Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 28th April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 28th April 2012.

The catches were difficult last week due to unsettled water levels from torrential rain and hail showers which again affected the lower river below the mouth of the Isla due to dirty water run off however there was an improvement in catches and the quality of spring salmon remained high with salmon caught up to 22 pounds in weight.

Unsettled conditions prevailed for the week with fluctuating river levels and more typical weather for the time of year. By the end of the week the water levels had dropped back and look settled for the coming week. Success was reasonable despite adverse conditions with catches throughout the week and the quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 46/48F or 8/9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches especially for the Upper areas. Salmon continue to be caught from top to bottom in the river with others caught and not registered meaning fish are running through rapidly and progressing upstream which encourages everyone.

There were 74 salmon reported with the largest salmon of 22 pounds caught on the Lower Kinnaird beat. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.

On the Lower River 26 were landed. The torrential April showers mirrored the previous week and it did not help the lower river as it raised the river and made it dirty due to the Isla becoming very dirty. The beats closest to the Isla were not affected so badly but as the dirty water goes down and mixes the whole river is becomes coloured. That happens by the end of Taymount and Stobhall at the Linn pool. One salmon was caught below this point this week on Upper Redgorton on Tuesday. Stobhall and Taymount even struggled this past week, as did Cargill and Ballathie under difficult conditions. Islamouth however again proved the place to be with consistent catches throughout the week.

Mike Davies with his second spring salmon of the day weighing 15 pounds caught fly fishing from the boat in the Long Head pool on Islamouth.
19 salmon were landed on the beat with John McElroys party catching 11 in the last 3 days with several being lost as well.

The Middle River 26. Murthly 2 had a good week catching 10 from Stenton and the Upper beat just below Newtyle. At Kercock Steve Banks had an 8 pounds salmon and Bob Burns had a nice 15 pounds fish on a copper Toby. It was a very frustrating week for Kercock as 8 other salmon were hooked and lost mostly on the fly. Most of the beats were encountering similar statistics due to unsettled conditions. Newtyle had a better week with James Bowman, Neill Scrimgeour, Allen Rennie, Jess Miller, David and Andy Morris all landing good salmon by various means.

The biggest fish was landed by Newtyle regular Allen Rennie fly fishing St Marys stream weighing 17 pounds. Further upstream at Dunkeld House salmon were landed throughout the week with Willie Cummins catching a 16 pounds springer on a Rapala in the Lady pool.

The Upper River produced 21. Salmon continue to bolt up the Tay to the upper areas with over 200 salmon now through the Salmon ladder at Pitlochry and the first salmon caught on Loch Faskally. The Pitlochry Angling Club Portnacraig beat continued to produce salmon but could do with a bit more water. The locals were showing their experience this past week with Andy Walker, Davy Stewart and Gordon Hanslip all catching good salmon. John Richmond also caught a cracking 18 pounds salmon on Saturday. There will be several other salmon coming from the Tummel but not reported. Back on the Tay Farleyer, Findynate and the Kinnaird beats continue to feature.

A beauty form Lower Kinnaird.

The Isla registered 1 from Keithick Mains.

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.

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 Islamouth on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Islamouth on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.


The famous Islamouth beat on the river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. A fly fishers paradise on the Tay and currently the most productive beat on the river.

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

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 30th April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 30th April 2012.

The river has been unsettled after torrential rain showers last week however there is a much better forecast for the coming week with more settled weather. The fresh water should encourage salmon to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.

Islamouth at the top of the lower Tay, currently the most productive beat on the river.

The weather will remain settled this week with a chance of a little rain. The water temperature is currently around 46/48 degrees Fahrenheit or 8/9 degrees Celsius due to the colder snap, which is more typical of April but this should not hamper fishing as the catches again demonstrated last week. There might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river and hopefully the run will strengthen after fresh water 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 be varied to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Fly fishing now will be with intermediates or floating line with a sinking tip and smaller tubes or a dressed fly. 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.

Dunkeld House beat on the Middle 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 April Salmon Fly Fishing on Islamouth 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fly Fishing on Islamouth 2012.

The Islamouth beat continued to fish well this week and that was despite half the river being dirty today from the river Isla. It was in spate from the heavy rain showers hitting the area.

Mike Davies with his second spring salmon of the day weighing 15 pounds caught fly fishing from the boat in the Long Head pool on Islamouth. His first salmon weighed 20.5 pounds.

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 Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2012.

