Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Report and Prospects last week of February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Report and Prospects last week of February 2010.

Tay Report for week ending 27th February 2010.

The last week of February on the Tay was very disappointing as only 4 salmon were recorded from all over the district.

The river was running below 1 foot at the start of the week with night temperatures down to below -8C on the lower Tay. The river gradually dropped away as the week went on with good conditions for spring fishing, it remained cold. The river temperature dropped to 34F or 1C on Monday and was recorded lower in the mornings; it was bitterly cold and difficult to fish effectively. On Thursday we got heavy snow, which continued, into Friday. The snow turned to rain at low levels causing the lower river to go dirty on Friday and Saturday, which did not help. Hopefully the colour will clear for the start of the week and with 4 metre tides make a few spring salmon run.

The lower river produced 2 out of the 4 spring salmon caught. Taymount had a salmon on Monday. On Saturday Islamouth caught a lovely 14 pound springer. John McElroy caught the fresh springer on a Toby from the Donets pool from the bank.

The middle Tay produced only 2 salmon from Coupar Grange. They also caught the largest salmon of the week falling to Scottish ghillie Johnny Muller fly fishing from the bank.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of opening week spring salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences over the last season on the river. I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Prospects for the week commencing 1st March 2010.

As of Monday the river is settled and running at a low level after last weeks cold weather.

The weather is to remain cold this coming week with a chance of milder conditions at the end of the week. There is 4 metre tides at the start of the week, which hopefully will encourage some early March spring salmon to run the river.

The water temperature is 34 degrees Fahrenheit or 1 degrees Celsius meaning you have certainly to spin or fish a fly slow and deep.

With very cold water recently it is likely that most springers will have been bottled up in the lower river. If there is a bit of fresh water and milder conditions this may enable some salmon to run further upstream. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower and middle river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish which have yet to spawn. Hopefully the return to higher water conditions will see the spawning season wind up quickly but if you find such fish, please avoid gravelly areas where they might be spawning.

The Craigs on Upper Redgorton on the lower Tay below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

The river is running low and cold, meaning the salmon will be running slowly and should favour the lower Tay beats.

There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.

As to methods, once the river settles fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2010 is that all spring salmon should be released, i.e. the Tay has adopted a policy of 100% catch and release for spring salmon. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please help preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the recommendations.

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.

Tight lines.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland G Loomis Factory Tour.

Salmon Fishing Scotland G Loomis Factory Tour.

Recently I was sent the slides from the world famous G Loomis Fishing Rod factory tour.



These are the first stages in the rod manufacture.


To build a rod, start with the carbon.


Carbon is cut to size from mandrel drawing.


Carbon is warmed on to the mandrel after which it is rolled onto the mandrels.




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Salmon Fishing Scotland Snow Storm on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Snow Storm on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2010.


Heavy snow showers on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. This is not pleasant weather for fly fishing on the river.


Desperate conditions on the river Tay today with heavy snow falling all day. There has been a bit of a thaw as well with the temperature rising a slightly. There should be a bit more water for next week and hopefully that may entice some more spring salmon to run the river. The weather is to improve and remain cold which should be good for the lower river.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Twitter.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Snow Storm on the Tay February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Snow Storm on the Tay February 2010.

Video of a snow storm on the river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland today on the lower Tay at Stanley.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay February 2010.


A superb 16 pound spring salmon caught and released on the Coupar Grange beat of the river Isla on Monday. The fresh springer was caught by Scottish ghillie Johnny Muller fly fishing from the High Bank pool on an Ice Maiden.


A Snow storm over the Horsey pool of the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.



Kirkie stream on a very stormy snowy day in February 2010 with Stanley Mills in the back ground.


Kirkie on the Pitlochrie beat in slightly different conditions from the blue sky the last day! The Wash House hut on the Stanley bank.


Winter snow in the boat on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland February Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland February Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2010.


Stuart Beveridge’s 13 pound spring fish off Portnacraig bank on the Pitlochry Angling stretch of the Tummel caught last Saturday. The springer was caught fly fishing from the bank and carefully returned.


The famous Craigs on the Upper Redgorton or Fishponds beat at a good fly fishing height.


The Little Shot on the lower Tay beat of Benchil just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. A perfect height for fly fishing at the moment.


The tail of the Long Shot today at Benchil now running at summer levels.


