Salmon Fishing Scotland Late October Salmon fishing on the Tay, Perthshire 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Late October Salmon fishing on the Tay, Perthshire 2014.

The Salmon fishing season is about to close on the river Tay for 2014 tomorrow. Recently we have had loads of water after heavy rain making fishing difficult over the last few days however as the water levels fall the catches have improved with the evidence of fresh salmon still running the river late in October.

A typical autumn scene on the Tay.


Charles Savage plays a lively salmon on the Benchil beat in Aitken Head in high water.


A lovely fresh run salmon is successfully landed.


Terry Lynch playing a salmon from Aitken Head.


Simon Smedley and Ghillie Calum King with a 14 pounds autumn salmon caught on the Benchil beat just below Stanley.


The sun sets on another autumn day on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland.

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

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

The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland had another reasonable catch in fairly unsettled conditions last week. Currently there has been a run of autumn salmon and grilse over the last few weeks on the river but it has not been strong as we enter the final 5 days of the season. The weather has at last changed to more autumnal conditions and this has triggered off improvements making October the best month of this difficult season so far. The catches have been disappointing and tough to achieve recently but more water has given hope and renewed optimism for the last few days assuming more fish enter the system. Some heavy fish in the 30 pounds range have also been caught. Most beats are reporting reasonable numbers of fish in residence but catching them is proving difficult.
This past week saw the water levels fluctuate due to rain and high winds and sport was had to achieve throughout the river. Saturday was all but written off due to the Tay Decent Canoe event. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either. The autumn colours are supreme and you could see a skein of Geese crossing, 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 25th October)
SALMON & GRILSE: Waulkmill 4, Lower Redgorton 24, Luncarty 3, Upper Redgorton 6, Fishponds 11, Upper Scone 6, Pitlochrie 1, Stobhall 15, Taymount 6, Ballathie 11, Cargill 13, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 20, Kercock 15, Newtyle 6, Dunkeld House 6, Dalmarnock 2, Dalguise 3, Lower Aberuthven 2, Lochlane and Laggan 16.
Total: 170 Largest: Dunkeld House 34lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 1, Taymount 1, Lower Aberuthven 4, Lochlane and Laggan 1.
Total: 7 Largest: Lochlane and Laggan 4lbs

Lower Tay.
The autumn fishing has been hard on the lower river with limited fish running but the increase in water levels have continued to see big improvements making October the most productive month so far. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but the autumn salmon run has been disappointing. The lower beats below Stanley caught fish this past week in reasonable numbers including quite a few fresh ones. The river continued at a good height seeing fish run and move throughout the river. The rise has not benefited Almondmouth and the Stormont Angling club as fish ran the Almond in numbers. Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton caught fish throughout the week up to 12 pounds with Toby salmos being the favoured lure to produce success. These included a few sea liced fish. Fresh fish were also reported from Luncarty with Alan Young, Jimmy Chim and Gerrard Kelly all catching. Upper Redgorton and Fishponds continue to have better catches with October being far their most productive month including mostly fresh fish caught.

Fishponds had a very successful week with several salmon landed including a

28 pounds fish for Jason Tumath caught on a floating devon form Shochie Green.

On Friday 2 good fish were landed on fly weighing 23 and 16 pounds. Upper Scone had reasonable success with fish up to 23 pounds for Arnot McWhinnie and Alan McCaigs party. Simon Harrips party on Stanley earlier in the week accounted for a 12 pounds fish form Pitlochrie pool caught by Robbie Heath. Stobhall and Taymount continued to catch throughout the week and October is proving to be their most productive month as well. Ballathie and Cargill are still producing reasonable catches despite favouring lower water levels.

David Godfrey reported from Cargill this it was “another unsettled week of both water and weather along with a lot of leaves in the river made fishing tough, Steve Curnow and Peter Hull fished hard for the first three days of the week and were rewarded with 10 good fish up to 20lbs, the majority caught on Toby lures. Nigel Passmores party had equally tough conditions on Thursday and Friday but still managed some sport with fish up to 15lbs. Saturday we didn't fish due to the Tay Descent Canoe event.” On Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Calum McRoberts reported "A great week for our guests with 20 fish being caught, helped by an exceptionally good Wednesday when we hooked 13 and landed 8! There were many first time successes as well, which is always special. We caught two, 23lb'ers during the week including a personal best for beat owner Sam Mercer Nairne.

