
Further downstream, there was a cracking Sea trout weighing four pounds caught at Fishponds on Saturday. The fish was caught from Hedge End. Hopefully, there will be decent numbers of hard fighting spring salmon entering the Tay system in the upcoming weeks, so anglers can enjoy some good sport.
With the weather getting better and the days getting longer, why not book a day’s fishing on the mighty River Tay next week? With some big fish in the system, you just never know what you have hooked when that line tightens!
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 9th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Upper Farleyer 5, Lower Farleyer 3, Portnacraig Pitlochry 9, East Haugh 5, Lower Kinnaird 2, Dalguise 1, Murthly 2, 2, Murthly 1, 5, Stenton 1, Glendelvine 3, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 4, Kethick Streams 1, Kethick Mains 2, Islamouth 10, Ballathie 1, Cargill 1, Taymount 1
Total:56 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 24lbs
MORE DRY WEATHER IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 11th May 2026)
We are now in May, which is a great time of year to visit Perthshire and fish the Tay system. Hopefully, the number of fresh fish entering the system will start to increase in the days and weeks ahead, so anglers can enjoy some good sport before the spring season comes to an end. It was quite dry for much of last week, especially during the beginning of the week. As the week progressed, there were some showers and it felt cooler in the brisk northerly wind. Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry and felt a little milder with temperatures in the low double figures. It looks like the dry weather is set to continue in the upcoming days.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry with variable amounts of cloud. From midweek onwards, there is a chance it may become more unsettled, with some showers; however, there is a lot of uncertainty at this stage regarding the forecast. Temperatures will generally be on the cool side, not getting above the mid-teens in most areas, and winds will be light.
Last week, there were good numbers of fish caught on Loch Tay as well as on the upper river, the River Tummel and Isla. On the main Tay, fish were caught from Upper Farleyer down to Cargill, with the beats located on the upper and middle river enjoying some decent sport. So, there is a good chance of a fish anywhere in this area. It will be interesting to see what the rest of May will have in store for anglers on the Tay. Fingers crossed, there will be plenty of action in the upcoming weeks.
With good availability on the river next week and the chance of a big salmon, why not book some fishing on the Tay in the upcoming days? There is no better way to start May than landing that big Tay Springer!
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.