Sunday, June 28, 2015

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 27th June 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 27th June 2015.

The salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire has been excellent for some time now with improving conditions for fishing and reasonably settled water levels have prevailed to give the river an excellent late spring period with the river equaling last years catches so far and improving on the 5 year average. The current trend has continued in June so far. The spring period has ended but steady conditions have spread fish throughout the system in the last few weeks, this may be the catalyst for even better catches which hopefully will continue over the next few weeks as we go deeper into summer. This past week seems to have signaled the end of the 2015 spring run but the river is holding a good stock of fish especially in the middle areas. Expectation remains high on the river for 2015 after consistent catches recently and hopefully favourable conditions may trigger off improving runs as we go into Summer to give everyone a chance of landing a Tay “Bar of Silver”.
Late spring and summer salmon were landed last week in lesser numbers in reasonably settled conditions. We recorded another good weekly catch in the current prolific period. There was good cloud cover and it was warm. Good numbers were landed daily signaling another consistent late spring and early summer week from all over as the river level receded and the quality of the salmon caught remained outstanding with fish caught in the late teens. Grilse are starting to run with odd ones caught and in excellent condition. Sea trout are making an appearance as well with some top quality fish caught. On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows are all over the skies, Ospreys are being seen,
Kingfishers dart past, Ducks have their second broods of young and Sand Pipers are on the riverbank. It is a magical time of year with the wild flowers coming out everywhere with Rhododendrons and Azaleas in bloom and Lupines everywhere as well as many others. It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!”

Beat catches reported
(week ending 27th June)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 4, Lower Redgorton 1, Benchil 1, Stobhall 3, Taymount 4, Ballathie 3, Cargill 6, Islamouth 15, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 5, Kercock 3, Murthly 1 7, Glendelvine 6, Murthly 2 6, Newtyle 11, Dunkeld House 6, Dalmarnock 3, Lower Kinnaird 2, Upper Kinnaird 1, Farleyer Upper 2, Ericht Fishing 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Loch Faskally 5.
Total: 96 Largest: Cargill 19lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 2, Upper Redgorton 1, Taymount 1, Cargill 2.
Total: 6 Largest: Waulkmill & Taymount 4lbs

Salmon have been caught throughout the system this past week in reasonable numbers, which is understandable with the superb conditions at times making it ideal as fish run harder due to the warmer water temperatures and fish are spreading throughout the river. Bigger water in the previous week may have encouraged more to run. The mandatory government catch and release restrictions have ended however the river would ask everyone to observe the TDSB recommendations to preserve what we have for future years. Return rates are at an all time low and wild salmon are a precious resource to the Tay and all rivers in Scotland. Handling of fresh salmon in particular is a big issue now if we are serious about successful release to enable as many salmon as possible to survive to spawn. 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 and is bad practice.Further information on the policy and good release practice. 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.

The Lower Tay below Stanley has seen more fish recorded this past week and Sea Trout are about however on the beats just above the Stanley area catches remained reasonable despite warm water temperatures as fish race up the system. The boats are about to go back onto the beats at Stanley and below in July for summer fishing. Almondmouth continued to see odd fish caught with 4 in the week and fish have been caught on the Stormont Angling club water. Lower Redgorton recorded a fish at the end of the week as water heights suited their Bleachings pool.
Danny Fulton had more success at Benchil landing a sea liced 7 pounds fish on the fly from the Long Shot and others were seen with odd ones lost. Taymount and Stobhall continue to catch constantly as do Ballathie and Cargill with 6 salmon landed up to 15 pounds in weight. Cargill started the week of with a small fish for Stewart Scott from the Pot Shot.
Alan and Jill Hunter both managed fish from the upper beat, as did Lotte White from Bermuda. The river is dropping to its lowest level of the year slowly which should suit the beats and an old legend Colin Leslie used to say that the grilse started running when " the buds were bursting on Ballathie" well all the Rhododendrons are out in bloom so hopefully the grilse will start in good numbers soon. Islamouth had another consistent week with 15 fish landed on the fly. Upper Islamouth and Meikleour landed five salmon up to 12 pounds with David Wasilowski after three years of trying, doing well to catch his first ever fish and then his second on the fly.

