Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Salmon fishing review 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Salmon fishing review 2016.


Tay Salmon Fishing Review 2016.

The river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland has had a disappointing but interesting salmon fishing year by modern standards as the FishTay web site have reported only 4775 Salmon and Grilse being caught for the 2016 fishing season. There was effectively no autumn run. It must be said that salmon fishing catches are no longer easily achieved with this situation being mirrored right across the north Atlantic sea board due to problems at sea with a continued increase in Smolt mortality that is out of the rivers control. In terms of the salmon and grilse catch, the 2016 season total shows an 13% decrease on 2015 and a 24 % decrease on the 5-year average for FishTay beats. It should also be noted that there were no catches in the last 2 weeks of October this and last year due to the extension fishing being stopped in 2014 halfing the October catch effectively and making the 5-year average worse.

Catches reported per month through the season were as follows Jan 18, Feb 158, Mar 323, Apr 531, May 647, Jun 507, Jul 564, Aug 695, Sep 746 and October 586. The spring period from January to May continues to be a positive part of the season, and interestingly it outscored the autumn for the first time in decades. The catch was like 2015 and represents a 7 % increase on the 5-year average. This confirms the trend starting on the Tay 4 years ago with much better spring fishing. The early spring was steady with a better February and the late spring remained positive for the middle river confirming the spring proportion of the catch on the Tay is increasing year on year with this year’s catch being 35 % of the total. We are continuing to see the start of a change in the cycles as in the past and it would have been unthinkable in recent years that there would be more spring salmon caught than autumn fish. Further evidence of this phenomenon was a strong June ending the 2016 spring run. The summer period including June to the end of August decreased by 16 % on a stronger 2015 which was disappointing. The run seemed only to last until mid-August. The autumn period was not good and fell back on 2015 with no real run to speak of, September to October showed a 26.8 % decrease on 2015 in reasonable conditions. The Grilse run was poor again pointing to an improving Spring. Another aspect of the catch was the continuation of larger multi sea winter salmon being caught throughout the Tay system in the 20 to 30 pounds’ class, which the river has been famous for over the years.

To provide some context it should be said the 2016 salmon rod catch was disappointing compared to 2015 apart from another strong spring however no run to speak of in the autumn from Mid-August sent alarm bells ringing with the spring outscoring the autumn. Hopefully there will be improvements to come in 2016 but the question should be asked why and has the autumn run disappeared for the foreseeable future due to cyclical change? The spring was again the big plus which is all ready creating massive interests in spring fishing for 2017 with much anticipation after this year’s autumn failing. The summer was reasonable with the end of the spring run and a steady July to mid-August but the autumn was more difficult throughout the river with a distinct absence of a run possibly due to the north Atlantic problems in the sea and this year we could not complain about a lack of water which is more worrying. Thankfully we have a hatchery at Almondbank to help, this maybe something to further develop for the future with all the weather extremes being thrown at us in recent years.

The river has had a reasonable year with some positives but everyone expects a lot more so every effort must be made to take the river forward to the levels of the past and put the mighty Tay in its rightful position of being the premiere salmon fishing destination in the world. The river has had another good spring run and catch this season, which may just be down to the majority of anglers returning salmon over the past seasons. Thank you to all anglers who have this season returned their salmon and spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done! It should be pointed out there are several beats that do not report catches on the FishTay website and the full rod catch for the River Tay in 2016 will be a bit higher than shown on the FishTay website.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring at Stanley, Perthshire 2017.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring at Stanley, Perthshire 2017.

At Stanley, Perthshire on the Tay we are now looking forward to the spring of 2017.

The last 4 seasons have shown an upturn in spring fishing with consistently better catch returns especially on the Stanley beats of Catholes, Pitlochrie and Benchil where early spring is their best time in colder conditions. Traditionally they have been the best early beats on the river in historical records dating way back and we now appear to be going back to a spring dominance on the river which has been shown on the catch returns this past season. There were more spring salmon caught on the river as a whole than autumn this past season!

A superb spring salmon from Pitlochrie pool at Stanley.

A fresh springer caught on the Slap on the Catholes. This fish was caught casting a fly from the bank.

The latest availability is now on Fishpal under the following links. Catholes, Pitlochrie and Benchil.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Report for W/E 15th October 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Report for W/E 15th October 2016.

