Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Fish of the Month Award.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Fish of the Month Award.



The Tay Ghillies Association has launched a FISH OF THE MONTH AWARD to encourage good catch and release practice on the Tay. Each month the winner will receive 2 personalised crystal Whisky glasses engraved with details of the catch and they will automatically be entered into the fish of the year competition for a Stylish Crystal Engraved Decanter.
• Catch a good Tay Salmon
• Weigh it carefully and photograph it with as little handling as possible.
• Verify with Ghillie
• Safely return the fish with a minimum of handling
• TGA Committee decision is final
Send entries with a photo and verification details to:-
Mike Hay, Sec of Tay Ghillies Assoc.
Mobile: 07762 464407
Email: tayhayurg@gmail.com



Advice on good Catch and Release practice.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Big Water on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland January 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Big Water on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland January 2014.


Looking up from Stanley Mill in a spate over 7 feet.


Benchil just below Stanley.

The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland is again in full spate today following snow melt and yet more torrential rain. Hopefully this will stop soon so the river can really start its spring fishing.

This was a video of a spate back in December 2012, but we have now had the same size of spate in the last 2 months in the region of half a dozen times!



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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Report for week ending 25th January 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Report for week ending 25th January 2014.

The river Tay opened on the 15th January undeterred by the dreich conditions, scores of anglers flocked to the banks of the river Tay to mark the opening of the salmon season with great publicity in the press and on television. The various issues and activities appeared on Television, Radio and Press giving the river extremely high exposure that is invaluable. Around 30 spring salmon were landed on the river in those first few days as well making a good start to the 2014 season.

A week later and the dreich conditions have continued with extreme weather and very unsettled water levels making spring salmon near impossible on most days. Colder and more settled weather are now required if we are to try and achieve the heights of last spring. The spring period from January to May 2013 was the big talking point with well over 2000 salmon landed, showing a staggering 82.5 % increase on 2012 and a 98% increase on the 5 year average. Expectation is high on the river for 2014 but we need settled weather to come in to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver”.

Spring salmon were landed last week despite the horrible weather. Pitlochry Angling Club waters produced its first fish of the season on Friday with Brian Joseph catching a 16 pounds beauty on a Toby Salmo in the Sawmill stream. The river was running high and not a single fish reported for the week on FishTay at the time, it was definitely a day for the optimist. Not for the first time, though, Brian showed that it's always worth a cast. By all accounts it was a typically powerful Tummel springer putting up a great fight - including a 50 yard run - before coming to the net. Great story and well done.

Newtyle also reported a springer on Friday caught by Stan Antczak that was described by beat Ghillie Andy Gunn as “outstanding” with his beat gauge registering 4 feet 8 inches. Stan was obviously undeterred by the conditions and caught his lovely 12 pounds salmon on the fly from the Boil on his first trip to the beat. This early spring salmon should probably be dedicated to former beat owner Ian Redford who recently sadly died. Our thoughts go out to his family. The Redfords were very keen fishermen particularly in the spring.

There was another unconfirmed fish from Burnbane estimated at 18 pounds earlier in the week.
The Spring Salmon fishing was well and truly underway after all the excitement of opening day’s celebrations. All in all it was a truly memorable opening so let us hope the season lives up to every ones expectations. This past week has not been one to remember for most but things can only improve, hopefully!

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 Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 27th January 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 27th January 2014.

The Salmon fishing season is well and truly started now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland but we have been encountering some extreme conditions over the last week with continued mild weather and heavy rainfall making life very difficult as river levels have remained very high and unstable making the pursuit of that magical spring salmon near impossible. The weather hopefully will ease soon as we prey for colder settled conditions.

Currently the river is running high again after more extreme weather over Sunday (8’ on the Ballathie gauge). The unsettled weather is set to continue over the next few days then hopefully get colder which should benefit the river and give a great chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.

A glimpse of winter sun last week.
The weather is to continue wet over the next few days but hopefully get colder towards the end of the week. Colder conditions certainly benefit the river at this time of year slowing the spring salmon run down and giving everyone a chance to catch as they run up the river slowly. The milder weather will certainly give us more water and encourage salmon to run the river. Colder weather would settle the river back to good levels and ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature was around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.5 degrees Celcius. These are higher temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may come back further with the colder forecast at the end of the week ahead but there have been salmon running throughout the system after milder conditions prior to the opening day and resulted in fish being caught well up the system, the milder weather and increased river levels will continue to encourage spring salmon to run. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Spring salmon identification help for those not sure about the different types of fish in the river at this time of year.

