Thursday, March 31, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Islamouth, Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Islamouth, Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.
Some pictures from the Islamouth beat recently.
John McElroy with a lovely fresh spring salmon caught fly fishing from the boat today.

John releasing his salmon back to the Tay,

Ian Mitchell with his 25 pounds spring salmon caught last Friday harling in the boat. Another truly magnificent Tay spring salmon.


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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Dalmore Tay Dram Launch.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Dalmore Tay Dram Launch.

The Dalmore Tay Dram Launch.

TUESDAY 5TH APRIL:- SCONE PALACE 7PM
Private Reception and Canapes to launch the Dalmore Tay Dram and the 4 Rivers Collection whisky. There are still places available at this event. Please apply to the TSFB office at Almondbank Tel 01738583733. ALL TAY GHILLIES WELCOME WITH THEIR GUESTS.
After much work behind the scenes the Tay Salmon Fisheries Board are delighted to announce the Tay Dram will launch officially on Tuesday 5th April at the Scone Palace. There will be a facility provided at the event for orders to be taken for the Tay Dram.

What is it ?
The Dalmore Tay Dram is a 12 year old expression of the world famous Dalmore single malt whisky and is a limited edition. The Tay Dram has been aged in 50% Oloroso sherry wood and 50% American white oak casks.

Why is it being produced ?
The River Tay is a world renowned river and designated special area for conservation. Over the years the combined impacts of changing land management practices, industry and development have taken their toll on the Tay and the wildlife associated with it. This concept was born out of a willingness from people to use an innovative collaborative approach to help restore this globally iconic river back to its former glories.

How much money goes to helping the river ?
There will be a generous donation made from every bottle sold to the Tay Foundation which will help substantially with restoration and conservation work.

What’s the plan for spending the money ?
The Tay Foundation in conjunction with the Tay Salmon Fisheries Board will use the money for river projects such as improve the habitat along the tributaries, ease man-made obstructions to fish migration allowing fish access to hundreds of miles of spawning and nursery areas, as well as planting native trees on the riverbanks in the upper sections of the Tay to protect the rare and threatened spring salmon. The work will not only improve the conditions for fish but also the broad spectrum of wildlife along the River.

I don’t fish the Tay- So what ?
Our hope is that the Dalmore Tay dram can become a practical example of what can be achieved. We sincerely believe that we can improve the River Tay, but only if all parties pull together. The Dalmore Tay Dram has provided a great focus and a way for lots of people to contribute. We would urge people to think about the message that this project can send and the wider implications for conservation projects in other areas.

How long will it be before we see some results ?
Fish passes are very expensive but the results are quick. We hope to have funds in place to begin work in 2012. Landscape change and habitat restoration are a longer process but work is ongoing and more can be done as soon as funds are in place. So basically as soon as we can sell the whisky, the sooner we can get cracking!

I think this is a great idea- what can I do to help as I’d like to get involved.
Obviously buying a bottle is great, but there are other things that you can do. You can become an advocate of the project:
Convince your local pub and bar to stock a bottle!
Influence your company to use the Dalmore Tay dram as a corporate gift
Tell all of your friends about the project
If you are visiting Tayside then please make sure your hotel or B&B has a bottle.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Spring Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Spring Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

The Tay is famous over the years for large spring salmon. Today I was lucky to catch one of them.
This was a true Tay spring salmon caught on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland in front of Stanley Mill. I was harling on my own at the tail of the pool when the fish took my yellow Kynoch. After about 20 minutes I landed the salmon on the other side of the river. I started to realize it was a good fish when it swam upstream and went to the other side of the river! Another sign of a good salmon is when you beach it you can not get your hand round the wrist of its tail. That is the case in this instance.

Beat owner Francis Jennings witnessed the catch and helped me weigh it. It tipped the scales at 35 pounds.

This is the largest salmon I have caught in my 30 years plus salmon fishing career. My previous best was a 32 pounds spring salmon caught in April 1981 at the Fir Trees pool on the Kinnaird beat. A very memorable day for any salmon fisher.