The salmon fishing season on the Tay in Perthshire has now ended for 2016 with the weather not being ideal at times but we are now in Autumn and there has been a very weak run in the past few weeks however catches have improved mainly due to colder conditions. The river has had settled water from a reasonable spate last week after some heavy rain giving excellent autumnal conditions for fishing plus cooling temperatures are seeing catches maintained despite the lack of fresh fish. Expectation was high for the last few days plus settled weather in early October gave everyone a chance of landing a Tay Salmon.

A few autumn salmon have been running and landed throughout last week with excellent conditions for autumn fishing and catches have continued to spread with more water and dropping temperatures making the resident salmon more aggressive. It was another steady week with excellent conditions with around 280 fish landed and the biggest one recorded was in the mid-twenties from several beats. Spring transferred into summer and steady runs came into the river plus better weather was making fishing easier with lower water however plenty fresh water in recent weeks encouraged more fish to run the river with summer disappearing as Autumn came in however no run developed. Traditionally large fish are caught at this time of year which was in evidence again last week.

On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows have been all over the skies but departing south one by one, Ospreys have gone off south for the winter, Ducks have broods of mature young, Sand Pipers are on the river banks and Dippers and Kingfishers dart past. We are now seeing the arrival of large skeins of Geese as the temperatures start to drop. The splendid autumn colours are here again for another year with turning leaves due to the colder nights, it is truly magical to be salmon fishing in Perthshire on the banks of the silvery Tay. A salmon can be a bonus!!

Friday night saw the Tay Ghillies Association hold a race night in the Tayside Hotel in Stanley to raise funds for the river. There was a good enthusiastic attendance of fishers and locals generating £2676 which will go towards a project involving the Hatchery at Almondbank. Thank you to all who attended and the generous donors giving prizes to make the night a tremendous success.

Beat catches reported (week ending 15th October)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 25, Waulkmill 17, Lower Redgorton 8, Luncarty 2, Upper Redgorton 3, Fishponds 8, Benchil 3, Catholes 1, Upper Scone 14, Burnmouth 4, Stobhall 11, Taymount 29, Ballathie 17, Cargill 28, Islamouth 13, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 18, Kercock 14, Delvine Burnbane 3, Murthly 1 2, Murthly 2 11, Newtyle 3, Dunkeld House 3, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 7, Lower Kinnaird 16, Upper Kinnaird 4, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 5, Lochlane and Laggan 3, Keithick Mains 5, Ericht Fishing 1.
Total: 280 Largest: Meikleour and Upper Islamouth & Murthly 2 & Upper Kinnaird 25lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Fishponds 3.
Total: 4 Largest: Fishponds 5lbs

The majority of the salmon were caught in the lower river in early spring, which is understandable with the cold conditions but that has changed with warmer water allowing fish to run further giving improving results up the river including fish from Loch Tay, Loch Faskally and beyond now as fish spread in the system. The lower river has been the barometer for the runs as they enter the river with water temperatures falling to around the low 50’s F. Fish were starting to be caught in greater numbers due to cooling water temperatures plus recent spates should have encouraged more salmon to run and shake the residents up as well.

This past week saw a more fish from the lower river scattered throughout the beats encouraging everyone however the summer run disappeared and an autumn run did not develop. The beats at Stanley and below were seeing steady sport with small runs entering the river and now earlier run fish have dropped back towards their final destinations of Almond, Shochie and Ordie which can only help sport in this area. The beats just above the tide continue to produce fish on a regular basis with Almondmouth, Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton catching 51 between them in a better week. Luncarty had a couple in the week with Canadian Craig Cook landing a 6 pounds fish on a Toby.

Fishponds had 8 for the week with some heavy fish caught up to 18 pounds and including the odd fresh run beauty. Upper Redgorton had a corporate week of guests and managed a couple. Upper Scone had a reasonable week with experienced rods doing well which included 7 from Benchil on Monday. Jack Fryer caught a superb 18 pounds fish on the fly in Horsey on the Pitlochrie beat, Chicken Bob Shaw had a great week with several fish with colleague Gary Blanco Perks.

Tim Greenfield and

Charles Savage enjoyed success on the fly from Benchil landing fish at the same time up to 18 pounds.

