(River Tay weekly report week ending 12th April 2025)
With Easter only a few days away, we are now moving into what should be the prime spring period on many of Scotland’s salmon rivers, including the River Tay. In the next six weeks, we should better understand how strong the spring run will be across the country this year. Hopefully catches will go from strength to strength in the days and weeks ahead.
There was lots of sunshine and settled weather across much of Scotland last week including Perthshire. Temperatures rose to the high teens on most days and winds were light. River levels remained steady with the water at a good height for many beats. Unfortunately, the bright conditions combined with the high temperatures impacted catches somewhat, with barely a cloud in the sky on most days.
On the upper river it was good to see a fish caught at Lower Bolfracks on Monday and Thursday. There was a fine eighteen pounder caught at Lower Farleyer on Thursday.
There was more dam success at Portnacraig on the River Tummel last week with three fish landed from the beat on Monday. Mr Steve Watt enjoyed some good sport, catching two fish, one of which was a cracking seventeen pounder. Both fish were caught on the fly from the Pitlochry bank. Mr Les Dargie also got in on the action on Monday when he caught a nine pounder again from the Pitlochry bank. On Wednesday evening Mr Jim Fisher caught a nice fish on the fly from the Pitlochry bank at Portnacraig. Staying on the River Tummel there was also a fish caught further downstream at East Haugh on Saturday.
On the main river, there was success at Dalmarnock on Saturday when a fine fifteen pounder was landed. It was good to see fish caught on the Murthly 1 Beat on Monday and Saturday. There was a fish caught at Stenton on Tuesday.
Mr Ronnie Fraser had a memorable day at Glendelvine on Friday. Despite the difficult conditions, Mr Fraser caught three lovely springers on the fly from the beat. It just goes to show that perseverance pays off!
Mr Glen Baikie had a day to remember at Delvine & Burnbane on Thursday. Mr Baikie hooked a powerful fish on the fly in the Red Brae and after a great fight, landed a lovely sea liced fished weighing ten pounds. This was the first fish of the season at Delvine & Burnbane and hopefully, the first of many!
It was a fantastic Friday for Mr. John Dewar at Kercock when he caught a lovely springer from the beat.
There was more success at Kercock on Friday when Mr. Dave Roberts caught a sparkling springer. The fish was caught on a Dee Monkey fly and put up a fantastic fly.
At Islamouth Mr John Mcelroy landed a fine fish from the Cutty on Monday.
On Wednesday, two more fish were caught at Islamouth. Successful anglers included Mr. Gary Weir and Mr. Neil Mitchell.
On Saturday at Islamouth Mr Roy Hart caught his first ever salmon. The fish was caught from Donnits. Well done, Sir, on a great achievement and hopefully the first of many!
It was a happy Monday for Mr Gavin Mason at Cargill. Mr Mason caught the fine springer from the Pot Shot on the fly.
As we move towards the end of April the number of fish entering the Tay system and heading for one of the many tributaries should continue to increase. This is in addition to the fish running the main river. Anglers should, therefore, stand a decent chance of hooking the ultimate prize in our sport, a hard fighting spring salmon, and there is no better place to do this than on the mighty River Tay.
Many people will have a few days holiday over Easter so why not wet a line on one of Scotland’s most famous and prolific salmon rivers? As always, there is no shortage of salmon fishing options on the Tay system, with fishing to suit every angler’s taste.
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
(week ending 14th April)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Lower Bolfracks 2, Lower Farleyer 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 4, East Haugh 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dunkeld 1, Murthly 1, 2, Stenton 1, Glendelvine 3, Delvine & Burnbane 1, Kercock 2, Islamouth 4, Cargill 1
Total: 25 Largest: Lower Farleyer 18lbs
FINALLY A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER!
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 14th April 2025)
April can be a prime time of year on the River Tay on many beats for spring salmon fishing and hopefully 2025 will be no different. There are already a few fish in the system and these fish will be joined by more fresh fish entering the system daily, so anglers have a decent chance of making contact with that elusive springer.
Last week, settled weather predominated across much of Perthshire due to a large area of high pressure. There was plenty of dry weather and sunshine on offer. There were also some night time frosts from midweek onwards. River levels were steady although it was very bright for most of the week.
The dry weather continued on Saturday but there were some showers on Sunday. Looking ahead to next week, we will finally see a change in weather conditions as low pressure predominates. This will bring some showers and even some longer spells of rain. We could see some rain on Monday and Tuesday and it will feel cooler than of late. The unsettled theme will continue throughout the week.
There were some fine fish caught from the Tay system last week, and the catches were well spread from Lower Bolfracks down to Cargill. Realistically there is a chance of landing a fresh fish anywhere on the Tay system in the upcoming days.
With a better weather forecast and top quality hard, fighting spring salmon being landed on a daily basis, why not start your quest to catch a spring salmon on the River Tay next week? Surely, there is no better way to celebrate Easter than by landing a 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.