Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 28th March 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 28th March 2015.

The salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire has improved in recent weeks with good conditions for fishing and settled water levels prevailed. March traditionally sees good spring runs and good conditions may have been the catalyst for even better catches which hopefully will continue over the next few weeks. Expectation is high on the river for 2015 after successful springs in 2014 and 2013 and hopefully favourable conditions may trigger off improving runs and catches as we approach April to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver” as the last 2 years have proved.

Spring salmon were landed last week in continued better numbers with superb conditions until the end of the week. Good numbers were landed daily from all over as the river receded and the quality of the salmon caught remains outstanding with fish caught in the late teens and early twenties. There is a lack of kelts that maybe reflects the poor autumn run and early big spates.

Beat catches reported
(week ending 28th March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Catholes Stanley 2, Upper Scone 1, Pitlochrie 2, Stobhall 5, Taymount 9, Ballathie 2, Cargill 2, Islamouth 9, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 7, Glendelvine 3, Murthly 2 3, Newtyle 3, Dunkeld House 8, Dalmarnock 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Findynate 1, Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 3, Coupar Grange 4, River Ericht 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 11.
Total: 78 Largest: Portnacraig Pitlochry 22lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Upper Redgorton 1.
Total: 2 Largest: Waulkmill & Upper Redgorton 2lbs

Salmon have been caught throughout the system this past week in reasonable numbers, which is understandable with the superb conditions making it ideal as fish are running slowly due to the colder water temperatures currently however this is changing with the temperatures rising and fish are spreading throughout the river. The mandatory government catch and release restrictions are about to stop on Wednesday however the river would ask everyone to still release all spring fish to preserve what we have for future years. Return rates are at an all time low and spring salmon are a precious resource to the Tay and all rivers in Scotland. If an area of the river starts to kill salmon to excess the mandatory policy will ultimately increase beyond the spring and maybe for the whole season that would not be a popular concept for our fragile rural economy. Thank you for all who preserve the recommendations and shame on the few who cannot, their shortsighted outlook will bring everyone down and cost jobs throughout Scotland’s river systems. Handling fish is extremely important as well as people look from afar. Please try not to hold fish and keep them in the water to ensure their safe release. For guidance see this link.

on the Lower river unfortunately below Stanley there were no fish recorded however in the Stanley area Upper Scone had a quieter week but caught a superb 20 pounds fish from Horsey on the Pitlochrie beat landed by Arnot McWhinnie from the boat. Stanley Fishings had a reasonable week with fish from Pitlochie and Catholes. The fly proved the most successful method for Phil Walkers party.

Alastair Dunbar caught a couple of fish including a superb 16 pounds beauty from Horsey.

Fraser Gillespie kept the fish a day record going with a 10 pounds beauty from the Catholes stream.

Guy Smedley caught an 8 pounds springer from in front of Stanley Mills on a Toby. Strangely nothing was reported from Burnmouth. Taymount and Stobhall had good weeks catching most days including some high teen beauties. On Taymount Willie Cummings, Mick Cartledge, Spud Graham,

Anne and Patrick Hill caught good fish. Ballathie and Cargill caught odd fish in the week. On Ballathie a cracking 14 pounds fish was landed from the boat by 84 year old Ian Preston from Glasgow.

On Cargill Jennifer Johnston caught her first ever salmon. Islamouth had a fairly productive week with several fish landed mostly on fly. This included fish caught by Neil Tong,

Martin Ferrie and Charlie Martin. On Upper Islamouth and Meikleour it was a “ very encouraging week with 7 fish up to 16 pounds landed by their guests. The Meikleour Beat above the bridge came into its own, especially for the bank rods and fish were landed in the March Pool, Meadows, Boxwood Bush and the Rushes. Fish were seen in good numbers throughout the week, so encouraging signs for the days ahead.” Thanks Calum McRoberts for your input.

The anglers having success were Charlie Stone, Craig Drever with his first ever salmon, Stephen Murdoch and Eric Marszol.

The Middle river is seeing more fish and this should improve over the coming weeks in rising temperatures. The Murthly and Glendelvine beats having picking up fish on a regular basis.

Newtyle landed a few including a superb 15 pounds beauty for Alex Baron from the Trap on a Toby Salmo.

