Salmon Fishing Scotland. Salmon fishing on the River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland, offer a good variety of Guided Salmon Fly Fishing and Spinning for Atlantic Salmon during spring, summer and autumn months. Quality Salmon Flies and Salmon Tackle. Bob White Scottish Ghillie and G.Loomis Pro Guide. Quality flies available from www.salmonfliesscotland.co.uk
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 30th July 2011.
River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 30th July 2011.
The last week of July on the Tay was much better with settled conditions for the week. Hopefully the river will remain settled for the current week and give us good prospects for this coming days. The first grilse are being seen and caught and there is a run of top quality summer salmon.
The river temperature settled around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius giving the river favourable conditions.
130 salmon were reported last week.
On the lower river 104 fresh salmon were caught. The lower river is now starting to produce results as the conditions improve and the river level drops. Almondmouth had another reasonable week considering the conditions and all the lower beats have started to pick up fish on a regular basis. Taymount, Stobhall, Ballathie and Cargill are fishing much better and Islamouth continue to dominate the lower river catches.
Stanley beat owner Francis Jennings with a cracking summer salmon from the Horsey Pool on the Fly.
Hopefully the river will remain settled and continue to drop for this coming week, which should make for excellent prospects and improved catches.
The middle river reported 13. The current conditions are favouring the middle beats but more settled water levels would help. The middle beats are seeing more grilse now, which is promising. Newtyle, Dalmarnock and Dunkeld House had some fish during the week with hopefully more to come. More information from this area would be welcome to expand on this report in the future.
On the upper river 13 were reported, which is slightly disappointing after the sizable run up there recently and the fresh water.
The count at the ladder in Pitlochry is now over 5150, which is superb news for future years.
The Isla reported 0.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Prospects for the week commencing 1st August 2011.
River Tay Prospects for the week commencing 1st August 2011.
Currently the river is running at a summer level after the good weather last week and hopefully with reasonable weather and not to much of a drop in pressure for the coming week will give us excellent prospects for the coming days. There are now the first signs of Grilse running the river along with good quality summer salmon and hopefully this will build into a good run over the coming weeks.
The weather is to be more unsettled for the week with a dropping pressure, which will give us some rain showers but hopefully not unsettle the river. The water temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius.
Salmon fly fishing on the Tay.
The river temperature is rising and with fresh water, this will encourage salmon run throughout the river to be caught in all areas of the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower, middle and upper river.
The river is running at a reasonable height meaning that salmon and grilse will still be running and favour the lower, middle and upper 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. A run of Multi-Sea winter salmon are also running the Tay with now several salmon are being caught in the 20 plus pounds range which is superb news. A Malloch Trophy salmon is a real possibility!
There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.
As to methods, Spinning from the bank, fly fishing with sink tip floating lines and harling are the favoured Tay pursuits at this time of year. Currently we have excellent fly fishing conditions on the Tay with a number of salmon being landed on the fly recently.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's conservation policy for the remainder of the season which is that all hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released. All coloured and gravid fish should be released. No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district. Worming in June, July and August only. During the months of June, July and August the Board requests that worming should only be undertaken with Circle Hooks or Shelton release hooks which are designed to help prevent deep hooking. Contact the Tay Board for details of suppliers.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer fly fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland July 2011.
Conditions on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland were perfect for fly fishing with a much duller day and no bright sunlight.
Beat owner, Francis Jennings hooks a good summer salmon on the fly from the boat in the Horsey pool of the lower Tay Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
The salmon faught hard but alas it is in the net.
The prize safely landed. A sea liced 10 pounds Tay beauty.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Fly fishing on the Tay July 2011.
Tom Jennings with a lovely fresh 8 pounds summer salmon caught fly fishing on the Benchil beat in the Long Shot just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 23rd July 2011.
River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 23rd July 2011.
The third week of July on the Tay was much better despite torrential rain and unsettled conditions at the start of the week but conditions improved for the rest of the week. Hopefully the river will remain settled for the current week and give us good prospects for this coming days. The first grilse are being seen and caught and there is a run of top quality summer salmon.
The river temperature settled around 57 degrees Fahrenheit or 14 degrees Celsius giving the river favourable conditions.
