The superb spring catches continued on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland this week with the river settling down further until Friday when more heavy rain put the river out on Saturday. The weather was settled but still quite cold until Friday. Catches continued at good levels for most of the week, which was very heartening. Milder weather has now arrived and there is a good forecast for this coming week, the catches have now spread as temperatures climb slowly maintaining good sport.
The Tummel at Pitlochry.
Currently the river is dropping back and settling after heavy rain on Friday causing a large spate (just under 7’ and steady on the Ballathie gauge). The weather will remain milder over the next week with little or no rain. 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.
Dalmarnock.
The weather is set to remain settled and much milder over the coming week. Colder conditions are now gently disappearing but milder temperatures will encourage salmon to run up the river. The river is currently dropping from rain and snow melt to a good height. The water temperature has risen slightly to around 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celcius. These are typical temperatures for this time of year but certainly not in recent years. 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. There will still be a possibility few kelts about on many beats, which are now fairly silver as they prepare to finally return to the sea. They tend to be very thin with large heads and gill maggots and should not be mistaken for a spring salmon. Should you require guidance on salmon identification at this time of year please see this link for some help.
Lower Kinnaird.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method with larger lures in the bigger water should enable you to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.
Swans at the Wash House, Stanley.
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.
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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