Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

The last day in February proved a successful day for the Tay. There was ideal conditions for spring salmon fishing and a good few spring salmon were successfully landed.

Dave Chamberlain with a lovely 10 pounds spring salmon caught on the Catholes just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Dave caught his salmon spinning from the boat in the Back Dam pool on a devon.

This was one of 3 spring salmon caught at Islamouth all about 15 pounds.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 28th February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 28th February 2011.


River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 28th February 2011.
The river is dropping back and is settled for the coming week after unsettled weather especially on the lower Tay last week. The middle Tay has not been so badly effected as it is above the Isla.

The weather is to remain settled for the week giving us at last a week to look forward to with better conditions for spring fishing. The water temperature is 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius meaning you have to fish large flies and lures slowly and at depth. The latest 5 day weather can be accessed here.

The Tay at Stanley on Saturday evening finally fining down to give settled conditions for the coming week.
With very cold water recently it is likely that most springers will be moving slowly through the river. Also, with all the rain and snow melt there has been plenty of water to encourage them to move, but with water temperatures still low they might not run that far, i.e. race through to Loch Tay. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower and middle river.

The number of unspent fish being caught seems to be dropping now, suggesting that the high water of the last few weeks may have signaled the beginning of the end as far as spawning goes. However, it's worth remembering that any kelts, baggots or rawners encountered should be treated with the same amount of care as we would a fresh fish when returning them to the water.
The river is running at a good height and cold meaning the salmon will be running slowly and favour the lower and middle Tay beats conditions permitting. The encouraging grilse run in Summer 2010 might suggest that we will see more 2 sea-winter fish this year, so let’s hope that some of these turn out to be the early-running bars of silver that we are all hoping for.

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 2011 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.

To help you follow our guidelines I have included these helpful pointers.

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.

James McKay from Perth about to release a spring salmon at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
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

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 pixilated at greater sensitivity.

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

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

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

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 robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

Tight lines.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 26th February 2011.

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 26th February 2011.
The last week of February on the Tay was again disappointing but this was down to bad weather with the river unsettled for most of the week. Conditions were extremely difficult with dirty water and fluctuating heights, which are not ideal for spring fishing. However the conditions for next week look much more promising at long last.

The river was never settled during the week, which resulted in little success for most of the beats however there were some memorable days for a few anglers. The river temperature came up slightly to 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius, which meant fishing large spinning lures and flies slowly and at depth.

26 spring salmon were reported last week with the best salmon of 22 pounds being landed at Lower Redgorton. The number of unspent fish being caught seems to be dropping now, suggesting that the high water of recent weeks may have signaled the beginning of the end as far as spawning goes. However, it's worth remembering that any kelts, baggots or rawners encountered should be treated with the same amount of care as we would a fresh fish when returning them to the water.

On the lower river 21 fresh spring salmon were caught. The best salmon of the week was the 22 pounds salmon from Lower Redgorton. The beats just above Stanley fished best as they suit very high water. Burnmouth reported 4 early in the week and the Linn pool in particular on Stobhall and Taymount continued to produce fish.

Stobhall angler David Yates had a great day to remember on Tuesday landing 3 spring salmon to 21 pounds all harling from the boat. Then at the end of the week Taymount had a couple of good days on the Linn pool. Campbell Durie and Johnny Stevenson were successful on Thursday.

Angela Summerville with her first ever Tay spring salmon on Taymount.
On Saturday Taymount landed 3 springers all from the Linn up to 14 pounds. Angela Summerville landed her first ever Tay spring salmon on a Tay lure and regular angler Jimmy Gibson caught a lovely 10 pounds salmon. Hopefully with the river settled and clear, prospects for the coming week should be excellent.

Jimmy Gibson with his 10 pounds spring salmon from the Linn pool.

The middle river reported 3 all from the Newtyle beat.

On the upper river reported 2 with the spring salmon coming from the Portnacraig beat in front of Pitlochry dam.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of spring salmon and all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences this and last season on the river.
I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing me at
robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

Spring salmon caught again on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland despite extremely high water levels. The famous Linn Pool strikes again.

This is Campbell Durie with his first ever Tay spring salmon weighing 9 pounds from the Linn pool caught on a tiger Rapala.