Later in the week Marc Herman caught a 13 pounds fish from the same beat in the Plain Water on the fly as well. This week at Stanley we have been remembering the late Neill John Williams who sadly passed away from a long illness late last year. Neill fished on the Tay over several years. Burnmouth had 3 on Monday above Catholes Weir and Robert Galbraith landed a superb 16 pounds fish from the tail of the Black Stones on the Catholes on the fly. Taymount had a good last week with around 30 fish meanwhile Stobhall had a much quieter week with Ray Baileys party. Ballathie and Cargill had good last weeks with 45 between them. Cargill good success with fish landed up to 22 pounds in the week.

The fly proved successful for many anglers with Neil French doing well again and Ian Jardine landing the beats 300th fish of the season. Towards the end of the week the Muir party had fun which included Diana Boreland landing her first ever salmon and hooking several others. Islamouth finished their season with several fish taking their tally for the year close to 500 making it the most successful beat on the river and most were caught on the fly with only odd fish caught spinning in high water. Upper Islamouth and Meikleour had a good week with 18 culminating in a great last day with 9 including a fish at 25 pounds.

The last day saw Scott Sykes landing 3 to 11 pounds, Matthew Allin caught a 24 pounds fish and Andrew McCaig caught his first ever fish weighing 19 pounds. His brother Oliver them landed a 25 pounds fish and Gordon Bissett and John Baillie also had fish.

The middle river has slowed down over recent weeks and were praying for rain and a late run to liven things up. Kercock had a good last week with 14 fish which included

Sam Datta and

Tomas Lundquist.

Delvine and Burnbane finished with a few fish which included Sandy Pringle and Jamie Cumming catching fish up to 12 pounds.

Fish were caught on the Murthly beats and up on Newtyle Steven Cope caught his first ever fish on the fly.

On Dunkled House Brian Joseph managed a 16 pounds fish on the last but one day. Dalmarnock had a quiet end with a single fish however further upstream Dalguise had a good end with 7. The Kinnaird beats fared better with 20 fish including a beast at 25 pounds on the last day.

The upper river was seeing sport with odd fish caught and recent fresh water has improved activities with fish recorded on Findynate and Farleyer beats.

The Tummel is continuing to see limited sport from the Port-na-Craig beat administered by Pitlochry Angling Club and there is now over 6350 fish through the Dam resulting in fish being recorded in Loch Faskally and fish are running the Garry. This is a high figure in recent years caused by the temperature coming up quickly earlier in May and encouraging the fish to run.

The Isla are seeing salmon run up the river and progressing to the Ericht and 6 fish were reported last week from the Keithick Mains and the Lower Ericht. Further up the Ericht above Blairgowrie Michael Preedy ventured down for a last cast of the season on Saturday and managed to catch 5 grilse sized fish, all on the fly within the space of 4 hours, one of which was straight out the sea, the others being slightly to very coloured. Not a bad last few hours on the 2016 season!

Fish have been reported running the Lyon however there was no news from that part of the river last week.

Fish have also been running the Earn with Lochlane and Laggan reporting 3. Other fish are being caught now throughout the river but they are not registered on Fishpal.

The Spring and Summer Salmon fishing seasons are over as now the Autumn with the last few days of the season in October with great expectation. Last week’s catches were more encouraging however trough be told there has been no autumn run to speak of. There is now clear evidence of a cyclical change towards the Spring. Hopefully as we now look forward to spring 2017 there is an increasing run. See you on Monday 16th January 2017.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Late Autumn Salmon Fishing on Tay, Perthshire 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Late Autumn Salmon Fishing on Tay, Perthshire 2016.

It is now the last few days of the Tay, Perthshire 2016 salmon fishing season with changing weather and dropping temperatures making salmon far more aggressive.

There has not been an outstanding autumn run so far on any Scottish river however dropping river temperatures make the resident fish more likely to take.

This was an 18 pounds fish caught by Tim Greenfield on Benchil caught on the fly from the Long Shot.

Charles Savage with a reasonably fresh 16 pounds fish caught on the fly from the Long Shot on Benchil.

This week at Stanley we have been remembering the late Neill John Williams who sadly passed away from a long illness late last year. Neill fished on the Tay over several years.