The water levels are at a great height for us now and I anticipate the catches remaining good for the final week. The vast majority of our fish were sea-licers or silver and generally coming from spots where we expect resting rather than residents. We still have some availability remaining for the final week if anyone wants to try to catch that elusive Tay salmon."

Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream have improved with the rise in the river levels over recent weeks. Gary Harkin reported from Kercock that they “ had 15 fish for the week with Gary Scholes catching an 8lbs fish on a Willie Gunn, Mark Thomson landed a couple at 16lbs and a superb 20lbs sea licer, Father and son Jim and James Redmond had a superb day landing fish at 15, 7, 5 and 19lbs, Dougie McLean, Gordon Melrose, Brian Watson all caught on fly,

and 11 year old Scott Batchelor caught his first fish ever, a 7lbs bar of silver.” On Newtyle caught some notable fish throughout the week with Sam Datta starting the week off with an 8 pounds fish from the Deans Burn.

Ian Dolan had a cracking little grilse from the Steps. The fly proved successful for Stewart Dingwall landing a couple of fish up to 17 pounds on Wednesday from the Cotter. Brian Mitchell celebrated his birthday with a 12 pounds fish from the Steps.

On the Dunkeld House beat odd fish were caught during the week with David Ritchie landing a memorable 34 pounds fish from the boat on a Tay lure. Dalmarnock reported a couple of fish during the week. Dalguise reported odd fish in the week with Kenny Adams, Gordon MacKenzie and Guntrs Paskevics landing fish up to 16 pounds on spinners.

Earn.
Fish are now running the river with increased flows. Fish were reported in better numbers from Lower Aberuthven and Lochlane and Laggan.

Upper Tay.
This area has closed for the season.

Tummel.
This area has closed for the season.

Isla & Ericht.
This area has closed for the season.

The 2014 salmon season in Scotland, Europe, Canada 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.

Hugh Robins with a good fish from September to win TGA fish of the month.
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!

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

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

The Salmon fishing season is finally arriving at the last 5 days of the October extension period on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have been experiencing more rain to raise river levels and slightly colder weather for autumn fishing. The salmon run has not been strong on the river and catches have been hard to achieve in recent weeks but the improved conditions saw catches improve throughout the month. Long periods of very low water curtailed sport in September but the good news is that rain has raised river levels and that has triggered off much better catches although it is debatable whether there has been any autumn run of substance. Currently resident salmon are in most of the pools throughout the river but not easy to catch. Expectation is high of a late run of fresh autumn salmon running the river but time is fast running out. This past week salmon were caught in good numbers despite unsettled conditions and hopefully that will continue. The weather was more unsettled causing fluctuations in levels throughout the week making fishing harder but reasonable catches were still attained. It has not been a summer and autumn to remember so far until this last couple of weeks but hopefully the autumn run will improve further in the days to come for the end of the season.

Currently the river is unsettled after heavy rain and strong winds but hopefully settle for the last few days (approx 6’ on the Ballathie gauge during Sunday). River levels in the coming days should remain higher making the fishing better and hopefully a stronger run will produce some top quality sport and allow fish to run further to enable catches to continue to spread. The weather is to remain unsettled over the next few days but hopefully not to reduce the chance of producing some more excellent sport and some good autumn fishing.

The weather is looking reasonably unsettled for the next few days and typically autumnal with some rain forecast in the week, hopefully this will not curtail sport in the coming days and we will see a strengthening late autumn run. The water temperature is cooling to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius, which is good news as well. These are now better temperatures for the time of year and the conditions have seen salmon running throughout the system. Colder weather would bring the water temperature down and make the fish more aggressive to improve catches. 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 is cooling slowly but floating lines with the addition of a sink tip should still be 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 on many beats depending on water heights.

