Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 30th August 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 30th August 2014.

The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland continued the improvements last week and caught more salmon in better numbers after some rain and a stronger run. Currently there is a developing run of summer/ autumn salmon and grilse on the river with a higher expectation of further improvement with signs of more fish running. Rain last weekend continued to freshen and brought water temperatures down further in the river and the weather is to be settled this week that may trigger off further improvements. The catches have been disappointing recently but catches have increased substantially giving renewed optimism for the coming weeks assuming more fish enter the system.
This past week saw the water level drop and settle after more rain and sport improved and spread more evenly throughout the beats. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either. Currently there are numerous wild flowers blooming on the river banks. Ospreys visit the river on a daily basis but will soon disappear back to Africa and you could see an Otter or a Kingfisher darting past while you are in mid cast! It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!” That has certainly been the case this year!

Beat catches reported
(week ending 30th August)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 23, Waulkmill 4, Lower Redgorton 11, Upper Redgorton 6, Fishponds 2, Benchil 2, Upper Scone 8, Pitlochrie 1, Stobhall 6, Taymount 20, Ballathie 24, Cargill 18, Islamouth 7, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 2, Kercock 9, Glendelvine 1, Murthly 2 4, Newtyle 2, Dunkeld House 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 6, Lower Kinnaird 1, Edradynate 2, Farleyer Upper 1, Keithick Mains 1, Ruan Ruarie 1.
Total: 164 Largest: Cargill 23lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 2, Upper Redgorton 1, Fishponds 1, Upper Scone 1, Ballathie 3.
Total: 9 Largest: Ballathie 4lbs

Lower Tay.
The summer/autumn fishing is improving on the lower river slowly with fish running the river at last. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but a strengthening run is appearing which hopefully will develop into a good autumn run. The lower beats below Stanley caught fish this past week and Almondmouths catches were reasonable until Thursday when they seemed to stop and this was reflected on the river in general. This beat is seen as a barometer for the river as it is the first beat at the head of the tide therefore improving catches there would hearten everyone and mean more fish are at last entering the river. They had fish all week and finished with 23. Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton also caught fish on most days but in disappointing numbers.

Fishponds and Upper Redgorton caught more as well as fish ran the river. On Upper Redgorton

Jim Duffield caught on the fly from the Craigs and the Millar/Williams party had success at the end of the week. On Upper Scone some good fish were landed in the week for Dowie Morris’s party. On Stanley a party from Wales fished hard for 4 days with the highlight a superb 14 pounds sea liced fish for

Allan Bancroft on the fly from the boat in the Long Shot at Benchil.

Becci Murray also caught a lovely fresh grilse from the same pool on the fly. Stobhall and Taymount continue to work away consistently.

On Taymount the Cottrill party enjoyed success on most days landing fish up to 22 pounds. Ballathie and Cargill continue to set the pace with yet another good week as conditions suit the beats. The Erns from Switzerland had good success on Ballathie. On Cargill

Hector Rawson’s party enjoyed some excellent sport landing fish up to 20 odd pounds. Islamouth consistently caught on most days with fly. On Upper Islamouth and Meikleour odd fish were caught with Davie Taylor’s party having success.

Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream improved, as conditions continue to change and salmon ran freely up the river with improving runs and more water.

Kercock finished with nine for the week. Jim Lamb caught the largest fish from the beat at 16 pounds. Other successful anglers included Danny Gough, Robert McFarlane, Simon Rutherford and Jane Rutherford. Glendelvine and Murthly had 5 fish between them. Fish were caught at Newtyle with Stuart Oglesby landing a 10 pounds salmon from the Boil on the fly.

On Dunkeld House James Davenport caught a 7 pounds salmon from the Ivy Tree pool. Dalguise had a much better week with a few fish.

Mark Goddard caught a grilse from the Island. On Saturday Keith Harrison landed and safely returning a 10 pounds hen salmon. Although a Tay regular, this was Keith’s first visit to Dalguise and he enjoyed his first fish of the season, on a 30gm Silver Salmo from the Burn Mouth, up in the Guay Pool. The second, third and fourth for the day fell to ex-Tay Ghillie, Colin McFadyen, the first a cracking fresh 14 pounds hen from the Tail of the Bridge Pool, followed by a 13 pounds hen from the Bridge Pool, then a 5 pounds Grilse, also from the Bridge Pool.