There is now a commemorative bench on the Catholes in fond memory of Neill.

Cheers Neill, we all hope you are resting in peace and fishing a good river in heaven.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Report for W/E 8th October 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Report for W/E 8th October 2016.

The salmon fishing season on the Tay in Perthshire has now seen Summer although the weather has not been ideal at times but we are now in Autumn and there has been a weak run in the past few weeks and catches have improved however we are now looking for an increase in runs after another steady September despite some unsettled conditions at times. The river has had settled water from a reasonable spate last week after some heavy rain giving excellent autumnal conditions for fishing plus cooling temperatures are seeing catches maintained despite the lack of fresh fish. Expectation is high for the last few days plus hopefully settled weather will continue with an improving run in early October to give everyone a chance of landing a Tay Salmon.

A few autumn salmon have been running and landed throughout last week with excellent conditions for autumn fishing and catches have continued to spread with more water and dropping temperatures making the resident salmon more aggressive. It was another steady week with excellent conditions with 250 fish landed and the biggest one recorded was in the early thirties on Islamouth. Spring transferred into summer and steady runs came into the river plus better weather was making fishing easier with lower water however plenty fresh water may have encouraged more fish to run the river with summer disappearing and hopefully an autumn run develops in earnest as temperature start to drop. The fish that have been caught so far have been superb quality and of a good size overall, Autumn is upon us and traditionally large fish are caught which was in evidence last week.

On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows have been all over the skies but departing south one by one, Ospreys have gone off south for the winter, Ducks have broods of mature young, Sand Pipers are on the river banks and Dippers and Kingfishers dart past. We are now seeing the arrival of large skeins of Geese as the temperatures start to drop. The splendid autumn colours are here again for another year with turning leaves due to the colder nights, it is truly magical to be salmon fishing in Perthshire on the banks of the silvery Tay. A salmon can be a bonus!!

Beat catches reported (week ending 8th October)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 18, Waulkmill 7, Lower Redgorton 13, Luncarty 2, Upper Redgorton 10, Fishponds 6, Benchil 1, Catholes 1, Upper Scone 11, Pitlochrie 2, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 31, Taymount 35, Ballathie 5, Cargill 27, Islamouth 16, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 10, Kercock 10, Delvine Burnbane 1, Murthly 1 6, Glendelvine 2, Murthly 2 4, Newtyle 5, Dunkeld House 2, Dalmarnock 3, Lower Kinnaird 4, Upper Kinnaird 1, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 5, Farleyer Lower 3, Upper Aberuthven 2, Keithick Mains 1, Ericht Fishing 3, Ruan Ruarie 1.
Total: 250 Largest: Islamouth 32lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 1, Taymount 1.
Total: 3 Largest: Waulkmill & Taymount 2lbs

The majority of the salmon were caught in the lower river in early spring, which is understandable with the cold conditions but that has changed with warmer water allowing fish to run further giving improving results up the river including fish from Loch Tay, Loch Faskally and beyond now as fish spread in the system. The lower river is now the barometer for the runs as they enter the river with water temperatures falling to around the low 50’s F, plus fish are now starting to be caught in greater numbers in the lower river with the developing run and the spate should encourage more salmon to run and shake the residents up.

This past week saw a more fish from the lower river scattered throughout the beats encouraging everyone however the summer run seems to have come to an end and we await an autumn run to develop in earnest. The beats at Stanley and below are seeing steady sport with small runs entering the river and now earlier run fish have dropped back towards their final destinations of Almond, Shochie and Ordie which can only help sport in this area. The beats just above the tide continue to produce fish on a regular basis with Almondmouth, Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton catching 38 between them in a better week.

Some big fish are being caught throughout the river now and that was the case on Lower Redgorton with James McKay catching a 25 pounds whopper. A further 24 pounder came from the beat as well in the week. Luncarty had 2 in the week with Peter Varney and John Norcliffe both catching.

Fishponds had 6 in the week which included a 24 pounds beast and lady anglers having success. Upper Redgorton had 10 for a Swiss party. Upper Scone had a reasonable week with 11 fish largely caught from the boat.

At Stanley Peter Varney and David Brown both caught in the week and Mick Beham caught on the 11th hour on Benchil with a floating devon.

