Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland May 2013.

The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland is having another productive week as May ends. It looks likely the river has produced over 800 salmon in the month which is a monumental period.

Islamouth at the top of the lower Tay is starting to achieve good results as the river drops to a good level and fish settle into the beat for premier fly fishing.


James Mayhew with an outstanding 18 pounds beauty caught on the fly from Donnits at the top of the beat.


James Brooks with an 8 pounds fresh salmon caught on the fly from the Newshot pool casting from the boat on Islamouth.


James carefully returns the salmon to the river. Thank you to all anglers who have this season so far returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!


The light goes down on another productive day on the Tay.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Superb Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Superb Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2013.

May is about to end on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and this will concluded the spring salmon fishing season on the Mighty river. This year has certainly been one to celebrate and remember with outstanding catches filling everyone with enthusiasm for the future. May has gone over 700 for the month and the spring total is now over 2000 which is simply superb news.

A cracking salmon caught in the famous Boat pool at Glendelvine on the fly.


Blue bells in the woods currently which is always a lovely sight on the river banks around the river.


Calum McRoberts with a superb salmon from the Sawmill stream on the Pitlochry Angling club stretch.


Sea trout are now appearing in the river over the last week. This was a 5 pounds beauty caught by Stuart Lean from the Bleachings on Lower Redgorton.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Middle Tay May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Middle Tay May 2013.

We are now fast approaching June and summer salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. The spring run just seem to keep coming and yesterday was no exception on the river with superb catches.

This is the view looking up the famous Boat pool on Glendelvine and Murthly.


Glendelvine had a superb day yesterday landing 11 salmon up to 15 pounds caught mostly on fly.


A superb 12 pounds Tay bar of silver caught in the Boat pool.


The sun goes down on another spectacular day on the river.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Report for week ending 25th May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Report for week ending 25th May 2013.

The conditions last week were good on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland with much milder weather and a falling steady river, superb catches were maintained during the week with more multi sea winter salmon filling everyone with even more optimism for the coming weeks. The weather is now much warmer and there is a reasonable forecast for this week that hopefully will continue to give us great prospects and will maintain early spring sport on this marvelous river and spread it throughout the whole river.

Islamouth on the Tay.
The Spring Salmon fishing is never easy but when settled conditions prevail the sport can be magical as has proved this season so far with some outstanding catches and numerous spring salmon registered in the Tay system above expectation, it will certainly be one to remember in years to come. The press and TV have even been acknowledging our success this past week. The catches have been heartening mainly due to the cold weather originally in the early part of the season but there is certainly evidence now that there has been a far better run. Could this be down to most anglers’ efforts to return spring salmon over the past few seasons? Thank you to all anglers who have this season so far returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done! Spring salmon were caught all week up to an impressive 22 pounds in weight and throughout the river as temperatures rise, which was tremendous news. The catches for the season so far have increased by 73% up to the end of April and now May is looking as productive with an approximate 90% increase on last year. Final figures for May and the season so far will be posted later this week. It is simply amazing news for the river. The Tay is currently fishing very well and is certainly a good destination to catch your first spring salmon of the season, you will maybe catch a fish of your dreams after the emergence of these monster salmon. The river offers a variety of possibilities for all standards of anglers with ghillies only too keen to teach the novices and this mighty river can produce a memorable salmon for the keen fly fisher. Levels and temperatures have now risen hopefully to encourage more salmon to run the river and spread out. Pools can be easily covered from bank and boat with modern technology. Why not have a go and sample this magical river. The fishing is supreme and the scenery is not bad either.

Beat catches reported
(week ending 25th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 1, Stobhall 6, Taymount 3, Ballathie 1, Cargill 3, Islamouth 19, Lower and Upper Islamouth 21, Upper Islamouth and Meikleour House 1, Kercock 2, Murthly 1 22, Glendelvine 18, Murthly 2 11, Newtyle 10, Dunkeld House 13, Dalmarnock 4, Dalguise 3, Lower Kinnaird 11, Upper Kinnaird 1, Edradynate 2, Findynate 2, Farleyer Upper 11, Keithick Mains 17, Coupar Grange 19, Portnacraig Pitlochry 18, Loch Faskally 15.
Total: 235 Largest: Glendelvine & Lower Kinnaird 22lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 1, Dunkeld House 1, Coupar Grange 4.
Total: 6 Largest: Lower Redgorton 5lbs