Big water at Stanley.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures 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.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2014 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.Guidance on good Catch and Release practice.

This was last January in colder conditions.
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 Ian Redford.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ian Redford.

It was with great sadness on hearing of the death of Ian Redford recently. Ian was a highly rated professional footballer playing with Dundee, Rangers, Dundee United and latterly with St Johnstone and Raith Rovers. He was a keen sportsman loving the country side being brought up close the the river Tay at Kinclaven. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.

Ian was the co-owner of the Newtyle beat at Dunkled from 1970 to 2008 and enjoyed a day on the river taking over from his late father, also Ian who was a very keen Tay fishermen.

This is a picture from the opening of the Tay in 1979 from the Newtyle beat just below Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland. In the picture is the late Ian Redford (centre)and legionary Scottish Tay Ghillies Willie Laird (left) and Callum Gillies (right).

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Sun Set on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Sun Set on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

This time of year brings some great scenes on the river.

Dalguise in a fading light taken by Stephen Bett.


Sun set at Stanley on the Wash House.


This is the Catholes in colder conditions. Hopefully some weather like this is just round the corner. It seems at the moment we can expect a spate every couple of days which is not doing the river any favours after a successful spawning.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Report for first few days 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Report for first few days 2014.

These are a couple of pictures just received from last weeks opening few days.

John Bennett with a cracking spring salmon caught at Glendelvine.


A 13 pounds springer caught by Gordon Howe on Stobhall.
Full opening week report plus videos.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Opening week Report 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Opening week Report 2014.

The river Tay opened last Wednesday undeterred by the dreich conditions, scores of anglers flocked to the banks of the river Tay to mark the opening of the salmon season with great publicity in the press and on television. The various issues and activities appeared on Television, Radio and Press giving the river extremely high exposure that is invaluable.

There were opening day events throughout the Tay district with the larger ceremonies taking place at Dunkeld and Kenmore. At the Dunkeld Hilton Hotel the First Minister, Alex Salmond formally opened the river and 7 year old Jimmy Stewart performed the symbolic first cast in front of a large enthusiastic crowd after Tay chairman Bill Jack had raised all the issues and introduced the new season on the mighty river. The ceremony was organised by the Hotel in conjunction with the Dunkeld and Birnam Tourist and Angling Associations and was supported by the Tay Foundation. A large crowd witnessed the event with television coverage by the BBC and STV news plus double page articles in the national press.

Opening week highlights.
First Minister Alex Salmond performed the official ceremony in Dunkeld and took the opportunity to make a major announcement.
He revealed that the Scottish Government would be carrying out an independent review of wild fisheries management in Scotland.
This comes just days after the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards (ASFB) called for a moratorium on killing spring salmon until May in a bid to conserve stocks.
He revealed that he had commissioned Andrew Thin, the outgoing chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage, to chair an independent review of the management of salmon and freshwater fisheries to ensure they are “robust, sustainable and fit for purpose in the 21st Century.”
Mr Salmond said: “We are committed to supporting and protecting Scotland’s famous and valuable salmon and freshwater fisheries.
“This review is about looking forwards, not backwards. “I am sure everyone with an interest in salmon and freshwater industries and their sustainable future will want to engage with Andrew Thin and the review process in a productive and cooperative way and I would encourage them to do so.”
Dr Alan Wells, policy and planning director for the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, welcomed the announcement. He said: “In Scotland, we are in a very fortunate position of having salmon entering our rivers in nearly every month of the year.
“During the Parliamentary passage of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Act a number of questions relating to funding, salmon conservation, exploitation and management were identified as being key issues to be covered by the review, and we look forward to engaging with this process in a positive and constructive manner.”
Mike Metcalfe, general manager at Hilton Dunkeld House said, “We are delighted to host this fantastic annual celebration which involves so many local organisations. Perthshire is one of the country’s premier fishing locations and the River Tay is famous across the world for being Scotland’s biggest river. The River Tay is a huge attraction for guests coming to stay at the hotel and it is a privilege to be involved in supporting this event.”
Provisional figures released today have revealed that the total salmon catch on the Tay last year was 10,241, slightly above the average for the previous ten years. The catches between February and June were above average with the February catch the highest since 1995, the March catch the highest since 2006 and the May catch the highest ever since records began in 1952.
David Summers for the Tay fisheries board explained: “The summer months of July and August saw a notable decrease but that reflected the very hot weather experienced during that period, which was not conducive to fishing. September catches were also below average overall, though they were very good on some lower Tay beats, because upper reaches and tributaries did very poorly under continuing drought conditions. October catches were complicated by the trial season extension.
“The greatly improved spring catches may have partly been a consequence of favourable fishing conditions – low water levels and low temperatures which prevailed in February to April, but not in January – but that was not the sole reason. Spring salmon counts at SSE’s fish counter at Pitlochry Dam on the River Tummel, for example, turned out to be the highest since the late 1970s.”
River Tay chairman, Bill Jack said: “Our great hope for 2014 would be that the European Water Framework Directive is finally implemented and that the River Garry - by any measure the most important river affected by abstraction in the whole of Scotland - is restored at last. This would be the most significant event affecting the Tay system since the building of the major hydro schemes in the late 1950s.”