Upper Tay.
This area has started to fish again with the recent rain. Fish were caught from the Farleyer and Edradynate beats.

Tummel.
It has been a very quiet week on the Tummel again with odd catches but fish have been running through Pitlochry Dam with the count approaching 4000. David Wilson had a 3 pounds grilse from Ruan Ruarie.

Isla & Ericht.
Salmon are now freely running the Isla and Ericht with rising water levels however nothing was reported last week. Dougy Morrison has reported salmon and grilse running the Ericht with several fish caught. John Thompson’s party had good success landing several fish. George Baxter caught his first ever fish on the fly and also caught on a spinner. Ross Smith caught a cracking 13 pounds fish on a trout fly rod.

The 2014 salmon season in Scotland, Europe and Iceland has not been one to remember so far. 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 the majority of anglers with odd exceptions are achieving this. 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. This year catches have fallen dramatically so emphasizing the importance of catch and release is absolutely crucial. Retaining hen salmon is a strict no no and any angler doing so should not be allowed on our rivers.

The Tay Ghillies Association have seized the initiative and 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

Thank you to all anglers who have returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, but this should be extended to the summer and autumn now as catches have dropped to new lows, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!

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 1st September 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 1st September 2014.

The Salmon fishing season is now entering September on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have been getting some rain to freshen the river for summer/Autumn fishing and the salmon run has got underway this past week or so with more salmon running the river with improving catches at long last. A big summer spate and other smaller rises have freshened and cooled the water to trigger improved sport. Expectation is high with a further increase in summer salmon running the river. This past week salmon were caught in much better numbers yet again. The weather settled after more rain last weekend making fishing much better but all in all conditions were still not easy for the pursuit of that magical salmon, an improving run has bolstered catches during the week to more realistic figures on most days encouraging everyone. It has not been a summer to remember but hopefully this is now changing in the days and weeks to come for the better.

Currently the river is steady after more rain but hopefully will continue settled for the start of the coming week (approx below 3’ on the Ballathie gauge during Sunday). Lower river levels in the coming days should enable the river to be fished easily and hopefully a stronger run will produce some top quality fishing and allow fish to run further to enable catches to continue to spread. The weather is looking settled over the next few days with little chance of rain that should benefit the river and give a great chance of producing some more sport and some "Bars of Silver”.

The weather is looking more settled for the week ahead to hopefully spark off some better sport in the coming weeks with a strengthening summer/ autumn run. The calmer weather will certainly continue to give us more settled water levels and encourage salmon to run the river, as we should soon be seeing a proper grilse run. The water temperature is now just below 56 degrees Fahrenheit or 13.5 degrees Celsius. These are now normal temperatures for the time of year and the conditions have seen salmon running throughout the system with better water levels. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river.

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should enable you to catch the elusive Tay salmon. The water temperature has warmed up enabling floating lines 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 many beats depending on water heights.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy from June to the end of 2014 Season is that
• All hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released.
• All coloured and gravid fish to be released.
• No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
• Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district.

Please help preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the recommendations. The catches this year on most rivers throughout Scotland, Europe and Iceland have not been good so it is vitally important we return as many salmon carefully back to the rivers as possible to preserve the future of our sport.This is your best way to help as an angler and true sportsmen or women.

Guidance on good catch and release.


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

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 Catches on River Tay drop to lowest levels for 50 years-Why?

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catches on River Tay drop to lowest levels for 50 years-Why?

Salmon catches on River Tay drop to lowest levels for 50 years.


This was an article written by Richard Burdge in the Dundee Courier today.
Catches of salmon on the River Tay last month plummeted to the lowest levels for 50 years, it has emerged.

One leading expert said the shock figures could be due to factors far beyond the waters of Scotland’s largest salmon river and may require international cooperation to be addressed.

Dr David Summers is director of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, the body empowered to protect and improve fishing on the Tay.

“Obviously it is very concerning,” he said.

With numbers of salmon falling across Scotland, some bodies have focused on coastal netting for the decline and have called on the Scottish Government to take action to protect depleted and fragile stocks.

Dr Summers believes the plight of grilse — salmon that have spent only one winter at sea before returning to the river — may be a much more complex issue, with rising sea temperatures a major factor.