Spring salmon have been caught throughout the system this past week encouraging everyone and there is a continuing emergence of some larger multi sea winter spring salmon up to around 20 odd pounds, which is superb news. Sea trout and odd Grilse are also starting to appear. The Upper reaches are now encountering more fresh salmon as warmer conditions appear. The Upper River registered 16 spring salmon from Upper Kinnaird, Farleyer, Edradynate and Findynate. Willie Logan caught a super sea liced 9 pounds salmon on Upper Kinnaird from the Rock pool on the fly and Jock Menteith has been seeing a good lot of fish in the pools as the river has warmed up and salmon have run into the upper areas. Further news from the upper beats would be welcome for the report.

The Tummel system registered 33 spring salmon. Currently the Tummel is fishing very well with superb conditions and salmon running through the Dam. Currently there is now over 1000 salmon through the ladder. All the salmon came from the Pitlochry Angling stretch at the Dam and Loch Faskally but other spring salmon were caught on the Tummel system in good numbers but not registered. Loch Faskally is producing as salmon slip through the dam at Pitlochry in numbers with Paul and Dougie Jacobs, Yvonne Rider, Mark Edwards and Campbell Dixon all catching salmon up to 22 pounds. The Angling club stretch at Portnacraig continues to fish very well with another very productive week despite a rapidly falling river. The rise in temperature has made salmon bolt through the ladder however Stuart Humphreys and Davy Stewart got the week off to a good start with fish on the fly.

Bob White on a busman’s holiday from Stanley and Iain McLaren showed the way on Tuesday with fish up to 14 pounds again all on fly. Fish continued to be caught for the rest of the week with Alex Elliot from Inverness catching a 12 pounds fish on a Cascade and then Gordon Nichol landing 2 up to 15 pounds on Thursday. Friday saw Steve Watt landing 3 and Stuart Campbell catching a 10 pounds fish again all on the fly. Saturday was a good day with Kevin McKay, Gary Watson, Gary Waugh, John Downie and Neil Tong all being successful. West Haugh, East Haugh and the Lower Tummel have also been catching and not reporting.

On the Middle river 95 spring salmon were caught this past week, which was a superb week as temperatures came up and salmon ran after the big water earlier in the month. Lower Kinnaird had a good week with several salmon up to 16 pounds.

On Dalguise Stan Antczak was on form catching a 9 pounds fish on the fly from the Island on the fly. Dalmarnock caught on most days. Dunkeld house had an excellent week with 13 salmon landed. Stuart McArther featured heavily with 3 on Wednesday and Andrew Morton and Andre Smith caught as well.

The Dunkeld Angling stretch has been producing as well with Billy Davidson landing 2 fish on Friday fly fishing a Sun Ray. Newtyle had another successful week with numerous fish caught by various methods. Bob Robertson got the week off to a good start with 3 fish in 2 days on fly then had a 16 pounds fish later in the week. Brain Smith and Allan Rennie also caught.

Peter Dobson then caught 2 fish after a bit of a drought and Jon Wood landed a 13 pounds fish from the Ferry pool. Howard Jackson landed his first Tay salmon for 40 years that was superb news. The Murthly and Glendelvine beats continue to fish very well with numerous salmon caught again this week mostly on fly.

On Kercock Jim Hooper caught a 12 pounds fish and Jason Holtom caught his personal best fish weighing an impressive 18 pounds.

The Lower River had good catches as the tremendous run continued through the beats with 55 spring salmon for the week. Hopefully the catches will be maintained in the coming weeks as most of the boats are off the river below Stanley for the summer but reasonably priced bank fishing is still available. Islamouth was back to its productive best throughout the week landing 40 salmon. At the start of the week the Collett party enjoyed good success.

The last 3 days saw good catches as well with Mike Cuthbert landing one of the numerous salmon, a lovely 8 pounds beauty from the Longhead that made 11 landed on Saturday. Ballathie and Cargill saw odd fish but with lower water now this should change for the better. Stobhall and Taymount faired a bit better landing salmon on most days. The beats below Stanley have had odd salmon as well and are now looking for sea trout. Stuart Lean in the Bleachings landed a superb 5 pounds sea trout on Lower Redgorton. Hopefully more to come.