The Middle river is fishing well with consistent catches and continuing good results this past week that hopefully should continue over the coming weeks. Kercock had a quieter week with 3 fish. Murthly and Glendelvine had another good week recording 18 fish for the week. Newtyle did well with 11 fish during the week. Douglas Heeks landed 3 up to 10 pounds from the Cotter and the Steps.
Jon Amos caught 2 fish on the fly from the Boil, then 18year old
Calum Cook from Canada landed his 1st ever salmon, an 8 pounder from the Cotter and Andy Gunn managed to have a cast for himself on the beat to land several fish up to 13 pounds.
On Saturday Andrew Gifford landed a 7 pounds fish on the fly from the Trap. Dunkeld House had a quieter week with 6 fish but are still seeing a lot of fish in the beat.
Dalmarnock managed 3 during the week as did the Kinnaird beats.

The Tummel is continuing to produce fish but was much quieter as fish make their way up to Pitlochry dam and through it with the counter is now showing in excess of 2200 with rising temperatures. All the beats below the dam including East and West Haugh have been producing fish over the last week or so, which has been good news. It was a quieter week on the Pitlochry Angling club stretch as fish escape through the dam in numbers. Robert Crowther landed the only fish from the dam weighing 9 pounds but several fish were caught on the clubs Sawmill beat further down stream, amongst the successful rods catching on the fly were Gordon Nichol, Jimmy Ross, Steven Watt and Andy Khakoo with his first ever salmon weighing 8 pounds on the fly. Loch Faskally reported 6 fish in the week with successful rods including Greg McLelland with 4 fish on Monday up to 15 pounds on Tomics and Rapalas. Mark Edwards and Greg Russell on Tobies caught further fish.

The Upper areas are seeing fish on their beats. A total of 2 salmon were reported from the Farleyer beats during the week as they run up to Loch Tay.

On Loch Tay fish are running but nothing was reported last week.

The Isla is starting to see salmon run the river with odd fish registered.

The Ericht is also seeing fish run up the river with 1 reported off the lower river below Blairgowrie.]

The Earn were also seeing a late spring salmon and Sea Trout run however no fish were reported last week possibly due to the water levels dropping.

The Spring Salmon fishing season is now over as we now go into summer and expectation remains high after great catches recently and poor overall catches last year. Late spring catches have been tremendous and June has continued to encourage everyone after fish were caught in the system in continuing better numbers. Let us hope with improving conditions and the upturn in catches will continue. 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.

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 29th June 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 29th June 2015.

The Salmon fishing season is now about to see the end of June on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have had reasonably settled summer weather with a dropping river for the pursuit of that magical salmon with some warmer conditions. The weather is to be fairly settled over the coming week with a chance of rain and get much warmer, but hopefully this will not deter the chances of producing good sport and some "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to have a go. Catches last week dropped off a bit in good conditions but good catches were still attained especially in the middle river and the quality of the salmon caught remains outstanding and as we go into Summer hopefully conditions will remain favourable and there will be a further improvement in the run to give even more success.
Currently the river is slightly unsettled with recent rain but falling back day by day generally with excellent conditions (around 2’ on the Ballathie gauge) after a settled week. This hopefully may encourage more salmon to run.
The weather is to continue reasonably settled with warmer weather all week and with occasional rain. We are seeing summer conditions prevail. The tremendous spring run is over but warmer conditions have enabled spring salmon to run hard up the river and spread rapidly with hopefully the arrival of some summer fish to follow and maintain sport. The milder weather forecast at times and recent bigger water triggered off salmon to run the river in improving numbers. Expectation remains very high. The general forecast should continue to drop river levels and hopefully maintain the current excellent conditions and make ideal summer fishing conditions. The water temperature has risen dramatically with the hot weather and is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15.5 degrees Celsius but may rise with warmer weather during the week. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The colder weather has benefited the lower beats early in the season but is now holding fish in the middle river as the fish spread so there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river after slowly rising temperatures prevailed last week.
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 slowly enabling floating lines to come out 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 at this time of year on many beats.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy from June to the end of 2015 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. It is vital the river system follows these guide lines to ensure the draconian new Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation 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.
Return rates are at an all time low and wild salmon are a precious resource to the Tay and all rivers in Scotland. Handling of fresh salmon in particular is a big issue now if we are serious about successful release to enable as many salmon as possible to survive to spawn.
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 and is bad practice. Further information on the policy and good release practice. 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.
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.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ladies Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ladies Fishing on the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland 2015.