Finally you are reminded of the Tay's policy for the Trial Extension period.
• The trial season extension is limited to the main River Tay downstream of Kinnaird.
• Fishing is conducted on a strict catch and release basis.
• Fishing will be by fly fishing, spinning or harling only. No form of natural bait is allowed. Only barbless hooks can be used.

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 Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 18th October 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 18th October 2014.

The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland had another better catch last week in settled conditions until rain brought the river up at the weekend. Currently there has been a run of autumn salmon and grilse over the last few weeks on the river but there is a higher expectation of further improvement in the last few days to come with more fish running after the big spate last week and at the weekend. The weather has at last changed and this could trigger off further improvements. The catches have been disappointing and tough to achieve recently but more water has given hope and renewed optimism for the coming weeks assuming more fish enter the system. Most beats are reporting reasonable numbers of fish in residence but catching them is proving difficult.


This past week saw the water levels fall after very heavy rain to much better levels and sport improved throughout the river. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either. The autumn colours are supreme and you could see a skein of Geese crossing, 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 18th October)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 13, Waulkmill 17, Lower Redgorton 9, Luncarty 15, Upper Redgorton 12, Fishponds 9, Benchil 4, Upper Scone 24, Pitlochrie 5, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 9, Taymount 39, Ballathie 14, Cargill 30, Islamouth 31, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 11, Kercock 13, Glendelvine 5, Murthly 2 17, Newtyle 11, Dunkeld House 8, Dalmarnock 4, Dalguise 2, Lower Kinnaird 8, Upper Kinnaird 1, Edradynate 1, Farleyer Lower 5, Lower Aberuthven 1, Lochlane and Laggan 6, Keithick Mains 4, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Ruan Ruarie 7.
Total: 337 Largest: Dunkeld House 28lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 3, Lower Redgorton 3, Taymount 2, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Newtyle 1, Dalmarnock 1, Lower Aberuthven 2.
Total: 13 Largest: Lower Redgorton & Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 4lbs

Lower Tay.
The autumn fishing has been hard on the lower river with limited fish running but the increase in water levels have continued to see big improvements. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but a strengthening autumn run is hoped for in the remaining days of the season to come. The lower beats below Stanley caught fish this past week in better numbers. The river dropped away all week until Saturday seeing fish run and move throughout the river. The rise has not benefited Almondmouth and the Stormont Angling club as fish ran the Almond in numbers. Waulkmill continued its improvement with another good week with 15 fish and Lower Redgorton caught 9. Luncarty had improved sport and reported good numbers on the beat waiting to run the Shochie and Ordie. Ian Kettles party landed 15 fish for 3 days up to 16 pounds with Ian, Danny Fulton, Dougie Wangert, John Lessels and John Mollison all having success.

Fishponds had success on most days with some good fresh fish caught. Upper Redgorton also had another steady week with 12 fish. Upper Scone did well with over 20 fish landed in the week with quite a few sea liced, which was good to see. At Stanley on Pitlochrie and Benchil fish were landed on most days including some cracking fresh fish as well. Steve Booths party enjoyed a good 3 days with

Adam Booth landing his first salmon weighing 8 pounds, Jim Woodriff caught 2 up to 10 pounds and John Sturt landed a fresh grilse at 5 pounds from the Woodside.

Later in the week John McCallum landed 2 lovely fresh salmon up to 13 pounds on Benchil and

James Holder caught a superb sea liced 14 pounds fish in Cawn Pore on a Toby salmo. Stobhall had fish on most days but Taymount had an excellent week with around 40 fish up to 21 pounds with Graham Mayes party fishing from Plymouth. Ballathie and Cargill continue to fair well. David Godfrey reported that Cargill had a “ much better start to the week with settled water and co operative fish.

Two visiting Dutch angers accompanied by Jock Monteith had a fantastic three days landing 20 salmon up to 24lbs with lots of fish lost as well. Clive Downhill had 3 good fish on the Devon minnow and Ollie Holt had good sport on the fly in the Pot Shot. David Sands from Milnathort fished the Tay for the first time on Friday and had great sport on the fly landing three salmon up to 16lbs. The big coloured flood on Saturday curtailed sport but we still have a lot of fish lying with us, 30 salmon caught for the week all returned.” Islamouth had an excellent week with over 30 fish caught on fly. This included an 8½ pounds rainbow trout on a one inch Willie Gunn caught by Chris White in the Longhead. Chris also caught good salmon at 17 and 14 pounds as well.