The Isla registered 36 salmon from Coupar Grange and Keithick Mains. 19 fish came from Coupar Grange for the week but strong cold easterly winds in mid week saw fish go off but warmer weather helped things pick up again. John Dumolard from France had a beautiful 15 pounds sea liced fish on the fly from The White House. Friday saw Tom Ralph land a 12 pounds salmon on the fly, while Jim Hunter landed 8 for his two days, 3 were on the fly and the rest on a spinner. Superb sport.
It was certainly another superb spring week to remember with some great stories, at last some warmer weather and springers caught with good conditions but now as we entering May with warmer weather and good river levels the spring catches will hopefully be maintained over the coming weeks assuming the run continues and spread throughout the entire system. Please maintain the Catch and Release code for the river to protect our sport for the future.

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 the reports.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 27th May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 27th May 2013.

The superb spring catches continued on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland this week with the river settling down to a good steady level and the weather was settled. Catches continued at good levels all week with also some larger multi sea winter salmon caught, which was very heartening. Warmer weather has now arrived, on occasions and there is a reasonably settled forecast for this coming week, the catches have now spread as temperatures climb slowly maintaining good sport especially in the middle and Upper River.
Currently the river is dropping back and settling to a lower height (about 1’ and steady on the Ballathie gauge). The weather will remain milder over the next week with odd rain showers. This will benefit the whole river system as the salmon will spread with warmer temperatures and more water and hopefully this will maintain the chance of producing some sport for everyone.

Islamouth.
The weather is set to be good with high pressure and much warmer over the coming week. Colder conditions are now gently disappearing and milder temperatures will encourage salmon to run up the river. The river is currently dropping, steady and at a good height. The water temperature has risen slightly to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may rise further with the warmer forecast and spread the catches throughout the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river now with less emphasis on the lower stretches.

Scenery from the mighty Tay.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should enable you to catch the elusive Tay Springer. The water temperature has warmed up slowly enabling floating lines to come out with the addition of a sink tip being a favoured tactic and using normal dressed flies. It is still worth a go with sinking lines as well depending on water heights and stripping a Sun Ray Shadow is always worth a go. When spinning, Tay favourites include Toby Salmos, weighted and floating devons, flying C’s and Visons or Rapalas. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year on many beats.

Taymount.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2013 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. We have had a superb run and catch this season which may just be down to the majority of anglers returning spring salmon over the past seasons. Thank you to all anglers who have this season so far returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!


The Tay at Dunkeld.
When releasing salmon please try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible to give them every chance to recover prior to release. Releasing fish from boats in the river is not recommended.
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 the reports.

The Dam at Pitlochry.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release brings superb results on Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release brings superb results on Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

This was an article on the STV news last night.



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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay celebrates superb Salmon Fishing Season.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay celebrates superb Salmon Fishing Season.

Rise in catches of spring salmon hints at a return to 'glory days' on the Tay.

This is an article in the Telegraph written by By Auslan Cramb.
Catches of spring salmon have increased dramatically this year to almost double the five-year average on one of the country’s most renowned rivers, heralding a potential return to the “glory days” of Scottish angling, according to experts.

A Tay opening celebration in Dunkeld.
The number of fish caught on rod and line on the River Tay last month jumped from 307 in 2012 to at least 700 this April.

However, as the figures are voluntarily recorded online by ghillies using a text service, it is thought the true figure is more likely to be around 900. Early figures for May are also running higher than normal.

The increase is thought to be down to a combination of colder weather slowing down the annual migration and more mature fish entering the river system.

With the exceptional spring run following a poor grilse run last year, the conditions are said to be similar to those of the 1920s, when a 64lb fish, still the largest Atlantic salmon caught on rod and line in Scotland, was landed by Georgina Ballantine in 1922.

Dr David Summers, fisheries director at the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, said lower numbers of grilse in the summer and autumn seemed to be followed the next year by higher numbers of spring fish.

The pattern in place in the 1920s on the Tay switched in the 1960s, when larger numbers of grilse - fish that have been to sea for just one winter -started being caught, and may be switching back again.