A truly magnificent Tay spring salmon.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

There is a good opportunity for quality spring fly fishing on the Tay with a reasonable run of spring salmon.
Jochen Fritz has had a memorable couple of days on the Tay at Stobhall fly fishing.
Yesterday he landed a 7 pounds spring salmon fly fishing in the Red rocks on the lower Stobhall beat then today he landed this magnificent 18 pounds salmon in the Woodside on the top beat.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

The spring salmon fishing is now picking up on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland now we are approaching April.
This was an 11 pounds spring salmon from the Stobhall beat yesterday caught by Keith Greenwell. The fish was caught harling in the boat and returned to the river.

A lovely fresh 12 pounds springer from the Catholes at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
The salmon was caught by Jimmy Chim in the Woodside.

A 21 pounds spring salmon from Taymount. There is a good run of bigger salmon entering the Tay now.

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Kevin O'Brien with a lovely fresh spring salmon from the Aitken Head pool of the Benchil beat on the lower Tay just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland on the Upper Scone fishings. The salmon was caught harling from the boat and safely returned.

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

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

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

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 26th March 2011.
The last week of March on the Tay was encouraging despite big water at the start of the week due to snow melting off the hills with higher temperatures. Conditions were difficult at times for spring fishing but catches were still achieved especially at the end of the week.

The river was rising on Monday and unsettled on Tuesday but by Wednesday and Thursday it was settled nicely and it gave good conditions for the end of the week, which resulted in success throughout the river. The river temperature climbed to 41 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius, which still meant fishing large spinning lures and flies slowly and at depth was still the thing to do.

52 spring salmon were reported last week, which was the best week of the season so far with the best salmon of 25 pounds being landed at Islamouth on Friday by Iain Mitchell harling in the boat. The number of unspent fish being caught seems to be dropping away at last, 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 22 fresh spring salmon were caught.

The best salmon of the week was a 21 pounds salmon from Taymount, which was caught by Bob Hughes on Friday from the Linn Head harling in the boat. Taymount faired well throughout the week with 5 spring salmon. On Monday it was Ladies day at Taymount but alas the fair sex blanked due to the rising river due to snow melt. By Tuesday the river was starting to settle back and Islamouth were catching, Unlet the ghillies were keeping the catch figures up with Glen Kedward landing salmon from the boat with comrade Brian Brogan. By Thursday the catches started to improve with more consistent landings. Barry Phillips caught a lovely 12 pounds springer on a Devon on Taymount at Stankend and Ray Gardiner had a 14 pounds beauty on a harled Tomic at Lower Redgorton. On Friday Islamouth had a notable day for Iain Mitchell in Particular. Firstly he landed a 17-½ pounds beauty fly fishing from the boat then went harling and landed a 25 pounds Tay monster. Catches improved further on Saturday with the Pitlochrie beat landind 3 spring salmon and loosing 2 others. Danny Fulton landed 2 first thing in the morning one after the other in Horsey fly fishing and Ian Kettles got another in the world famous Pitlochrie pool harling a Tube fly. Most of the lower beats contributed to the catch despite unsettled water at the start of the week. Hopefully the river will remain settled and clear this coming week, which should make for excellent prospects.

The middle river reported 13. Meikleour, Kercock Newtyle and Dunkeld house all featured. Allan Rennie continues to have success at Newtyle landing a 10 pounds fish on Tuesday.

On the upper river 5 were reported. Upper Kinnaird reported their first salmon of the season, as did Upper Farleyer who caught 2 during the week. Pitlochry continue to catch as well. There has not been anything officially reported from Loch Tay but I understand there have been quite a few spring salmon landed. Hopefully some details will filter through.

The Isla reported 12 all from Islabank and Coupar Grange including a 19 pounds spring salmon.


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

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

The river remains settled despite the snow melt of last week, giving us good water levels. The prospects look excellent.