On Meikleour and Upper Islamouth Calum McRoberts reported "A great start to the week with six fish up to 20lbs on Monday with Mr Massie doing particularly well. We picked away for the rest of the week with further fish up to 19lbs, but then unsettled river conditions made things difficult. Currently the river is rising again, but as it settles we should finish the season on a high as we've plenty of fish with us at the moment"

Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream have improved with the rise in the river at long last.

Gary Harkin reported from Kercock that they “had 13 for the week with Robert Sneddon catching fish at 10 and 8 pounds, Billy McInnes caught fish at 8, 12 and 15 pounds, Steve Gamlen, Bob Burns, Norrie McLeod, Colin Chisholm, Steve Wright all had success and John Murray had the biggest fish off the beat weighing 18pounds.”
Glendelvine and the Murthly beats had reasonable weeks with fish on most days.

Newtyle reported a few fish with Chris Bullman landing 2 on the fly up to 9 pounds and Tony Sheeham completed the same but with a superb 20 pounds fish from the Deans Burn on Park Shrimps. Dunkeld House reported reasonable fishing last week with fish caught up to 28 pounds. Calvyn Howells caught his first ever salmon weighing 7 pounds, Philip Barlow caught on fly and Ian Dorian did well with 2 on fly up to 10 pounds.

15 year old Adam Dorrian had a superb start to his salmon fishing career with an incredible 28 pounds fish on a salmo from the Mouse Trap. Alan Dorrian also caught.

There was another first for Carol with another impressive salmon weighing 18 pounds. Dalmnarnock reported odd fish as did the Kinnaird beats. Dalguise regular Malcolm Bennett caught a sea liced 15 pounds fish from the Guay pool on a copper tube.

Upper Tay.
This area has been quiet recently but the fresh water has livened up sport with Farleyer and Edradynate beats reporting fish in the week.

Tummel.
It has been a much better week on the Tummel system with improved catches and fish have been running through Pitlochry Dam with the count around 4600. The club site reported that the “Pitlochry Angling Club waters ended on a high with eight fish caught in the last two days of the season. On Tuesday Alan Conroy got things going at the dam with a 12lbs fish on a Rapala from Port-na-Craig bank. Further upstream Ruan Ruarie regular Dave Wilson had an excellent day with fish of 16, 12 and 10lbs. On Wednesday Dave was joined by his father William and between them they added another four - two for Dave at 14 and 8 lbs and two for William at 8 and 5lbs.”

Isla & Ericht.
Salmon have been running the Isla and Ericht in recent weeks the recent water should have improved matters. Keithick Mains reported a couple on Monday.

Earn.
Fish are now running the river with increased flows. Fish were reported in better numbers from Lower Aberuthven and Lochlane and Laggan.


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.

Hugh Robins with a good fish from September to win TGA fish of the month.
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.

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 Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 20th October 2014.

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

The Salmon fishing season is now into the October extension period on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have been getting more rain to raise river levels and slightly colder weather for autumn fishing. The salmon run has not been strong on the river and catches have been hard to achieve in recent weeks but the improved conditions saw catches improve again this past week. Long periods of very low water curtailed sport in September but the good news is that rain has raised river levels and that has triggered off much better catches. Currently resident salmon are in most of the pools throughout the river but not easy to catch. Expectation is high of a late run of fresh autumn salmon running the river. This past week salmon were caught in good numbers and hopefully that will continue. The weather was more unsettled causing a dramatic rise in levels on Saturday making fishing prospects better for the pursuit of that magical salmon this coming week, an improving run has bolstered catches during recent weeks to more realistic figures on most days encouraging everyone. It has not been a summer and autumn to remember so far until this last couple of weeks but hopefully the autumn run will improve further in the days to come for the end of the season.