The Dunkeld House beat had a good week including 4 in a day on Friday. Allan Dow caught his first ever salmon weighing 7 pounds from the Ivy Tree and Andy Baker also achieved the same result after loosing a good fish but landed and 8 pounds fish in the Chestnut Tree pool. On Dalmarnock Ben Marshal caught a 9 pounds fresh fish. Lower Kinnaird reported one fish in the week.

The Tummel has started to produce fish on a regular basis as fish make their way up to Pitlochry dam. All the beats below the dam have been producing fish over the last week, which has been good news. Earlier in the week Donny Black caught a couple on the fly from the lower Tummel on the Tummel monkey. Up at the Dam some good fish arrived and were caught.

Kenny Horne had an outstanding 18 pounds beauty on a spinner from Port-na-Craig. Other good fish were caught by Craig Cowan, Saul MacKay, Gordon Nichol, Ben Thompson and Steve Watt with fish up to 22 pounds on fly and spinner.

The Upper area is also starting to see odd fish. Salmon were reported from Findynate beat as they run up to Loch Tay.

On Loch Tay fish are continuing to be caught in reasonable numbers.

Fish n’ Trips reported a few this week with Alan Fonda being successful with fish up to 17 pounds.

The Isla is continuing to see salmon run the river with the Coupar Grange beat producing on a more regular basis. They registered a few fish for last week.

The Ericht is also seeing fish run up the river with a few fish caught in the week.

The Spring Salmon fishing season is nearly into April and expectation is very high after previous seasons and poor overall catches last year. Last weeks catches hopefully encouraged everyone after fish were caught in the system in continuing better numbers. Let us hope with improving conditions after big water and an upturn in catches will continue as last year proved. Tight lines!

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 30th March 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 30th March 2015.


The Spring Salmon fishing season is now nearly into April on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have had a reasonably settled week with good conditions for the pursuit of that magical spring salmon apart from rising river levels at the end of the week. The weather is to remain fairly settled over the coming week and colder, which hopefully will not deter the chances of producing good sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements. Catches have improved slowly and the quality of the salmon caught remains outstanding but as we go deeper into April hopefully conditions will remain favourable and there will be a further improvement in the run to give further success as happened in the last couple of years.

Currently the river settling back nicely with excellent conditions (below 5’ and falling on the Ballathie gauge) to hopefully encourage more spring salmon to run.

The weather is to be slightly colder and reasonably settled over the next week after the unsettled weather over the weekend. 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 forecast at times last week and recent big spate triggered off salmon to run the river in improving catches. Expectation remains very high. Colder weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature is slowly creeping up to around 42 degrees Fahrenheit or 5.5 degrees Celsius. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The colder weather has benefited the lower beats so far but the fish are spreading so there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river after milder conditions prevailed last week. There will still be odd kelts about on many beats and they will be quite silver now and should not be mistaken for a spring salmon. Should you require guidance on salmon identification at this time of year please see this link for some help.

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 – 1st April 2015 is that all spring salmon must be released, i.e. the Tay has a policy of 100% mandatory release of all salmon caught under the new Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please preserve both them and the long term future of your sport by following the release of salmon as it is a now legal requirement during this period even if a fish has died. The Board's bailiff team will be enforcing this new legislation. This requirement is about to end on Tuesday.

The Tay's policy for April and May 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. It is vital the river system follows these guides to ensure the draconian rules do not get extended in seasons to come.

The Tay Ghillies Association are continuing their popular 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. Full details of this initiative.

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. Further information on the policy and good 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 Spring Fly Fishing for Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing for Salmon on the Tay, Perthshire 2015.

The Tay in Perthshire is having another successful weeks spring salmon fishing in very good conditions with reasonable catches. The fly is proving an effecting method in the spring sunshine on some areas of the river.

Alastair Dunbar playing a good fish fly fishing on the Catholes at Stanley.

A delighted Alastair lands a lovely fish from the Black stones on the fly.

Another superb spring fishing day on the Tay, Perthshire with not a cloud in the sky. Fraser Gillespie hooks a good spring fish in the Cathgoles stream on the Fly.

The fish is safely netted after a nervous fight.

Guide and capture share the moment prior to a safe release without touching the fish to ensure its safe passage upstream.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 21st March 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 21st March 2015.

The salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire has improved dramatically this past week with good conditions for fishing and settled water levels prevailed. Milder weather with heavy rain combined to cause a big river over a week ago and this could have been the catalyst for even better catches which hopefully will continue over the next few weeks. Expectation is high on the river for 2015 after successful springs in 2014 and 2013 and hopefully favourable conditions may trigger off improving runs and catches as we go deeper into March to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver” as the last 2 years have proved.

