Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on Islamouth, Lower Tay 2012.
The weather was horrible in Tayside today but the Islamouth beat on the Lower Tay produced its best day of the season so far with 11 salmon landed.
John McElroy with a lovely fresh salmon caught fly fishing from the boat at the tail of the Long Head pool.
John's salmon being released back to the river.
Steven Watt with a fresh salmon caught from the bank in the Long Head.
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. Salmon fishing on the River Tay, Perthshire, Scotland, offer a good variety of Guided Salmon Fly Fishing and Spinning for Atlantic Salmon during spring, summer and autumn months. Quality Salmon Flies and Salmon Tackle. Bob White Scottish Ghillie and G.Loomis Pro Guide. Quality flies available from www.salmonfliesscotland.co.uk
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 26th May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 26th May 2012.
The catches were reasonable last week despite very warm and bright weather. The quality of spring salmon remained high with fish up to 22 pounds in weight, this was again encouraging.
Settled conditions form the start of the week saw a good catch on Monday but as the very warm weather appeared on Tuesday catches became more difficult as the week progressed. By the end of the week the water levels had fallen away and the river temperature had come up dramatically. Prospects for the coming week should be better with much better weather including some cloud and a little rain. Success was reasonable throughout the week despite the very warm conditions that would have affected the anglers and the fish! The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature rose rapidly to around 60F or 16C due to the very warm weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 92 salmon and 10 sea trout reported with the largest salmon of 22 pounds caught on the Cargill beat. There was also a salmon of 20 pounds caught on a regular basis throughout the river. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River. Sea trout catches should now improve with warmer weather forecast.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 26th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 3, Stobhall 5, Taymount 2, Ballathie 6, Cargill 2, Islamouth 10, Lower and Upper Islamouth 15, Kercock 2, Newtyle 4, Dunkeld House 3, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 5, Farleyer Upper 5, Coupar Grange 16, Portnacraig Pitlochry 10, Loch Faskally 2.
Total: 92 Largest: Cargill 22lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 5, Stobhall 2, Cargill 1.
Total: 10 Largest: Waulkmill & Cargill 5lbs
On the Lower River 43 were landed. This was a far better week for the lower river due to the continued settled water levels. Islamouth again caught throughout the week accounting for over half of the lower rivers fish and all on the fly. The week started off well with 8 landed on Monday then steadily ticked away for the rest of the week. Angus Johnston’s party finished the week off well despite the very bright conditions. The lower river levels have helped Lower Redgorton as salmon run off the tide and hopefully there will be an increase in Sea trout numbers this coming week. At the start of the week Stobhall, Taymount, Ballathie and Cargill caught but again the bright weather took its toll towards the later part. The lower water levels should suit Ballathie and Cargill over the coming weeks and it continues to be the big fish part of the river with Cargill landing the largest fish this week weighing 22 pounds caught by Mr Williams.
The Middle River registered 10. The brighter conditions didn’t help the middle area but there were still success stories. At Kercock Kenny Milne caught an 11 pounds fresh fish and
David Hudson caught his first Tay spring salmon weighing 15 pounds. At Newtyle
John Coupland landed 2 spring salmon in under half an hour on Tuesday up to 10 pounds. Further upstream Jim Ferrie and
Peter Sproston were successful at Dunkeld House Hotel. Peter landed 2 throughout the week; an 8 pounds fish from the Lady’s pool and a cracking 8 pounds fish from the Cathedral stream fly fishing from the boat.
The Upper River produced 23. This was a drop from the highs of last week but still very encouraging. Upper Farleyer continued to have success.
At Lower Kinnaird Mark Sabin had a lovely 8 pounds sea liced fish fly fishing the Junction pool on Tuesday. The beat finished with 5 salmon for the week up to 20 pounds in weight. It was a quieter week at Pitlochry as salmon stream through the dam with the counter at over 1000 with the warmer conditions. Marc Wriggleworth landed 2 salmon on the fly on Tuesday and Gordon Hanslip, Anthony Rusher, Davy Stewart and Steven Watt reported other successes. Jimmy Ross also opened his account with a 10 pounds salmon on the fly.
The Isla registered 16 with Coupar Grange doing very well landing salmon up to 20 pounds.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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 is sending of salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences on the river. I would be most grateful if you would continue to do the same 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.
The catches were reasonable last week despite very warm and bright weather. The quality of spring salmon remained high with fish up to 22 pounds in weight, this was again encouraging.
Settled conditions form the start of the week saw a good catch on Monday but as the very warm weather appeared on Tuesday catches became more difficult as the week progressed. By the end of the week the water levels had fallen away and the river temperature had come up dramatically. Prospects for the coming week should be better with much better weather including some cloud and a little rain. Success was reasonable throughout the week despite the very warm conditions that would have affected the anglers and the fish! The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature rose rapidly to around 60F or 16C due to the very warm weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 92 salmon and 10 sea trout reported with the largest salmon of 22 pounds caught on the Cargill beat. There was also a salmon of 20 pounds caught on a regular basis throughout the river. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River. Sea trout catches should now improve with warmer weather forecast.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 26th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 3, Stobhall 5, Taymount 2, Ballathie 6, Cargill 2, Islamouth 10, Lower and Upper Islamouth 15, Kercock 2, Newtyle 4, Dunkeld House 3, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 5, Farleyer Upper 5, Coupar Grange 16, Portnacraig Pitlochry 10, Loch Faskally 2.