109 salmon were reported last week.
On the lower river 82 fresh salmon were caught. The lower river is now starting to produce results as the conditions improve. Almondmouth had an excellent week considering the conditions and all the lower beats have started to pick up fish on a regular basis. This was typified by Lower Redgorton with Rupert Monier-Williams catching 2 lovely fish on Tuesday on a flying C.
Youngster Peter Marsh caught his first 2 salmon on the Pitlochrie beat with the largest weighing 13 pounds. Later in the week Tom Jennings landed a superb 14 pounds salmon on Benchil on a flying C. Stobhall had a good week and on Taymount Brian Giles had a good salmon on Saturday from the boat on the fly.
Ballathie and Cargill continued to do well and Islamouth produced a good few as normal.
On the Stormont Club water at Scone the conditions improved and success was evident.
Jason Stratton
Neil Tong
Local anglers Neil Tong and Jason Stratton both had good salmon on Saturday up to 15 pounds. Hopefully the river will remain settled and continue to drop for this coming week, which should make for excellent prospects and improved catches.
The middle river reported 18. The current conditions are favouring the middle beats but more settled water levels would help. Newtyle, Dalmarnock and Dunkeld House had some fish during the week with hopefully more to come. More information from this area would be welcome to expand on this report in the future.
On the upper river 9 were reported, which is slightly disappointing after the sizable run up there recently and the fresh water. On Dalguise ghillie Stan Pelc has been boosting the tally this past week landing 3 salmon with the best being an 18 pounds fish on a Salmo from the Bridge pool on Friday evening.
The count at the ladder in Pitlochry must be near 5000.
The Isla reported 0.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Prospects for the week commencing 25th July 2011.
River Tay Prospects for the week commencing 25th July 2011.
Currently the river is running at a good height after the recent rain and terrible weather but hopefully settled weather and high pressure for the coming week will give us excellent prospects for the coming days. There are now the first signs of Grilse running the river along with good quality summer salmon and hopefully this will build into a good run over the coming weeks.
The weather is to remain settled for the week with a rising pressure which will hopefully give us some better weather and fewer rain showers. The water temperature is around 57 degrees Fahrenheit or 14 degrees Celsius.The current weather conditions can be viewed here. Floating lines with sink tips are the order of the day!
Salmon fly fishing on the Tay.
The river temperature is rising and with fresh water, this will encourage salmon run throughout the river to be caught in all areas of the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower, middle and upper river.
The river is running at a reasonable height meaning that salmon and grilse will still be running and favour the lower, middle and upper 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. A run of Multi-Sea winter salmon are also running the Tay with now several salmon are being caught in the 20 plus pounds range which is superb news. A Malloch Trophy salmon is a real possibility!
There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.
As to methods, Spinning from the bank, fly fishing with sink tip floating lines and harling are the favoured Tay pursuits at this time of year. Currently we have excellent fly fishing conditions on the Tay with a number of salmon being landed on the fly recently.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's conservation policy for the remainder of the season which is that all hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released. All coloured and gravid fish should be released. No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district. Worming in June, July and August only. During the months of June, July and August the Board requests that worming should only be undertaken with Circle Hooks or Shelton release hooks which are designed to help prevent deep hooking. Contact the Tay Board for details of suppliers.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland July 2011.
Head Cam video of Summer salmon fishing at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland on the lower Tay Pitlochrie beat. Ghillie John Bennett lands a salmon fly fishing in the Woodside and George McKinlay lands a cracking 14 pounds summer fish at Cawn pore spinning a devon. Both salmon were released back to the river.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay July 2011.
Currently the Tay is offering good quality salmon fishing with an improving summer run of top quality salmon.
Ghillie John Bennett plays a lively salmon in the Woodside of the Pitlochrie beat fly fishing at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland with Stanley Mills in the background.
John successfully landed this sea liced 11 pounds salmon on a Cascade fly.
Perth Angler George McKinlay with a cracking 14 pounds summer salmon from Cawn Pore caught on a Devon spun from the bank.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Junior Angler lands Summer Salmon on the Tay.
Peter Marsh lands a lovely fresh summer salmon on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley. The salmon was safely released back to the river.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fishing on the Tay July 2011.