Upper Islamouth and Meikleour held a very successful ladies day on Saturday to boost the Angling for Youth Development charity, which was set-up to encourage more young people to try fishing as a hobby and steer them away from a life of antisocial behaviour. Claire Mercer Nairne hosted the event with the support of Anne Woodcock from Ladies Fishing, and a team of volunteer instructors. The focus was on casting, understanding the river and “catch & release” best practise. All the equipment was provided and a team of volunteer professional instructors coached the group of 10 ladies, of which most of them were beginners. Unfortunately no one caught a fish but there were a couple of close calls and several fish were seen including a Tay silver monster leaping out of the river several times. Claire was delighted that Dr Aileen McLeod, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, had responded positively to her invitation despite her busy schedule. Fiona Armstrong was also present as she is the patron of AFYD.
Claire is a new member of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board and has been following closely the necessary wild fisheries reform proposals. She is a passionate angler and believes protecting the future of our salmonids while fuelling our rural economy with a thriving tourism industry should go hand in hand. She has sadly witnessed some unconstructive resistance during recent public meetings, and feels strongly that a gap between our government and some groups of the angling community should not be allowed to develop.
The “Ladies Days” had two purposes: introducing women to fly fishing in a friendly, approachable and enjoyable manner, while raising money for a laudable local charity. Teaching women safe angling skills and sharing with them our love for the river is a great way of promoting angling as a family-friendly activity and inspiring the younger generation. The beat owners are great believers in making fishing accessible for all and the charity they are supporting this year was Angling For Youth Development, which was formed in 2004 at the instigation of two Glasgow policemen. They had rightly perceived that by introducing young people to a worthwhile hobby like angling or fly-tying would help reduce anti-social behaviour.
Claire invited the Minister to come in her personal capacity to get an opportunity to get a feel about salmon fishing in a relaxed atmosphere, to talk about the Tay and the importance of salmon fishing in our rural economy, and to show how proprietors, charities and other stakeholders in the recreational fishing world can work together to promote the next generation of anglers.
The event was a tremendous success and they cannot wait to hold another similar event later in the year. They were delighted to hand a cheque for £1250 to young AFYD angler Katie, which will magically turn into £1562 after gift aid is completed! There was a huge thank you for Anne Woodcock from Ladies Fishing, instructor Cliff Johnston and Tom Brown, as well as Malcolm Anderson from Caledonia Fly and the beat Ghillies Calum and Daniel who have worked so hard for the event.

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Sunday, June 21, 2015

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 20th June 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 20th June 2015.

The salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire has been excellent for some time now with improving conditions for fishing and reasonably settled water levels have prevailed to give the river an excellent late spring period with the river equaling last years catches so far and improving on the 5 year average. The current trend has continued in June so far. Traditionally in this period we see good late spring runs and steady conditions as fish spread throughout the system, this may be the catalyst for even better catches which hopefully will continue over the next few weeks. This past week seems to have signaled the end of the 2015 spring run but the river is holding a good stock of fish especially in the middle areas. Expectation remains high on the river for 2015 after consistent catches recently and hopefully favourable conditions may trigger off improving runs as we go into Summer to give everyone a chance of landing a Tay “Bar of Silver”.
Late spring and summer salmon were landed last week in continued better numbers after conditions settled from the previous week. We recorded another superb weekly catch in the current prolific period in ideal conditions all week. There was good cloud cover and it was warm. Good numbers were landed daily signaling another superb late spring and early summer week from all over as the river level receded and the quality of the salmon caught remained outstanding with fish caught in the late teens and early twenties. Grilse are starting to run with odd ones caught and in excellent condition. Sea trout are making an appearance as well with some top quality fish caught. On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows are all over the skies, Ospreys are being seen, Kingfishers dart past, Ducks have their first broods and possibly second of young and Sand Pipers are on the riverbank. It is a magical time of year with the wild flowers coming out everywhere with Rhododendrons and Azaleas in bloom and Lupines appearing as well as many others. It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!”