Total: 92 Largest: Cargill 22lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 5, Stobhall 2, Cargill 1.
Total: 10 Largest: Waulkmill & Cargill 5lbs
On the Lower River 43 were landed. This was a far better week for the lower river due to the continued settled water levels. Islamouth again caught throughout the week accounting for over half of the lower rivers fish and all on the fly. The week started off well with 8 landed on Monday then steadily ticked away for the rest of the week. Angus Johnston’s party finished the week off well despite the very bright conditions. The lower river levels have helped Lower Redgorton as salmon run off the tide and hopefully there will be an increase in Sea trout numbers this coming week. At the start of the week Stobhall, Taymount, Ballathie and Cargill caught but again the bright weather took its toll towards the later part. The lower water levels should suit Ballathie and Cargill over the coming weeks and it continues to be the big fish part of the river with Cargill landing the largest fish this week weighing 22 pounds caught by Mr Williams.
The Middle River registered 10. The brighter conditions didn’t help the middle area but there were still success stories. At Kercock Kenny Milne caught an 11 pounds fresh fish and
David Hudson caught his first Tay spring salmon weighing 15 pounds. At Newtyle
John Coupland landed 2 spring salmon in under half an hour on Tuesday up to 10 pounds. Further upstream Jim Ferrie and
Peter Sproston were successful at Dunkeld House Hotel. Peter landed 2 throughout the week; an 8 pounds fish from the Lady’s pool and a cracking 8 pounds fish from the Cathedral stream fly fishing from the boat.
The Upper River produced 23. This was a drop from the highs of last week but still very encouraging. Upper Farleyer continued to have success.
At Lower Kinnaird Mark Sabin had a lovely 8 pounds sea liced fish fly fishing the Junction pool on Tuesday. The beat finished with 5 salmon for the week up to 20 pounds in weight. It was a quieter week at Pitlochry as salmon stream through the dam with the counter at over 1000 with the warmer conditions. Marc Wriggleworth landed 2 salmon on the fly on Tuesday and Gordon Hanslip, Anthony Rusher, Davy Stewart and Steven Watt reported other successes. Jimmy Ross also opened his account with a 10 pounds salmon on the fly.
The Isla registered 16 with Coupar Grange doing very well landing salmon up to 20 pounds.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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 is sending of salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences on the river. I would be most grateful if you would continue to do the same 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 28th May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 28th May 2012.
The river was settled last week and dropped back to summer level after the tremendous weather. The forecast is again settled for the coming week with the chance of a little rain but not the same warmer weather, this should do the world of good. The fresher weather should encourage salmon and sea trout to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.
The lower Tay at Stobhall or Taymount.
The weather will be settled this week but not as warm and bright as last week with a little chance of rain improving prospects of sport on the river. The water temperature has risen rapidly and is currently around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius due to the warmer spell. 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 after a few bigger fish appeared last week.
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.
The Tay at Dunkeld.
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.
The river was settled last week and dropped back to summer level after the tremendous weather. The forecast is again settled for the coming week with the chance of a little rain but not the same warmer weather, this should do the world of good. The fresher weather should encourage salmon and sea trout to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.
The lower Tay at Stobhall or Taymount.
The weather will be settled this week but not as warm and bright as last week with a little chance of rain improving prospects of sport on the river. The water temperature has risen rapidly and is currently around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius due to the warmer spell. 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 after a few bigger fish appeared last week.
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.
The Tay at Dunkeld.
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.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland May Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland May Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay 2012.
Superb summer weather blessed Tayside this week at last and the river was settling nicely to produce good salmon fishing.
John White with a lovely fresh 16 pounds spring salmon caught on the Islamouth beat fly fishing the Longhead pool.
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.
Superb summer weather blessed Tayside this week at last and the river was settling nicely to produce good salmon fishing.
John White with a lovely fresh 16 pounds spring salmon caught on the Islamouth beat fly fishing the Longhead pool.
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.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland May on the Tay 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland May on the Tay 2012.
The Tay has had a superb start to the week. The sun has come out and the salmon are biting! What a difference a few days make.
Peter Sproston with a fine 8 pounds Salmon from the Dunkeld House beat in the Lady Pool on a vision 110.
Murray Reid with his second spring salmon caught fly fishing from the Ash Tree pool on the Lower Kinnaird beat.
Jim Robertson with a lovely fresh salmon caught harling on the lower Stobhall beat at lower Eels Brigs.
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.
The Tay has had a superb start to the week. The sun has come out and the salmon are biting! What a difference a few days make.
Peter Sproston with a fine 8 pounds Salmon from the Dunkeld House beat in the Lady Pool on a vision 110.
Murray Reid with his second spring salmon caught fly fishing from the Ash Tree pool on the Lower Kinnaird beat.
Jim Robertson with a lovely fresh salmon caught harling on the lower Stobhall beat at lower Eels Brigs.
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.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland May Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland May Salmon Fishing on the Lower Tay 2012.
After a bit of settled weather the anglers on the Tay get the week off to a good start.
Barry Rae had a good day on the Upper Stobhall beat of the lower Tay just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. This was a magnificent 19 pounds spring salmon covered in sea lice caught on a harled fly in Stank End.
A 7 pounds fresh salmon caught from Willies Stone.
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.