Currently the river is unsettled after heavy rain but hopefully settle for Monday (approx 6’ on the Ballathie gauge during Sunday). River levels in the coming days should remain higher making the fishing better and hopefully a stronger run will produce some top quality sport and allow fish to run further to enable catches to continue to spread. The weather is looking more settled over the next few days that will benefit the river to give a great chance of producing some more excellent sport and some good autumn fishing.

The weather is looking reasonably settled for the next few days but typically autumnal with some rain forecast in the week which should maintain sport in the coming days with a strengthening autumn run hopefully. The water temperature is cooling to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius, which is good news as well. These are now better temperatures for the time of year and the conditions have seen salmon running throughout the system. Colder weather would bring the water temperature down and make the fish more aggressive to improve catches. 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 is cooling slowly but floating lines with the addition of a sink tip should still be 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 on many beats depending on water heights.

Finally you are reminded of the Tay's policy for the Trial Extension period.
• The trial season extension is limited to the main River Tay downstream of Kinnaird.
• Fishing is conducted on a strict catch and release basis.
• Fishing will be by fly fishing, spinning or harling only. No form of natural bait is allowed. Only barbless hooks can be used.

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 October Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland October Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2014.


An autumn scene on the silvery Tay at Stanley, Perthshire.


The autumn salmon run on the Tay, as in most of the rivers in Scotland has not been prolific this year but recently with an increase in river levels more fish have been running and some fresh silver salmon have been caught. This was a sea liced fish caught in the Horsey pool of the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley yesterday. It was caught by Adam Booth and was his first ever salmon.


A typical autumn salmon being released back to the river. 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.

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 Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 11th October 2014.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire, Scotland Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 11th October 2014.

The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland had a much better catch last week in settled conditions after rain brought the river up earlier in the week improving sport at long last. Currently there has been a run of autumn salmon and grilse over the last few weeks on the river but there is a higher expectation of further improvement in the last few weeks to come with more fish running after the big spate last week. The weather has at last changed and this could trigger off further improvements. The catches have been disappointing and tough to achieve recently but more water has given hope and renewed optimism for the coming weeks assuming more fish enter the system. Most beats are reporting reasonable numbers of fish in residence but catching them is proving difficult.
This past week saw the water levels rise dramatically after very heavy rain to much better levels and sport improved throughout the river. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either. The autumn colours are supreme 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 11th October)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 17, Waulkmill 17, Lower Redgorton 6, Luncarty 6, Upper Redgorton 16, Fishponds 14, Benchil 10, Upper Scone 3, Pitlochrie 4, Burnmouth 5, Stobhall 29, Taymount 46, Ballathie 17, Cargill 21, Islamouth 19, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 21, Kercock 20, Glendelvine 15, Murthly 2 18, Newtyle 7, Dunkeld House 5, Dalmarnock 5, Dalguise 4, Lower Kinnaird 15, Upper Kinnaird 7, Farleyer Upper 5, Farleyer Lower 5, Lower Aberuthven 3, Lochlane and Laggan 9.
Total: 369 Largest: Taymount 34lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 2, Luncarty 3, Upper Redgorton 1, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 3, Taymount 2, Cargill 1, Glendelvine 2, Newtyle 1, Dunkeld House 1, Dalmarnock 3, Lower Kinnaird 3, Upper Kinnaird 1, Lower Aberuthven 1.
Total: 26 Largest: Dalmarnock 4lbs

Lower Tay.
The autumn fishing has been hard on the lower river with limited fish running but the increase in water levels last week saw big improvements. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but a strengthening autumn run is hoped for in remaining weeks of the season to come. The lower beats below Stanley caught fish this past week in better numbers. The sharp rise to around 10 feet on Monday night saw fish run and move throughout the river. The rise did not benefit Almondmouth and the Stormont Angling club as fish ran the Almond in numbers. Waulkmill had a much better week with 17 fish, which included 11 on Thursday alone. Luncarty had improved sport and reported good numbers on the beat waiting to run the Shochie and Ordie. John McCallums party did well on Friday landing 3 fish up to 20 pounds and saw some of the party attempting McNabs. One of the party from Holland and Holland missed out by a whisker as he caught a salmon, shot 2 stags but only managed one grouse.