Beat catches reported(week ending 20th June)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 4, Lower Redgorton 2, Luncarty 1, Benchil 1, Stobhall 9, Taymount 6, Ballathie 4, Cargill 8, Islamouth 18, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 6, Kercock 13, Murthly 1 16, Glendelvine 16, Murthly 2 34, Newtyle 13, Dunkeld House 20, Dalmarnock 6, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Findynate 2, Farleyer Upper 5, Farleyer Lower 4, Keithick Mains 2, Ericht Fishing 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 4, Loch Faskally 13, Ruan Ruarie 2.
Total: 212 Largest: Dunkeld House 21lbs
SEA TROUT: Upper Redgorton 1, Benchil 1, Stobhall 1, Murthly 2 1, Newtyle 1, Lochlane and Laggan 2.
Total: 7 Largest: Stobhall 4lbs

Salmon have been caught throughout the system this past week in reasonable numbers, which is understandable with the superb conditions at times making it ideal as fish run harder due to the warmer water temperatures and fish are spreading throughout the river. Bigger water in the previous week may have encouraged more to run. The mandatory government catch and release restrictions have ended however the river would ask everyone to observe the TDSB recommendations to preserve what we have for future years. Return rates are at an all time low and wild salmon are a precious resource to the Tay and all rivers in Scotland.
Handling of fresh salmon in particular is a big issue now if we are serious about successful catch and release to enable as many salmon as possible to survive to spawn. 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 and is bad practice. Further information on the policy and good release practice. 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.

On the Lower Tay below Stanley has seen more fish recorded this past week and Sea Trout are about however on the beats just above the Stanley area catches remained reasonable despite rising water temperatures. The boats are off the beats at Stanley and below until July for summer fishing. Bank fishing is available with reasonably priced daily permits and summer permits covering the whole period. Almond mouth started to see odd fish caught with 4 in the week and fish have been caught on the Stormont Angling club water. Lower Redgorton recorded a couple at the end of the week as water heights suited their Bleachings pool.
Danny Fulton had more success at Benchil landing a sea liced 9 pounds fish on the fly from the Long Shot and others were seen with odd ones lost. Taymount and Stobhall continue to catch constantly as do Ballathie and Cargill with 8 salmon landed up to 15 pounds in weight. The river has dropped to its lowest level of the year which should suit the beats and an old legend Colin Leslie used to say that the grilse started running when " the buds were bursting on Ballathie" well all the Rhododendrons are out in bloom so hopefully the grilse will start in good numbers next week. Ben King visiting from Ohio fishing with Jock Monteith landed his first ever Tay salmon on the fly after 10 minutes of tuition!
Iain Jardine landed another fish from the top beat. Islamouth started the week off brilliantly with 14 in two days and with several others lost but then feel away as runs stopped coming through. On the prolific days Jim Ferrie, Simon Furniss, Bill and Sandra Robbins all caught. Upper Islamouth and Meikleour had a quieter week with the water dropping off but had an enjoyable ladies day on Saturday to boost the Angling for Youth Development charity, which was set-up to encourage more young people to try fishing as a hobby and steer them away from a life of antisocial behaviour.
Claire Mercer Nairne, who runs the fishery and was the first elected female member of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, said: “Our ladies’ days have two purposes – to introduce women to fly-fishing in a friendly, approachable and enjoyable manner, while raising money for a laudable local charity. Earlier in the week Mr Wilson caught 3 fish up to 8 pounds and Davie Taylor caught an 8 pounds fish as well on Tuesday.

The Middle river is fishing extremely well with more fish and continuing good results this past week that hopefully should continue over the coming weeks in rising temperatures. Kercock had a far better week with 13 fish catching most days. Donald Cameron had 4 fish with his biggest one weighing 14 pounds, Sandy Datta caught a grilse and his wife Sam landed an 8 pounder, father and son James and Jim Redmond had a good day with three fish. Jim had the biggest at 13 pounds. Murthly and Glendelvine have been outstanding with more tremendous catches and recording over 50 fish for the week. Glendelvine caught 9 on Wednesday them Murthly 2 caught 11 from Stenton on Thursday. Newtyle had another excellent week with double figures caught.
Ally Smith caught his first ever salmon on his very first days salmon fishing on the beat caught on the fly. Dunkeld House continued their good form with 20 in the week. 5 fish were landed on the beat on Monday with Ben King landing 4 fish up to 9 pounds and
Phil Watts landed his first salmon weighing 7 pounds.
Jim McDonald caught a 21 pounds fish and
Ben King caught another 2 fish on Tuesday.
Dalmarnock are catching consistently with David Bryce having a good day on the beat landing 2 lovely grilse on the fly from the Ferrie Haugh. Dalguise and Kinnaird recorded odd fish in the week.