After a bit of settled weather the anglers on the Tay get the week off to a good start.
Barry Rae had a good day on the Upper Stobhall beat of the lower Tay just above Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. This was a magnificent 19 pounds spring salmon covered in sea lice caught on a harled fly in Stank End.
A 7 pounds fresh salmon caught from Willies Stone.
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.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 19th May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 19th May 2012.
The catches were reasonable last week despite unsettled water levels at the start and middle of the week. The quality of spring salmon remained high and the appearance of bigger salmon up to 24 pounds in weight was again encouraging.
Unsettled conditions at the start of the week after heavy rain at the weekend brought the river up and coloured. By the end of the week the water levels had fallen despite more rain in the middle of the week and hydro pulses unsettling the river on a daily basis. Prospects for the coming week should be better with falling water and much better weather including some warmer sunshine at last. Success was reasonable throughout the week despite unsettled water levels. The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 46F or 8C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 92 salmon and 10 sea trout reported with the largest salmon an impressive 24 pounds caught on the Ballathie beat. There was also a salmon of 20 pounds caught on a regular basis throughout the river. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River. Sea trout catches should now improve with warmer weather forecast.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 19th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Fishponds 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 2, Stobhall 1, Taymount 2, Ballathie 2, Cargill 2, Islamouth 7, Lower and Upper Islamouth 2, Upper Islamouth and Meikleour House 4, Murthly 2 1, Newtyle 4, Dunkeld House 6, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 7, Lower Kinnaird 2, Upper Kinnaird 2, Edradynate 1, Farleyer Upper 2, Keithick Mains 1, Coupar Grange 15, Portnacraig Pitlochry 26, Loch Faskally 2.
Total: 93 Largest: Ballathie 24lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 2, Benchil and Pitlochrie 2, Stobhall 1, Cargill 1, Newtyle 1, Keithick Mains 1, Coupar Grange 1.
Total: 10 Largest: Lower Redgorton & Benchil and Pitlochrie & Stobhall & Cargill 3lbs
On the Lower River 19 were landed. This was a poor week for the lower river due to the continued unsettled water levels. Local angler George McKinlay caught a couple of salmon on Benchil including a 17 pounds beauty on Friday. Cargill and Ballathie continue to work away quietly and produce large salmon. Ballathie landed a superb 24 pounds fish on Friday. Islamouth again caught throughout the week.
The Middle River registered 16. The middle river is seeing better sport now with more water but last week proved difficult with the unsettled conditions.
At Dunkeld House Chris Metzner from Australia caught his first ever salmon fly fishing in the Cathederal Stream and Brian Joseph caught an 11 pounds salmon on a Toby Salmo in the Ferry Pool.
On Newtyle John Gunn was successful harling landing a 15 pounds salmon in the Ferry pool. Regular Allan Rennie, caught a cracking sea liced 9 pounds fish fly fishing the Deans Burn and later in the week the Flying C was the favoured bait of David Bryce landing a 15 pounds beauty from the Trap.
The Upper River produced 42. The Upper area of the system continued with a good spring and no doubt the increase in river height really helped it last week with their best return for the year so far. Dalguise had an excellent week with a high point on Tuesday when John Cameron caught 4 salmon to his own rod on the fly up to 19 pounds from the Otterstone Pool. Further upstream Eddie Higgins caught his first spring salmon on Upper Farleyer with John McCallum. On the Tummel the extra water made it a week to remember at Portnacraig for the Pitlochry Angling Club. On Thursday 11 salmon were landed up to 16 pounds on fly and spinner. The successful rods included Matthew Currie, Mark Currie, Rory MacNab, Steve Watt and Gordon Nichol. Catch of the club season so far fell to Blackpool fisherman Gary Westhead landing 6 salmon to his own rod on Wednesday fly fishing from both banks up to 17 pounds. He will remember that day for a time. There was 26 salmon landed for the club last week with the vast majority fresh run salmon.
Steven Watt caught a cracking 17 pounds fish on Saturday. There will be a number of other salmon caught in this area and not reported. Salmon are now streaming through the dam with the counter at over 700.
The Isla registered 16 with Coupar Grange doing very well landing salmon up to 19 pounds.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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 is sending of salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences on the river. I would be most grateful if you would continue to do the same 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.
The catches were reasonable last week despite unsettled water levels at the start and middle of the week. The quality of spring salmon remained high and the appearance of bigger salmon up to 24 pounds in weight was again encouraging.
Unsettled conditions at the start of the week after heavy rain at the weekend brought the river up and coloured. By the end of the week the water levels had fallen despite more rain in the middle of the week and hydro pulses unsettling the river on a daily basis. Prospects for the coming week should be better with falling water and much better weather including some warmer sunshine at last. Success was reasonable throughout the week despite unsettled water levels. The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 46F or 8C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 92 salmon and 10 sea trout reported with the largest salmon an impressive 24 pounds caught on the Ballathie beat. There was also a salmon of 20 pounds caught on a regular basis throughout the river. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River. Sea trout catches should now improve with warmer weather forecast.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 19th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Fishponds 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 2, Stobhall 1, Taymount 2, Ballathie 2, Cargill 2, Islamouth 7, Lower and Upper Islamouth 2, Upper Islamouth and Meikleour House 4, Murthly 2 1, Newtyle 4, Dunkeld House 6, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 7, Lower Kinnaird 2, Upper Kinnaird 2, Edradynate 1, Farleyer Upper 2, Keithick Mains 1, Coupar Grange 15, Portnacraig Pitlochry 26, Loch Faskally 2.
