Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 4th February 2017.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 4th February 2017.

The river Tay opened on the 16th January undeterred in mild conditions for the time of year, scores of anglers flocked to the banks of the river to mark the opening of the salmon season with great publicity in the press and on television. The various issues and activities appeared on Television, Radio and Press giving the river extremely high exposure that was invaluable with the great news of re-watering the river Garry. It has been a reasonably quiet start to the season with good water and milder conditions throughout December and now January. As we enter February it is starting to get much colder which should suit the lower river and give us an idea how strong the early run is in the river.

The first few weeks have seen a similar weather pattern continue with settled water levels and good conditions for fishing which kept up into last week. Conditions have now changed to higher water levels and colder conditions. Expectation is high on the river for 2017 after a string of successful springs over the last 4 years and hopefully settled weather over the coming weeks will give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver”.

Beat catches reported
(week ending 4th February)
SALMON & GRILSE: Taymount 1, Cargill 1, Islamouth 1, Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 2, Lochlane and Laggan 1.
Total: 6 Largest: Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 20lbs

Odd Spring salmon were landed last week in good weather and river conditions favouring those who braved the elements in some cases. It is early yet but considering the conditions the results so far have been disappointing however as we enter February and with increased river levels the catches should improve over the next few weeks. Six fresh spring salmon were recorded last week and the class of fish being caught was good with 20 pounds or so being common. It is early yet with only small runs coming into the river and fluctuating weather can make fishing difficult. Some of the fish that have been caught are memorable as typical Tay specimens due to their size and depth. Hopefully there will be a lot more of them to come. There seems to be fish already in Loch Tay after unseasonable mild weather allowing fish to run right up the river. Fish n’ Trips have had a few successes with Anne and John Bell landing a good fish then Jack Ashfield caught his first ever salmon weighing an impressive 20 pounds accompanied by his father. A few other fish are coming off the loch as well but not being reported. Odd fish came off the lower river with Nick Bailly getting Islamouth off the mark with a 17 pounds beauty. Cargill also got off the mark with a 16 pounds fish caught by David Sands from Milnathort from the boat.

Saturday saw a rising river from heavy rain however Taymount had a 14 pounds springer prior to the rise with Tommy Wallace recording the beats first of fish. An early spring salmon was also recorded on the Earn at Lochlane and Laggan.

Monday saw a further 3 notable fish recorded of supreme quality.

Brian Joseph continued Dunkeld House’s good start with a superb 21 pounds beauty from the Rock pool.

Scott Latimer had a superb 18 pounds fish from the Woodside on Taymount and a further fish was caught on Stobhall. Hopefully this is a sign of an early run starting.

The Spring Salmon fishing was well and truly underway after all the excitement of opening day’s celebrations. It has been a quiet start but let us hope the season lives up to everyone’s expectations over the coming weeks and months. Tight lines!

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White