After the recent rain the river Tay is dropping back and the salmon fishing action is increasing.
Tom Jennings with a superb 14 pounds sea liced salmon caught on the Benchil beat of the lower Tay just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Tom caught his fish on a flying C and carefully returned it to the river.
This was a 10 pounds beauty caught on the Catholes at Stanley by ghillie Jimmy Chim.
This was a 13 pounds salmon caught on the Lower Redgorton beat by Rupert Monier- Williams on a flying C with ghillie Stuart Lean.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Young Angler Salmon Fishing on the Tay July 2011.
Peter Marsh landing his first ever Atlantic Salmon on he Tay in Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Peter landed his salmon spinning on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley on the famous Horsey pool.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon Fishing on the Tay July 2011.
14 year old Peter Marsh with his first ever Atlantic Salmon caught on the Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Peter landed his 13 pounds salmon in the Horsey pool of the Pitlochrie beat. He caught his fish spinning a Devon from the boat. Also pictured is his proud father Simon.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Fly Fishing for Large Atlantic Salmon.
It is every fly fishers dream to catch a large Atlantic Salmon fly fishing.
This is Jim Fisher with a 38 pounds salmon caught fly fishing but alas not on the Tay but on the Lakselva in Northern Norway. Jim caught this beauty on a floating line with a size 9 salar fly which is very small by Norwegian standards. Currently there are some good summer salmon running the Tay and maybe someone will be lucky enough to land a superb salmon as this fly fishing on the Tay. The Malloch Trophy is still up for grabs. Tight lines
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 16th July 2011.nd River Tay.
River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 16th July 2011. River Tay.
The second week of July on the Tay was much better despite torrential rain and unsettled conditions at the start of the week but conditions improved for the middle of the week and then went pear shaped on Saturday after yet more torrential rain. Hopefully the river will remain settled from the recent rain and give us good prospects for this coming week. One encouraging report was the first few grilse being seen and caught and the start of a run of top quality summer salmon.
The river temperature settled around 59 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius giving the river favourable conditions.
71 salmon were reported last week and 7 sea trout.
On the lower river 40 fresh salmon were caught. The river temperature is coming up now encouraging the salmon to run hard. The lower beats caught a few salmon over the week but this should improve if the river drops further in the coming week. It was the first week back for the lower beats but the massive spates continue to scupper chances. Islamouth continues to be the most productive area on the lower Tay but the other lower Tay beats continue to produce as the summer salmon start to run the river.
Action from the lower Tay at Benchil just below Stanley.
Hopefully the river will remain settled this coming week, which should make for excellent prospects and improved catches.
The middle river reported 18. The current conditions are favouring the middle beats but more settled water levels would help. Newtyle, Dalmarnock and Dunkeld House had some fish during the week with hopefully more to come. More information from this area would be welcome to expand on this report in the future.
On the upper river 13 were reported, which is slightly disappointing after the sizable run up there recently and the fresh water.
The count at the ladder in Pitlochry now exceeds 4700.
The Isla reported 0.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 18th July 2011.
River Tay Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 18th July 2011.
Currently the river is running at a good height after more rain and terrible weather but hopefully will settle for the coming week, this should give us excellent prospects for the coming days. There are now the first signs of Grilse running the river along with good quality summer salmon and hopefully this will build into a good run over the coming weeks.
The weather is to remain unsettled at the start of the week with a rising pressure from Thursday which will hopefully give us some better weather and fewer rain showers. The water temperature is around 59 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius. The current weather conditions can be viewed here.Floating lines with sink tips are the order of the day!
The river temperature is rising and with fresh water, this will encourage salmon run throughout the river to be caught in all areas of the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower, middle and upper river. Sea Trout are also running the river and this should improve as the month goes on.
Fly fishing on the Tay.
The river is running at a reasonable height meaning that salmon and sea trout will still be running and favour the lower, middle and upper 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. A run of Multi-Sea winter salmon are also running the Tay with now several spring salmon being caught in the 20 plus pounds range which is superb news. A Malloch Trophy salmon is a real possibility!
There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.
