Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon fly fishing on the Tummel March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon fly fishing on the Tummel March 2012.

This was another tail of spring fly fishing success on the Tay system this week at Portnacraig on the Pitlochry Angling Club stretch.

Billy Davidson had a day to remember on Wednesday landing 3 salmon on the fly in the morning. This was the first one weighing 10 pounds and falling to a Cascade Variant.

This was a 13 pounds spring salmon again on a Cascade.

Billy not content with two fish in a morning had a go with a Sun Ray and landed this 13 pounds salmon. Not a bad mornings fishing by any ones standards.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay Benchil beat, Perthshire, Scotland March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay Benchil beat, Perthshire, Scotland March 2012.


Video of John Jennings playing, landing and returning a spring salmon on the Lower Tay Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing with Floating Lines in March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing with Floating Lines in March 2012.

The lovely summer like weather continued today and believe it or not by 5 pm this afternoon the river temperature was 51F or 10.5C on the lower Tay just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. This is extremely unusual for the end of March and maybe is some sort of record on the Tay. 48F is the normal temperature to signal floating lines. Last year on the same date the river temperature was a more typical 42F.

The warmer river temperature did not deter John Jennings as he hooked a lovely fresh spring salmon at the tail of the Long Shot on the Lower Tay Benchil beat below Stanley.

John was using a sink tip line with a small tube fly to successfully land this lovely fresh 8 pounds spring salmon. This was his first Tay spring salmon.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay March 2012.

David Ballingall with his first Tay spring salmon caught fly fishing on the Islamouth beat with help from ghillie Martin Ritchie.
David sent me this report on his special day on Islamouth.
"I had a day this week (wed 28th of. March) On the Islamouth beat.
I was fly fishing from the boat in the morning under the watchful eye of ghillie Martin Ritchie, and after covering a few pools I changed my fly to my new fire tiger cascade. After 2 casts I hooked a strong fish and after about 5 minutes I saw a large flank under the surface of a fish in the high teens to twenty pound range, but unfortunately we parted company shortly after.
After lunch I was fishing from the bank, and due to the high sun, I changed my floating line for a hover shooting head and fast sink tip, along with a 3/4 inch copper monkey variant. I fished for an hour or so before connecting with the fish, which I caught in I believe the Castle pool.
It weighed 11 pounds and was a stunning fish. No lice on it, but still bearing the marks from them.
I Would like to thank both ghillies Martin, and Glen for a great day, and for all the advice given."
Thank you David.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Savills Malloch Trophy 2011 Presentation.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Savills Malloch Trophy 2011 Presentation.

The presentation of the Savills Malloch Trophy took place at Huntingtower Hotel for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned during 2011 in Scottish waters in front of ASFB and RAFTS members.

The presentation was made to Sam Valentine for a fish of 34.5 lb landed on the River Nith with ghillie Dougie Smith. Mr Valentine’s magnificent salmon was caught on the Dalswinton beat of the Nith on November 16 and weighed in a weigh-net, before being carefully released back into the river. To be eligible for the trophy a fish must be caught on a fly in a sportsmanlike manner and be returned unharmed in accordance with best catch and release practice.

Sam Valentine (right) and Dougie Smith, gillie at Dalswinton on the Nith, (left) with the 34.5 lb salmon from the River Nith, which was carefully returned to the water. Savills Director Roddy Willis said: “As sponsors of the Savills Malloch trophy we are delighted to see it head south to the River Nith. It exemplifies that one does not have to fish one of the Big Four Scottish rivers to be in with a chance of winning this trophy and indeed of catching a leviathan salmon”.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Upper Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Upper Tay March 2012.

The extremely mild weather for the time of year has enabled spring salmon to run freely up the Tay system. The Upper River has certainly benefited from this as this week is again demonstrating. Kinnaird has got the week off to a good start with 4 salmon landed.

This was Willie Pang with an 18 pound salmon from the Ash Tree pool on the Lower Kinnaird beat yesterday. Well done Martin keep up the good work.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay March 2012.

Waulkmill got off to the perfect start to the week landing 3 spring salmon fly fishing from the bank for a Finnish party.

Toni Kakkuri with a fresh 14 pounds spring salmon from the Lower Scone Goldcastle beat.

Michael with a sea liced 16 pounds spring salmon from the Hummel hole on Goldcastle.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing success for beginner on Upper Tay 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing success for beginner on Upper Tay 2012.

This was a great story from last week on the Upper Tay at Kinnaird, Perthshire, Scotland.