Total: 93 Largest: Ballathie 24lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 2, Benchil and Pitlochrie 2, Stobhall 1, Cargill 1, Newtyle 1, Keithick Mains 1, Coupar Grange 1.
Total: 10 Largest: Lower Redgorton & Benchil and Pitlochrie & Stobhall & Cargill 3lbs
On the Lower River 19 were landed. This was a poor week for the lower river due to the continued unsettled water levels. Local angler George McKinlay caught a couple of salmon on Benchil including a 17 pounds beauty on Friday. Cargill and Ballathie continue to work away quietly and produce large salmon. Ballathie landed a superb 24 pounds fish on Friday. Islamouth again caught throughout the week.
The Middle River registered 16. The middle river is seeing better sport now with more water but last week proved difficult with the unsettled conditions.
At Dunkeld House Chris Metzner from Australia caught his first ever salmon fly fishing in the Cathederal Stream and Brian Joseph caught an 11 pounds salmon on a Toby Salmo in the Ferry Pool.
On Newtyle John Gunn was successful harling landing a 15 pounds salmon in the Ferry pool. Regular Allan Rennie, caught a cracking sea liced 9 pounds fish fly fishing the Deans Burn and later in the week the Flying C was the favoured bait of David Bryce landing a 15 pounds beauty from the Trap.
The Upper River produced 42. The Upper area of the system continued with a good spring and no doubt the increase in river height really helped it last week with their best return for the year so far. Dalguise had an excellent week with a high point on Tuesday when John Cameron caught 4 salmon to his own rod on the fly up to 19 pounds from the Otterstone Pool. Further upstream Eddie Higgins caught his first spring salmon on Upper Farleyer with John McCallum. On the Tummel the extra water made it a week to remember at Portnacraig for the Pitlochry Angling Club. On Thursday 11 salmon were landed up to 16 pounds on fly and spinner. The successful rods included Matthew Currie, Mark Currie, Rory MacNab, Steve Watt and Gordon Nichol. Catch of the club season so far fell to Blackpool fisherman Gary Westhead landing 6 salmon to his own rod on Wednesday fly fishing from both banks up to 17 pounds. He will remember that day for a time. There was 26 salmon landed for the club last week with the vast majority fresh run salmon.
Steven Watt caught a cracking 17 pounds fish on Saturday. There will be a number of other salmon caught in this area and not reported. Salmon are now streaming through the dam with the counter at over 700.
The Isla registered 16 with Coupar Grange doing very well landing salmon up to 19 pounds.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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 is sending of salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences on the river. I would be most grateful if you would continue to do the same 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 21st May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 21st May 2012.
The river was unsettled at the start of last week due to heavy rain on Sunday and more rain in the middle of the week didn’t help matters however by Saturday the river was settling nicely for the coming week. The forecast is for more settled and at last some warmer weather, which should do the world of good. The fresh water should encourage salmon and sea trout to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.
The Tay at Dunkeld.
The weather will be more settled this week with much warmer days and little chance of rain improving prospects of sport on the river. The water temperature is currently around 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius due to the colder snap but this should rise this coming week and improve the fishing. 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 after a few bigger fish appeared last week.
Fly fishing at Islamouth.
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.
The river was unsettled at the start of last week due to heavy rain on Sunday and more rain in the middle of the week didn’t help matters however by Saturday the river was settling nicely for the coming week. The forecast is for more settled and at last some warmer weather, which should do the world of good. The fresh water should encourage salmon and sea trout to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.
The Tay at Dunkeld.
The weather will be more settled this week with much warmer days and little chance of rain improving prospects of sport on the river. The water temperature is currently around 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius due to the colder snap but this should rise this coming week and improve the fishing. 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 after a few bigger fish appeared last week.
Fly fishing at Islamouth.
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.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing Islamouth, Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing Islamouth, Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.
Video of a spring salmon being hooked, landed and returned on the Islamouth beat of the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland on a G Loomis NRX fly rod.
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.
Video of a spring salmon being hooked, landed and returned on the Islamouth beat of the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland on a G Loomis NRX fly rod.
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.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland May Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland May Salmon Fishing on the lower Tay 2012.
Fishing on the Tay started off slowly this week after all the rain at the weekend but as the river settled the catches improved. The weather is still very cold for May but that has not stopped anglers having success fly fishing on the river. These are 2 salmon from the Islamouth beat caught with the fly.
Neil Tong from Perth with a lovely fresh salmon from the tail of the Long Head casting from the boat.
A lovely fresh 9 pounds salmon from the Cutty.
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.
Fishing on the Tay started off slowly this week after all the rain at the weekend but as the river settled the catches improved. The weather is still very cold for May but that has not stopped anglers having success fly fishing on the river. These are 2 salmon from the Islamouth beat caught with the fly.
Neil Tong from Perth with a lovely fresh salmon from the tail of the Long Head casting from the boat.
A lovely fresh 9 pounds salmon from the Cutty.
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.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 12th May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 12th May 2012.
The catches were reasonable last week despite unsettled water levels at the end of the week. The quality of spring salmon remained high and the appearance of bigger salmon up to 26 pounds in weight was again encouraging.
