(River Tay weekly report week ending 3rd May 2025)
We moved into May last week and the good weather continued as it has done for much of the spring with very little rainfall. Indeed, through the middle part of the week, temperatures in some parts of Perthshire hit in excess of twenty degrees. This, coupled with bright cloudless skies on some days, made for challenging fishing conditions. Thankfully, temperatures dropped from Thursday onwards and more cloud cover was on offer. Overall catches were disappointing for the end of April and it was tough going on the Tay moving into May. However, some nice spring salmon were still caught from the Tay system, which was good to see.
On the River Tummel at Portnacraig, Mr Graham Christie caught a superb springer weighing sixteen pounds on the fly from the Pitlochry bank on Thursday. Further downstream on the Tummel at East Haugh, Mr Derek Martin caught a fine eighteen pounder from Peg Legs. The fish was caught on a Green Butt Cascade.
The Lower Kinnaird Beat produced a nice fish at the start of the week. On Thursday, Mr Pelle Hagel from Sweden, caught a springer on the fly from the Boil at Newtyle. The fish had some seal damage but swam away strongly nonetheless, which was good to see.
Mr Stuart Lang was fishing the Glendelvine Beat on Monday. Whilst fishing the Ministers Pool, Mr Lang got a powerful take on the fly. After a great battle, Mr Lang went on to land, a fine sea liced springer, which also showed signs of seal damage. Again, the fish swam away strongly upon release.
On Wednesday, Mr James Heck caught a springer weighing fourteen pounds from the Bargie at Glendelvine. Shortly afterwards, Mr Heck also lost a fish. There was a fish caught at Meikleour on Wednesday.
Anglers fishing at Islamouth enjoyed some good sport with two fish caught from the beat on Monday.
Mr Nigel Wooley caught a nice fish from Donnits and Mr Phil Taylor caught a cracker from the Castle Pool just before lunch. On Wednesday, Mr Woolley had more success when he caught another fish from Donnits.
Mr Stuart Lang landed a fine brace at Islamouth on Thursday. Both fish were caught from the Longhead.
On Friday, Mr Jim Ferrie caught a nice springer from the Longhead on the fly. Mr Stuart Lang had more success on Saturday at Islamouth when he caught a good fish from the Donnits.
Miss Anette Booth caught a cracking eight pounder at Ballathie on Thursday. The fish was caught from the Rumbling Stone. Mr Robert Booth had a super Saturday at Ballathie when he landed a lovely nine pounder.
The Cargill Beat has produced some nice fish recently; last week was no different. On Monday, there was a lovely fish caught from the beat with more success on Friday.
It was good to see success at Stobhall on Monday for Mr Geoff Coates, who caught a fine thirteen pounder from the Finford Stream on a Gledswood Shrimp.
Perseverance was the key last week on the Tay system, especially with the weather being against anglers on some days. Hopefully, there will be a decent number 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 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 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 3rd May)
SALMON & GRILSE:
South Chesthill 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, East Haugh 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Newtyle 1, Glendelvine 2, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 1, Islamouth 7, Ballathie 2, Cargill 2, Stobhall 1
Total:20 Largest: Cargill 20lbs
WHAT WILL MAY HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS ON THE TAY?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 5th May 2025)
We moved into May last week and catches were disappointing for the time of year. However, as anglers, we have to remain optimistic. Hopefully, the number of fresh fish entering the system will increase in the days and weeks ahead, so anglers can enjoy some good sport on the Tay system before the spring season comes to an end. It was another dry week for the most part, with temperatures midweek soaring into the mid-twenties across some parts of Perthshire. This made it hard for anglers. Thankfully, from Thursday onwards, temperatures dropped. Over the weekend, it has been mainly dry and has felt cooler and fresher, with temperatures in the low to mid-teens.
Looking ahead to next week, it will be mainly dry with light winds. Temperatures will gradually rise into the mid-teens. There seems to be no meaningful rainfall on the horizon.
On the main Tay, fish were caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Stobhall with the beats located on the middle and lower river, enjoying the best sport. There was also fish caught on the River Lyon and Tummel.
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.