This was a first ever salmon and first ever days salmon fishing for 12 year old Robbie Fairfull. Robbie was being taught by Jock Menteith on his first mornings salmon fishing on the famous lower Kinnaird beat on the Upper Tay when everything simply clicked and he hooked and landed this 20 pounds silver beauty. Not bad for a first time.

Robbie was not content with one Tay spring salmon so promptly landed another weighing 19 pounds. Absolutely fantastic and certainly hooked for life. A truly memorable experience for Robbie and well done Jock.
Thanks for the story.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 24th March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 24th March 2012.

The catches were again much improved this week with the best catch of the year so far and the quality of spring salmon remained high with salmon caught up to 28 pounds in weight.

Good conditions prevailed for the week with mild weather for the time of year. Success was more consistent as expected in March with good catches on Monday and Saturday throughout the river and the quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 45F or 7C due to milder weather and this again encouraged salmon to run and spread the catches. On Saturday afternoon the temperature was getting close to 47F or just over 8C. The rise in temperature has not helped the lower river below Stanley, however more fish were caught below Stanley this past week and Salmon continue to be caught in the middle and Upper River with others caught and not registered meaning fish are running through rapidly and progressing upstream which encourages everyone.

This was the best week so far with 81 salmon reported with the

largest salmon of 28 pounds caught fly fishing by Danny Fulton on the Taymount beat. Malcolm Craven caught another large fish of 24 ½ pounds at Cargill. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.

On the Lower River 51 salmon were registered. This was a large improvement. There were more salmon were landed below Stanley that was much more heartening for the Lower beats, they have had a lean time due to the high river temperatures for the time of year. It seems we are at the end of April rather than March! Big Multi Sea winter salmon have started to appear as well which is even more exciting. Danny Fulton caught a superb salmon on Saturday on Taymount estimated at 28 pounds fly fishing from the bank at the Sharks Fin. The fish measured 42 inches and will be an early Malloch Trophy contender.
Another big beauty came from Cargill weighing 24.5 pounds landed by Malcolm Craven.
Hopefully this is the start of some memorable fish for the mighty Tay.
More spring salmon were caught below Stanley this week with Upper Redgorton having success.

Greggor Nimmo caught an 18 pounds springer on a Rapala on Saturday from the boat under the guidance of ghillie Mike Hay. Also on Saturday two 12 pounds spring salmon were caught fly fishing on Benchil by Jim Ferrie and Rob Fairclough. Stobhall and Taymount had good weeks again landing several salmon. Successful anglers on Stobhall included Pete Murray and Setterfield and on Taymount John Hutcheon, David Budd, and

Ian Kettles all had springers to remember. Cargill and Ballathie worked away as well with Tim Greenfields party landing 4 fish on Wednesday. Islamouth continued a good month landing several throughout the week.

Tom Borthwick amongst the successful anglers landing a 13 pounds beauty on a harled Rapala.


The Middle River registered 13 and again produced fish with the milder conditions as salmon bolt through the lower areas and have a rest here. Most of the beats caught this week. On Newtyle Stephen Roberts landed a 16 pounds fish fly fishing on Monday from the boil. More information from this area would be welcome.

The Upper River produced 16 registered fish with spring salmon coming from Kinnaird, Farleyer and the Tummel. Local anglers Steven Watt and Alum Williams caught spring salmon fly fishing on Farleyer earlier in the week. The Portnacraig beat at Pitlochry is producing on a daily basis now with spring salmon running right up the system. Successful anglers included Kenny Horn, George Renwick, Brian Joseph and Gordon Nichol landing fish up to 20 pounds and mostly fly fishing.

The Isla registered 1 with salmon running freely up the system at Coupar Grange.

The Earn registered 0

Celebrate a Tay spring salmon with a Dalmore Tay Dram and contribute to the future of this mighty river. Dalmore distillery have created a unique expression of their single malt whisky and a generous donation from each bottle sold will be gifted to the Tay Foundation to support their work to protect and improve the river.

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

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 26th March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 26th March 2012.

Currently the river is fairly low following milder weather and very little rain last week. The weather is to remain good over the next week and this should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.

The weather should be good this week with high pressure and very little rain. The water temperature has risen to around 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius, which is more like the end on April but this should not hamper fishing as the catches again demonstrated last week. The temperature may rise during the week ahead with a good forecast so look out those floating lines! There might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river and hopefully the run will strengthen over the next few weeks to give us even more success.
Multi sea winter spring salmon continue to be caught as well which is very encouraging and the prospect of a large springer is a real possibility.

Benchil just below Stanley.

