(River Tay weekly report week ending 28th June 2025)
We are currently in the midst of the Scottish summer, with July almost upon us. Last year, the main summer salmon and grilse run on the River Tay coincided with Wimbledon fortnight (which commences on Monday). The number of fish entering the river then gradually increased through July. Let us hope this is the case this year and catches improve as we progress through July.
There have already been some lovely summer salmon and grilse caught from the Tay system in the past few weeks, and hopefully, there will be plenty more to come.
It felt fresher last week after all the heat and humidity of the previous week. Fishing conditions were much improved. The weather was quite unsettled at times, with showers and even some longer spells of rain. Temperatures remained in the mid to high teens for the most part. All in all it was decent fishing weather for late June. It was encouraging to see catches improve on the Tay system last week as we moved towards July.
On the South Chesthill Beat on the River Lyon, there was a fish caught on Wednesday. It was good to see a fish caught from the Upper Farleyer Beat on the upper river on Wednesday.
There was a fish caught on the Lower Kinnaird Beat on Monday. It was good to see a fish caught from the Bridge Pool at Dalguise on Wednesday and at Newtyle, Mr Doug Larson had a happy Monday catching a fish from the Trap. This was one of two fish caught from the beat on Monday. There was another fish caught at Newtyle on Tuesday.
The Murthly 2 Beat produced a couple of nice fish on Monday including a fine fifteen pounder and there was also success at Murthly 1. The Murthly Beats finished with a combined total of seven fish for the week. There was success at Stenton on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Mr Stuart Lang had a fine six pounder from the Boat Pool at Glendelvine on the fly. On Friday, Mr Charles Martin caught a lovely fresh grilse from the Stone Seat at Glendelvine.
Mr Ted Handley had a great day at Delvine & Burnbane on Tuesday. Mr Handley was fishing the fly at the tail of Sparrowmuir when he got a powerful take. After a great fight, Mr Handley went on to land a lovely fish. The fish was caught on a Cascade fly. On Thursday evening, Sandy Datta managed a fresh nine pounder at Delvine & Burnbane. The fish was caught again from the tail of Sparrowmuir.
A couple of fish were caught from Kercock during the first half of the week, which was good to see. Further downstream it was a good start to the week at Meikleour on Monday when a fine bar of silver was landed. There was another fish caught from the beat on Thursday. At Islamouth, three fish were landed from the beat on Tuesday.
There was a couple of fish caught at Ballathie on Tuesday, including a cracking sixteen pounder. There was another fish caught at Ballathie on Friday.
On Monday, Angler Torfin from Norway landed a lovely fish on the fly at Cargill. There was another fish caught at Cargill on Tuesday. It was a great day on the beat on Wednesday, with four fish landed. Successful anglers included Mr. Gavin Mason, amongst others.
There was success at Stobhall on Monday and Thursday, with more fish caught towards the end of the week. The Taymount Beat finished with three fish for the week.
Mr Richard Chambers had a fantastic day at Benchil. Mr Chambers landed two lovely summer salmon weighing up to twelve pounds on the fly. The fish were caught from the Long Shot. There was more success at Benchil on Thursday when Mr Jake Speirs had a fine twelve pounder in the evening. On Friday, Mr Gary Bruce caught a magnificent eighteen pounder on the fly from the Long Shot. The fish gave a great account of itself and was safely returned. Benchil finished with five fish for the week. Further downstream, it was good to see a fish caught at Waulkmill on Thursday.
With many people on holiday over the next few weeks, it could be the perfect time to book a few days to go fishing on the River Tay, so why not have a cast? There is no better way to start July than landing some fresh Tay 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 this report, please 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 28th June)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Crieff Angling Club 1, South Chesthill 1, Upper Farleyer 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Dalguise 1, Newtyle 3, Murthly 1, 4, Murthly 2, 3, Stenton 1, Glendelvine 2, Delvine & Burnbane 2, Kercock 3, Meikleour & U Islamouth 2, Islamouth 3, Ballathie 3, Cargill 6, Stobhall 3, Taymount 3, Benchil 5, Waulkmill 1
Total: 49 Largest: Benchil 18lbs
SOME GOOD SPORT TO BE HAD IN JULY?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 30th June 2025)
Some fine fish were caught from the river last week as catches improved significantly compared to the previous week. River levels were steady apart from a slight lift in water on Saturday and temperatures were in the mid-teens on most days. There were some showers and even some longer spells of rain. The fish caught were mostly a mixture of larger summer salmon and hard fighting grilse; many were sea liced, which was great to see. In the upcoming weeks, more salmon should enter the Tay system daily, giving anglers the chance of making contact with the king of fish. Hopefully, some good sport will be had as we move into July.
Over the weekend, it was mainly dry, and temperatures again started to rise. Looking ahead to next week, Monday will be mainly dry, and it will feel warm, with temperatures widely in the low twenties. Tuesday should also be dry, apart from the odd shower. It should start to feel fresher from midweek onwards, but there is the chance of a few showers.
Last week, there were fish caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill, which shows that fish are well spread throughout the system. There were also fish caught on the River Lyon and Earn. The best chance of success next week would probably be on beats situated on the middle and lower river. As always, a good variety of salmon fishing is available on the Tay in the upcoming days, with fishing to suit even the most discerning of anglers’ tastes. So why not chase some summer silver on the Tay next week? You could have a July 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 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.