The rod rings iced up after 15 minutes fishing this morning. Fishing of any type at the moment is difficult until the sun gets up. Today when I started it was -6C and the river temperature was 0C. The rod rings freeze up in no time at all making fly fishing in particular, interesting. The Tay was still flowing normally today despite the very cold weather and also the low water level. Other rivers have frozen over, the Dee and Spey have both got grue flowing down them making it impossible to fish.


A Temple Dog fluttering in the river today. Alas it was unable to tempt a Tay spring salmon.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay in February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay in February 2010.


Scottish ghillie Gary McErlain with a superb 20 pound spring salmon caught in the Bridge Stream of the Ballathie beat on a Kynoch recently. The lucky angler was Kenny Hood.


A fresh salmon being played from the boat at Cargil on the lower Tay.


Bo Bo Forest with a lovely fresh 13 pound spring salmon from the Cargil beat above Stanley.


The tail of the long Shot on the Benchil beat below Stanley on the lower Tay.


Kirkie Stream on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Benchil in Spring February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Benchil in Spring February 2010.


Video of Benchil on the lower Tay below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland in low cold water. This is an ideal height for fly fishing especially in the Long Shot.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Report and Prospects February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Report and Prospects February 2010.


Tay Report for week ending 20th February 2010.
The third week of February on the Tay was as disappointing as last week’s 14 spring salmon. This week 11 salmon were recorded from all over the district.

The river was running below 1 foot on Saturday after a very cold week with night temperatures down to below -8C on the lower Tay. The river gradually dropped away as the week went on with good conditions for spring fishing, it remained cold. The river temperature stayed at 36F or 2C for the week and dropped to 34F or 1C on Saturday, which should be good for the coming week especially on the lower Tay.

This week the lower river due to the very cold conditions and also the river level dropping away to below 1 foot by Saturday dominated the catches.

The lower river produced 9 out of the 11 spring salmon caught. Best spring salmon for the week came from the Ballathie beat with a 20 pound springer caught on a Kynoch from the boat. Ballathie also recorded an 18 pound spring salmon as well caught by Heather Booth harling from the boat in the Bridge Stream. Neil Tong from Perth caught a fresh 18 pound springer on the Islamouth Beat from the bank on a Devon on Saturday.


Upper Scone caught 2 spring salmon on Monday on the fly. One casting from the bank and the other in the boat falling to the Thomas party.

Bo Bo Forest was lucky on Saturday at Cargil catching a lovely 13 pound spring salmon from the boat.

The middle Tay produced only 1 salmon from Coupar Grange.

A superb 28 pound springer from the Glendelvine beat at Murthly was caught last week and there is now a picture of this cracking salmon. Gordon Hogg from Bridge of Allan hooked this magnificent spring salmon on a small Kynoch from the boat in the famous Boat pool with the aid of Scottish Ghillie Steve McIrvine. The powerful salmon ran 500 metres down river before being landed. Both salmon and angler are still recovering! This was the same pool that Miss Ballantine caught her whopping 64 pound salmon.

The upper river recorded 1 salmon from the Pitlochry Dam beat run by the Pitlochry Angling Club. The 13 pound spring salmon was caught by Stuart Beveridge fly fishing off the Portnacraig bank.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of opening week spring salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences over the last season on the river. I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.



Prospects for the week commencing 22nd February 2010.
As of Monday the river is settled and running at a low level after last weeks cold weather.

The weather is to remain cold this coming week with little sign of any rain.

The boat at Benchil with ice on it on Saturday morning.

The water temperature is 34 degrees Fahrenheit or 1 degrees Celsius meaning you have certainly to spin or fish a fly slow and deep.

Fly fishing on the lower Tay at Benchil on the lower Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

With very cold water recently it is likely that most springers will have been bottled up in the lower river. If there is a bit of fresh water and milder conditions this may enable some salmon to run further upstream. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower and middle river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish which have yet to spawn. Hopefully the return to higher water conditions will see the spawning season wind up quickly but if you find such fish, please avoid gravelly areas where they might be spawning.

The river is running low and cold, meaning the salmon will be running slowly and should favour the lower Tay beats.

There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.

As to methods, once the river settles fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2010 is that all spring salmon should be released, i.e. the Tay has adopted a policy of 100% catch and release for spring salmon. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please help preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the recommendations.

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.

Tight lines.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland February 2010.


Fly Fishing for Spring Salmon on the Tay at Benchil below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Conditions don't better for fly fishing with low cold water. You just need a few fish to come into the pool and you are away!