As to methods, Spinning from the bank, fly fishing with sink tip floating lines and harling are the favoured Tay pursuits at this time of year. Currently we have excellent fly fishing conditions on the Tay with a number of salmon being landed on the fly recently. There is plenty of day light in the evenings now so it is well worth a cast for sea trout.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's conservation policy for the remainder of the season which is that all hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released. All coloured and gravid fish should be released. No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district. Worming in June, July and August only. During the months of June, July and August the Board requests that worming should only be undertaken with Circle Hooks or Shelton release hooks which are designed to help prevent deep hooking. Contact the Tay Board for details of suppliers.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon fishing Head Cam Video on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2011.
Video of Tom Jennings landing a !0 pounds summer salmon from the lower Tay Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. The fish was caught on a Rapala and released back to the river.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon fishing Head Cam Video on the Lower Tay 2011.
Video from a head cam of a 17 pounds summer Tay salmon being caught, landed and returned by Tom Jennings on the Tay at Benchil just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon fishing on the Lower Tay 2011.
At last the river Tay is settling after all the recent rain and the fishing suddenly improves.
It was a good morning for Tom Jennings landing a couple of good Tay summer salmon. This one weighed 10 pounds and was caught on the Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. The salmon was caught on a Rapala spun from the boat in the Todd Holes.
Tom playing a lively salmon in Aitken Head.
The result was this magnificent 17 pounds sea liced beauty. Both salmon were released back to the river.
Salmon Fishing Scotland July Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2011.
These are a couple of pictures from a memorable time for Robin Scott on the Stobhall beat last week despite the inclement weather.
Ernie Duff netting a 13 pounds sea liced hen that Robin Scott hooked fly fishing in The Finford Stream, Stobhall on July 4 – a couple of days before a ten foot flood ruined what was shaping up to be a really promising week.
Bob Campbell pictured here roping himself down the Twin Stones pool and having a cast at the same time. Who said men can’t multi-task?!
Most Tay ghillies are hard working chaps but these two are amazing when it comes to trying to get a guest into a fish.
Thank you Robin for your report. Hopefully the weather will be kinder to you for your next trip.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 9th July 2011. River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 9th July 2011.
The first week of July on the Tay were fairly disappointing after torrential rain and an eight foot spate but conditions improved for the end of the week. Hopefully the river will remain settled from the recent rain and give us good prospects for this coming week. One encouraging report was the first few grilse being seen and caught. Hopefully this will be the start of a good grilse run sprinkled with good quality summer salmon.
The river was more settled on Saturday after unsettled levels in the middle of the week and the river temperature settled around 59 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius giving the river favourable conditions.
33 salmon were reported last week and 10 sea trout.
On the lower river 12 fresh salmon were caught. The river temperature is coming up now encouraging the salmon to run hard. Sea Trout are running as well now giving the lower beats some good sport. The lower beats caught a few salmon over the week but this should improve if the river drops further in the coming week. It was the first week back for the lower beats but the massive spate scuppered chances. Islamouth continues to be the most productive area on the lower Tay.
A summer salmon landed and released on the lower Tay on Saturday at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
Hopefully the river will remain settled this coming week, which should make for excellent prospects and improved catches.
The middle river reported 9. The current conditions are favouring the middle beats but more settled water levels would help. Newtyle and Dalmarnock had some fish during the week with hopefully more to come. More information from this area would be welcome to expand on this report in the future.
On the upper river 11 were reported, which is slightly disappointing after the sizable run up there recently and the fresh water. On Dalguise Ian Mountford, on his first visit to Dalguise, caught the only reported Salmon on the entire Tay system on Wednesday. Ian’s Sea-liced 10 pounds Salmon was caught at the Tail of The Island fly fishing with a sink tip line and an orange flame thrower fly. Lloyd Carnegie caught a beautiful 6 pounds sea-liced Grilse in The Tail of The Guay pool on Thursday. This was the first Grilse of the season for Dalguise. There were a lot a Salmon and Grilse showing in all the pools at Dalguise. The Grilse certainly have now arrived which is great news.
There are still good numbers in the Tummel but they will be more wary now and a bit more difficult to catch. Encouragingly grilse are now being caught on the Tummel and Upper Tay as the first ones run to the outer areas of the system. At Portnacraig Ronnie Blakely had a nice fish of 12 pounds fish while spinning on Friday then James Lapsley managed 2 fish in the morning of 14 and 8 pounds on Saturday.