Johnny Stevenson with a 7 pounds spring salmon from the Linn pool on the Taymount beat just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland on the lower Tay.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland February Spring Fishing on the Tay 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland February Spring Fishing on the Tay 2011.

Some more spring salmon caught on the Tay despite fairly adverse conditions recently.

Kenny Scott releasing a 14 pounds springer on the Cargill beat. The salmon was caught in the Bridge stream harling from the boat.

This was a springer from last Saturday caught by Charles Martin on the Islamouth beat. Charles caught his salmon harling a Rapala from the boat under the guidance of Scottish Ghillie Billy Campbell.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fishing on the Tay February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fishing on the Tay February 2011.

This was David Yates who had a superb spring day on the river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland today. Not content in landing one Tay spring salmon, he landed 3 on the Stobhall beat above Stanley. All his salmon were landed from the boat with the largest weighing 21 pounds. Certainly a day to remember.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing Success for Young Tay Angler.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing Success for Young Tay Angler.

12 year old Peter Gifford with a fresh 9 pounds Tay spring salmon caught on the Catholes just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Peter landed his salmon from the boat in the Back Dam pool and carefully released it back to the river to preserve spring stocks for the future.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 21st February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 21st February 2011.


River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 21st February 2011.
The river is dropping back and hopefully clearing for the coming week after another dirty water spate at the weekend especially on the lower Tay. The middle Tay has not been so badly effected as it is above the Isla.

The weather is to remain unsettled for the week but hopefully the river will be allowed to settle down to give a chance of better conditions for spring fishing. The water temperature is 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius meaning you have to fish large flies and lures slowly and at depth.

Jimmy Ross landing the first spring salmon from the Pitlochry Angling Club stretch on the fly.
With very cold water recently it is likely that most springers will be moving slowly through the river. Also, with all the rain and snow melt there has been plenty of water to encourage them to move, but with water temperatures still low they might not run that far, i.e. race through to Loch Tay. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower and middle river.

The number of unspent fish being caught seems to be dropping now, suggesting that the high water of the last few weeks may have signaled the beginning of the end as far as spawning goes. However, it's worth remembering that any kelts, baggots or rawners encountered should be treated with the same amount of care as we would a fresh fish when returning them to the water. The river is running at a good height and cold meaning the salmon will be running slowly and favour the lower and middle Tay beats conditions permitting. The encouraging grilse run in Summer 2010 might suggest that we will see more 2 sea-winter fish this year, so let’s hope that some of these turn out to be the early-running bars of silver that we are all hoping for.

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 2011 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.

To help you follow our guidelines I have included these helpful pointers.

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.

James McKay from Perth about to release a spring salmon at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
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

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 pixilated at greater sensitivity.

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

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

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

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 robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

Tight lines.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 19th February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 19th February 2011.


River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 19th February 2011.
The third week of February on the Tay was again very disappointing but this was down to bad weather that we experienced with the river never settling. Conditions were extremely difficult again with dirty water on the lower river for nearly every day during the week.

The river was never settled during the week, which resulted in little success for most of the beats however there were some memorable days for a few anglers. The river temperature came up slightly to 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius, which meant fishing large spinning lures and flies slowly and at depth.

13 spring salmon were reported last week with the best salmon of 15 pounds being landed by Jimmy Ross, Pitlochry Angling Club president, fly fishing on the Portnacraig beat. This was their first spring salmon for the season and may signal fish now filtering upstream to a few upper river stretches. The number of unspent fish being caught seems to be dropping now, suggesting that the high water of recent weeks may have signaled the beginning of the end as far as spawning goes. However, it's worth remembering that any kelts, baggots or rawners encountered should be treated with the same amount of care as we would a fresh fish when returning them to the water.

On the lower river 10 fresh spring salmon were caught. The best salmon of the week was a 13 pounds beauty from the Cargill beat caught by ghillie David Godfrey on a rapala. Most of the fresh fish caught came from the Taymount and Stobhall stretch as that seemed to be the first area of the lower river where salmon enjoyed some clearer water.
Again the ghillies showed the way on these beats with Bob Campbell and Cohn O’Dea catching fresh spring salmon. Taymount finished the week well on Saturday with 2 springers.