Last week, a 36lb fish was caught on the Murthly beat north of Perth, where Miss Ballantine’s record fish was caught, and there have been several salmon landed in the “high 20s” and “early 30s”, and many between 15-20lb.

36 pounds fish from Murthly.
Two years ago, a fish estimated at 38lb was caught and Dr Summers said he was convinced there would be 40lb fish in the river.

He added: “Going back just ten years, fish of this sort of weight were a distinct minority, the bigger categories of fish had almost disappeared.

“Several things have happened this year. We are one of the few businesses that is probably happy it has been a cold spring. Because it's been colder the fish haven't run as fast as they tend to do in most years, so a greater proportion offish have been caught in the main river. It has slowed spring fish down, and made them easier to catch.

"A lot of the main river beats have done a lot better than they would normally do. Quite clearly, by the number of fish that are being caught throughout the entire catchment, that's not the only story. There's clearly more fish as well.

"In 2007, there was just 298 for the whole catchment, the next year 617, in 2009 it was 386 and last year 427, so you can see it is a huge leap."

Dr Summers speculated that changes in feeding patters for migrating salmon at sea may mean that grilse are feeding further afield, and remaining at sea for an extra winter before returning as mature fish.

"What seems to be the case is that in the North-East Atlantic is that temperatures have increased over the years.

"So grilse which are believed to feed relatively close to the UK seem to be doing poorly, but the further they go, such as Greenland, conditions seem to be quite good.

"The further a fish swims the better the conditions are. If they don't get as much food in their first year at sea, they grow more slowly and stay at sea.

A typical spring salmon caught this season in superb condition.
"There have been some lovely fish. We have had a number of fish in the high twenties and even into the thirties. These are the sort of fish that the Tay used to be really famous for "

Another reason for visiting this marvelous river is the stunning scenery.
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Salmon Fishing Scotland Late Spring Salmon fishing on the Tay 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Late Spring Salmon fishing on the Tay 2013.

The superb spring catches continue on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland with another outstanding start to the current week.

Superb evening sunshine looking down to the Benchil beat at Stanley.


Bob Robinson with a cracking fish from Newtyle.


Pitlochry Dam where the spring salmon are streaming through due to temperature rises. The count is now racing over 750.


Stuart Humphreys with a 9 pound fish from the Portnacraig beat on the Pitlochry Angling stretch caught fly fishing.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Report for week ending 18th May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Report for week ending 18th May 2013.

The conditions last week were good on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland with much milder weather and a falling steady river, superb catches were maintained during the week with also emergence of some much bigger multi sea winter salmon filling everyone with even more optimism for the coming weeks. The weather is now much milder and there is a good forecast for this week that hopefully will continue to give us great prospects and will maintain early spring sport on this marvelous river and spread it throughout the whole river.

The Spring Salmon fishing is never easy but when settled conditions prevail the sport can be magical as has proved this season so far with some outstanding catches and numerous spring salmon registered in the Tay system above expectation, it will certainly be one to remember in years to come. This past week sport was again superb with good catches and 2 Leviathans! The catches have been heartening mainly due to the cold weather originally in the early part of the season but there is certainly evidence now that there has been a far better run. Could this be down to most anglers’ efforts to return spring salmon over the past few seasons? Thank you to all anglers who have this season so far returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!

Spring salmon were caught all week up to an impressive 36 pounds in weight and throughout the river as temperatures rise, which was tremendous news. The catches for the season so far have increased by 73% up to the end of April and now May is looking as productive. It is simply amazing news for the river. The Tay is currently fishing very well and is certainly a good destination to catch your first spring salmon of the season, you will maybe catch a fish of your dreams after the emergence of these monster salmon. The river offers a variety of possibilities for all standards of anglers with ghillies only too keen to teach the novices and this mighty river can produce a memorable salmon for the keen fly fisher. Levels and temperatures have now risen hopefully to encourage more salmon to run the river and spread out. Pools can be easily covered from bank and boat with modern technology. Why not have a go and sample this magical river. The fishing is supreme and the scenery is not bad either.