There was more fly fishing success on the Tay today despite the horrible weather currently being thrown at us in Tayside.

Neil Scrimgeour caught this lovely Spring Salmon fly fishing from the tail of Fiddlers on the Newtyle beat just below Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland.

James Bowman with his first ever fly caught spring salmon. The sea liced fish was caught from St Mary's stream on the Newtyle beat at Dunkeld on the middle Tay.

A spring salmon being released on the Lower Kinnaird beat of the Upper Tay.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Fly Fishing on the Tummel April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Fly Fishing on the Tummel, Pitlochry, Perthshire April 2012.

Currently the Tummel, which is a large tributary of the Tay near Pitlochry in Perthshire is fishing well. All the beats below Pitlochry Dam will be worth a cast. There is now over 200 salmon through the fish ladder at Pitlochry. This was Andy Walker with a 16 pounds spring salmon caught fly fishing on the Pitlochry Club water yesterday. Andy was helped to land his salmon by an able ghillie Jimmy Ross who is the club President. Well done all round.

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

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 21st April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 21st April 2012.

The catches were more difficult last week due to unsettled water levels from Tuesday especially below the mouth of the Isla on the lower river however the quality of spring salmon remained high with salmon caught up to 20 pounds in weight.

Unsettled conditions prevailed for the week with fluctuating river levels and more typical weather for the time of year. By the end of the week the water levels were much higher. Success was reasonable despite adverse conditions with catches throughout the week and the quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature remained around 46/48F or 8/9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches especially for the Upper areas. Salmon continue to be caught from top to bottom in the river with others caught and not registered meaning fish are running through rapidly and progressing upstream which encourages everyone.

There were 50 salmon reported with the largest salmon of 20 pounds caught on the Portnacraig beat at Pitlochry. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.

On the Lower River 23 were landed. The torrential April showers did not help the lower river this past week as it raised the river and made it dirty due to the Isla becoming very dirty. The beats closest to the Isla were not affected so badly but as the dirty water goes down and mixes the whole river is becomes coloured. That happens by the end of Taymount and Stobhall at the Linn pool. No salmon were caught below this point this week. Stobhall and Taymount continued their good spring catching salmon up to 18 pounds. Cargill and Ballathie caught but found conditions difficult. Islamouth however again proved the place to be with consistent catches throughout the week. Patrick Gordon's party did well at the end of the week under very difficult conditions and landed 6 salmon fly fishing. Amongst the successful anglers

Chris Hume landed an 11 pounds salmon from the Castle pool and John Rich caught 2 salmon weighing 8 and 14 pounds.

The Middle River registered 17. The area just above Isalmouth was successful this week especially with the Isla becoming dirty. The Meikleour Home beat caught 5 on Thursday.
At Kercock David Makin caught a 7 pounds salmon and

Kenny Milne had a lovely 16 pounds salmon on Thursday.

On Saturday Berwyn Morris landed his first spring salmon from Newtyle weighing 15 pounds from the Steps pool. Further up river at Dunkeld Iain Howie caught a 13 pounds spring salmon on a fly out of the Cutty earlier in the week. The day had been donated to the Game Conservancy and Iain and David Stephen ended up with a very good reward for their generous donation. Also Brian Lewis landed a 15 pounds springer caught on a flying c in the Mousetrap. The increase in the river levels should now benefit this area for improved sport over the next few weeks.

The Upper River produced 10. The Tummel is now producing consistently and again with more water will catch far more over the coming weeks. Fish up to 20 pounds were landed at the Portnacraig beat below Pitlochry Dam. Successful anglers included Roy Maddox, Rab Brown and David Bryce. On Lower Kinnaird a delighted Alex Ramsay caught his first ever River Tay salmon weighing 11 pounds in the Guay pool.

The Isla registered 0.

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.

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

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 23rd April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 23rd April 2012.

The river has risen after the torrential rain showers last week and more rain is forecast for the coming week with continued unsettled weather. The fresh water should encourage salmon to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport if the river settles.

Murthly on the middle river.

The weather will remain unsettled this week with a chance of some rain. The water temperature is currently around 48 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 degrees Celsius due to the colder snap, which is more like April but this should not hamper fishing as the catches again demonstrated last week. There might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river and hopefully the run will strengthen after fresh water 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.

Lower Tay at 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 floating line with a sinking tip and smaller tubes or a dressed fly. 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.

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.

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 April Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay at Dunkeld, Perthshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay at Dunkeld, Perthshire.