The weather is to remain settled until Wednesday with good conditions for spring fishing. There is to be rain by Wednesday but hopefully this will not unsettle the river. The water temperature has risen to 41 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius and is expected to rise further with warmer temperatures this coming week but this will still mean you have to fish large flies and lures slowly and at depth as the water still remains relatively cold. The latest 5 day weather can be accessed here.

Despite 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, however with water temperatures still low spring salmon are spread throughout the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower, middle and upper 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 signalled 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 Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.


A spring salmon being played and landed by I Kettles on the famous Pitlochrie pool at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Commentary by Alistair Girvin.

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Saturday, March 26, 2011

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

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

Ian Kettles plays a spring salmon from the boat in the Pitlochrie Pool at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. The salmon was hooked on a harled Tube fly.

A lovely fresh sea liced 9 pounds salmon is successfully landed and then carefully returned.


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Friday, March 25, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Iain Mitchell with a cracking 17 1/2 pounds spring salmon caught on the Islamouth beat.
Iain was fly fishing from the boat when he caught this Tay beauty.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing 2011.

This is Peter Duncan with a lovely fresh 11 pounds spring salmon from the Catholes at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Peter caught his salmon spinning a Toby from the boat in the Little Head.

A superb 25 pounds springer being released back to the Tay from the Islamouth beat. This magnificent spring salmon was landed by Iain Mitchell harling in the boat.

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Rod fishing catches at record high in Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Rod fishing catches at record high in Scotland.

Salmon rod fishing catches at record high in Scotland.
A record 100,000 wild salmon are thought to have been caught by fishing rod across Scotland in 2010.
On average about 76,000 salmon were caught each year from 2000 to 2009.

If the 2010 catch is confirmed it would be the biggest since records began in 1952. The previous record was set in 1988 when 96,488 salmon were caught.

It is thought that the bigger catch of salmon is due to more of the fish surviving at sea before they return to Scottish rivers.

Typically salmon lay eggs in fresh water rivers, migrate to the sea then return to rivers to reproduce.

The decline in salmon numbers on Scotland's rivers has been a concern for many years, leading to strict conservation measures.

The unusually high levels come after a poor year for spring salmon, which play a key role in the salmon stocks for the rest of the year.

The new figures came from research being carried out by the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards (ASFB) and the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS).

A spokesman said: "We need to be cautious about what catches are telling us about fish stocks.

"Salmon are still nowhere near as abundant as they were 50 years ago."

According to research published by the Scottish government in 2010, there was a 67% release rate for fish caught by rod in Scotland.

That figure stands at 82% for spring salmon.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower and Middle Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower and Middle Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

These were some of the successful salmon anglers on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland over the last couple of days.
This is the Meikleour ghillie Glen Kedward playing an 8 pounds spring salmon that was covered in sea lice on the Meikleour home beat today. This was one of two salmon caught on the beat today.

Ray Gardiner with a 14 pounds spring salmon caught on a harled pink Tomic in the Hatton pool on Lower Redgorton and again covered in sea lice.

Barry Phillips with his first ever salmon which was caught on the mighty Tay. It weighed 12 pounds and was caught on a Devon minnow in the Stankend pool of the Taymount beat on the lower Tay just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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

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

Newtyle regular Allan Rennie with a 10 pounds spring Salmon caught on Monday on a harled Tomic in the Cotter pool at Newtyle, Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland. Allan had an excellent spring last year and he has started well again this year.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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

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

This is Islamouth ghillie Glen Kedward playing a 12 pounds spring salmon just above the mouth of the river Isla on the Islamouth beat at Miekleour today. The salmon was carefully returned.