In a second opening ceremony, further upriver also in dreich conditions, scores of anglers flocked to the banks of the River Tay to mark the opening of the salmon season on January 15. At Kenmore, Perth and Kinross Provost Liz Grant performed the traditional opening ceremony, which has been held there since 1947. Serenaded by the Vale of Atholl Junior Pipe Band, she led the march of anglers to the river bank and was joined by general manager of the Kenmore Hotel, Ross McEwen and BBC Radio Scotland present, Mark Stephen.

Farlows opening at Stanley.
The Opening day saw around 8 spring salmon landed from various parts of the river with the largest being an 18 pounds fish from Dunkeld House caught by Mike Elgea with the aid of Jim Ferrie. This was the winner of the Redford Trophy for the heaviest salmon caught and safely released from the River Tay on opening day.

Calum McRoberts caught a 17 pounds beauty on Newtyle earlier in the day and was pipped at the post. Other opening day fish were caught at Stobhall, Taymount, Pitlochrie pool, Upper Scone and Luncarty. It was a good start considering the horrible weather and a rising river by afternoon.
In the first few days the catches were spread out due to the recent mild weather. Upper Kinnaird got their season off to a good start with 2 salmon in a day for

Louise King under the guidance of Jock Monteith including a superb 21 pounds early run spring salmon. Dalguise also got off to a good start with 2 fish on Thursday with Gordon Stewart catching an 8 pounds fresh fish on a devon and John Cameron landing an estimated 20 pounds salmon on the fly from the Guay pool. Dalmarnock opened with a 13 pounds salmon from the boat on a Tay lure.
The Dunkeld House beat had a great week after the First Ministers opening visit landing a salmon on all four days. Mark Cockburn from Fishpal caught the second fish, a superb 15 pounds beauty on a vision 110, Kerr Brooks then had a 17 pounds fish on Friday and then on Saturday Tom Harland caught his first ever salmon on his third cast assisted by Jimmy Lapsey. Tom was so excited he was unable to carry on fishing, so elected to go back home to the pub!
Most beats were reporting catching several Kelts and few unspawned fish that was good news. Hopefully all the water we have had will not ruin all the good work the fish have achieved by successfully spawning.
The beats around Stanley had reasonable openings as well but will now be preying for much colder conditions to slow the fish down over the next couple of months. Stobhall and Taymount got off to good starts. Taymount had 4 with John Lessels and

Alex Graham both landing 2 each up to 16 pounds. Ian Kettles caught a 15 pounds fresh salmon on the Catholes and Fred Richardson caught an opening day fish from Pitlochrie pool on a Toby fishing with the Farlows party as the celebrated the Tay opening all the way from London. Upper Scone also encountered an opening day fish from Aitken Head. Fishponds caught their first fish from Benchil Green for a delighted

Mark Dawkins and Dougie Wangert caught a 9 pounds fresh salmon on Luncarty.