These were a couple of successful anglers on the Dunkeld House beat this week after the river levels rose on Monday.

Iain Howie with a 13 pounds spring salmon on a fly out of the Cutty at Dunkeld. The day had been donated to the Game Conservancy and Iain and David Stephen ended up with a very good reward for their generous donation.

Brian Lewis with a 15 pounds springer caught on a flying c in the Mousetrap.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2012.

Alex Ramsay with his first ever Tay salmon of 11 pounds caught fly fishing on the Lower Kinnaird beat of the Upper Tay. A delighted Alex caught his salmon in the Guay Pool.

Ghillie Bob Campbell holds a 12 pounds spring salmon caught on the Stobhall beat caught by Dr Tony Portno last week.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Middle Tay 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Middle Tay 2012.

A cracking 18 pounds spring salmon caught on the Dalmarnock beat last week by D. Campsie. This was his first spring salmon and it was caught on a Toby Salmo. Nice one!


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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 14th April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 14th April 2012.

The catches improved last week despite unsettled water levels in the middle of the week and the quality of spring salmon remained high with salmon caught up to 20 pounds in weight.

Reasonable conditions prevailed for the week despite fluctuating river levels and more typical weather for the time of year. By the end of the week the water levels had dropped back to summer level again. Success was reasonable as expected in early April with catches throughout the week and the quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 46/48F or 8/9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches especially for the Upper areas. Salmon continue to be caught from top to bottom in the river with others caught and not registered meaning fish are running through rapidly and progressing upstream which encourages everyone.

There were 71 salmon reported with the largest salmon of 20 pounds caught on the Islamouth beat. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.

On the Lower River 36 were landed. Almondmouth started the week off with a cracking 17 pounds salmon but fish from the lower part of the Tay were hard to come by with the higher river temperatures. The areas above Stanley remain the most productive part as the salmon race through and have their first rest just above the Linn Pool. Taymount and Cargill had another good week landing several salmon up to 18 pounds. Islamouth continues to be the most productive area on the Tay as water levels remain low and salmon hesitate and remain at the mouth of the Isla. 17 spring salmon were landed on the beat this week up to 20 pounds and were all caught on fly. On Tuesday the Gifford party landed 4 fish for a memorable spring day. At the end of the week the Morritt party had good sport with Paul Dolman, Nigel Ryley and Jamie Bennett enjoying success.

The Middle River registered 17. The Murthly area continues to produce quality salmon with the Upper beat and Stenton proving successful for Tony Black on Murthly 2.

Last week Ron Dadswell had a good first trip to the Tay landing 2 spring salmon within 30 minutes fly fishing at Stenton up to 21 pounds in weight. Meikleour, Kercock, Newtyle, Dunkeld and Dalmarnock all have had fish as well but a little more water would improve sport. At Newtyle Stephen Roberts,

Peter Dobson and Nik Hope had good sport landing springers up to 17 pounds.

The Upper River produced 16 fish this week and continues to enjoy good sport with the higher water temperatures allowing salmon to run freely. More water would improve this further. Edradynate and Farleyer again had success this week.

Kinnaird enjoyed sport on both beats this week. The low water has not helped sport at Portnacraig on the Pitlochry Angling Club stretch however there have still been notable catches.

Brian Joseph was again successful at the Dam along with Robert McKenzie who landed a 16 pounds fresh salmon on a self-tied tube. Salmon have also been landed on the lower Tummel with Alistair Stephen catching an estimated 18 pounds salmon. Salmon are now running the dam at Pitlochry with over 100 through the counter.

The Isla registered 2 all from 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.

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

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 16th April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 16th April 2012.

Currently the river is still low despite some rain last week but more rain is forecast for the coming week. The weather is to remain unsettled and far more typical for the time of year with a chance of rain over the next week but this should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport if it remains settled.

Islamouth at last light.

The weather should be more unsettled this week with a chance of some rain. The water temperature is currently around 48 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 degrees Celsius due to the colder snap, which is more like April but this should not hamper fishing as the catches again demonstrated last week. 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.

Upper Taymount or Stobhall.

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 floating line with a sinking tip and smaller tubes or a dressed fly. 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.

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 April Salmon Fly Fishing on the middle Tay 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fly Fishing on the middle Tay 2012.