While March and April were quite good for anglers, things “tailed off” dramatically in July, he said.

“What’s happened to the 2014 grilse? This is a question on everyone’s mind at the moment.

“The rod catches on the Tay for July are the worst reported for a long time. Certainly they have not been so low since the 1960s.

“Even the improved catches made with higher water and lower temperatures during the second week of August do not suggest as great an influx of fresh grilse as might be hoped for after a long dry spell.”

The poor grilse run has been “universal around Scotland” and even as far afield as Iceland, Dr Summers added.

“Owing to the geographically widespread nature of the phenomenon and, taking into account the fact that grilse seem again to be of smaller average size, the problem would appear to lie at sea and perhaps not all close to the UK.”

Academic research has pinpointed rising water temperature in the Norwegian Sea as having a deleterious impact on grilse, leaving them in poor condition and more susceptible to dying and predators.

Temperatures over much of the northern North Atlantic were above average, with warmer seas becoming more salty.

“These physical changes have had biological consequences,” Dr Summers said.

Despite the poor catches in July, he said August was thankfully proving more promising in terms of fish caught and “only time would tell” how the various factors would impact on figures for the Tay season.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 23rd August 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 23rd August 2014.

The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland continued to improve last week and caught more salmon in better numbers after some rain and a stronger run. Currently there is a developing run of summer salmon and grilse on the river with a higher expectation of further improvement with signs of more fish running last week. Rain last weekend continued to freshen and brought water temperatures down further in the river and the weather is to be reasonably settled and cooler with a chance of some rain this week that may trigger off further improvements. The catches have been disappointing recently but catches have increased substantially this past week giving renewed optimism for the coming weeks assuming more fish enter the system.
This past week saw the water level drop and settle after more rain and sport improved and spread more evenly throughout the beats. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either. Currently there are numerous wild flowers blooming on the river banks. Ospreys visit the river on a daily basis and you could see an Otter or a Kingfisher darting past while you are in mid cast! It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!”

Beat catches reported
(week ending 23rd August)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 36, Waulkmill 8, Lower Redgorton 6, Luncarty 4, Upper Redgorton 5, Fishponds 4, Benchil 7, Upper Scone 5, Pitlochrie 5, Stobhall 21, Taymount 19, Ballathie 16, Cargill 29, Islamouth 16, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 9, Kercock 15, Glendelvine 5, Murthly 2 8, Newtyle 2, Dalmarnock 3, Dalguise 4, Lower Kinnaird 7, Upper Kinnaird 3, Farleyer Upper 2, Farleyer Lower 1, Loch Faskally 2.
Total: 242 Largest: Islamouth 23lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 5, Lower Redgorton 5, Upper Redgorton 2, Fishponds 1, Upper Scone 1, Pitlochrie 1, Ballathie 1, Murthly 2 1, Dunkeld House 1, Dalmarnock 2, Dalguise 2, Lower Kinnaird 3.
Total: 25 Largest: Lower Kinnaird 4lbs

Lower Tay.
The summer fishing is improving on the lower river with fish running the river at last. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but a strengthening run is appearing which hopefully will develop into a good autumn run. The lower beats below Stanley caught fish in far better numbers this past week and Almondmouths catches improved strengthening the feeling fish are starting to run in stronger numbers. This beat is seen as a barometer for the river as it is the first beat at the head of the tide therefore improving catches there would hearten everyone and mean more fish are at last entering the river. They had fish all week and finished with 36. Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton also saw improvements with fish on most days. Fishponds, Luncarty and Upper Redgorton caught more as well as fish ran the river. On Fishponds the fly was doing well with grilse and salmon landed up to 11 pounds.

Tara Burnside landed a cracking 11 pounds fish from the boat at Lodge End. On Upper Redgorton Holland House Electrical finished the week off well with 3 fish up to 15 pounds considering the lack of fish recently on the first five beats above the Almond. Peter Morrison got the week under way with a lovely grilse on a pink and white Tay lure. The beats around Stanley caught on most days with great effort.

Callun King caught his first salmon on Benchil then followed it up with 4 the following day from the Pitlochrie beat. Not a bad start for an inspiring young ghillie. Stobhall had a better week for John Apthorpes party including 7 fish on Wednesday with one weighing 20 pounds. Taymount also had a reasonable week with fish every day.