The Spring Salmon fishing was well and truly underway after all the excitement of opening day’s celebrations. All in all it was a truly memorable opening so let us hope the season lives up to every ones expectations.

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 Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 20th January 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 20th January 2014.

The Salmon fishing season is well and truly started now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have been encountering some extreme conditions over the last week with continued mild weather and heavy rainfall making life fairly difficult but still several anglers braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather hopefully will ease after Tuesday, which should help, but we may encounter unsettled water with rain over the next few days.

Currently the river is running high again after milder weather over night (9’ on the Ballathie gauge). The milder weather is set to continue over the next few days then hopefully get colder which should benefit the river and give a great chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.

The Catholes weir on Sunday with the river in full spate.
The weather is to continue milder over the next few days but hopefully get colder towards the end of the week. Colder conditions certainly benefit the river at this time of year slowing the spring salmon run down and giving everyone a chance to catch as they run up the river slowly. The milder weather will certainly give us more water and encourage salmon to run the river. Colder weather would settle the river back to good levels and ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature was around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.5 degrees Celcius. These are higher temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may come back further with the colder forecast at the end of the week ahead but there have been salmon running throughout the system after milder conditions prior to the opening day and resulted in fish being caught well up the system, the milder weather and increased river levels will continue to encourage spring salmon to run. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Spring salmon identification help for those not sure about the different types of fish in the river at this time of year.

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures 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.

Dunkeld
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2014 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. Guidance on good Catch and Release practice.

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.


Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Season Opening Week on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Salmon Season Opening Week on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2014.

The opening few days on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland have now drawn to an end. We have had fairly horrible weather to contend with and variable river levels due to all the rain however the catches have been encouraging with several spring salmon landed throughout the whole river.

The Dunkeld House stretch has got off to a good start with a spring salmon landed on all 4 days.


This was a 17 pounds spring salmon landed by Kerr Brooks yesterday at Dunkeld.

A full opening week report will be posted later.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Early Spring Salmon caught on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Early Spring Salmon caught on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2014.

The second day on the 2014 salmon season saw higher water levels due to milder conditions on the opening day however spring salmon were still caught in the river.


Mark Cockburn from Fishpal landed this superb spring salmon on the Dunkled House beat from the boat.


Further up river Jock Monteith's partner Louise caught this cracking 21 pounds spring salmon on Upper Kinnaird along with another weighing 9 pounds. Great day for the two of you.


A fresh 15 pounds spring salmon caught in the Back Dam on the Catholes at Stanley by Ian Kettles.


The winner of the Redford Trophy on Opening day with an 18 pounds spring salmon caught at Dunkled House.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Salmon Season Opening Ceremony Dunkeld, Perthshire 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Salmon Season Opening Ceremony Dunkeld, Perthshire 2014.

Highlights of the Dunkeld Opening Ceremony for the Salmon season.



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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Opening Day 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Opening Day 2014.

The 2014 salmon fishing opening day at last arrived today but with fairly inclement weather.

Despite all the rain and rising temperatures anglers were out in force throughout the river system experiencing the first casts of 2014.

Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond opened the Tay with the aid of 7 year old Jimmy Stewart and his proud grandfather, Willie Townsley.


Young Jimmy Stewart performed the first symbolic cast watched by a large crown at Dunkeld.


The opening at Kenmore. Picture by S Watt.

It was then down to business throughout the river under grey skies and heavy rain at times but despite this catches were achieved on most parts of the river. There seemed to be a lot of Kelts landed which was heartening meaning spawning had been successful with the absent of unspawned fish by and large.


Boats went out with anticipation.


Calum McRoberts with a cracking 17 pounds fresh spring salmon caught at the Deans Burn at Newtyle, Dunkeld.


A superb 15 pounds sea liced salmon caught by John Lessels at Taymount from the Ministers Stone on a silver Toby.


Taymount Ghillie, Cohn O'Dea carefully returnd their fresh salmon.


Freddie Richardson holds a 12 pounds spring salmon caught on a Toby from Pitlochrie pool at Stanley. He was part of the Farlows party from London.