As to methods, in settled conditions and rising river temperatures fishing by any method will be varied to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Fly fishing now will be with intermediates or even a floating line with a fast sinking tip and smaller tubes with even a dressed fly a possibility. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray as well. Spinning from the bank with Devons and Tobies are a good bet. It is even worth a go with a flying C as the fish become more active in warmer water. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned if cold conditions persist, wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.

Islamouth on the Tay.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2012 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.

Stephen Paterson 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 Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay March 2012.

The mild weather in Tayside is making fly fishing easier as the river temperature rises to a typical end
of April height of nearly 47F or 8C today.

The lower Tay Benchil beat below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland had a reasonable day with 2 spring salmon landed fly fishing from the bank.
This was Rob Fairclough with a lovely 12 pounds spring salmon caught in the Long Shot using an AFS outbound floating line and a sink tip.

Rob releases his salmon back to the river.

Jim Ferrie caught this 12 pounds spring salmon fly fishing in the Long shot on a Park Shrimp Cone head fly. Jim was using a Scott McKenzie shooting head intermediate fly line.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Anglers fighting back over Salmon Farming.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Anglers fighting back over Salmon Farming.

Completely wrong to blame anglers for fall in Scottish wild salmon numbers.
This was a letter in our local paper today. The fish farming industry seem very much aggrieved about regulations coming in to control their activities. They should remember that they have wiped out salmon and sea trout rivers on the west coast of Scotland which have cost hundreds of jobs.

Sir, - In your report, Row over salmon DNA (March 20), Dr Martin Jaffa gave his opinion that the "catching and killing of salmon by anglers over the last 150 years" has led to a diminishing of the gene pool and thus the decline of the species.

Leaving aside the fact that the commercial salmon netting industry has been responsible for the vast majority of salmon killed over the centuries, it is well documented and researched through peer reviewed science that the fall in wild salmon since the last period of true abundance in the 1960s and 1970s is due to a major decline in marine survival.

That said, it is an inconvenient truth for Dr Jaffa and the fish farm industry that the fall in Scottish wild salmon numbers in the last 30 years has been disproportionately evident in those areas of the west Highlands and Islands where salmon farming has proliferated.

It is completely wrong to try to blame anglers for this. This association recently published a review of 137 scientific papers that showed the damage that is inflicted on wild salmon and sea trout from poorly sited and operated salmon farms, a fact borne out by the problems experienced in Norway and accepted as requiring urgent remedial action by the Norwegian government.

Rather than trying to engineer this issue as a fight between fish farmers and anglers, Dr Jaffa would be better served working towards resolutions which would allow a successful fish farming industry to co-exist alongside healthy and self-sustaining populations of wild salmon and sea trout, which is the wish of this association and, I would suggest, all those with a respect for these wonderful and iconic natural resources.

Paul Knight.
Chief Executive, Salmon & Trout Association Scotland,
London Bridge,
London.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Spring Salmon on the Tay 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Spring Salmon on the Tay 2012.

The Tay is starting to see large spring salmon appear in the mighty river in Perthshire, Scotland.

This was Malcolm Craven and ghillie David Godfrey with a superb 24.5 pounds spring salmon caught on the Upper Cargill beat today.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Lower Tay March 2012.

Pete Murray with a 13 pounds spring salmon caught fly fishing on the Upper Stobhall beat from the bank in the Stank End pool.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, March 2012.

Stobhall on the Lower Tay above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland continue to have a great spring as conditions are spot on for them.

Stuart Waddell enjoyed a few days on Stobhall last week and sent this message.
"I had a really enjoyable day on the river with Bob and Ernie who managed to get my 2012 season off and running with a nice springer of 10 pounds on a harled Cascade size 6."
Thanks Stuart.

Mike Setterfield caught this 14 pounds spring salmon on a harled fly on Stobhall.

This was another cracking spring salmon from Stobhall caught by Mr Robertson on a harled spoon weighing 17 pounds.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Upper Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Upper Tay March 2012.

The milder weather in Tayside and higher river temperatures have encouraged salmon to run up the system freely as catches have demonstrated.

This is Alum Williams with a superb 16 pounds spring salmon caught on the Upper Farleyer beat of the Upper Tay fly fishing from the bank.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tummel March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tummel March 2012.

The week got off to a cracking start with 19 registered on Monday.

This was one of two spring salmon landed by Steven Watt at Portnacraig on the Tummel. Steven was fly fishing on the Pitlochry Angling Club stretch below the Dam.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 17th March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 17th March 2012.

The catches were again much improved this week with the best catch of the year so far and the quality of spring salmon remained high with salmon caught up to 24 pounds in weight.