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Monday, March 21, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Earn, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Earn, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Alasdair Sutherland with a cracking spring salmon estimated at around 18 pounds from the Earn at Auchterarder which was safely returned. There has been a reasonable start to the season on the lower Earn with quite a few spring fish being caught. If anyone has any other news from the Earn please get in touch by emailing at robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

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

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

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 19th March 2011.
The third week of March on the Tay was encouraging despite some horrible weather in the middle of the week that made the river very coloured as the snow melted off the low ground. Conditions were difficult at times for spring fishing but catches were still achieved especially at the end of the week.

The river was fine on Monday then unsettled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but settled nicely at the end of the week, which resulted in success throughout the river. The river temperature remained at 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius, which still meant fishing large spinning lures and flies slowly and at depth.

35 spring salmon were reported last week with the best salmon of 21 pounds being landed at Portnacraig on the Pitlochrie Angling Club stretch. The number of unspent fish being caught seems to be dropping away at last, 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 22 fresh spring salmon were caught. The best salmon of the week was a 18 pounds salmon from Upper Scone. Most of the lower beats contributed to the catch despite loosing 3 days to dirty water. Upper Scone had an excellent day on Friday as conditions improved catching 3 in the day. Allan McCaig and Arnot McWhinnie both caught 11 pounds salmon in the morning from the boat on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley.

Arnot then landed an 18 pounds beauty last thing at night from the famous Pitlochrie pool making him late for his dental appointment.
On Saturday on the same beat, James McKay landed a 14 pounds springer from the boat at Stanley Mills. Taymount, Stobhall, Cargill, Ballathie and Islamouth continue to produce. On Saturday also, Brian Stobie caught a 15 pounds spring salmon from the Linn Pool on Taymount on a Toby. Ewan Cameron landed a 9 pounds salmon on the Upper Ballathie beat. Earlier in the week David Wilmot had a lovely 15 pounds fish fly fishing at Cargill and Freddie Sutherland had a fresh 11 pounder from Erics on the Catholes on a Devon. Hopefully the river will remain settled and clear this coming week, which should make excellent prospects.

The middle river reported 7. Meikleour, Kercock and Newtyle all reporting and Dalmarnock had their first fish on Saturday. Ian Marshall caught a 12 pounds Springer which was landed in the Ram's Horn Pool, on a copper salmo at Dalmarnock. There have been the odd other fish from this area not reported, notably from Delvine where spring salmon of 20 and 25 pounds were caught this week. Hopefully some pictures will follow.

On the upper river 4 were reported with the spring salmon coming from mostly the Portnacraig beat in front of Pitlochry dam and one from Dalguise. On the Pitlochry Angling stretch local angler Innes Smith caught again this week and improving the weight of last weeks salmon with a lovely 21 lbs fish on a Monkey, fly fishing from the bank. On Saturday 2 spring salmon were landed at Portnacraig.
Perth fisherman Neil Tong landed a lovely 14 pounds fish and Russel Boyd had a 13 pounds springer. On Dalguise Major Mike Stanners caught a 7 pounds salmon off the casting platform at the top of the Bridge pool on Devon. There has not been anything officially reported from Loch Tay but I understand there have been quite a few spring salmon landed. Hopefully some details will filter through.

The Isla reported 2 all from Coupar Grange including a 16 pounds spring salmon.

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

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

River Tay Spring Salmon Fishing prospects for week commencing 21st March 2011.
The river remains settled despite the snow and rain of last week, the freezing level will rise this week with warmer temperatures forecast and the snow on the hills will melt giving us good water levels. The lower part of the Tay may get some dirty water if the snow melts quickly but hopefully it will hold and remain clear. The prospects look excellent.

The weather is to remain settled with high pressure for the week giving us another week to look forward to with good conditions for spring fishing. The latest 5 day weather can be accessed here. The water temperature is 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsius and expected to rise a bit but still meaning you have to fish large flies and lures slowly and at depth.
Ideal spring fishing conditions on the Tay at Stanley.
Despite 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, however with water temperatures still low spring salmon are spread throughout the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the lower, middle and upper 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 signalled 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 Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

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


A 14 pounds sea liced spring salmon being landed by James McKay at Stanley Mills on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. The salmon was safely released.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

This was some of the Tay spring catches yesterday in Perthshire, Scotland/
Brian Stobie with a 15 pounds beauty caught on Taymount in the Linn pool on a copper Toby.