Ballathie and Cargill are still performing well with over 40 fish from the beats in the week. On Cargill Robert and Bill Dawson started an eventful week off; Paul Gallagher caught 8 to his own rod up to 15 pounds on Tuesday, Makoto Kushino from Japan caught his first ever salmon on the fly from the Cradle weighing 15 pounds, Steven Cardnow caught 3 fish on the fly from the Bridge stream, Michael Alves caught his first Tay fish weighing 18 pounds and visiting angler from Chicago,

Richard Hunt had success on the fly. Islamouth had a much better week with good success for fly fishers.

Tim Greenfield caught a superb 23 pounds fish casting from the boat.
Meikleour and Upper Islamouth started the week with 10 year old Alex Bolens from USA landing a good fish. Several other fish were landed in the week up to 21 pounds.

Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream improved, as conditions continue to change and salmon ran freely up the river with improving runs and more water.

Kercock finished with fifteen for the week. Antti Saastamoinen had a grilse and a 13lb salmon on the fly, Mark Evans caught a grilse on a G.P, Ian Reid landed 2 fish of 4 & 9 pounds on small tube flies, Dougie McLean had three grilse all at 5 pounds and Robert McFarlane landed a 5 pounds grilse. The Murthly beats caught fish on most days.

Newtyle had a visit from cricketer Freddie Flintoff and Rob Penn and

Rob Crockart caught a couple of grilse on the fly from the Boil and the Deans Burn. Dalmarnock caught the odd fish in the week and on Dalguise there was a better weeks sport with Johnathan Digwall kicking things off with a 15 pounds fresh run fish from the tail of the Bridge pool on a Flying C. Glenn Baikie had a grilse and Stefan Cheeld caught his first ever salmon weighing 4 pounds. John Cross also had a 7 pounds fish from the Bridge Pool. The Kinnaird beats had a much better week landing 10 salmon.

Upper Tay.
This area has started to fish again with the recent rain. Fish were caught from the Farleyer beats.

Tummel.
It has been a very quiet week on the Tummel again with odd catches but fish have been running through Pitlochry Dam with the count approaching 4000. Loch Faskally reported odd fish.

Isla & Ericht.
Salmon are now freely running the Isla and Ericht with rising water levels however nothing was reported last week. Dougy Morrison has reported salmon and grilse running the Ericht with several fish caught.

There was a notable catch for a 7 year old Richard Lenehan his first salmon on the Ericht.


The 2014 salmon season in Scotland, Europe and Iceland has not been one to remember so far. 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 the majority of anglers with odd exceptions are achieving this. 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. This year catches have fallen dramatically so emphasizing the importance of catch and release is absolutely crucial. Retaining hen salmon is a strict no no and any angler doing so should not be allowed on our rivers.

The Tay Ghillies Association have seized the initiative and 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

Thank you to all anglers who have returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, but this should be extended to the summer and autumn now as catches have dropped to new lows, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!

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 25th August 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 25th August 2014.


The Salmon fishing season is now in mid August on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have been getting some rain to freshen the river for summer fishing and the salmon run has got underway this past week seeing more salmon running the river with improving catches at long last. A big summer spate has freshened and cooled the water and this may have triggered along more even rain improved sport. Expectation is high with a further increase in summer salmon running the river. This past week salmon were caught in much better numbers. The weather settled after more rain last weekend making fishing much better but all in all conditions were still not easy for the pursuit of that magical salmon, an improving run bolstered catches during the week to more realistic figures on most days encouraging everyone. It has not been a summer to remember but hopefully this is now changing in the days and weeks to come for the better.

Currently the river is steady with the chance of some more rain but hopefully will continue settled for the start of the coming week (approx below 2’ on the Ballathie gauge during Sunday). Lower river levels in the coming days should enable the river to be fished easily and hopefully a stronger run will produce some top quality fishing and allow fish to run further to enable catches to continue to spread. The weather is looking reasonably settled over the next few days with a chance of some rain that should benefit the river and give a great chance of producing some more sport and some "Bars of Silver”.

The weather is looking reasonably settled for the week ahead and much cooler with a chance of some rain in the week to hopefully spark off some better sport in the coming weeks with a strengthening summer run. The calmer weather will certainly continue to give us more settled water levels and encourage salmon to run the river, as we should soon be seeing a proper grilse run. The water temperature is now just below 56 degrees Fahrenheit or 13.5 degrees Celsius. These are now normal temperatures for the time of year and the conditions have seen salmon running throughout the system with better water levels. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river.

