(River Tay weekly report week ending 4th April 2026)
We moved into April last week and the weather was inclement to say the least. Some days were cold and windy, with squally showers, and some of these fell as snow over higher ground, whilst on other days, when the sun came out, it felt pleasant and springlike. Towards the end of the week, there were spells of heavy rain associated with strong winds. This, coupled with persistent unsettled water, made it difficult conditions for anglers on the Tay. If this was not enough, late Saturday, going into Sunday, Storm Dave unleashed its wrath, bringing heavy rain and gale-force winds to some parts of the country. This led to the river rising rapidly again on Sunday morning.
Mr. Robert McFarlane from the Trolling for Salmon on Loch Tay guiding service landed a lovely springer from the loch on Saturday. On the upper river, there were fish caught at Findynate and Upper Kinnaird last week.
Mr Martin Wilson enjoyed dam success at Portnacraig on the River Tummel on Friday when he caught a nice springer. The fish was caught from the Portnacraig bank on the fly. On Saturday, Mr. Alan Carpenter landed a cracking nine pounder on the River Tummel from the Dunfallandy and West Haugh Beat.
Back on the River Tay, there was success at Lower Kinnaird on Tuesday. This was the first fish of the season caught from the Lower Kinnaird Beat, hopefully, the first of many.
There was success at Dunkeld on Tuesday when a lovely fresh fish was caught from the Fifey Pool, harling weighing sixteen pounds.
On Wednesday, there was more success at Dunkeld with a cracker caught from the Gauge Pool.
It was good to see fish caught on both Murthly beats last week. There was success at Stenton on Friday. There were some nice fish caught from the West Grange Beat on the River Ericht last week.
At Islamouth, Mr. Arni Bauldursson caught a fine fish from the Longhead on Tuesday.
On Friday, Sandy Datta caught a fish from Ashtree. However, the award for top rod at Islamouth during the second half of the week went to Mr. Simon Furniss. Mr. Furniss caught a fine nine pounder on Friday from Green Bank just before lunch.
On Saturday, Mr. Furniss went one better, landing a cracking twelve pounder from Islamouth on the fly. Indeed, on Saturday at lunchtime in the hut, Mr. Furniss was smiling like a Cheshire cat. Well done, Sir!
The Taymount Beat finished with a couple of fish for the week. It was good to see a fish caught at Burnmouth on Wednesday.
Mr. James Holder enjoyed a super Saturday at Catholes. Mr. Holder was fly fishing when he got a powerful take. After a great fight, Mr. Holder went on to land a cracking fresh springer weighing fifteen pounds from the Little head.
There was success at Upper Scone on Tuesday. On Saturday, PDAA junior member Clan Connolly was fishing an evening permit with his dad at Upper Redgorton and landed his first ever spring salmon weighing in at eight pounds on a toby lure. Well done, young man and the first of many, I am sure!
Some of the anglers who did brave the elements last week were rewarded on the Tay system, which was great to see. Overall, it was tough going and the unsettled conditions did not help. Hopefully, the weather will be a little more conducive to salmon fishing in the upcoming weeks.
As we move through April and into May, the runs of spring salmon entering the river should continue to increase. This gives anglers a decent chance of making contact with that spring silver tourist. With many beats on the river representing excellent value for money, why not book a day on the Tay next week? You might just hook some April spring 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 4th April)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Findynate 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dunkeld 2, Murthly 1, 3, Murthly 2, 1, Stenton 1, Kethick Streams 1, West Grange 4, Meikleour & Upper Islamouth 2, Islamouth 4, Taymount 2, Burnmouth 1, Catholes 1, Upper Scone 1, Upper Redgorton
Total: 29 Largest: Dunkeld 16lbs
ANGLERS HOPING FOR SOME SETTLED WATER CONDITIONS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 6th April 2026)
It was a mixed bag of weather last week, with frequent showers and even longer spells of rain on some days, alternating with milder settled weather. Towards the end of the week, several low-pressure systems traversed the country, leading to frequent heavy showers and strong winds. On certain days, salmon fishing was quite challenging!
Over the weekend, the weather has remained unsettled with spells of rain on Saturday and some showers on Sunday. Indeed, late Saturday going into Sunday, Storm Dave battered much of Scotland, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain. This led to a rapidly rising river on Sunday. What anglers will be hoping for now is some settled water conditions in the days and weeks and hopefully, this will lead to improved catches.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday should be mainly dry as a ridge of high pressure builds. There may be a few showers on Wednesday and it will feel quite mild. Towards the end of the week, there is a chance of some rain. Temperatures will be in the mid-teens for the most part.
Catches on the Tay system were again well spread last week, from Loch Tay down to Upper Redgorton. There were also some nice fish caught from the River Tummel and the River Ericht and sport on these tributaries should continue to improve as we move through April and into May. Many of the fish caught were sea liced, indicating that the fish entering the system are running hard. There is a chance of catching a fresh fish anywhere on the main river next week, as recent catches suggest. Loch Tay is also a good option, as is the River Tummel and Ericht.
With some lovely spring fish being landed on a daily basis, why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon rivers? You might just have that April day to remember!
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.