Settled conditions prevailed for most of the week with river levels falling away until heavy rain on Thursday brought the river up and unsettled the river. By the end of the week the water levels had risen a bit which was no bad thing. Success was reasonable throughout the week but dropped off at the end of the week with unsettled water levels. The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 48F or 9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 97 salmon reported with the largest salmon an impressive 26 pounds caught on the Dalmarnock beat by newly married lady angler Sam Datta. There was also a salmon of 25 pounds caught at Stobhall by Mark Scruton fly fishing. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 12th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Fishponds 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 1, Stobhall 4, Taymount 3, Ballathie 2, Cargill 6, Islamouth 9, Lower and Upper Islamouth 13, Upper Islamouth and Meikleour House 3, Kercock 3, Murthly 2 13, Newtyle 5, Dunkeld House 4, Dalmarnock 6, Dalguise 4, Lower Kinnaird 4, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 7, Loch Faskally 6.
Total: 97 Largest: Dalmarnock 26lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 1, Lower and Upper Islamouth 1, Keithick Mains 1.
Total: 3 Largest: Lower Redgorton & Lower and Upper Islamouth & Keithick Mains 3lbs
On the Lower River 39 were landed. The boats are now off the lower river from Stanley downwards and summer fishing has started. Most of the beats do summer permits at this time of year until the boats go back on in July. A few sea trout have started to appear this past week, which is encouraging. On Benchil local angler George McKinlay caught a lovely sea liced 15 pounds salmon on a Toby on Wednesday. Taymount and Stobhall caught salmon with Mark Scruton landing a cracking 25 pounds salmon fly fishing from the boat on Stobhall at Tams Corner and
Sandra Robbins was successful on Ladies day at Taymount catching a 15 pounds fish again on the fly and at Tams corner. Ballathie and Cargill were also successful during the week. Islamouth continues to be very productive landing 22 salmon for the week, which included 7 on Wednesday.
The Middle River registered 34. The middle river is seeing better sport now with more water. At Kercock Jim Lamb and Jim McEwan landed salmon up to 16 pounds. The Murthly 2 beat fishing Stenton and the Upper beat had its best week of the season with 13 salmon caught mostly fly fishing.
An 8 pounds fish from Stenton.
At Newtyle there was a first Tay spring salmon for
Norrie McLeod fly fishing in the Trap. Not content with that he promptly caught another from the same place on a deadly Golden Willie Gunn. Dave Cargill was also successful landing a 16 pounds beauty on a Salmo. Dunkeld House had a reasonable week with Bill Robbins landing a 17 pounds beauty on the fly and American visitor Mark Guidry landing a colourful fish on a Salmo. Further upstream at Dalmarnock it was a red letter day for Dr Sandip Datta and his new wife Sam on Friday. They got married in Dunkeld Cathedral 5 weeks ago. Sam was fishing the Clacken Taggart pool in the morning.
She landed a beautiful 26 pounds spring Salmon that was expertly netted by ghillie Colin Mcfadden. It was her biggest salmon to date, a fish of a lifetime. The fish was carefully released to continue its journey. Sandip then caught a 7 pounds springer, and Sam had great satisfaction in telling him it was a tiddler!
The Upper River produced 24. The Upper area of the system continued with a good spring and no doubt the increase in river height will really help it for the coming weeks. Dalguise had a salmon of 23 pounds on Tuesday with 2 others caught in the same day. Kinnaird were again successful and Raymond Doonan caught a cracking 10 pounds spring salmon fly fishing on the Upper Farleyer beat earlier in the week. Salmon continue to fly through the fish ladder at Pitlochry with the total now above 500. Loch Faskally are benefiting from this landing several salmon this past week. Despite the low water levels at Portnacraig salmon were landed on most days.
Dean McGowan had a good day on Saturday landing 2 salmon up to 13 pounds and other successful anglers included Neil MacLellan, Gordon Nichol and Patrick Hammond. The Pitlochry Club had the lower Tummel last week as well and Alistair Stephen landed a 10 pounds fish on the Greenbank fly fishing on Saturday. After all the rain the catches should improve this coming week and everyone will be relieved to see their lines coming round a bit quicker!
The Isla registered 0.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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 is sending of salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences on the river. I would be most grateful if you would continue to do the same 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.
The catches were reasonable last week despite unsettled water levels at the end of the week. The quality of spring salmon remained high and the appearance of bigger salmon up to 26 pounds in weight was again encouraging.
Settled conditions prevailed for most of the week with river levels falling away until heavy rain on Thursday brought the river up and unsettled the river. By the end of the week the water levels had risen a bit which was no bad thing. Success was reasonable throughout the week but dropped off at the end of the week with unsettled water levels. The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 48F or 9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 97 salmon reported with the largest salmon an impressive 26 pounds caught on the Dalmarnock beat by newly married lady angler Sam Datta. There was also a salmon of 25 pounds caught at Stobhall by Mark Scruton fly fishing. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 12th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Fishponds 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 1, Stobhall 4, Taymount 3, Ballathie 2, Cargill 6, Islamouth 9, Lower and Upper Islamouth 13, Upper Islamouth and Meikleour House 3, Kercock 3, Murthly 2 13, Newtyle 5, Dunkeld House 4, Dalmarnock 6, Dalguise 4, Lower Kinnaird 4, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 7, Loch Faskally 6.