Beat catches reported
(week ending 18th May)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 2, Fishponds 1, Benchil and Pitlochrie 1, Catholes 1, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 1, Taymount 9, Ballathie 3, Islamouth 9, Lower and Upper Islamouth 10, Upper Islamouth and Meikleour House 3, Meikleour House 5, Kercock 3, Murthly 1 19, Glendelvine 13, Murthly 2 31, Newtyle 14, Dunkeld House 8, Dalmarnock 4, Dalguise 4, Lower Kinnaird 5, Upper Kinnaird 7, Findynate 5, Farleyer Upper 1, Coupar Grange 34, Portnacraig Pitlochry 22, Loch Faskally 6.
Total: 222 Largest: Murthly 2 36lbs

Spring salmon have been caught throughout the system this past week encouraging everyone and there is a continuing emergence of some larger multi sea winter spring salmon up to around 30 pounds, which is superb news. Sea trout and odd Grilse are also starting to appear. The Upper reaches are now encountering more fresh salmon as warmer conditions appear. The Upper river registered 13 spring salmon from Upper Kinnaird, Farleyer and Findynate. Upper Kinnaird caught on a regular basis including a superb 27 pounds beauty landed by ghillie Jock Menteith on the fly. Jock has been seeing a good lot of fish in the pools as the river has warmed up and salmon have run into the upper areas. Derek Blair also landed a 12 pounds fish from the beat. Further news from the upper beats would be welcome for the report.

The Tummel system registered 28 spring salmon. Currently the Tummel is fishing very well with superb conditions and a build up of fish at the Dam. All the salmon came from the Pitlochry Angling stretch at the Dam and Loch Faskally but other spring salmon were caught on the Tummel system in good numbers but not registered. Loch Faskally is starting to produce as salmon slip through the dam at Pitlochry. The Angling club stretch at Portnacraig continues to fish very well with another very productive week. Perth angler Steve Watt was again successful landing several salmon up to 13 pounds.

Calum McRoberts also did well on the club beats landing 3 salmon on Tuesday morning prior going to run the fishing department at the House of Bruar, he also had a fish from the sawmill stream on Monday. Other successful anglers included John Dent, Gordon Nicol, Michael Low, Davy Stewart, Richard Bond, Ally Gowans and Graeme Stewart landing fish up to 16 pounds. On Saturday father and son duo Thomas’s landed fish up to an impressive 20 pounds on fly and spinner. West Haugh, East Haugh and the Lower Tummel have also been catching and not reporting.

On the Middle river 109 spring salmon were caught this past week, which was a superb week as temperatures came up and salmon ran after the big water.

On Lower Kinnaird salmon were caught up to 20 pounds. On Dalguise Paul Woodings caught fly fishing and Kenny Tragham landed an 11 pounds fish on a Toby.

Beat owner Donald Skene also caught a superb 12 pounds fish fishing a devon in the Otterstone pool. On Dalmarnock several salmon were caught up to 23 pounds during the week. Dunkeld had a successful week with salmon landed up to 18 pounds. Bill and Sandra Robbins enjoyed good success with fish up to 12 pounds on fly while Mr Vanerpp, Alan Lumsden and Paddy Hogg caught fish to 18 pounds. Newtyle also had a good week landing several salmon to 11 pounds. Successful anglers included Chris Provan, Jon Wood, Steven MacAloney, John Chaney, Ian Shaw, Jimmy Black and regular Allan Rennie. Calum McRoberts also managed to catch as well on the fly on a busman’s holiday from Pitlochry! The Murthly and Glendelvine beats are on fire! They have had a simply unbelievable week landing over 60 spring salmon including a 36 pounds monster from Murthly 2. Tony Blacks Murthly 2 beat had 31 fish for the week and John Broughton caught the superb 36 pounds leviathan from the boat to cap things. That takes Tony’s beat to over 100 spring salmon for the season. On Kercock 3 fish were caught for the week. Bill Mcinnes caught a 12 pounder and Scott Porteous landed a 10 pounds beauty at the Croy's.

The Lower River had good catches as the tremendous run continued through the beats with 38 spring salmon for the week. Hopefully the catches will be maintained in the coming weeks as most of the boats are off the river below Stanley for the summer but reasonably priced bank fishing is still available. Islamouth was fairly productive throughout the week.

Dennis Wrighte-Pratte and Paul Ness enjoyed a recent 3 day trip to the beat landing several salmon on the fly.

