(River Tay weekly report week ending 25th July 2026)
We are now moving towards the end of July and are entering what should be a productive time of year for summer fishing on the River Tay. Late July into early August has usually produced decent fishing on the Tay and if the weather plays ball in the coming weeks, there is every chance that this could be the case. Over the past few weeks, hot weather coupled with cloudless skies and bright sunshine has plagued anglers on many days and this has led to difficult fishing conditions but hopefully weather conditions will be more favourable in the days ahead. Last week was another warm and bright week with temperatures widely in the mid-twenties. However, as the week progressed there was more cloud cover on offer and by the end of the week and into the weekend it definitely felt cooler in the north westerly wind. There were some nice summer salmon and grilse caught from the Tay system last week and hopefully catches will build as we move into August.
On the middle river, there were fish caught at Lower Kinnaird, Dalguise and Dalmarnock. The Murthly 1 Beat had a couple for the week. It was a good day at Kercock on Tuesday for Mrs Nicky O’Donnell, who landed a fine hat trick when she caught three lovely fish from the beat. At Meikleour, Mr Ian Farnell landed a nice grilse from the Cormorant Tree on Monday. This was one of two fish caught at Meikleour on Monday.
There was another hat trick last week on the river, this time for Mr Caleb Sutton who was fishing at Islamouth on Monday. Mr Sutton caught fish from Sandyford, the Castle and also the Longhead. What a great day’s sport!
On Wednesday, Mr Jones caught a nice fish from Donnits at Islamouth.
At Ballathie, Mr William Sinclair landed a nice thirteen pounder from the upper beat on Monday. There was more success at Ballathie on Wednesday.
It was a fantastic Friday at Ballathie when there were five fish caught from the beat weighing up to seventeen pounds. Successful anglers included Ms Jenny Hughes, who caught a seven pounder from the Clockston, with Mr William Sinclair’s party also getting in on the action.
Mr Mark Schofield landed a good fish at Cargill on Monday. On Tuesday, Mr Iain Jardine also enjoyed success at Cargill.
It was good to see a couple of fish caught at Stobhall on Monday, with more success on the beat on Tuesday and Wednesday, which included a seventeen pounder. There was further success at Stobhall as the week progressed. The Taymount Beat finished with eight fish for the week. It was good to see a fish caught at Burnmouth on Friday.
On the Stanley beats, there were three fish caught at Catholes on Thursday. A couple of fish were landed at Pitlochrie on both Monday and Wednesday.
Mr Colin Lowson and his party landed two nice fish at Benchil on Saturday. There was a total of nine fish caught on the Stanley Beats last week. The Upper Scone Beat finished with four fish for the week.
At Fishponds, on Monday Mr Jim Fitzsimmons landed a lovely fish on the Salmo from the Craigs. On Thursday, Mr Simon Fish yes that really is his name caught a cracking ten pounder on the fly from the Fireshot, Mr Neil Tong and Mr Neil Mitchell both had a good day at Fishponds on Friday, landing three fish between them. The fish were caught both on the fly and spinner, all from the Craigs Pool. The Fishponds Beat finished with six fish for the week.
It was a great end to the week at Upper Redgorton with three fish caught from the beat on Saturday. There were three fish landed at Waulkmill on Tuesday. It was a good day at Waulkmill on Saturday when four more fish were caught, which included a lovely sixteen pounder.
With cooler conditions forecast in the days ahead, there could be some decent sport to be had on the Tay system next week. So why not wet a line on the mighty River Tay? You might just land some late July silver! We want 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 reportedn(week ending 25th July)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Lower Kinnaird 2,Dalguise 1,Dalmarnock 1,Murthly 1, 2, Kercock 4, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 2, Islamouth 8, Ballathie 7, Cargill 3, Stobhall 8, Taymount 8, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 3, Pitlochrie 4, Benchil 2, Upper Scone 4, Fishponds 6, Upper Regorton 3, Waulkmill 7
Total: 76 Largest: Ballathie &Stobhall 17lbs
BETTER FISHING CONDITIONS IN THE DAYS AHEAD?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 27th July 2026)
There were some lovely fish caught from the Tay system last week and many of these were sea liced, which was great to see. It has been really encouraging to see the quality of some of the fish caught, with some larger summer salmon as well as fresh hard fighting grilse being landed last week. There is every chance that more top-quality grilse and summer salmon will be landed from the Tay system in the days ahead.
Looking ahead to next week, the weather forecast looks a little more promising for fishing, with cooler conditions forecast. It is also likely to be more unsettled with some showers. There will also be more cloud cover, which will be welcome news to anglers. Monday should be mainly dry with the chance of a few showers or even some longer spells of rain. From midweek onwards it will be mostly dry with the chance of the odd shower. Temperatures will be generally in the high teens with the chance of warmer weather towards the end of the week.
Last week catches on the river were well spread, with fish being caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill. It does appear that some of the fresh fish entering the system are running hard. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on the middle and lower river.
With beats on the River Tay offering fantastic value for money compared to many other rivers across Scotland, why not wet a line next week? Nothing quite beats landing some Tay summer silver!
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.
This report is the property of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board and may not be reproduced in full, or in part, without the prior written consent of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board