(River Tay weekly report week ending 2nd May 2026)
We are now in May and at the height of the Scottish spring. Before our eyes, the seasons are changing, with the days getting longer; it is only a matter of time before we experience those magical, balmy evenings of summer, with the dark winter nights a distant memory.
Around us, the landscape is changing and in Perthshire, the banks of the River Tay are becoming a sea of colour. There is more foliage on the trees and vibrant greens are replacing the dull greys. This is the time of year when many purists of our sport start their salmon fishing season. With the weather getting warmer and river levels dropping, dressed flies and floating lines can often be the order of the day.
River levels were quite settled last week, hardly surprising given the mainly dry conditions and very little rainfall. The water temperature last week was 8.7 degrees Celsius, which is 47.6 degrees Fahrenheit. There were some nice springers caught from the Tay system but it was tough going as anglers still had to work hard for their fish. This may have had something to do with the bright conditions from time to time.
Loch Tay has fished well in April and the first fish in May was caught from the loch on Friday morning when Mr. Hugh Meudell landed a nice fish from his own boat. On Saturday, Mr. Robert Ramage enjoyed success on Loch Tay, landing a cracking springer.
Daniel Howie caught his first ever spring salmon when fishing the loch with Trolling for Salmon on Loch Tay.
It was good to see a fish caught on Saturday from the Upper Farleyer Beat. On the River Tummel, it was a happy Monday for Mr. Dave Stewart at Portnacraig. Mr. Stewart landed a nice eight pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry Bank. On Tuesday, Mr. Massimo Castelvecchi caught a hard fighting springer from the Pitlochry bank on the fly at Portnacraig. Mr. Castelvecchi enjoyed more success on Friday when he caught a twelve pounder on the fly from the Pitlochry Bank. Other successful anglers last week at Portnacraig included Mr Gordon Hanslip.
Further downstream on the River Tummel, Mr Jim Ferrie caught a lovely springer at East Haugh on Monday from the Cut. On Tuesday, there were a couple more fish caught from the East Haugh Beat. Successful anglers included Mr. Scott Wright and Mr. James Graham. There was another fish caught from the East Haugh Beat on Wednesday. On Thursday, both Mr. Ross Galloway and Mr. Sean McGiff caught nice fish. The East Haugh Beats finished with a combined total of ten fish for the week.
It was good to see a magnificent eighteen pounder caught at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. There were two more fish caught at Lower Kinnaird on Friday.
At Dalguise, Mr. Andrew Pelc caught a lovely fish from the Casting Platform on Thursday.
Mr. David Gardner caught a nice springer on the fly from the Steps on Thursday morning at Newtyle.
It was good to see a fish caught from the Murthly 2 Beat on Monday, with a couple more landed on Wednesday. Successful anglers included Mr. Philip Black, amongst others. The Murthly 2 Beat finished with four fish for the week.
There was success at Stenton on Monday, with a couple more fish caught from the beat on Friday. Mr. Dicon Jordan caught a fine ten pounder from the Landslip at Delvine & Burnbane on Thursday.
It was good to see a fish caught at Meikleour on Saturday. On the River Ericht, there was a fish caught at Kethick Streams on Wednesday.
It was a productive day at Islamouth on Tuesday, where five fish were landed from the beat. Mr Ian Farnell landed nice fish from Islamouth, Castle Pool and the Longhead. Mr. Nigel Wooley also enjoyed success when he caught a cracker from Sandyford.
On Wednesday, that man, Mr Ian Farnell, was at it again when he caught two more springers from Islamouth and Sandyford.
Mr. Arni Baldursson caught a nice fish from Sandyford at Islamouth on Thursday. This was one of two fish caught from the beat on Thursday.
On Friday, successful anglers at Islamouth included Mr Stuart Lang, who caught a nice fish from the Cutty, Mr Gordon Hyslop, who also enjoyed success in the Cutty and Mr Paul Chrisitie, who caught a cracker from Donnits.
Islamouth finished with seventeen fish for the week.
Mrs. Anette Booth had a day to remember at Ballathie on Wednesday. Mrs. Booth was fishing the upper beat when she hooked a powerful fish. After a good fight, Mrs. Booth went on to land a fine sea liced ten pounder.
On Saturday, Mr. Jack Howie landed a lovely sea liced salmon at Cargill, which was great to see.
It was good to see a fish caught at Stobhall on Thursday. On Friday, Mr. Thomas Mackie landed a lovely fish from the Cubby Hole at Stobhall. The Taymount Beat has produced some lovely springers so far this season and last week was no different. On Monday, a cracking fourteen pounder was caught from the beat, with more success on Saturday.
Saturday was a day to remember for Mr. Dan Clinton at Fishponds. Mr. Clinton hooked a powerful fish on the fly in the Luncarty Pool. After a number of long and powerful runs and a great fight, Mr. Clinton went on to land a sparkling twelve pounder. This was Mr. Clinton’s first salmon. Well done, Sir, hopefully the first of many!
With only a few weeks of the spring season remaining, time is running out to make contact with that big Tay Springer. So why not book a day on one of Scotland’s most famous and prolific salmon rivers next week? You might just have that May Day to remember!
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 (For beats reporting on Fishpal only)
(week ending 2nd May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lochlane & Laggan 2, Upper Farleyer 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 4, East Haugh 3, East Haugh 1, 7, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 3, Newtyle 1, Murthly 2, 4, Stenton 3, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Kethick Streams 1, Islamouth 17, Ballathie 1, Cargill 1, Stobhall 2, Taymount 2, Fishponds 1, Upper Redgorton 1.
Total:57 Largest: Lower Kinnaird 18lbs
SOME MAY MAGIC IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 4th May 2026)
It has been mainly dry over the past few days across Perthshire apart from a few showers over the weekend. Last week, river levels were generally settled, with water at a decent height on many beats. May is traditionally the prime spring period for many beats, especially on the middle river and hopefully, anglers will taste success on the Tay over the next few weeks. There were some stunning spring salmon caught last week and fingers crossed, there should be more to come in the days ahead.
Looking ahead to next week, the mainly dry and settled theme is set to continue. There should be a little more cloud cover than of late. It will also feel cooler in the northerly air flow.
Again, last week’s catches were well spread on the Tay system from Loch Tay down to Fishponds. A number of the fish caught were sea liced which was good to see. Fresh fish could be caught almost anywhere on the river, as well as Loch Tay and the River Ericht in the upcoming days.
There is good availability on the river next week to suit all budgets and the great variety of fishing on offer on the Tay system is second to none. With some nice fish being caught from the river in recent days, why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay next week? You might just experience some May 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 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.