Despite the adverse conditions today the Tay has got off to a good start, let us hope this continues and we can get another memorable spring like last year.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Opening Day 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Opening Day 2014.

The dawn of the 2014 Tay salmon season is about to appear with much anticipation.


Conditions have improved over the last few days giving everyone out on the river a genuine chance of catching their first spring salmon of 2014.
The water levels have dropped to a reasonable but high river height and the river temperature has dropped below 40F or 4.5C giving the lower beats now a chance but it should be said anywhere in the main system is a possibility.

The river at Stanley.

There will be the usual opening day ceremonies up and down the river with larger events a Dunkeld and Kenmore. Details


This is a picture from the opening of the Tay in 1979 from the Newtyle beat just below Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland. In the picture is the late Ian Redford (centre)and legionary Scottish Tay Ghillies Willie Laird (left) and Callum Gillies (right).
On January 15th anglers will be competing for the Redford Trophy, for the heaviest salmon caught and safely released from the River Tay on opening day was first fished for in 1986. It was named after the late Ian Redford of Errol, the then co-owner of the Newtyle beat who tragically died the year before.

The angler who lands the biggest salmon on the day will not only be presented with the Trophy but will receive a £250 tackle voucher courtesy of James Crockart & Sons, the famous Blairgowrie tackle and gun shop.

Anglers who land a witnessed opening day springer should contact Crockarts at 01250 872056 by no later than 5 p.m.

I hope everyone has a good 2014 Opening day and tight lines for the coming season.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Opening Day 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Opening Day 2014.

Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Opening Day 2014.

There is now only a few days until the river Tay opens its salmon fishing season for 2014. The excitement is building slowly with anticipated large crowds expected at Dunkeld and Kenmore for the public opening day events.
First Minister, Alex Salmond will formally open the Mighty Tay and perform the first cast of the 2014 season at the Hilton Dunkeld Hotel opening day gathering.

Anglers enjoying their first casts last season.
At Kenmore a traditional opening of the salmon season on the River Tay will also be held with a parade of fishermen to the river bank with the Vale of Atholl Junior Pipe Band, the 1st cast of the season will be made by Provost Liz Grant of Perth City to mark the opening of the River Tay and a speaker will wish the anglers 'tight lines' for the season.
There will also be several other smaller ceremonies on the various beats up and down the river to mark the opening.
Currently the river is running high but falling away following all the rain we have had over the last month. Colder and more settled weather is hopefully on the horizon at long last giving the river a great chance of producing some good sport and some early "Bars of Silver" on the opening day and beyond.

A superb Tay bar of silver.
Full details on the large Opening day events.

On January 15th anglers will be competing for the Redford Trophy, for the heaviest salmon caught and safely released from the River Tay on opening day was first fished for in 1986. It was named after the late Ian Redford of Errol, the then co-owner of the Newtyle beat who tragically died the year before.

The angler who lands the biggest salmon on the day will not only be presented with the Trophy but will receive a £250 tackle voucher courtesy of James Crockart & Sons, the famous Blairgowrie tackle and gun shop.

Anglers who land a witnessed opening day springer should contact Crockarts at 01250 872056 by no later than 5 p.m.

The weather is to be colder and and a bit more settled as the week goes on. The water temperature was high for the time year but has fallen back to just below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.5 degrees Celcius, which is more typical for this time of year but this could change by the end of this week. The temperature may come back further with the colder forecast during the week ahead but any salmon that are running may be spread throughout the system after milder conditions prior to the opening day giving everyone a good chance for the coming week. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Spring salmon identification help for those not sure about the different types of fish in the river at this time of year.

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures 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.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2014 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. Guidance on good Catch and Release practice.

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 the Importance of Catch and Release of Atlantic Salmon in Scotland.

Salmon Fishing Scotland the Importance of Catch and Release of Atlantic Salmon in Scotland.

The salmon season is about to start on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland this coming week. Atlantic salmon stocks are relatively low so the importance of Catch and Release is vital to continue our enjoyment of this superb sport for the future. Currently on the Tay this is being achieved by the majority of anglers with odd exceptions. We had a superb spring run and catch last season, which may just be down to the majority of anglers returning salmon over the past seasons. Thank you to all anglers who have 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!