The Tummel is continuing to produce fish on a regular basis as fish make their way up to Pitlochry dam and through it as the counter is now showing in excess of 1900 with rising temperatures. All the beats below the dam including East and West Haugh have been producing fish over the last week or so, which has been good news. It was a quieter week on the Pitlochry Angling club stretch as fish escape through the dam in numbers. Duncan Webster and Graeme Stewart got the week off to a good start with fish on the fly. Jim Fisher caught on Tuesday and then Chris Boyle caught a superb 17 pounds fish on Wednesday. Dave Wilson continued to do well up at Ruan Ruarie with a couple of fish in the week up to 9 pounds. Successful rods at the end of the week included Gordon Nichol with 2 fish from the Sawmill and the Dam up to 12 pounds on the fly. Loch Faskally reported 13 fish in the week with successful rods including James Thomson with an 8 pounds fish on a Rapala. Campbell Dixon had a great week landing 5 fish up to 12 pounds mostly on Toby Salmos.

The Upper areas are seeing fish on their beats. A total of 11 salmon were reported from the Farleyer and Findynate beats consistently catching on most days during the week as they run up to Loch Tay.

On Loch Tay fish are running but nothing was reported last week.

The Isla is starting to see salmon run the river with odd fish registered. Keithick Mains caught a fish on Monday.

The Ericht is also seeing fish run up the river with 1 reported off the lower river below Blairgowrie.

The Earn were also seeing a late spring salmon and Sea Trout run however no fish were reported last week possibly due to the water levels dropping.

The Spring Salmon fishing season is now over as we now go into summer and expectation remains high after great catches recently and poor overall catches last year. Late spring catches have been tremendous and June has continued to encourage everyone after fish were caught in the system in continuing better numbers. Let us hope with improving conditions and the upturn in catches will continue. 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.


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 22nd June 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for the Tay, Perthshire, Scotland week commencing 22nd June 2015.

The Salmon fishing season is now well into June on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland and we have had settled summer weather with a dropping river for the pursuit of that magical salmon with some warmer conditions. The weather is to be fairly settled over the coming week with a chance of rain and continue much warmer, but hopefully this will not deter the chances of producing good sport and some "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to have a go. Catches last week in excellent conditions were again superb especially in the middle river and the quality of the salmon caught remains outstanding and as we go into Summer hopefully conditions will remain favourable and there will be a further improvement in the run to give even more success.
Currently the river is falling back day by day with excellent conditions (around 1’6 on the Ballathie gauge) after a settled week. This hopefully may encourage more salmon to run.
The weather is to continue reasonably settled with warmer weather all week and with occasional rain. We are at last loosing the colder temperatures and seeing summer conditions prevail. Last week seemed to see an end to the spring run but warmer conditions have enabled spring salmon to run hard up the river and spread rapidly with hopefully the arrival of some summer fish to follow and maintain sport. The milder weather forecast at times and recent bigger water triggered off salmon to run the river in improving numbers. Expectation remains very high.
The general forecast should continue to drop river levels and hopefully maintain the current excellent conditions and make ideal summer fishing conditions. The water temperature has risen dramatically with the hot weather and is around 56 degrees Fahrenheit or 13.5 degrees Celsius but may rise with warmer weather during the week. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The colder weather has benefited the lower beats early in the season but is now holding fish in the middle river as the fish spread so there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river after slowly rising temperatures prevailed last week.
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 slowly enabling floating lines to come out 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 at this time of year on many beats.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy from June to the end of 2015 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. It is vital the river system follows these guide lines to ensure the draconian new Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation 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.

Return rates are at an all time low and wild salmon are a precious resource to the Tay and all rivers in Scotland. Handling of fresh salmon in particular is a big issue now if we are serious about successful release to enable as many salmon as possible to survive to spawn.
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 and is bad practice. Further information on the policy and good release practice. 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.
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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Salmon Fishing Scotland Superb Summer Salmon Fishing on Tay, Perthshire 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Superb Summer Salmon Fishing on Tay, Perthshire 2015.

The summer salmon fishing is currently superb on the Tay in Perthshire. We are enjoying a very late spring and possibly early summer run of top quality salmon with the odd grilse now appearing as well. This week so far there have been the best part of 100 salmon registered all ready which way ahead of other years and long may it continue.
A good fish being played on Islamouth on the fly. The beat has now passed 200 for the season so far and is having a purple patch this week as water levels have dropped to an ideal fishing height for the beat.
Dunkled House continue their superb season with some outstanding catches again this week.
This is Ally Smith with his first ever salmon on his very first days salmon fishing on the Newtyle beat caught on the fly.
The sun goes down on Islamouth.