The count at the ladder in Pitlochry now exceeds 4100.
The Isla reported 1 from Coupar Grange.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 11th July 2011.
River Tay Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 11th July 2011.
Currently the river is running at a good height after more rain and terrible weather but hopefully will settle for the coming week, this should give us excellent prospects for the coming days. There are now the first signs of Grilse running the river and hopefully this will build into a good run with good quality summer salmon as well.
The weather is to remain settled at the start of the week with a rising pressure from tomorrow which will hopefully give us some better weather and fewer rain showers.
The water temperature is around 59 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius. The current weather conditions can be viewed here. Floating lines with sink tips are the order of the day!
Islamouth on the Tay.
The river temperature is rising and with fresh water, this will encourage salmon run throughout the river to be caught in all areas of the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower, middle and upper river. Sea Trout are also running the river and this should improve as the month goes on.
The river is running at a reasonable height meaning that salmon and sea trout will still be running and favour the lower, middle and upper 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. A run of Multi-Sea winter salmon are also running the Tay with now several spring salmon being caught in the 20 plus pounds range which is superb news. A Malloch Trophy salmon is a real possibility!
Fly fishing on the Tay.
There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.
As to methods, Spinning from the bank, fly fishing with sink tip floating lines and harling are the favoured Tay pursuits at this time of year. Currently we have excellent fly fishing conditions on the Tay with a number of salmon being landed on the fly recently. There is plenty of day light in the evenings now so it is well worth a cast for sea trout.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's conservation policy for the remainder of the season which is that all hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released. All coloured and gravid fish should be released. No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district. Worming in June, July and August only. During the months of June, July and August the Board requests that worming should only be undertaken with Circle Hooks or Shelton release hooks which are designed to help prevent deep hooking. Contact the Tay Board for details of suppliers.
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.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay July 2011.
Video of Scottish Ghillie Robert White hooking and landing a 10 pounds salmon fly fishing on the Horsey pool of the Pitlochrie beat of the Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Under water release back to the river.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Rafting row over River Tay salmon fishing.
Rafting row over River Tay salmon fishing.
This was a recent BBC news item.
Salmon fisherman in Perthshire have said that "relentless" commercial rafting is destroying once lucrative fishing beats.
Rafting companies using the Upper Tay are making the river a "highway", many fisherman claim.
But one operator said they restricted rafting days and were sensitive to the presence of fisherman.
A by-law proposal to restrict rafting in the area has recently been rejected by Perth and Kinross councillors.
The sport has become increasingly popular since the 2003 Land Reform Act opened up access.
Les Dargie, who said he had fished the six-mile stretch between Aberfeldy and Grandtully for a number of years, said many fisherman were now going elsewhere.
'Staying away'
He told BBC Scotland: "There's no question at all that the fishing is affected adversely by this relentless commercial pressure on the resource.
"If you come to fish you'll find that quite often if a lot of rafts have been through you won't catch fish.
"The result is that people tend to say away - people like me who could be paying into the local economy."
There are five rafting companies currently operating on the Upper Tay, catering for families and school trips as well as hen and stag parties.
Freespirits owner and river guide Steve Thomas, who has worked on the Tay for 20 years, said he sympathised with the fisherman, but did not accept that the boats were a nuisance.
"We do play about on the river, people do like to jump in the river," he said.
"[But] we don't do it in sensitive areas and we don't do it in fishing pools. If we see a fisherman all the messing about stops... That's what should be happening."
Mr Thomas said his company restricted rafting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and often on Saturdays.
'Equally important'
But he added: "Effectively what's happened in the last two years, the fisherman are asking us to stay off the river for three consecutive days - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - and it's just something that we can't work with."
Last month, Fish Legal - a body operating on behalf of the Salmon Fisheries Board - asked Perth and Kinross Council to introduce a by-law that would set aside three consecutive days for fishing.
The request was turned down on the grounds it was unenforceable, but the council's community safety convener Willie Robertson rejected suggestions that the council had failed to take into account fisherman's interests.
"Both are equally important to the area," he said.
"If we can do anything to help both parties I hope we can do that."