Paul Graham caught the 20 pounds salmon.

Fishponds also had a much better week having success on most days. On Upper Redgorton Mike Hay reported that “Nigel Fords Thorn team caught 16 for the week. Marina Ford landed 2 in the space of 30 minutes, her first ever Salmon one of which was a 15lbs hen.

Nigel himself landed a 16lb cock. Steve Shackelton landed his first ever Salmon, an 18 lbs sea licer. All fish were safely returned.”

At Stanley Gary Manley enjoyed a hard but good week on the river. On Thusday he caught his first Tay salmon for some years on a Flying C on Benchil then proceeded to land another 5 in the day.

Sam and Sandy Datta joined the beat on Friday and Saturday and both caught good fish on fly and spinner from Pitlochrie and Benchil. Stobhall and Taymount had good weeks with some impressive catches on several days. At Stobhall a local team including Simon Furniss and Jim Ferrie had good sport on fly and spinner. Meanwhile on Taymount sport was brisk as well with outstanding fish landed up to a mighty 34 pounds.

The 34 pounds whopper was caught by Dave Parkes on the fly in the Red Rocks and should be a leading contender for the Malloch Trophy. Ballathie and Cargill continue to do well with fish on most days. David Godfrey reported from Cargill that the “coloured water coming from the river Isla for most of the week caused Cargill anglers to find it tough. Fishing did improve mid week and Christian Laiselle and Raymond Poggia from France both caught good fish on the fly as did

Neil French landing a nice 14lber from the Garden Pool. Paul Christie broke his run of 28 days fishing blank with a cracking 20lber also from the Garden Pool. Gavin Mason also caught good fish up to 16lbs in very testing conditions. 21 fish were caught for the week up to 20lbs with 19 returned and two retained.” Islamouth had a much improved week with well into double figures landed. Calum McRoberts reported “what a magnificent week it was for guests fishing Meikleour & Upper Islamouth.

With a dirty spate on the Monday there was no fishing until Wednesday but we managed five that day and weighing up to a magnificent 24lbs. Then 3 on Thursday, 9 on Friday and 4 on Saturday to give us 21 fish for 4 days fishing! Fish were caught on a mix of fly and spinning, but the Copper Salmo seemed particularly productive and accounted for the vast majority of fish. We have a lot of fish lying with us now, especially in the Meikleour part of the beat, with the House Pool in particular being stuffed with fish!”

Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream have improved with the rise in the river at long last.

Gary Harkin reported from Kercock that they “ had 20 for the week with Mikael Ramnesater catching a 4lbs grilse on a sun ray, David Van Der landed a 16lber, Robb Park had 3 fish in three days weighing 10, 7 and 7lbs. Adrian Parry caught an 11lber, Dougie McLean had four fish in 2 days, Les Spencer caught one at 4lbs and Tony Moores had his first salmon on his first day salmon fishing weighing12 lbs.” Glendelvine and the Murthly beats caught fish in the week with Ian Scrutons party having success on Murthly 1.

The improved water saw Newtyle fair better. Dunkeld House also saw improvements with David Williamson landing a fish of 10 pounds, Alan Tweedie had one at 7 pounds and

James Brown caught his first fish on the fly from the Cathedral stream with another landed in the Lady pool weighing 7 pounds. Dalmarnock had a few fish in the week. On Dalguise ghillie, Stan Pelc had a chance to fish himself earlier in the week and caught a couple up to 7 pounds. Later in the week Andrew Sutherland caught 4 pounds grilse when fishing with light tackle for Grayling. The sport picked up for the Kinnaird beats with several fish caught in the week including 7 off the lower beat on Saturday.

Upper Tay.
This area has been quiet recently but the fresh water has livened up sport with Farleyer beats reporting fish in the week.

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 4500.

Isla & Ericht.
Salmon have been running the Isla and Ericht in recent weeks the recent water should have improved matters. Nothing was reported last week.

Earn.
Fish are now running the river with increased flows. Fish were reported from Lower Aberuthven and Lochlane and Laggan.

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.

Hugh Robins with a good fish from September to win TGA fish of the month.
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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