To back this up the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards are calling for zero exploitation of salmon before mid-May. In a radical new policy move, the ASFB are advocating that no salmon be killed in Scotland – either by nets or rods – before May 15th. Alasdair Laing, Chairman of ASFB, said: “Numbers of returning adults are so low that some stocks of spring salmon are close to, or below, being self-sustaining; the earliest running fish are the most vulnerable. It is a well-established management principle that breeding fish should not be killed where a stock is threatened or vulnerable. On that basis it is the ASFB recommendation that no fish should be killed before May 15th. Where local evidence demonstrates that additional protection is required, District Salmon Fishery Boards (DSFBs) may wish to maintain a zero exploitation policy for a longer period. Over recent years very high levels of catch and release have been achieved during the spring, largely through voluntary policies and we are encouraging all DSFBs to ensure that their conservation policies reflect this position”.

Spring salmon are a very precious resource on the Tay and we need to do all we can to conserve them for the future.
These are some helpful facts from the Atlantic Salmon Federation to follow to enable you to pursue this successfully.


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.

On the Tay system there is a lot of boat work and releasing fish from boats in the river is not recommended and is bad practice, the fish is out on the water for an excessive time and they do not recover fully. When ever possible net fish at the bank out of boats to give them every chance of survival. Minimal handling of spring salmon is vital for their recovery as they burn from handling and inevitably cover with fungus and die. Think of the fish and not what is easiest for you. Every salmon is vital for our river.
This is an example of a salmon that has been released and died due to bad handling.



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.

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

How to Photograph a Release
ASF appreciates anglers and guides who develop the skills of taking fantastic images with the fish held IN the water, not out of it.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Season 2014 to be opened by First Minister.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Season 2014 to be opened by First Minister.

The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland have made the bold decision to ask First Minister Alex Salmond to open the 2014 season.



This was an article in the Daily Record today written by "Silver Wilkie".

Scotland’s conservation minded anglers have reacted with disbelief at the decision to invite First Minister Alex Salmond to open the River Tay’s salmon fishing season on Wednesday next week.

For years Mr Salmond and his Scottish Ministers have infuriated anglers by encouraging fish farms, many Norwegian owned, to increase productivity in an industry which has severely damaged wild salmon and sea trout stocks with massive sea lice infestations.

Anglers were also incandescent with rage when the Scottish Government gave a £100,000 grant to a netting company and offered to give them an extension to their netting season, a move which prompted the Faroese to threaten to end a voluntary ban on high seas fishing which saved thousands of returning Scottish salmon.

Wild Scottish salmon stocks have been dramatically dwindling year on year and only this week it was revealed that the 2013 run on the Spey was the worst for 60 years.

To conserve salmon anglers are carefully returning huge amounts of fish which they have hooked and landed, so it’s no wonder they are fuming at the decision to ask the First Minister to the high profile Tay opening.

There has been talk of demonstrations and banners on the day. On angling blogs one comment described it as a “slap in the face,” and another commented: “I wouldn’t trust him with my pet goldfish”.

Mr Salmond’s track record on wild salmon welfare was also described as “abysmal”, so was it wise to invite him to open the Tay?

Bill Jack, chairman of the River Tay Salmon Fisheries Board said that when the invitation was first raised his initial reaction was a resounding no.

Then after quiet consideration he decided to adopt a more measured approach and in a one to one over dinner the night before Mr Jack will spell out the facts to the First Minister about commercial netting and the value of salmon angling to the Scottish economy compared to revenue from fish farming, profits from which go abroad.

He said: “I have been getting a lot of flak over the invitation but how many chances do you get to put over various points to the First Minister face to face?”

One of Mr Jack’s main points will be about his home river system, in particular the re-watering of a main Tay tributary, the River Garry, which has literally been turned into a dry gulch by a hydro scheme.

The Board battled for years to successfully persuade Scottish and Southern Energy to allow more water into the river to provide spawning beds capable of getting another 2000 salmon into the Garry.

He added: “The issue has now gone to SEPA for a decision and regrettably it has been dragging its heels for a considerable time. I am going to use the meeting with Mr Salmond to show him the effects of a dried up river on the system and hopefully to get him to jolt SEPA into action.”


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