Fly Fishing equipment for spring fishing on the Tay. Skaget line with a sinking tip and Temple Dog Turbo Tube fly.


Beautiful day on the Benchil beat of the lower Tay. Low cold water in the Long Shot for perfect fly fishing conditions.


Sun set on the Little Shot on a very cold February day on the Benchil beat on the Lower Tay below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.


This typical Tay Spring Salmon was caught at Ballathie today harling a Kynoch from the boat in the Bridge stream.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring 2010 on the river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring 2010 on the river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

This was the 18 pounds spring salmon caught at Ballathie today from the boat by Mrs Heather Booth on a small Kynoch. The ladies are at it again catching prize Tay Salmon.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Photographing Catch and Release.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Photographing Catch and Release.


On the river Tay all spring salmon are being released this year so it is important to have a memory of the catch. Here are some guide lines to follow to successfully capture that magical moment and return the salmon unharmed. These spring salmon are so precious for the Tay system so it is very important we do all we can to ensure they survive for the future.




Photographing Your Spectacular Live Release Salmon.

Use a photo partner:

* Digital camera: make settings on the camera before you begin fishing or use a point and shoot film camera. Give it to your partner before the angling session.

* Whether a digital camera or a film camera, tell your partner to fill the frame, and take several images.

* If it is a film camera, be sure there is film in the camera. This may seem to be a simple matter, but mistakes do happen...

Let your Partner get into Position:

* Tell him/her what you are going to do. Alert your partner before you take the fish out of the water.

Support the Atlantic salmon:

* Carefully take the barbless hook out of the fish’s mouth. With rod tucked under your arm, move one hand to the base of the tail. With your other hand, support the fish under the forward part of its body. Keep it in the water, with the fish pointed upstream to help its recovery.

* If a third person is present, give him or her the rod to hold, so you can concentrate on the wild salmon.

Take the Picture Quickly:

* With your photo partner warned, raise the wild Atlantic salmon partially out of the water for less than five seconds - or consider leaving it semi-submerged for the photo instead!

Return the Fish to Continue its Spawning Run:


* Support the salmon underwater in a natural position facing the current, handling it as little as possible. Give it time to recover. The goal is for the wild salmon to swim away on its own.



* Digital cameras offer the opportunity to adjust the film speed to suit conditions. In low light, such as evening, morning, heavy cloud, or deep shadow, consider setting the speed to 400, to take care of both movement and the low light. Experiment beforehand on speeds above 400, as many digital images become heavily pixelated at greater sensitivity.

* Remember to adjust the white balance for deep shadow, to warm the image.

* Today’s print films even at 400 speed are superb. Use 400 speed film at dawn, dusk or in shadow.

* Don’t forget to smile! Your photo is a valuable memory.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2010.

Scottish Ghillie Stuart Lean with a lovely fresh 10 pounds spring salmon from the Lower Redgorton beat of the lower Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.
This is Stuarts fourth spring salmon for 2010. The cold water is certainly benefiting the lower river this season.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay February 2010.

Video of Trevor Thomas playing and landing a 12 pounds spring salmon in the Long Shot on the Benchil beat below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland on the Upper Scone Fishings.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay February 2010.

It was another memorable day on the Lower Tay beat of Benchil just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. The Upper Scone rods landed 2 spring salmon both on the fly.


Trevor Thomas prepares to release a lovely fresh 12 pounds spring salmon which was caught from the boat in the Long Shot.

Trevor releases the springer back to the river.

Another spring salmon was also caught fly fishing from the bank in the little Shot which was 10 pounds and was carefully released earlier in the day.

A rainbow over the Stanley Mills on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Report and Prospects February 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Report and Prospects February 2010.


Tay report for week ending 13th February 2010.

The second week of February on the Tay was as disappointing last week’s 18 spring salmon. This week 14 salmon were recorded from all over the district.

The river was running at about 3 foot on Monday on the lower Tay and gradually dropped away as the week went on with good conditions for spring fishing and it remained cold. The river temperature remained at 36F or 2C for the week, which should be good for the coming week especially for the lower Tay.

This week the lower river due to the very cold conditions and also the river level dropping away to below 2 feet by Saturday dominated the catches.

The lower river produced 11 out of the 14 spring salmon caught. The beats around Stanley fared best with Taymount, Burnmouth, Benchil and Pitlochrie and Upper Scone all catching.

Neil Gallacher with a lovely 13 pounds spring salmon from the Upper Scone Benchil beat caught on a Kynoch.