Ron Dadswell had his first ever trip to the Tay last week and enjoyed a memorable day at Stenton with ghillie Tony Black. Ron landed 2 spring salmon within 1/2 an hour fly fishing. This was his second salmon weighing 10 pounds after landing a 21 pounds beauty initially. A great day by anyone's standards. Well done.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay.

Paul Dolman with an 11 pounds spring salmon caught fly fishing in the Long Head pool of the Islamouth beat.

A long tailed sea liced spring salmon caught by ghillie Stuart Lean fly fishing in the low water Bleachings pool at Lower Redgorton.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on Islamouth April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on Islamouth April 2012.

The lower Tay Islamouth continues to have an excellent week with another good day today.

This is Nigel Ryley with a superb 17 pounds Tay beauty caught wading in the Cutty at Islamouth.

Jamie Bennett with a 16 pounds springer from the Long Head caught fly fishing.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Cairnton, River Dee, Aberdeenshire.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Cairnton, River Dee, Aberdeenshire.


The superb River Dee Cairnton beat on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. A fly fishers paradise steeped in salmon fishing history. Former Tay Ghillie at Islamouth Brian Brogan is now the ghillie on the beat.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April 2012.

A typical April scene on the Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on Islamouth April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on Islamouth April 2012.

This was a 20 pounds spring salmon caught fly fishing at 5.15pm on Saturday evening by Simon Furniss on Islamouth, it was last ditch saloon, after losing 6 in 3 days and finally this one stuck, it was caught on a Cascade Conehead.
"The Taymount Ghillie took pity on my plight and on Saturday morning Billy Campbell tied a new fly on for me and a shark hook from Con O'Dea but it was found to be quite difficult to cast. I went back to the so far failing equipment and it worked in the end, it was so comforting to know these guys pulled out all the stops to help me to get one to stick on, thanks again and we all got lot of fun out of the situation." Simon Furniss
Thanks Simon and well done.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 7th April 2012.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 7th April 2012.

The catches improved last week despite the inclement weather and possibly would have been much better if the river had been more settled due to the melting snow and rain but the quality of spring salmon remained high with salmon caught up to 21 pounds in weight.

Reasonable conditions prevailed for the week despite fluctuating river levels and more typical weather for the time of year. Success was reasonable as expected in early April with catches throughout the week and the quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature dropped as expected to 46F or 18C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches especially for the Upper areas. Salmon continue to be caught from top to bottom in the river with others caught and not registered meaning fish are running through rapidly and progressing upstream which encourages everyone.

There was 64 salmon reported with the largest salmon of 21 pounds caught on the Upper Murthly beat. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.

On the Lower River 33 spring salmon were reported from Almondmouth to Islamouth. The lower water would have improved conditions for the areas just above the tide such as Almondmouth. Peter Gifford landed a lovely fresh 12 pounds springer fly fishing on the Catholes in the Black Stones casting from the boat. Stobhall and Taymount continue to produce excellent spring sport on fly and spinner landing salmon up to 20 pounds.

Graham Brookes, Gordon Bisset, David Flack and Tuomas Rytkonen were amongst the successful anglers on Taymount.

Cargill had success as well this week with Claire Wylie landing a lovely 11 pounds salmon. Islamouth also had a good end to the week with locals Jim Ferrie, Simon Furniss and Sandra Robins landing good fish fly fishing from boat and bank.

The Middle River registered 17 salmon that was a good improvement on the previous week and several others were caught in this area and not registered including at least 6 from Glendelvine. The upper Murthly continued to catch consistently with also the largest salmon of the week weighing 21 pounds.

At Kercock David Bryce landed a 7 pounds springer on Friday. Adam Joseph had a lovely springer from the Gauge pool on a Salmo at Dunkeld House fishing’s. Newtyle and Dalmarnock also had success.

The Upper River produced 10 salmon from Dalguise, Kinnaird, Farleyer, Edradynate and Portnacraig on the Tummel. John Cameron caught a lovely 20 pounds Salmon in The Guay Pool on Dalguise fly fishing with a Cascade tube fly.

At Kinnaird Greg Stephens landed his first ever salmon from the Guay pool weighing 14 pounds which delighted everyone on the beat and on Monday Hugh Coulson landed an impressive 18 pounds beauty in the Junction pool. Portnacraig continued to be productive with Billy Davidson catching 3 spring salmon on Monday on the fly. Other successful anglers included Gordon Hyslop with a lovely 16 pounds springer on a Monkey and Clint Doig with an estimated 19 pounds beauty on a Posh Tosh.

The Isla registered 4 all from 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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