On Catholes John Crossland caught a 12 pounds fish on Toby from the Catholes Stream. Stobhall and Taymount had very good weeks with over 60 fish between them. On Stobhall Ray Baileys party enjoyed a good week with fish shared out throughout the party. Ballathie had 5 in the week but Cargill had another consistent week with 27 and the fly proved to be the most successful method with fish landed up to 25 pounds.

Islamouth had a good week with 16 fish for Alan Parker’s party and an absolute whopper for lady angler Iona Hoare weighing 32 pounds caught on the fly from Donnits on a Cascade, for good note her husband, Paddy also was not to be outdone landing a 20 pounder as well. Upper Islamouth and Meikleour had 10 for the week. Success was achieved by Paul Moodie, Willie Colquhoun landed an 18 pounds colourful fish, Tony Taylor and Claire Fuller both caught and a French party enjoyed success with the fly under Ian Gordon’s guidance.

The middle river has slowed down over recent weeks and are praying for rain and a late run to liven things up in the weeks to come.

Kercock had 10 fish which included a massive 26 pounds fish on the fly for Douglas Galbraith. Fish were caught form the Murthly area with Ian Scrutons party enjoying success with Donald Tritton. Newtyle had 5 and Dunkled had 2 with Dalmarnock and the Kinnaird beats contributing odd fish.

The upper river was seeing sport with odd fish caught and recent fresh water has improved activities with fish recorded on Findynate and Farleyer beats.

The Tummel is continuing to see limited sport from the Port-na-Craig beat administered by Pitlochry Angling Club and there is now over 6350 fish through the Dam resulting in fish being recorded in Loch Faskally and fish are running the Garry. A fish was reported from Ruan Ruarie. This is a high figure in recent years caused by the temperature coming up quickly earlier in May and encouraging the fish to run.

The Isla are seeing salmon run up the river and progressing to the Ericht and 4 fish were reported last week from the Keithick Mains and the Lower Ericht.

Fish have been reported running the Lyon however there was no news from that part of the river last week.

Fish have also been running the Earn with Upper Aberuthven reporting 2. Other fish are being caught now throughout the river but they are not registered on Fishpal.

The Spring and Summer Salmon fishing seasons are over and we are now in Autumn as we see September disappear for the last few days of the season in October with the expectation of a developing late run. Last week’s catches were more encouraging. Let us hope there is a sign of an upturn in catches as we go into the last 2 weeks. Tight lines!

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire prospects w/c 10th October 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire prospects w/c 10th October 2016.

The Salmon fishing season is now deeper into Autumn on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter the final week on the mighty river in October after a settled week and good conditions for anglers with settled river levels mostly to enjoy the elements in pursuit of that magical salmon. Hopefully that will continue for the last few days and maintain catches in the coming week. The summer run has petered out with grilse sprinkled in amongst some heavy summer salmon and the prospect of improving catches hopefully will be maintained from last month with more autumn arriving giving better sport in the coming week with settling conditions and more fresh salmon running. The weather is looking more settled in the coming days with the chance of a little rain which will hopefully not unsettle conditions and continue to benefit and enable a greater chance of producing some sport and some "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.

On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows are all over the skies but departing south one by one, Ospreys gone off south for the winter, Ducks have broods of mature young, Sand Pipers are on the river banks and Kingfishers dart past. We are now seeing the arrival of large skeins of Geese as the temperatures start to drop. The splendid autumn colours are here again for another year with turning leaves due to the colder nights, it is truly magical to be salmon fishing in Perthshire on the banks of the silvery Tay. A salmon can be a bonus!!

Currently the river is settling back after fresh water and is above summer levels (Just above 2’ and falling on the Ballathie gauge) and hopefully will remain settled at a lower level for the Tay in the coming week.

The weather has been more settled last week and hopefully will settle down further in the next few days with good conditions which should improve this coming week. There does look like some rain later in the week but hopefully not enough to unsettle the last few days. Some heavy downpours have given the river water from rain last week and the river is dropping back again with clear water and a better autumnal weather forecast. This current week looks good with little or no rain forecast in the east until later. The feeling on the system with fish all over the beats and only a few fresh fish running is that we could do with a massive spate to stir things up and hopefully encourage more fish to run. That is exactly what has happened with excellent water levels for the time of year and ideal autumn conditions. Calmer weather will settle the river back to good levels and make ideal autumn fishing conditions. The water temperature is now dropping which is good news as well with colder nights causing fish to become more aggressive is currently around or just below 53.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 12 degrees Celsius last week and should remain at that level in the current weather conditions. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The lower river is currently doing best in the current conditions and this confirms historical results later in the season. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river.