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should enable you to catch the elusive Tay salmon. The water temperature has warmed up enabling floating lines 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 many beats depending on water heights.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy from June to the end of 2014 Season is that
• All hen fish of any size and all cock fish over 10 pounds should be released.
• All coloured and gravid fish to be released.
• No more than one clean fish weighing, where possible, less than 10 pounds should be retained per angler per day.
• Anglers should not use worms in September or October in any part of the district.

Please help preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the recommendations. The catches this year on most rivers throughout Scotland, Europe and Iceland have not been good so it is vitally important we return as many salmon carefully back to the rivers as possible to preserve the future of our sport.This is your best way to help as an angler and true sportsmen or women.

Guidance on good catch and release.


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

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.

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 Summer Salmon fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2014.

The Tay in Perthshire, Scotland is experiencing a reasonable summer run of salmon and grilse despite all the doom and gloom recently. Long may it last as so many jobs in the country pursuits industry depend on it.

This is my apprentice under ghillie at it again today! Yesterday he caught his first salmon ever but today he had a ball and went to town so to speak. We were just started, with no guests and bingo he was into a fish!


A cracking 9 pounds summer salmon.


Not to keep out the act, I managed this 13 pounds fresh beauty.


Callum was on fire, you show him the way and they are off! A sea liced grilse.


In the afternoon Callum was hot again, first this 14 pounds hen fish at the tail of Horsey on the Pitlochrie beat.


Lastly another 14 pounds fish carefully returned. A day to remember for a young angler entering this magical sport. I hope he has many days to remember like this in the future.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland August 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Summer Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland August 2014.

Salmon fishing recently has not been easy on any river in Scotland but even under those circumstances some great catches can be achieved.

Callum King from Luncarty on the Tay has not caught a salmon until today and has entered into the business as a young ghillie to learn the sport and how to guide people on this magnificent river. He is as keen as mustard and has been unlucky so far not to land a salmon. Today was his day as he hooks a good fish in the Todd Holes pool of the Benchil beat.


He nervously plays a lively salmon from the boat.


The salmon is safely in the net weighing 10 pounds. Callum realises salmon are a precious resource and we need to conserve them for future generations. This was the happy picture prior to releasing the salmon back to the river. Well done Callum, I hope this is one of many in the future.


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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 16th August 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 16th August 2014.

The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland improved dramatically last week and caught salmon in better numbers after some rain and a stronger run at long last. Currently there is a developing run of summer salmon and grilse on the river with a higher expectation of further improvement with signs of more fish running last week. Rain last weekend freshened and brought water temperatures down in the river and the weather is to be reasonably settled and cooler with a chance of some rain this week that may trigger off further improvements. The catches have been disappointing recently but catches increased substantially this past week giving renewed optimism for the coming weeks assuming more fish enter the system.
This past week saw water levels drop and settle after a big spate and sport improved and spread more evenly throughout the beats. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either. Currently there are numerous wild flowers blooming on the river banks. Ospreys visit the river on a daily basis and you could see an Otter or a Kingfisher darting past while you are in mid cast! It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!”

Beat catches reported
(week ending 16th August)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 14, Lower Redgorton 6, Luncarty 2, Fishponds 3, Benchil 1, Catholes Stanley 1, Upper Scone 6, Pitlochrie 2, Stobhall 8, Taymount 14, Ballathie 4, Cargill 9, Islamouth 7, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 5, Kercock 10, Glendelvine 1, Murthly 2 11, Newtyle 5, Dunkeld House 1, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 2, Lower Kinnaird 4, Upper Kinnaird 1, Edradynate 2, Farleyer Upper 3, Farleyer Lower 2, Loch Faskally 1, Ruan Ruarie 2.
Total: 128 Largest: Murthly 2 21lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Upper Redgorton 3, Taymount 7, Cargill 4, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Murthly 2 2, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 4, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2.
Total: 25 Largest: Cargill & Lower Kinnaird & Portnacraig Pitlochry 4lbs