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.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 13th June 2015.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon Fishing Report for W/E 13th June 2015.

The salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire has been excellent for some time now with improving conditions for fishing and reasonably settled water levels have prevailed to give the river an excellent April and even better results in May with the river equaling last years catches so far and improving on the 5 year average. The current trend has continued in June so far. Traditionally in this period we see good late spring runs and steady conditions as fish spread throughout the system, this may be the catalyst for even better catches which hopefully will continue over the next few weeks. Expectation remains high on the river for 2015 after consistent catches recently and hopefully favourable conditions may trigger off improving runs as we go into Summer to give everyone a chance of landing a Tay “Bar of Silver”.
Late spring and summer salmon were landed last week in continued better numbers after conditions settled from big water earlier in the week. We recorded another superb weekly catch in the current prolific period despite some hot days and bright conditions. Good numbers were landed daily signaling another superb late spring and early summer week from all over as the river level receded and the quality of the salmon caught remained outstanding with fish caught in the late teens and early twenties. Grilse are starting to run with odd ones caught and in excellent condition. Sea trout are making an appearance as well with some top quality fish caught. On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows are all over the skies, Ospreys are being seen,
Kingfishers dart past, Ducks have their first broods and possibly second of young and Sand Pipers are on the riverbank. It is a magical time of year with the wild flowers coming out everywhere with Blue Bells, Primroses, Irises and Lupines appearing as well as many others. It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!”

Beat catches reported(week ending 13th June)
SALMON & GRILSE: Benchil 1, Upper Scone 1, Stobhall 2, Taymount 4, Ballathie 1, Cargill 7, Islamouth 17, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 8, Kercock 3, Murthly 1 6, Glendelvine 3, Murthly 2 22, Newtyle 18, Dunkeld House 12, Dalmarnock 12, Dalguise 2, Lower Kinnaird 5, Upper Kinnaird 3, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 4, Farleyer Lower 2, Portnacraig Pitlochry 19, Loch Faskally 2.
Total: 155 Largest: Dunkeld House 21lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 2, Upper Redgorton 1, Benchil 3, Upper Scone 2, Taymount 1, Murthly 2 1.
Total: 10 Largest: Lower Redgorton & Upper Scone 4lbs

Salmon have been caught throughout the system this past week in reasonable numbers, which is understandable with the superb conditions at times making it ideal as fish run harder due to the warmer water temperatures and fish are spreading throughout the river. Bigger water at the start of this week may have encouraged more to run. The mandatory government catch and release restrictions have ended however the river would ask everyone to observe the TDSB recommendations to preserve what we have for future years. Return rates are at an all time low and wild salmon are a precious resource to the Tay and all rivers in Scotland. Handling of fresh salmon in particular is a big issue now if we are serious about successful release to enable as many salmon as possible to survive to spawn.
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 and is bad practice. Further information on the policy and good release practice. 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.

On the Lower Tay below Stanley there have only been odd fish recorded but Sea Trout are starting to appear in numbers however on the beats just above the Stanley area catches remained reasonable despite rising water temperatures. The boats are off the beats at Stanley and below until July for summer fishing. Bank fishing is available with reasonably priced daily permits and summer permits covering the whole period. Upper Scone and Benchil each recorded a fish in the week and the rods were reporting seeing fish running through the beats. Stobhall and Taymount accounted for a few fish in the week. The water levels are starting to favour Cargill and Ballathie with the height about to go under 2 feet. Cargill had a consistent week with 7 lovely silver salmon landed up to 15 pounds mostly caught on the fly and mainly off the top beat.
Jason French landed his first ever salmon on Friday and Paul Clarke had fish from the bridge stream on his three day trip. Islamouth had another good week with fish every day accounting for 17. It is coming into a great height for the beat as well and sport should improve for fly fishing. On Upper Islamouth and Meikleour despite lower water levels, they had a successful week with 8 fish landed up to 16 pounds. Malcolm Anderson had further success with two fish up to 15 pounds, but highlight of the week was Mrs Alex Rearie catching a sea-liced 16 pounder on Saturday. Having never even held a fishing rod before she had a morning’s tuition before going on to catch her fish in the afternoon! With two weeks fishing still to go the beat are already on our best June since 1995.
Eddie McGhee had an 8 pounds fish earlier in the week on his first cast from the mouth of the Isla.