Steve Kettlewell landed an 11 pounds salmon from the Linn pool on a Toby Salmo and the boat in Finford Head harling, caught a 7 pounds fish.
Hopefully the river will settle and clear, which should make better prospects for the coming week.

The middle river reported 1 from the Kercock beat on Monday.

On the upper river reported 2 with the first spring salmon coming from the Portnacraig beat in front of Pitlochry dam. Hopefully this will be the first of many this season.

Angling Club president Jimmy Ross caught the 15 pounds springer fly fishing from the Green Bank on the theatre side of the river. Also on the upper river, Mel Thomson caught a fresh 7 pounds spring salmon on the Dalguise beat from the boat in the Guay Pool on a favourite spring lure, the pink and pearl Tomic.

The Earn season has now been opened but they have also been encountering coloured water being a low-lying river with slow flow in places. However on a positive note Kinnkell Bridge landed their first spring salmon last week and again all the Earn beats will be hoping conditions improve.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of spring salmon and all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences this and last season on the river.
I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing me at
robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011

These were 2 spring salmon caught at Cargill on the Lower Tay yesterday.

Scottish Ghillie David Godfrey from the Cargill beat with 2 fresh spring salmon. The salmon were caught on a Rapala and harling from the boat. Certainly a memorable for David.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Catch for 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Catch for 2010.

This information is from the newly constructed www.fishthetay.co.uk web site.

Tay catch news for 2010.
The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board have now received returns from the great majority of beats for the 2010 season. As of 16 February the total number of salmon and grilse declared by rod & line is 11,373, of which 70.7% were released alive.

With a number of fisheries still to provide a return it is likely the final declared catch should exceed 11,500.

This represents the best overall catch since 2006, but the best autumn catch since 1996.

A breakdown of the catch in terms of areas is provided below.

The following is a graph of the monthly rod catch in 2010 broken down by released and retained fish. The spring was relatively poor, but with a very high rate of catch and release. The autumn fishing was very good, however, on some lower Tay beats in particular.

Tay monthly catch.

When viewed in a longer term perspective the autumn of 2010 was excellent. The overall total was dragged down by the relatively low spring catches.

Tay catches from 1952 to 2010.

More Tay information click here.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

Scottish Ghillie Bob Campbell from the Stobhall beat caught this lovely fresh 10 pounds spring salmon today in the Linn Pool just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Bob caught his salmon on a red and gold devon spinning from the bank.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay February 2011.

Despite dirty water on the lower Tay a fresh salmon was landed fly fishing.

This was a lovely fresh 10 pounds spring salmon caught by Scottish Ghillie Cohn O'Dea today on the Taymount beat. Cohn caught his springer fly fishing from the bank in the Red Rocks part of the beat.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

The river rose again today from heavy rain last night and today but there was one salmon reported despite the adverse conditions.

Scottish Ghillie Cohn O'Dea was lucky at Taymount just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland landing this 8 pounds fresh spring salmon from the boat on a harled Kynoch in the Woodside pool. The salmon was caught before the river went dirty yet again from very heavy rain.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011

The river started to clear up today after the dirty spate on Saturday which is making conditions much better.

Islamouth benefited from the clearing water and caught this superb 8 pounds spring salmon. Let us hope there are more to come before the end of the week.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Scottish Government Fisheries Research Service unit at Almondbank to close.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Scottish Government Fisheries Research Service unit at Almondbank to close.

Future of Perthshire salmon unclear as talks held with 'benefactor'.
This is an article published in the Dundee Courier today by Richard Burdge.
The future of an award-winning Perthshire research unit which helps ensure the future of salmon stocks on the River Tay is hanging in the balance.

The Scottish Government has confirmed that it is closing the Fisheries Research Service unit at Almondbank, but talks are taking place between interested parties and a potential saviour of the facility.


Video of work being carried out at the Hatchery at Almondbank, Perthshire, Scotland.

The Tay Ghillies Association, the Tay Foundation and the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board are all keen to see the research unit continue to operate.

"A benefactor has expressed interest in helping to fund the unit," said one of the participants in the talks.