Best spring salmon for the week came from the Benchil beat with a 17 pounds springer caught on a devon from the bank. Tay River Board chairman Bill Jack caught a lovely 16 pounds sea liced salmon on Saturday from the Fishponds beat at Knowes Bank on a harled Tube fly. Burnmouth caught 3 salmon during the week with owner Mick Smith catching 2 lovely 15 pounds springers.

The middle Tay produced only 3 salmon with Kercock catching 1 and Coupar Grange 2.
One spring salmon that was not recorded on the Fishtay site was a superb 28 pounds springer from the Glendelvine beat at Murthly. Gordon Hogg from Bridge of Allan caught this magnificent spring salmon on a small Kynoch from the boat in the famous Boat pool with the aid of Scottish Ghillie Steve McIrvine. The powerful salmon ran 500 meters down river before being landed. Both Salmon and Angler are still recovering! Hopefully I will publish pictures of this fantastic catch soon.

The upper river did not report any this week. I will be getting an up to date report from the Loch soon. They have not had a great start due to the very cold conditions but there have been some good salmon landed.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of opening week spring salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences over the last season on the river. I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.



Prospects for the week commencing 15th February 2010.

As of Monday the river is settled and running at a low level after last weeks cold weather.

The weather is to be bit more unsettled this coming week with pressure dropping which may give us some more water however it still looks cold at nights with frost up to Thursday.

The water temperature is 36 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 degrees Celsius meaning you have certainly to spin or fish a fly slow and deep.

With very cold water recently it is likely that most springers will have been bottled up in the lower river. If there is a bit of fresh water and milder conditions this may enable some salmon to run further upstream. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower and middle river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish which have yet to spawn. Hopefully the return to higher water conditions will see the spawning season wind up quickly but if you find such fish, please avoid gravelly areas where they might be spawning.

The river is running at a good height and cold, meaning the salmon will be running slowly and should favour the lower Tay beats.

A typical Tay Spring Salmon. Short and very deep.
There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.

As to methods, once the river settles fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2010 is that all spring salmon should be released, i.e. the Tay has adopted a policy of 100% catch and release for spring salmon. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please help preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the recommendations.

If you have any news or pictures of catches or experiences on the Tay and you would like to share them please email me on stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.

Tight lines.



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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release good Practice.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release good Practice.

Spring salmon are a very precious resource on the Tay and we need to do all we can to conserve them for the future.
These are some helping information facts from the Atlantic Salmon Federation to follow.


How to SAFELY Release a Salmon
“The best method of releasing a salmon is to leave it in the water
and touch nothing but the hook with fingers or pliers.
“Whatever the method, care combined with speed, will give the fish the best chance of survival.”
Lee Wulff, Atlantic Salmon Journal Winter 1964/65

• Use barbless or pinched hooks
• Retrieve your fish quickly; release it immediately
• Keep the fish in the water
• Use rubber or knotless cotton net, if one must be used
• Cut the leader if necessary
• Remove the hook carefully
• Hold the fish gently in natural swimming position, facing upstream until it revives
• Don’t pump the fish. That is, don’t move the fish back and forth in the water.

How should hooks be removed?
Very Carefully
In quiet water, bring the wild salmon quickly within reach. Leaving the salmon in water and without squeezing it, remove the hook carefully with pliers or thumb and forefinger. If a net must be used, it should be rubber or knotless cotton. If necessary, cut the leader near the fly and spare the fish.

The Science of Live Release
“Peer-reviewed science supports live release as a proven and effective conservation tool.”
Dr. Fred Whoriskey,
ASF Vice-President, Research & Environment

Studies in North America and Europe have shown live release works, and in some instances Atlantic salmon have been angled 2 and 3 times.
Science has shown that virtually all Atlantic salmon will survive when released, as long as the angler uses the proper techniques, refrains from angling in overly warm water, and does not overplay the Atlantic salmon.
Like athletes sprinting on a track, Atlantic salmon build up lactic acid in their muscle tissues when they are being played.
The Key is Oxygen – The fish need oxygen in order to recover and continue their journey.
To recover, Atlantic salmon need:
• careful handling by the angler to reduce stress
• to remain in the water where they can breathe and reduce the oxygen deficit in their tissues
• to be held in an upstream position for water to flow more easily across their gills

How to Photograph a Release
ASF appreciates anglers and guides who develop the skills of taking fantastic images with the fish held IN the water, not out of it.

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