The Middle river is fishing very well with more fish and continuing good results this past week that should continue over the coming weeks in rising temperatures. Kercock had 3 in the week and were seeing fish running through the beat. The Murthly and Glendelvine are having an outstanding period with another 31 fish this past week. Early in the week
Alan and
Jim Ferrie had a good day on the Upper Murthly beat landing 7 salmon on the fly mostly from the Tronach pool. Newtyle had another week to remember with 18 fish landed. It started on Monday with Peter Dobson landing a 10lbs fish from the Ferry Pool, 90-year-old Jack Hopper landed an 8lbs fish from the Alders and John Gunn caught a 15lbs fish in the Ferry Pool.
Tuesday saw Peter Dobson landed a fly caught 10lbs fish in the Ferry Pool and Jack Hopper landed another 8lb'er in the Ferry Pool. On Wednesday Peter Dobson landed 2 fish of 10 & 12lbs from the Ferry Pool. On Thursday Ronnie Fraser landed 2 fly caught fish of 10 and 12lbs from the Cotter and the Trap. Graham Fyfe landed a 9lbs fly caught fish from the Alders, Andrew Watkin landed 2 fish at 8lbs from the Ferry Pool and David Gardner landed an 8lbs fish in St Mary's.
Friday saw Ronnie Fraser land a 9lbs fish from the Trap and Donald Gow landed a 7lbs fish from the Dean's Burn. Saturday Adam Lennon landed a 12lbs fish from the Trap, David Gardner and Andy Gunn both landed fish of 9lbs and 5lbs from the Ferry Pool. What a great week! Dunkeld House also had another super week with 12 fish. The outstanding fish for the week was a first ever fish for Ashley weighing 21 pounds from the Gauge Pool.
There was another first ever for Chris Barr on the fly from the Gauge Pool as well. Dalmarnock had a superb week with 12 fish. Regular anglers and a party from Norway enjoyed success landing fresh fish up to 10 pounds. Dalguise reported a couple of fish in the week with Malcolm Freeland landing an 8 pounds fish from the Island Pool on a Rapala. The Kinnaird beats had a better week with 8 fish caught. Jim Andrew was one of the successful rods on the Upper beat.

The Tummel is continuing to produce fish on a regular basis as fish make their way up to Pitlochry dam and through it as the counter is now showing in excess of 1360 with rising temperatures. All the beats below the dam including East and West Haugh have been producing fish over the last week, which has been good news.Neil McLennen had a superb day on East Haugh on Monday landing 5 salmon on fly. At Pitlochry Dam 19 salmon were caught in a superb week on the Angling club stretch. The week got off to a great start with
Danny Docherty catching two fish at 19 and 14 lbs - both on the fly;
Ismo Leppanen caught a 9lber on the fly; in the evening Steve Watt had two in quick succession up to 14 lbs both on the fly; Gordon Nichol and Andrew Williamson also caught on fly. Tuesday saw another good day with Saul Mackay with an 11lber on the fly; Alun Williams had a good day with a 7lber on the fly followed by a 20lber on the spinner; downstream on Sawmill Steve Watt continued his great run with two fish at 7 and 11lbs - both on the fly. Wednesday saw Steve Watt land another 3 on fly up to 10 pounds and Jim Fisher catch an 11 pounder also on fly. Gordon Nichol, David Russell, Martin Wilson and Greame Stewart caught further fish up to 14 pounds. Loch Faskally reported 2 fish in the week with successful rods including Gary Gormley with a 10 pounds fish on a Rapala lure.

The Upper areas are seeing fish on their beats. A total of 7 salmon were reported from the Farleyer and Findynate beats consistently catching on most days during the week as they run up to Loch Tay.

On Loch Tay fish are running but nothing was reported last week.

The Isla is starting to see salmon run the river however no fish were registered.

The Ericht is also seeing fish run up the river with 4 reported off the lower river below Blairgowrie.

The Earn were also seeing a late spring salmon and Sea Trout run however no fish were reported last week possibly due to the water levels dropping.

The Spring Salmon fishing season is now over as we now go into summer and expectation remains high after great catches recently and poor overall catches last year. April and May’s catches have been tremendous and early June has encouraged everyone after fish were caught in the system in continuing better numbers. Let us hope with improving conditions and the upturn in catches will continue. 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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