Total: 97 Largest: Dalmarnock 26lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 1, Lower and Upper Islamouth 1, Keithick Mains 1.
Total: 3 Largest: Lower Redgorton & Lower and Upper Islamouth & Keithick Mains 3lbs
On the Lower River 39 were landed. The boats are now off the lower river from Stanley downwards and summer fishing has started. Most of the beats do summer permits at this time of year until the boats go back on in July. A few sea trout have started to appear this past week, which is encouraging. On Benchil local angler George McKinlay caught a lovely sea liced 15 pounds salmon on a Toby on Wednesday. Taymount and Stobhall caught salmon with Mark Scruton landing a cracking 25 pounds salmon fly fishing from the boat on Stobhall at Tams Corner and
Sandra Robbins was successful on Ladies day at Taymount catching a 15 pounds fish again on the fly and at Tams corner. Ballathie and Cargill were also successful during the week. Islamouth continues to be very productive landing 22 salmon for the week, which included 7 on Wednesday.
The Middle River registered 34. The middle river is seeing better sport now with more water. At Kercock Jim Lamb and Jim McEwan landed salmon up to 16 pounds. The Murthly 2 beat fishing Stenton and the Upper beat had its best week of the season with 13 salmon caught mostly fly fishing.
An 8 pounds fish from Stenton.
At Newtyle there was a first Tay spring salmon for
Norrie McLeod fly fishing in the Trap. Not content with that he promptly caught another from the same place on a deadly Golden Willie Gunn. Dave Cargill was also successful landing a 16 pounds beauty on a Salmo. Dunkeld House had a reasonable week with Bill Robbins landing a 17 pounds beauty on the fly and American visitor Mark Guidry landing a colourful fish on a Salmo. Further upstream at Dalmarnock it was a red letter day for Dr Sandip Datta and his new wife Sam on Friday. They got married in Dunkeld Cathedral 5 weeks ago. Sam was fishing the Clacken Taggart pool in the morning.
She landed a beautiful 26 pounds spring Salmon that was expertly netted by ghillie Colin Mcfadden. It was her biggest salmon to date, a fish of a lifetime. The fish was carefully released to continue its journey. Sandip then caught a 7 pounds springer, and Sam had great satisfaction in telling him it was a tiddler!
The Upper River produced 24. The Upper area of the system continued with a good spring and no doubt the increase in river height will really help it for the coming weeks. Dalguise had a salmon of 23 pounds on Tuesday with 2 others caught in the same day. Kinnaird were again successful and Raymond Doonan caught a cracking 10 pounds spring salmon fly fishing on the Upper Farleyer beat earlier in the week. Salmon continue to fly through the fish ladder at Pitlochry with the total now above 500. Loch Faskally are benefiting from this landing several salmon this past week. Despite the low water levels at Portnacraig salmon were landed on most days.
Dean McGowan had a good day on Saturday landing 2 salmon up to 13 pounds and other successful anglers included Neil MacLellan, Gordon Nichol and Patrick Hammond. The Pitlochry Club had the lower Tummel last week as well and Alistair Stephen landed a 10 pounds fish on the Greenbank fly fishing on Saturday. After all the rain the catches should improve this coming week and everyone will be relieved to see their lines coming round a bit quicker!
The Isla registered 0.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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 is sending of salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences on the river. I would be most grateful if you would continue to do the same 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.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 14th May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Prospects for week commencing 14th May 2012.
The river was unsettled at the end of last week due to heavy rain on Thursday and there has been more heavy rain on Sunday which could unsettle the river for Monday. The forecast for the coming week is for more unsettled weather, but hopefully will not unsettle the river too much for the rest of the week. The fresh water should encourage salmon and sea trout to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.
The weather will be more unsettled this week with a chance of rain but hopefully not hamper sport on the river. The water temperature is currently around 48 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 degrees Celsius due to the continuing colder snap 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 after a few bigger fish appeared last week.
Looking up through Wades Bridge at Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland.
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.
Sunset at Benchil on the Lower 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.
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.
The river was unsettled at the end of last week due to heavy rain on Thursday and there has been more heavy rain on Sunday which could unsettle the river for Monday. The forecast for the coming week is for more unsettled weather, but hopefully will not unsettle the river too much for the rest of the week. The fresh water should encourage salmon and sea trout to run and should still give the river a great chance of producing more good sport.
The weather will be more unsettled this week with a chance of rain but hopefully not hamper sport on the river. The water temperature is currently around 48 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 degrees Celsius due to the continuing colder snap 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 after a few bigger fish appeared last week.
Looking up through Wades Bridge at Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland.
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.
Sunset at Benchil on the Lower 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.
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.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland Big Salmon on the Tay May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Big Salmon on the Tay May 2012.
May 2012 continues to produce big multi sea winter salmon on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. This week has seen 4 salmon caught over 20 pounds in weight so far.
It was a red letter day for Dr Sandip Datta and his new wife Sam on the Dalmarnock beat just above Dunkeld, Perthshire on Friday. They got married in Dunkeld Cathedral 5 weeks ago.Sam was fishing the Clacken Taggart pool in the morning. She landed a beautiful 26 pounds spring Salmon which was expertly netted by ghillie Colin Mcfadden. It was her biggest salmon to date, a fish of a lifetime. The fish was carefully released to continue its journey. Sandip then caught a 7 pounds springer, and Sam had great satisfaction in telling him it was a tiddler!! They had a fantastic day and are looking forward to going back for another day on the river soon. Great story and well done!