This was a delighted Euan Cameron with a 9 pounds Tay springer from Upper Ballathie.

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Friday, March 18, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Lower Tay March 2011.

This was a truly memorable day on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland for the Upper Scone fishers.
This was Arnot McWhinnie with an 18 pounds spring salmon from the Pitlochrie pool in the boat on a harled Rapala last gasp in the late day.

Scottish Ghillie Davie Seaton releases the prize salmon back to the river.

Bridge of Allan angler Alan McCaig with a lovely fresh 11 pounds spring salmon from the Cawn pore pool of the Pitlochrie beat caught from the boat on a harled tube fly.

Alan carefully releases the salmon back to the river.

Arnot McWhinnie plays a fresh spring salmon from the boat in the Horsey pool on a fly.

An 11 pounds spring salmon was successfully landed.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Tay March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Tay March 2011.

Freddie Sutherland with a cracking spring salmon from the Catholes at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Freddie caught the salmon in the Erics pool spinning a gold Devon from the boat.


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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

This was David Wilmot with a lovely 15 pounds Tay spring salmon caught fly fishing in the Bridge Stream at Cargill yesterday.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland March 2011.

These were spring salmon caught last Saturday in the wild Tayside weather of that day.
Craig Forrest and his father had a day to remember on the Cargill beat of the lower Tay harling in the boat. This was a lovley fresh 8 pounds sea liced springer.

A cracking 16 pounds fresh spring salmon caught from the boat on a Kynoch in a snow storm in Perthshire, Scotland.


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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release guide.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release guide.

Salmon catch and release guide offers advice to boost survival.

WILD fisheries groups, including the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards (ASFB), the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) and the Salmon and Trout Association (S&TA), have launched a campaign aimed at maximising the survival rate for salmon released back into the water by anglers.

"Catch and release", which has been promoted widely since the 1990s to help conserve stocks, now accounts for two thirds of all salmon caught by anglers in Scotland and for the more fragile spring stock component, over 80%.

Brian Davidson, Operations Director for ASFB and RAFTS, said: "Numerous studies including radio-tracking have shown that salmon released by anglers after capture have high survival rates with successful spawning. Releasing the salmon they catch is probably the greatest contribution that anglers can make to the conservation of this iconic species. The critical factor determining the survival rate, which in some conditions can be close to 100%, is the way that fish are handled, particularly in minimising the time, if any, that fish are out of the water".
Paul Knight, CEO of the S&TA, added: "The evidence is clear that when the correct advice is followed, the overwhelming majority of fish released make a full recovery. The leaflet now being distributed 'Catch and Release: An Angler's Guide' gives explicit advice on best practice. 'Catch and release' is often characterised as 'throwing' fish back. This unfortunate term could hardly be further from the reality as careful handling, without if possible removing the fish from the water, is crucial.”

The leaflet, which is now being distributed extensively through angling organisations and fishing beats across Scotland, offers simple and clear guidance for anglers who intend to release fish. The Catch and Release guidance campaign has been prompted by evidence of some poor handling techniques including images on the internet and in magazines of fish being held up by the tail or by the gills. The leaflet has also been supported by the Environment Agency in England and the fishing tackle companies Hardy of Alnwick and Greys of Alnwick.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay March 2011.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay March 2011.

The extremes in the weather over the last few days are the delights of spring salmon fishing at this time of year or not as it may be!
Saturday brought us a bitterly cold day in Perthshire, Scotland with snow and freezing temperatures.

Today was a lovely spring day in March but the snow melted off the low hills with the rain and left the lower Tay very muddy and unfishable. Once the river clears the spring fishing should be good. Let us hope that will be the case with more spring salmon running the river.

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