Spring salmon were landed last week in much better numbers with superb conditions giving the river the best results for the season so far. Good numbers were landed daily as the river receded and the quality of the salmon caught remains outstanding with fish caught in the late teens and early twenties. There is a lack of kelts that maybe reflects the poor autumn run and early big spates.

Beat catches reported
(week ending 21st March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 1, Upper Redgorton 1, Benchil 4, Catholes Stanley 4, Upper Scone 9, Pitlochrie 2, Catholes Campsie 2, Burnmouth 8, Stobhall 5, Taymount 17, Ballathie 3, Cargill 4, Islamouth 6, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Kercock 3, Murthly 2 6, Newtyle 3, Dunkeld House 8, Dalmarnock 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Upper Kinnaird 4, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 2, Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 2, Coupar Grange 6, River Ericht 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2.
Total: 108 Largest: Murthly 2 24lbs

Salmon have been caught on the lower river this past week in much better numbers, which is understandable with the superb conditions making it ideal as fish are running slowly due to the colder water temperatures currently however this may change with the temperatures rising currently. The beats around Stanley traditionally lead the way in these conditions in early spring and should be a barometer for the runs and that has proved the case so far. The beats at Stanley are leading the way as expected with consistent catches coming from Stobhall, Taymount, Burnmouth, Catholes, Pitlochrie and Benchil.

In the Stanley area Upper Scone had a good week on the Pitlochrie beat with Pitlochrie pool being the favoured spot in big water.

Early in the week Andrew Wright had a superb day on the Pool landing 2 cracking fish including a 21 pounds beauty from the boat.

Stephen Patterson then followed that on Friday with 2 fish weighing 10 pounds a piece from the same spot.

On Saturday Swedish visitor Robin Johansson landed a lovely 12 pounds fish casting a fly from the anchored boat again from the Pool. On the same beat also in the Swedish party lady angler Marie Bergman caught a 9 pounds fish casting the fly in Horsey from the bank. Further down stream Benchil continued to do well for both Upper Scone and Stanley. The Swedish fly fishers landed 4 fish from the beat during the week with Steffan Franzmann, Patrik Carlsson, Mikael Leander and Tony Neilkson all landing fish on the cast fly from bank and boat up to 16 pounds from all over the beat. Further down stream only odd fish have been reported with the Redgorton beats being successful. John Patterson caught a 7 pounds fish from the Upper beat in the boat on Shochie Green. Catholes produced a few fish during the week with the Swedish guys catching on the fly.

Mikael Johansson landed a superb 16 pounds fish from the Catholes stream and

Patrik Carlsson caught a nice fish casting from the boat in the Black Stones. Burnmouth had a steady week with fish up to 20 pounds mainly from the boat.

Roy Thomson had success with a superb 19.5 pounds fish on a harled Rapala from the boat. Taymount and Stobhall had good week with fish on every day.

Taymount in particular did well with excellent days on Monday and Saturday. The week started off well with 6 fish landed on Monday off the top beat with David Budd, Terry Booth, Tim McFarlane and Ian Thorpe all having a day to remember landing fish up to 17 pounds. The week continued in the same vain with good fish landed from the Linn pool for Tim McFarlane and David Budd. Ian Thorpe landed a 14 pounds beauty from the Aldrens on the fly and later in the week Ed Slaven, Danny Fulton, Billy Davidson and Dougie Wangert caught fish up to 16 pounds. Cargill and Ballathie started to pick fish up on a regular basis as more fish ran the river in warmer water.

Cargill caught a few fish during the week with Neil French, David Harrington, Peter Drummond and Scott Denovan landing good fish into double figures.

On Ballathie Mark Robson landed his first ever salmon weighing a superb 18 pounds under the guidance of ghillie Garry McErlain. Islamouth reported more fish this week and with a dropping water this should improve further this week as conditions suit the fly more.

The Middle river is seeing more fish and this should improve over the coming weeks in rising temperatures.

Kercock started to see a few fish caught and also reported a few lost as well. Dougie McIntosh caught a superb 17 pounds fish on his birthday and Graham McIntyre and Ewan Morrison landed other fish up to 10 pounds. The Murthly beats are figuring more in the catches with the No 2 beat landing fish up to 24 pounds.