The future of the three people employed at Almondbank is unclear at the moment, while negotiations take place.

A government spokesperson said, "Marine Scotland will cease to operate the Almondbank freshwater fisheries experimental station from spring this year.

"The decision has come about as part of the wider initiative to ensure that all Scottish Government activity is properly aligned with our strategic objectives and the pressures resulting from the UK spending review."

They added, "No final decision on the future of the site has been taken."

The research unit is equipped to rear salmon at all life stages.

An 80-metre indoor stream is used to study the behaviour of salmon and tag detectors allow the logging of tagged fish.

The unit also reconditions Atlantic salmon after spawning and between 600,000 and 700,000 ova are produced from reconditioned kelts each year and used by the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board as part of their restocking programme.

The unit was the home of Dolly, a female salmon that they reconditioned 11 years running to make her the world's oldest salmon.

She was collected as a four-year-old and died aged 15 in 2003, having produced an estimated 90,000 offspring—compared with the 10,000 that an average salmon produces.

Last year, at the River Tay Conservation and Awards Dinner, the Ballathie Award for Conservation went to Marine Scotland Science at Almondbank for their work in reconditioning salmon.


Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 14th February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 14th February 2011.


River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 14th February 2011.

The river is dropping back and hopefully clearing for the coming week after another dirty water spate at the weekend especially on the lower Tay. The middle Tay has not been so badly effected as it is above the Isla.

The weather is to remain unsettled at the start of the week but then improve with colder weather towards the middle and end of the week. This should enable the river to settle down to give a chance of better conditions for spring fishing. The water temperature is 37 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 be moving slowly through the river. Also, with all the rain and snow melt recently there has been plenty of water to encourage them to move, but with water temperatures still low they might not run that far, i.e. race through to Loch Tay. 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 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 favour the lower Tay beats conditions permitting.

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 2011 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.

To help you follow our guidelines I have included these helpful pointers.

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.

James McKay from Perth about to release a spring salmon at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
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

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 pixilated at greater sensitivity.

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

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

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

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 robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

Tight lines.


Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending12th February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending12th February 2011.

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending12th February 2011.
The second week of February on the Tay was very disappointing but this was down to bad weather that we experienced with the river never settling. Saturday was wiped out again by dirty water on the lower river.

The river was never settled during the week, which resulted in little success for most of the beats however there were some memorable days for a few anglers. The river temperature remained at 36 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 degrees Celsius which meant fishing methods of spinning and fly fishing were slow and deep.

14 spring salmon were reported last week with the best salmon of 16 pounds being landed on the middle river at Dunkeld House and Newtyle respectfully. There are still a number of other salmon in the river from a late run at the end of the year, which makes identification difficult at times. These salmon should be handled extremely carefully as with springers to ensure their survival and hopefully enabling them to spawn.

On the lower river 8 fresh spring salmon were caught. The best salmon of the week was a 14 pounds beauty from the Stobhall beat caught from the boat on a Kynoch by Peter Le Cheminant. Catholes had a couple during the week and Islamouth landed 2 on Friday. The river is settling back after the spate, which should make better prospects for the coming week.

Peter Le Cheminant, the fisherman with all the luck on the Tay this past week.

The middle river reported 6 spring salmon with Newtyle and Dunkeld House continuing to have success. Peter Le Cheminant, having landed a spring salmon on Monday at Stobhall then landed another 2 on Tuesday and Wednesday on the Newtyle beat which included a lovely 16 pounds springer. 3 spring salmon in 3 days is fairly rare at this time in the season. Not to be outdone Dunkeld House caught 2 on Thursday including a 16 pounds spring salmon also. There was one salmon reported from the Isla on Saturday at Islabank. Upper Meikleour landed an 8 pounds salmon on Saturday as well from the boat.

On the upper river did not report any this week but after the high water this will change no doubt.

Many 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 me at
robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Middle Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Middle Tay, Perthshire, Scotland February 2011.

The Dunkeld House beat at Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland successfully landed a couple of good spring salmon today.

This was a 16 pounds beauty caught harling in the Fyffe from the boat.