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method will have to be a bit quicker with large lures to catch the elusive Tay salmon. 20 pounds main line with a 15 pounds leader plus favoured lures include Devons, Toby Salmos, Vision 110’s and Rapalas, for spinning and smaller Temple Dogs, Tubes, normal dressed flies and Monkies for fly fishing. The Tay is a large river but modern lines such make turning over and casting larger flies easier and the fish tend to be near the bank in larger waters. Floating lines and sink tips are now on the agenda as we go over the magical 48 degrees and into summer. Harling is also a favoured method on the river to cover the lies for the less experienced.

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.

Popular hotels to stay in the area are the Tayside Hotel in Stanley, Ballathie House, The Meikleour Arms, The Anglers Inn in Guildtown, Murrayshall Hotel, Scone and the Royal Dunkeld Hotel.

The Tay in Perthshire is a prime spring salmon fishing destination so why not give it a go?

Finally, you are reminded that the Tay's policy from June to the end of 2016 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.

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.

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.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Ghillies Race Night 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay Ghillies Race Night 2016.

The Tay Ghillies Association are holding a RACE NIGHT in the TAYSIDE HOTEL on Friday 14th October starting at 7.30pm with the first race under orders at 8.00pm.

All are welcome with some great prizes and fun. Please join us as all proceeds will go back to the river which we all enjoy and value.

There will be Stovies supplied by the Hotel after race 3 of 5.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Report for W/E 1st October 2016.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Report for W/E 1st October 2016.

The salmon fishing season on the Tay in Perthshire has now seen Summer although the weather has not been ideal at times but we are now in Autumn and there has been a weak run in the past few weeks and catches have improved however we are now looking for an increase in runs after another steady September despite some unsettled conditions at times. The river has had fresh water from a reasonable spate last week after some heavy rain giving excellent autumnal conditions for fishing plus cooling temperatures are seeing catches maintained despite the lack of fresh fish. Expectation is high for the last few days plus hopefully settled weather will continue with an improving run in early October to give everyone a chance of landing a Tay Salmon.

A few autumn salmon have been running and landed throughout last week with excellent conditions for autumn fishing and catches have continued to spread with more water and dropping temperatures making the resident salmon more aggressive. It was another steady week despite more turbulent conditions at times with well over 200 fish landed and the biggest one recorded was in the high twenties on Cargill. Spring transferred into summer and steady runs came into the river plus better weather was making fishing easier with lower water however plenty fresh water may have encouraged more fish to run the river with summer disappearing and hopefully an autumn run develops in earnest as temperature start to drop. The fish that have been caught so far have been superb quality and of a good size overall, Autumn is upon us and traditionally large fish are caught.

On the nature front the Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows have been all over the skies but departing south one by one, Ospreys have gone off south for the winter, Ducks have broods of mature young, Sand Pipers are on the river banks and Dippers and Kingfishers dart past. We are now seeing the arrival of large skeins of Geese as the temperatures start to drop. Wild flowers are still visible but most are over again for another year, it is truly magical to be salmon fishing in Perthshire on the banks of the silvery Tay. A salmon can be a bonus!!

Beat catches reported (week ending 1st October)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 22, Waulkmill 16, Lower Redgorton 25, Luncarty 7, Upper Redgorton 13, Fishponds 7, Benchil 7, Catholes 1, Upper Scone 6, Burnmouth 2, Stobhall 12, Taymount 15, Ballathie 8, Cargill 24, Islamouth 16, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 12, Kercock 11, Murthly 2 5, Newtyle 3, Dunkeld House 1, Dalguise 3, Lower Kinnaird 6, Upper Kinnaird 2, Edradynate 1, Findynate 1, Farleyer Upper 1, Farleyer Lower 1, Lochlane and Laggan 2, Keithick Mains 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Loch Faskally 1.
Total: 233 Largest: Cargill 27lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 2, Lower Redgorton 5, Fishponds 2.
Total: 9 Largest: Lower Redgorton 6lbs

The majority of the salmon were caught in the lower river in early spring, which is understandable with the cold conditions but that has changed with warmer water allowing fish to run further giving improving results up the river including fish from Loch Tay, Loch Faskally and beyond now as fish spread in the system. The lower river is now the barometer for the runs as they enter the river with water temperatures falling to around the low 50’s F, plus fish are now starting to be caught in greater numbers in the lower river with the developing run and the spate should encourage more salmon to run and shake the residents up.