Newtyle caught a few fish last week with Jimmy Black landing an 8 pounds fish from the Steps and Neil Mitchell catching an 11 pounds fish from the Ferry pool from the boat. Dunkeld House had another successful week with a good few fish landed. Mrs Caplan started the week off with a superb 23 pounds fish from the boat in the Gauge pool.

Brian Joseph figured well in the catches from the beat with a couple of fish up to 16 pounds and Mike Elgie caught a couple of fish up to 14 pounds on a Toby Salmo. Dalmarnock reported a fish and Upper Kinnaird caught a couple on Wednesday.

The Upper area is also starting to see odd fish. Salmon were reported from Findynate, and the Farleyer beats as they run up to Loch Tay. Fish n’ Trips continue to see salmon caught up in the Loch with Adrian Parr being successful with a 10 pounds fish. Salmon are also reaching the Dam at Pitlochrey with a couple of fish caught there this week. Les Dargie and Saul MacKay were both successful landing good salmon on the fly from Green bank on the Port-na-Craig bank.

The Isla is starting to see salmon run the river with the Coupar Grange beat producing on a more regular basis. They registered a couple of fish for the last three days in the week.

The Spring Salmon fishing season is deep into March and expectation is very high after previous seasons and poor overall catches last year. Last weeks catches hopefully encouraged everyone after fish were caught in the system in much better numbers. Let us hope with improving conditions after big water and an upturn in catches will continue as last year proved. Tight lines!

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 23rd March 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 23rd March 2015.

The Spring Salmon fishing season is now well into March on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have had a settled week with good conditions for the pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather is to remain settled over the coming week and colder, which hopefully will not deter the chances of producing good sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements. Catches have improved dramatically and the quality of the salmon caught remains outstanding but as we go deeper into March hopefully conditions will remain favourable and there will be a further improvement in the run after last weeks success as happened in the last couple of years.

Currently the river settling back nicely with excellent conditions (below 3’ and falling on the Ballathie gauge) to hopefully encourage more spring salmon to run.

The weather is to be slightly colder and settled over the next week after the recent horrible weather. 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 forecast at times last week and recent big spate triggered off salmon to run the river in improving catches. We have just had a massive spring spate, which could have been the tonic for even better catches. Expectation remains very high. Colder weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature is slowly creeping up to around 43 degrees Fahrenheit or 6 degrees Celsius. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The colder weather has benefited the lower beats so far but hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river after milder conditions prevailed last week. There will be a few kelts about on many beats and they will quite silver now and should not be mistaken for a spring salmon. Should you require guidance on salmon identification at this time of year please see this

Salmon Fishing Scotland Early Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Early Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire 2015.

This week has seen much better spring salmon catches on the Tay in Perthshire with fast approaching 100 springers landed on the beats up and down the river which is heartening.

The anglers on the Tay today had further excitement with clear skies to see the partial eclipse and the light faded considerably as the moon blocked out the sun. How would that effect the salmon? Well the Upper Scone rods were in the Pitlochrie pool and landed 2 spring salmon in no time this morning under the guidance of David Seaton.

Stephen Patterson with a superb 10 pounds springer from Pitlochrie pool.

Down on the Benchil beat Swedish angler Tony Neilson landed this superb 16 pounds fish on the fly casting from the boat in the Long Shot.

Patrik Carlsson Caught this beauty on the fly from the Black Stones on the Catholes.

A strange light on the Catholes caused by the moon partially covering the sun as a shadow is cast over earth.

The quality of spring salmon being caught on the Tay is outstanding. This was a superb 21 pounds beauty caught by Andrew Wright earlier in the week from Pitlochrie pool.

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Salmon Fishing Scotland March Spring Fishing on the Tay 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland March Spring Fishing on the Tay 2015.

The river has settled back nicely and spring salmon are running the river Tay in Perthshire in much better numbers. Two days into a new week and the best part of 30 salmon have been caught right up the river.

A superb 16 pounds springer caught fly fishing in the Catholes stream by Swedish angler Mikael Johansson.

John Patterson with a 7 pounds beauty caught on the Upper Redgorton beat from the boat.

A superb 17 pounds fish caught by Ian Thorpe on Taymount yesterday.

A delighted Marie Bergman with a 9 pounds fish from the Little Head on the Catholes caught casting the fly from the boat.

John Hutcheon with a 10 pounds fish caught at Taymount. This was one of six spring fish off the beat yesterday.


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