An 8 pounds springer also caught in the Fyffe from the boat. The high water in the river is encouraging the spring salmon to run which gives everyone a chance throughout the river. If the river settles down there should be quite a few springers landed on all the beats.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Atlantic Salmon release on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Atlantic Salmon release on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.


The release of an Atlantic Salmon back to the river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. This video was not shot this spring but maybe soon I can capture a spring salmon swimming back to the river after being caught unharmed.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon success on the Middle Tay February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon success on the Middle Tay February 2011.

More spring salmon from Newtyle, Dunkeld, Perthshire.

This was Peter Le Cheminant with a 16 pounds spring Salmon landed harling on the Newtyle beat at Dunkeld today. Peter has been on the Tay for 3 days this week and has landed a springer on each day of his trip. That is fantastic luck for this time of year and a very memorable trip to the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. That is 2 landed at Newtyle in 2 days and earlier in the week he had a fresh spring salmon from Stobhall on the lower Tay just above Stanley.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland 2011 Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland 2011 Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay.

Newtyle on the middle Tay at Dunkeld continue to have a good spring. This was the 14 pounds spring salmon caught yesterday harling from the boat.

This was Lee Conways opening day spring salmon caught on the Kenmore stretch of the Upper Tay.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing in the Snow February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing in the Snow February 2011.

Snow returns to the river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

A fresh 12 pounds spring salmon from the Woodside on the Catholes beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today caught and returned by Jimmy Chim.


The winter in Tayside continues. This was the white out conditions at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today, in early February 2011.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 7th February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 7th February 2011.

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 7th February 2011.
The river is dropping back nicely for the coming week after another large spate.

The weather is to remain settled with a small chance of rain and to be much milder. The water temperature is 37 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. However, this rise in water should encourage them to move, but with water temperatures still low they might not run that far, i.e. race through to Loch Tay. 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 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 favour the lower Tay beats conditions permitting.

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 2011 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.

To help you follow our guidelines I have included these helpful pointers.

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.

James McKay from Perth about to release a spring salmon at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
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

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 pixilated at greater sensitivity.

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

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

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

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 robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

Tight lines.


Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 5th February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 5th February 2011.

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 5th February 2011.
The first week of February on the Tay was very disappointing but this was down to the stormy weather we experienced especially at the end of the week where Friday and Saturday were wiped out by a big and dirty river.

The river was settled at the start of the week, which resulted in success for some of the lower beats as well as some middle beats. Very cold water meant ideal conditions for the lower river. The river temperature was 36 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 degrees Celsius which meant fishing methods of spinning and fly fishing were slow and deep.

13 spring salmon were reported last week with the best salmon of 21 pounds being landed at Dunkeld House and a 20 pounds salmon landed at Taymount. There are still a number of other salmon in the river from a late run at the end of the year, which makes identification difficult at times. These salmon should be handled extremely carefully as with springers to ensure their survival and hopefully enabling them to spawn.

On the lower river 9 fresh spring salmon were caught.

The best salmon of the week was a 20 pounds beauty from the Taymount beat caught in the Aldrens from the boat on a Kynoch by Mike Mugglestone. Perth and District angler Jim McKay had a memorable day on the Stobhall beat on Tuesday landing 2 spring salmon of 8 and 9 pounds from the boat with Ghillie Bob Campbell. Burnmouth reported 4 salmon on Tuesday as well. The river is settling back after the spate, which should make good prospects for the coming week.

The middle river reported 4 spring salmon which also included the largest Tay spring salmon of the season so far. A lovely 21 pounds springer fell to Simon Furniss on the Dunkeld House stretch. Newtyle continued their good start to the 2011 season with a further 2 salmon this past week falling to Liam Doherty and Nigel Holmes.

On the upper river did not report any this week but after the high water this will change no doubt. Dalguise have reported 3 spring salmon so far this season and the best one, a fresh 13 pounds beauty was caught by Wan Indra in the tail of the Bridge pool.

Many 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 me at
robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com to be included in this report.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland in Flood February 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland in Flood February 2011.

After the recent storms over the last few days the river Tay has been in flood and unfishable. Once the flood goes back and the river clears the prospects should be reasonable throughout the river.