Good conditions prevailed for the week with mild weather for the time of year. Success was more consistent as expected in March and the quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 45F or 7C due to milder weather and this again encouraged salmon to run and spread the catches. The rise in temperature has not helped the lower river below Stanley, but Salmon continue to be caught in the middle and Upper River with others caught and not registered meaning fish are running through rapidly and progressing upstream which encourages everyone.

This was the best week so far with 54 salmon reported with the largest salmon of 24 pounds being landed on the Taymount beat. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.

On the Lower River 25 salmon were registered. The Lower River below Stanley is struggling with the high river temperature for the time of year but there was a notable exception on the Upper Scone beat where James Mathers landed his first ever salmon weighing 10 pounds assisted by ghillie Davie Seaton. Taymount and Stobhall continue to do well just above Stanley.

Malcolm Green landed the largest spring salmon of the week from Taymount weighing 24 pounds. Stobhall were consistent throughout the week landing 6 salmon up to 17 pounds with the fly proving popular.

Danny Turner landed an 8 pounds fish on Saturday from the Linn Head on Stobhall. Islamouth had another good week landing salmon every day.

The Middle River registered 18 and again produced fish with the milder conditions as salmon bolt through the lower areas and have a rest here. Most of the beats caught this week.

John Mitchell caught a lovely 16 pounds spring salmon on Saturday fly fishing in the Cotter on the Newtyle beat at Dunkeld. Gordon Stewart was amongst the successful anglers on Kercock with a cracking 16 pounds salmon.

The Upper River 9 registered fish with spring salmon coming from Farleyer, Edradynate and Dalguise. Malcolm Bennett caught a memorable 18 pounds springer fly fishing the Bridge pool at Dalguise with a Conehead Flame Thrower. The Portnacraig beat at Pitlochry Dam continued to produce fish this past week.

Neil Sproull was successful at the Dam landing a lovely fresh salmon fly fishing and also Les Dargie caught a salmon at 8 pounds.

The Isla registered 1 with salmon running freely up the system at Coupar Grange.

The Earn registered 1 from Lochlane and Laggan.

Celebrate a Tay spring salmon with a Dalmore Tay Dram and contribute to the future of this mighty river. Dalmore distillery have created a unique expression of their single malt whisky and a generous donation from each bottle sold will be gifted to the Tay Foundation to support their work to protect and improve the river.

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


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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 19th March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 19th March 2012.

Currently the river is fairly low following milder weather and little rain last week. The weather is to remain good over the next few days but a bit colder at nights but this should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport and some early "Bars of Silver".

Sun set at Stanley.

The weather should be good this week with high pressure and very little rain. The water temperature has risen to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for this time of year especially for the middle river as the catches again demonstrated last week. The temperature may rise during the week ahead with a good forecast so look out those floating lines! There might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river and hopefully the run will strengthen over the next few weeks to give us even more success.
Multi sea winter spring salmon continue to be caught as well which is very encouraging and the prospect of a large springer is a real possibility.

As to methods, in settled conditions and rising river temperatures fishing by any method will varied to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Fly fishing now will be with intermediates or even a floating line with a fast sinking tip and smaller tubes with even a dressed fly a possibility. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray as well. Spinning from the bank with Devons and Tobies are a good bet. It is even worth a go with a flying C as the fish become more active in warmer water. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned if cold conditions persist, wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.

Islamouth on the Tay.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2012 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.

Stephen Paterson 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 Fly Fishing on the Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay March 2012.

Stobhall had another good spring day on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland with salmon landed on the fly.

This was Pete Murray with a lovely 11 pounds spring salmon caught fly fishing in the Alderns Stream.

Stuart Waddell with a 10 pounds spring salmon caught harling a fly from the boat in the Alderns stream.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland First ever Salmon on Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland First ever Salmon on Lower Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

This is another first ever salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland this season. James Mathers caught his first ever salmon on the Upper Scone beat with ghillie Davie Seaton on Monday harling in the boat on the Benchil beat just below Stanley. It is great to catch your first salmon but a spring salmon makes it even more special.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Middle Tay March 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Middle Tay March 2012.

This week is proving to be another productive spring fishing success on the Tay with several salmon landed.

This was a superb 16 pounds beauty caught on the Kercock beat by Gordon Stewart.

Glendelvine continue to have a good spring. This was Kenny Burnside with a 7 pounds spring salmon caught from the boat just above the Caputh bridge.

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 Spring Salmon Fishing on Stobhall, Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on Stobhall, Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

This was Barry Ward with a sea liced 17 pounds spring salmon caught on the Upper Stobhall beat harling in the Alderns Stream on a Vision 110.


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.