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.
May 2012 continues to produce big multi sea winter salmon on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. This week has seen 4 salmon caught over 20 pounds in weight so far.
It was a red letter day for Dr Sandip Datta and his new wife Sam on the Dalmarnock beat just above Dunkeld, Perthshire on Friday. They got married in Dunkeld Cathedral 5 weeks ago.Sam was fishing the Clacken Taggart pool in the morning. She landed a beautiful 26 pounds spring Salmon which was expertly netted by ghillie Colin Mcfadden. It was her biggest salmon to date, a fish of a lifetime. The fish was carefully released to continue its journey. Sandip then caught a 7 pounds springer, and Sam had great satisfaction in telling him it was a tiddler!! They had a fantastic day and are looking forward to going back for another day on the river soon. Great story and well done!
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.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Salmon caught Fly Fishing on the Tay 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Salmon caught Fly Fishing on the Tay 2012.
There was torrential rain in Tayside today but the salmon fishers were out in force on the Tay.
It was a good day for Mark Scruton on the Stobhall beat today despite the wild day. This was a 25 pounds spring salmon he caught fly fishing from the boat at Tams Corner casting a small Black and Yellow Tube fly. Well done Mark, have a dram tonight to warm up and celebrate a magnificent fish.
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.
There was torrential rain in Tayside today but the salmon fishers were out in force on the Tay.
It was a good day for Mark Scruton on the Stobhall beat today despite the wild day. This was a 25 pounds spring salmon he caught fly fishing from the boat at Tams Corner casting a small Black and Yellow Tube fly. Well done Mark, have a dram tonight to warm up and celebrate a magnificent fish.
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.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay May 2012.
The current conditions are favouring fly fishing for salmon on the Tay with a low water height.
Lower Kinnaird continues to produce good sport for fly fishers with spring salmon being landed nearly every day. This was Mr P Kibler with a lovely 15 pounds spring salmon from the Island Stream caught fly fishing. Earlier in the week he caught a 16 pounds salmon from the Guay pool on a Monkey fly.
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The current conditions are favouring fly fishing for salmon on the Tay with a low water height.
Lower Kinnaird continues to produce good sport for fly fishers with spring salmon being landed nearly every day. This was Mr P Kibler with a lovely 15 pounds spring salmon from the Island Stream caught fly fishing. Earlier in the week he caught a 16 pounds salmon from the Guay pool on a Monkey fly.
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Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Fishing on the lower Tay 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Fishing on the lower Tay 2012.
The summer salmon fishing has started on the lower Tay from the start of May until the end of June. Currently all the boats are off the lower beats for maintenance and fishing is from the bank only until the start of July. Summer permits are available on most of the beats at reasonable prices.
This was George McKinlay from Perth with a cracking sea liced 15 pounds salmon caught in the Long Shot on the Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today. Daily permits are available on Benchil/Pitlochrie for £25 plus VAT during May and June or you can take out a permit covering the whole period for £200.
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The summer salmon fishing has started on the lower Tay from the start of May until the end of June. Currently all the boats are off the lower beats for maintenance and fishing is from the bank only until the start of July. Summer permits are available on most of the beats at reasonable prices.
This was George McKinlay from Perth with a cracking sea liced 15 pounds salmon caught in the Long Shot on the Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today. Daily permits are available on Benchil/Pitlochrie for £25 plus VAT during May and June or you can take out a permit covering the whole period for £200.
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.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Upper Tay May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Fly Fishing on the Upper Tay May 2012.
Salmon fishing on the Tay continues to produce good sport throughout the river and fly fishers are having success in the low water.
Raymond Doonan caught this cracking 10 pounds spring salmon fly fishing on the Upper Farleyer beat yesterday. The fish fell to a size 10 Cascade and was carefully returned back to the river. Well done Raymond.
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Salmon fishing on the Tay continues to produce good sport throughout the river and fly fishers are having success in the low water.
Raymond Doonan caught this cracking 10 pounds spring salmon fly fishing on the Upper Farleyer beat yesterday. The fish fell to a size 10 Cascade and was carefully returned back to the river. Well done Raymond.
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Monday, May 7, 2012
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 5th May 2012.
Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the Week ending 5th May 2012.
The catches were reasonable last week due to settled water levels however colder weather and the river dropping back to summer levels curtailed activity at the end of the week. The quality of spring salmon remained high and the appearance of a few much bigger salmon up to 32 pounds in weight was very encouraging.
Settled conditions prevailed for the week with river levels falling away which is more typical weather for the time of year. By the end of the week the water levels had dropped back. Success was reasonable throughout the week but dropped off at the end of the week with colder weather and lower water. The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 48F or 9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 80 salmon reported with the largest salmon an impressive 32 pounds caught on the
Ballathie beat by 12 years old James Meakin. There was also salmon of 25 pounds caught at Lower Kinnaird and 24 pounds on Loch Faskally. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.
On the Lower River 29 were landed. The boats are now off the lower river from Stanley downwards and summer fishing has started. Most of the beats do summer permits at this time of year until the boats go back on in July. A few sea trout have started to appear this past week, which is encouraging. Further upstream sport has been slow with odd fish caught. The lower water suits the Ballathie and Cargill beats as their catches improved this past week. There was great excitement on Friday when Ballathie caught the first 30 pounds salmon of the season for the river. Everyone has been expecting larger salmon to appear as last year but they have been in short supply until this week. Strangely the other rivers in Scotland have seen larger salmon this week as well. Islamouth has again been the top beat on the river this week landing 16 salmon all caught fly fishing. On Thursday 7 salmon were caught with Perth angler Neil Tong landing 4 for the day up to 17 pounds from bank and boat.