Stanley Mill

Luncarty

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Protection of Wild Salmon.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Protection of Wild Salmon.
These are three letters that were written recently on the emotive subject of protecting Wild Salmon.
This was a reply to a recent letter in the Dundee Courier by Antony Prior.
Intervention needed to preserve wild salmon.
The letter by Eric McVicar concerning the protection of wild salmon stocks makes very good points.

As a salmon angler for over 30 years, I am finding it increasingly difficult to justify the pursuit, taking into account the threats facing the wild salmon and the topsy-turvy approach towards ensuring its survival.

It is no comfort to be coerced to adopt catch-and-release angling while watching a huge population of seals and piscivorous birds such as goosanders, mergansers and cormorants decimate stocks.

Most anglers will fish happily for the chance of one salmon a day. Each of the thousands of seals inhabiting our estuaries consumes or fatally injures several adult salmon a day, while the fish-eating birds will each consume a dozen or more juvenile fish each day.

A belief that nature will put everything right by reaching a balance between predator and prey is untenable because the ecology and the hierarchy of prey and predation has been altered by human intervention. Whether we like it or not, the responsibility for managing the fate of the wild Scottish salmon is ours.

Considering the diminishing returns of fish and oppressive regulation of salmon angling in the UK, is it any wonder that many are giving up the pursuit, or taking their salmon-angling budget overseas?

If we wish to continue to have viable stocks of wild salmon and sea trout, we need an ecologically-informed programme for supporting them. A scientific approach to predator management and a keener perception of the damage done to stocks by the salmon farming industry would be essential components.

Anthony Prior.
84 Myreside Road,
Edinburgh.

This was a letter written to the Dundee Courier by Eric McVicar recently.
Cull grey seals to restore nature's balance.
At no time have I ever said that predators will destroy the planet — the only creature capable of doing serious damage to the planet as we know it is the human. What I was highlighting in my letter was man's ability to upset the ecological balance by protecting top-level predators.

The planet existed quite happily for a long time prior to the arrival of homo sapiens and will continue to do so after our demise. By protecting such creatures as grey seals in the North Sea, we are putting stress on other species.

Grey seals evolved to breed on offshore areas free of terrestrial predators. Had they bred on inhabited sites, their young would have, in historic times, have been eaten by bears or wolves — all creatures which we hunted to extinction.

If not killed by these predators, our forebears would have had oil for lamps and a new dress for the wife. So it is clear that the grey seal has no natural place in the ecology of the North Sea.

The seal protection act of 1914 was not based on scientific fact, as some would have us believe. It was based on the misconception that only a few hundred of these predators were left.

Where this figure came from nobody knows. Two of our greatest naturalists, Frank Fraser Darling and J. Morton Boyd, searched in vain for this scientific evidence without success. The result is that the North Sea is home to tens of thousands of a non-indigenous predator, doing incalculable damage.

This is only one example of human interference causing disruption to the natural order.

Grey seals are to the North Sea what hedgehogs are to the Western Isles and should be treated in a similar manner.

Eric McVicar.
Strontian,
Argyll.

Protecting predators will destroy planet.
Ron Greer (January 26) is right in asking his questions about salmon farming. Indeed, no form of aquaculture, other than shellfish, can ever be truly sustainable.

A comparison I have often used to demonstrate the absurdity of those who claim that salmon farming is sustainable is that of the farmer who decides to farm lions as a food source. He feeds them all his cattle and sheep.

Salmon are near the top of the marine food chain and, therefore, in the wild are a relatively rare creature, just as lions need to be vastly outnumbered by grazers such as antelope and zebras.

This planet is heading towards mass starvation and unless we utilise primary food sources in a more responsible manner that starvation will arrive sooner than many people think.

A further point to ponder is the obsession of certain groups of people to protect predators at all costs.

In this country, piscivorous birds and seals are causing damage to both marine and freshwater fish populations due to their blanket protection and the miopic mentality of organisations like the RSPB and seal-loving people like Bill Oddie and Kate Humble.

So before you renew your RSPB membership, or buy that brightly dyed lump of farmed salmon, think, 'Am I helping the future starvation of generations to come?'

Meanwhile, I am going to feed my garden birds before the raptors finish them off!

Eric McVicar.
Strontian,
Argyll.

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