Lower Tay.
The summer fishing is well underway on the lower river with fish running the river at last. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but a strengthening run is appearing which hopefully will develop into a good autumn run. The lower beats below Stanley continued to struggle and find life difficult as fish ran through without showing much and stopping however Almondmouth landed fish in better numbers strengthening the feeling fish are starting to run in better numbers. This beat is seen as a barometer for the river as it is the first beat at the head of the tide therefore improving catches there would hearten everyone and mean more fish are at last running up the river. Fish were also caught on Lower Redgorton, Luncarty and Fishponds. On Luncarty Steven Sowersby caught 2 fish up to 11 pounds on spinner on Wednesday and Samantha Datta and

Thomas Black caught grilse on the fly from Fishponds. Upper Scone had a better week with Swiss anglers catching a few fish. 3 were landed in Horsey on Saturday on the Pitlochrie beat with

Patrick Ern catching all 3 up to 15 pounds on a Vision. Horsey also yielded grilse on the fly for Bob White and

Ian Kettles caught a 14 pounds beauty in the Long Shot at Benchil. Peter French caught an 11 pounds fish in the Black Stones on the Catholes. This past week saw improvements in catches off Taymount and Stobhall with over 20 caught on the beats. Ballathie and Cargill continued their good spell with some good catches and cracking fish. On Ballathie John Milligan enjoyed success on the fly with fish up to 16 pounds.

On Cargill Bob Smith had a red letter day landing fish up to 20 pounds on Thursday. Islamouth also faired better as conditions improved in the week for fly fishing with 2 good days at the end of the week.

Meikleour and Upper Islamouth had a good day on Wednesday with Kenneth McNaughton land 2 of 5 fish landed in the day.

Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream improved, as conditions changed at long last as the salmon ran freely up the river with improving runs and more water. Kercock had a much better week with 7 caught from the beat on Saturday and others landed during the week making a total of 10.

There was a first ever fish for Tom Adams caught on a Toby on his first day out on Saturday. Gary Scholes and John Burdett caught fish up to 10 pounds on fly and Mark Thomson caught a 20 pounds fish on a Toby. Murthly 2 had a good week landing several fish up to 21 pounds. Newtyle benefitted from the increase in water levels as fish spread in the system.

The Burnston family had a memorable day on Tuesday and Wednesday with Martin landing his first ever salmon from the Cotter and other members loosing fish from the boat.

The next day 13 year old Jake caught his first salmon, a 5 pounds grilse. Peter Dobson and Jack Hopper also had success off the beat with fish up to 18 pounds.

There was another first for John Elliot at Dunkeld House with a 20 pounds fish caught on his second day out from the Rock pool on a Toby. Dalmarnock reported 1 fish in the week. On Dalguise Malcolm Bennett landed a couple of fish on the fly form the beat including a good 20 pounds fish from the Guay pool on his birthday.

The Kinnaird beats reported odd fish last week with 8 year old Casper Von Oheimb landing his first ever fish on his first cast weighing an impressive 12 pounds.

Upper Tay.
This area has started to fish again with the recent rain. Fish were caught from Edradynate and the Farleyer beats.

Tummel.
It has been a very quiet week on the Tummel again with odd catches but fish have been running through Pitlochry Dam with the count around 4000. Loch Faskally reported odd fish and Corin Smith caught 2 fish up to 10 pounds on Ruan Ruarie.

Isla & Ericht.
Salmon are now freely running the Isla and Ericht with rising water levels however nothing was reported last week. Dougy Morrison has reported salmon and grilse running the Ericht with several fish caught. This week also saw the glorious 12th and the opening of the Grouse season. Dougy successful achieved a double McNab for one client on the 12th and then a male and female team achieved successful McNabs on the 13th as well. These feats all included first salmon catches ever for the people concerned. Perthshire certainly is a big sporting county with massive tourist potential for country pursuits. Hopefully more details to follow.


The 2014 salmon season in Scotland, Europe and Iceland has not been one to remember so far. 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 the majority of anglers with odd exceptions are achieving this. 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. This year catches have fallen dramatically so emphasizing the importance of catch and release is absolutely crucial. Retaining hen salmon is a strict no no and any angler doing so should not be allowed on our rivers.

The Tay Ghillies Association have seized the initiative and 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

Thank you to all anglers who have returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, but this should be extended to the summer and autumn now as catches have dropped to new lows, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!

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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