Hugo Barling also did well off the beat with a cracking 18 pounds fish from the Longhead. The bigger water was not helping Ballathie and Cargill but that should change with better weather and lower conditions. Taymount had a good week finishing with 9 fish.

Salmon have also been caught further down stream with Ian Kettles catching a lovely 15 pounds salmon from the Catholes and Ed Slaven landing an 11 pounds fish from Benchil on Saturday.

Fishponds had a casing clinic with Scott McKenzie at the end of the week and Scott showed his expertise landing a lovely fresh salmon on the fly. You can’t keep a good man down, well done Scott!

The Isla registered 35 salmon all from Coupar Grange. Monday saw Jim Mckay land 3 for his rod. Wednesday saw a 19 pounds fish landed on the high bank. Thursday was a red letter day with 11 fish landed, Paul Harkin and his Father managed to land 4 for their day,

Harry Boyle had 2 for his rod the second one was a 16 pounder on the fly out of the Lonly pool. Friday saw a corporate day with people that don't do a lot of fishing but they managed to land 5 for the day which was superb. David Hepworth had 2 on Saturday on the fly from Jackie’s Bush.
It was certainly another superb spring week to remember with some great stories, at last some warmer weather and springers caught with good conditions but now as we entering May with warmer weather and good river levels the spring catches will hopefully be maintained over the coming weeks assuming the run continues and spread throughout the entire system. Please maintain the Catch and Release code for the river to protect our sport for the future.

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 the reports.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 20th May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the river Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 20th May 2013.

The superb spring catches continued on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland this week with the river settling down to a good steady level and the weather was reasonably settled. Catches continued at good levels all week with also the emergence of some much larger multi sea winter salmon, which was very heartening. Milder weather has now arrived and there is a good settled forecast for this coming week, the catches have now spread as temperatures climb slowly maintaining good sport especially in the middle and Upper River.


The spring sun goes down on another successful spring day on the Tay.
Currently the river is dropping back and settling to a good height (about 2’ and steady on the Ballathie gauge). The weather will remain milder over the next week with odd rain showers. This will benefit the whole river system as the salmon will spread with warmer temperatures and more water and hopefully this will maintain the chance of producing some sport for everyone.


Lower Tay at Stanley.
The weather is set to be good with high pressure and much warmer over the coming week. Colder conditions are now gently disappearing and milder temperatures will encourage salmon to run up the river. The river is currently dropping, steady and at a good height. The water temperature has risen slightly to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may rise further with the warmer forecast and spread the catches throughout the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river now with less emphasis on the lower stretches.


Murthly at Caputh bridge where Miss Ballantyne caught the 64 pounds British record Atlantic salmon.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should enable you to catch the elusive Tay Springer. The water temperature has warmed up slowly enabling floating lines to come out with the addition of a sink tip being a favoured tactic and using normal dressed flies. It is still worth a go with sinking lines as well depending on water heights and stripping a Sun Ray Shadow is always worth a go. When spinning, Tay favourites include Toby Salmos, weighted and floating devons, flying C’s and Visons or Rapalas. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year on many beats.


Upper Kinnaird.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2013 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. We have had a superb run and catch this season which may just be down to the majority of anglers returning spring salmon over the past seasons. Thank you to all anglers who have this season so far returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!


The Tay at Dunkeld.
When releasing salmon please try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible to give them every chance to recover prior to release. Releasing fish from boats in the river is not recommended.
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 the reports.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Large spring Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland May 2013.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Large spring Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland May 2013.

The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland is having another monumental spring salmon fishing week. The catches are now going to push over 200 registered fish for the week which is superb but the icing on the cake is the steady emergence of much larger multi sea winter spring salmon running the mighty river. 2 Leviathans have been caught this week with the promise of more to come! These fish are priceless for our river and were both carefully returned to maintain our valuable gene pool. Thank you to all anglers who have this season so far returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!


This was ghillie Tony Black about to return the massive 36 pounds beauty from the Murthly 2 beat earlier in the week. The girth on these fish is amazing and has always been a big characteristic of true Tay salmon. This was more than likely a 4 sea winter salmon. Well done Tony.


A shattered John Broughton after landing the 36 pounds monster. well done it must have been a superb experience.


A 27 pounds beauty from the Tay caught on the Upper Kinnaird beat in the Rock pool and carefully returned by Jock Menteith.

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.