This past week saw a more fish from the lower river scattered throughout the beats encouraging everyone however the summer run seems to have come to an end and we await an autumn run to develop in earnest. The beats at Stanley and below are seeing steady sport with small runs entering the river and now earlier run fish have dropped back towards their final destinations of Almond, Shochie and Ordie which can only help sport in this area. The beats just above the tide continue to produce fish on a regular basis with Almondmouth, Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton catching 63 between them in a better week. Some big fish are being caught there as they await water to run the Almond.

James McKay successfully land a fish on 25 pounds on Monday of this week. Waulkmill saw Arnot McWhinnie, Ian Jardine and Brian Gordon all having success catching fish up to 20 pounds. On Lower Redgorton Gilbert Fenwicks party enjoyed a good week with several fish. Luncarty had a good week with a few fish falling to the Crossland party, Richard Oliver and Donald Hughes all enjoying success.

On Upper Redgorton the Robbins party had success with Sandra landing a superb 14 pounds beauty on the fly from Lodge End on Saturday. Fishponds enjoyed good success with fish up to 24 pounds in the week. Upper Scone had 6 in the week with JCB enjoying the banks of the mighty Tay.

Benchil on the Stanley Fishing beats had 7 with beat owner Tom Jennings landing 2 fish up to 16 pounds. Later in the week Scott Menneer and Antony Glasgow caught their personal bests with fish of 18 and 16 pounds from the beat. Saturday saw Ian Muir land 2 older fish on fly from Long Shot and Lundy. Catholes produced a superb 20 pounds fish for Kerr Maitland on a Devon. Burnmouth had 2 in the week meanwhile Stobhall and Taymount had 27 between them. Ballathie and Cargill had over 30 in the week.

Cargill had a great week with 24 fish landed and Steve Curnow catching a 27 pounds fish and Neil French continued his success with several fish on the fly up to the high teens. Islamouth had a much better week with 16 fish and Meikloeur and Upper Islamouth enjoyed more success with 12.

Mike Brown caught his personal best from the Castle Pool weighing 21 pounds, Welshman Alan Parry had a great day with 3 fish landed, all small grilse, Mike Wojtowicz and Scott Sykes also had good success with memorable fish.

The middle river has slowed down over recent weeks and are praying for rain and a late run to liven things up in the weeks to come.

Kercock had 11 fish which included Jim Dixon catching a good fish. The Murthly area had a few in the week.

Newtyle had the odd fish as well with 12 year old Vittorio Puri from Austria catching his first ever salmon on the fly guided by Jock Monteith.

Dunkeld house had one caught by Richard Goodwin. Dalguise had 3 and the Kinnaird beats accounted for 8.

The upper river was seeing sport with odd fish caught and recent fresh water has improved activities with fish recorded on Edradynate, Findynate and Farleyer beats.

The Tummel is continuing to see limited sport from the Port-na-Craig beat administered by Pitlochry Angling Club and there is now over 6350 fish through the Dam resulting in fish being recorded in Loch Faskally and fish are running the Garry. This is a high figure in recent years caused by the temperature coming up quickly earlier in May and encouraging the fish to run.

The Isla are seeing salmon run up the river and progressing to the Ericht and 1 fish was reported last week from the Keithick Mains.

Fish have been reported running the Lyon however there was no news from that part of the river last week.

Fish have also been running the Earn with Lochlane and Laggan reporting 2. Other fish are being caught now throughout the river but they are not registered on Fishpal.

The Spring and Summer Salmon fishing seasons are over and we are now in Autumn as we see September disappear for the last few days of the season in October with the expectation of a developing late run. Last week’s catches were more encouraging. Let us hope there is a sign of an upturn in catches as we go into the last 2 weeks. Tight lines!

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White