On Saturday Ian Mitchell caught a 21 pounds salmon from the tail of the Long Head.
The Middle River 21. Kercock have had a better week with several salmon landed on fly and spinner. Successful anglers included David Crosbie and Norman Wood landing 2 salmon in 2 days up to 12 pounds on the fly and Dougie McLean and
Dennis Robb catching fresh salmon on Thursday. Jim McEwan also had a 7 pounds fish on a Salmo. At Newtyle the Bowmans were successful on Tuesday and Dunkeld House beat had a better week with Simon Furniss catching 3 himself on Tuesday. The middle river is seeing better sport now but a bit more water would help things further.
The Upper River produced 28. The upper river continues to produce but must be struggling with low water now. Despite low water fish have been caught in reasonable numbers and there is now over 300 salmon through the fish ladder at Pitlochry. Loch Faskally are benefitting from this and on Thursday Shaun Camburn landed a 24 pounds salmon trolling a pink Kynoch, which has brought their tally up to 8 for the season. Below the Dam the Portnacraig beat had a reasonable week landing salmon up to 20 pounds on fly and spinner. Successful anglers included Gordon Hanslip, Davie Stewart, Stephane Bovy and visiting father and son Tony and Anthony Churchill.
Graeme Lightbody and John Bryce both landed a salmon fly fishing on Saturday despite the very low water. The upper beats on the Tay have been working away as well with Dalguise, Kinnaird, Farleyer and Findynate all contributing. A notable salmon of 25 pounds was caught off the Lower Kinnaird beat on Wednesday.
The Isla registered 2 from Keithick Mains and Islabank.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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.
The catches were reasonable last week due to settled water levels however colder weather and the river dropping back to summer levels curtailed activity at the end of the week. The quality of spring salmon remained high and the appearance of a few much bigger salmon up to 32 pounds in weight was very encouraging.
Settled conditions prevailed for the week with river levels falling away which is more typical weather for the time of year. By the end of the week the water levels had dropped back. Success was reasonable throughout the week but dropped off at the end of the week with colder weather and lower water. The quality was again exceptional with more multi sea winter salmon landed. The river temperature was around 48F or 9C due to the colder weather but this did not stop salmon running and spreading the catches. 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 80 salmon reported with the largest salmon an impressive 32 pounds caught on the
Ballathie beat by 12 years old James Meakin. There was also salmon of 25 pounds caught at Lower Kinnaird and 24 pounds on Loch Faskally. Spring salmon were landed throughout the system from the Lower River to the Upper River.
On the Lower River 29 were landed. The boats are now off the lower river from Stanley downwards and summer fishing has started. Most of the beats do summer permits at this time of year until the boats go back on in July. A few sea trout have started to appear this past week, which is encouraging. Further upstream sport has been slow with odd fish caught. The lower water suits the Ballathie and Cargill beats as their catches improved this past week. There was great excitement on Friday when Ballathie caught the first 30 pounds salmon of the season for the river. Everyone has been expecting larger salmon to appear as last year but they have been in short supply until this week. Strangely the other rivers in Scotland have seen larger salmon this week as well. Islamouth has again been the top beat on the river this week landing 16 salmon all caught fly fishing. On Thursday 7 salmon were caught with Perth angler Neil Tong landing 4 for the day up to 17 pounds from bank and boat.
On Saturday Ian Mitchell caught a 21 pounds salmon from the tail of the Long Head.
The Middle River 21. Kercock have had a better week with several salmon landed on fly and spinner. Successful anglers included David Crosbie and Norman Wood landing 2 salmon in 2 days up to 12 pounds on the fly and Dougie McLean and
Dennis Robb catching fresh salmon on Thursday. Jim McEwan also had a 7 pounds fish on a Salmo. At Newtyle the Bowmans were successful on Tuesday and Dunkeld House beat had a better week with Simon Furniss catching 3 himself on Tuesday. The middle river is seeing better sport now but a bit more water would help things further.
The Upper River produced 28. The upper river continues to produce but must be struggling with low water now. Despite low water fish have been caught in reasonable numbers and there is now over 300 salmon through the fish ladder at Pitlochry. Loch Faskally are benefitting from this and on Thursday Shaun Camburn landed a 24 pounds salmon trolling a pink Kynoch, which has brought their tally up to 8 for the season. Below the Dam the Portnacraig beat had a reasonable week landing salmon up to 20 pounds on fly and spinner. Successful anglers included Gordon Hanslip, Davie Stewart, Stephane Bovy and visiting father and son Tony and Anthony Churchill.
Graeme Lightbody and John Bryce both landed a salmon fly fishing on Saturday despite the very low water. The upper beats on the Tay have been working away as well with Dalguise, Kinnaird, Farleyer and Findynate all contributing. A notable salmon of 25 pounds was caught off the Lower Kinnaird beat on Wednesday.
The Isla registered 2 from Keithick Mains and Islabank.
The Earn registered 0.
The Tay Conservation Dinner will be held at the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20th October 2012.
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.
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