Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White
Friday, March 31, 2017
Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing Deja Vu.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing Deja Vu.
There was a great double completed today by Tim Greenfield fly fishing on the Stanley beats on the Tay, Perthshire. Last spring Tim landed 2 salmon on the fly from Cawn Pore on the Pitlochrie beat and the Woodside on the Catholes in two days. What would the odds be for completing the same feat the following year. Well Deja vu was about to strike!
A good fish landed in 2016.
Same spot yesterday and Tim is playing a springer.
A cracking 9 pounds fish landed in Cawn Pore. First part completed.
2016 in Woodside, surely it wasn't possible....
Deja vu and Tim is playing a lively spring salmon in the Woodside this morning.
A superb 22 pounds beauty successfully landed and lots of smiles. Well done Tim and memorable double double!
Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White
Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White
Monday, March 27, 2017
Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 25th March 2017.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 25th March 2017.
Spring salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire is now about to see March out with improving conditions for fishing in milder weather and settling water levels plus catches are improving after a slow start to the season. Expectation is high on the river for 2017 after 4 successful springs and hopefully settled weather will continue with an improving run in March to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver”.
A superb action photo of Islamouth taken by Mark Paterson of LTS fly fishing.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 25th March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Catholes 3, Upper Scone 4, Pitlochrie 2, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 5, Taymount 9, Ballathie 2, Cargill 6, Islamouth 12, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 4, Kercock 2, Delvine Burnbane 2, Glendelvine 2, Murthly 2 2, Newtyle 2, Dunkeld House 2, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Findynate 1, Keithick Mains 2, Coupar Grange 8.
Total: 76 Largest: Coupar Grange 31lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 1, Taymount 1, Keithick Mains 1.
Total: 3 Largest: Taymount 7lbs
The first 3 weeks in March have seen improvements with more salmon landed in milder weather and river conditions have improved as the week went on favouring those who braved the elements in some cases. It is early yet but considering the conditions the results so far have been disappointing as we saw out February but March has seen an improvement with increased river levels and we should see that continue over the next few weeks. Seventy six fresh spring salmon were recorded last week and the class of fish being caught continues to be outstanding with 20 odd pounds or so being common and even a superb 31 pounder coming from Coupar Grange. 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 as the spring run develops further. There seems to be fish already running hard up the river after unseasonably mild weather.
It has been another more productive week on the river with at last a spring run starting to develop and progress up the river with most beats getting into the action. on the Lower river Upper Scone had fish from Benchil and the Pitlochrie beats caught on the fly by the Stephen Patterson party.
Andrew Stephens caught a cracking 9 pounds fish from Aitken Head, Dave Cameron landed a 17 pounds beauty in horsey and Stuart Yeats also had a nice fish from the same pool. On Stanley on the Pitlochrie beat Horsey was again the spot with Sandy Forgan and Chris Blanford both having success on the fly.
Further upstream Roger Worth celebrated his honeymoon catching a superb 18 pounds beauty on the fly from the famous Slap pool under the Catholes Weir ably supported by his wife, Sarah.
Further success in the week saw Danny Fulton and Billy Graham catch in the same pool and on the fly as well. Burnmouth had one or two in the week mostly from the boat.
Stobhall had 5 in the week which continues to fish steadily week in week out. Ballathie had a couple with Tim Hanbury and Darren Hunt being successful.
Cargill had another reasonable week with 6 fish which included a superb 21 pounds beauty for Scott Murray. Other fish were landed by David Sands, Malcom Fearnon, Brian Taylor and Valerie Johnson caught a lovely 14 pounder. Islamouth continues to be the stand out beat with 12 last week.
This included fish for Richard Muir and Louis Miller later in the week.
Earlier in the week Mark Paterson, Gary Weir, Rory Campbell and James Holder all had fish up to 19 pounds mostly on fly.
Meikleour and Upper Islamouth caught 4 in the week which included 3 on one day with Nick Doyle, Adam Briggs and Adam Hughes catching mostly on fly up to 16 pounds then Alan Milne caught on the fly as well from the Castle pool later in the week weighing an impressive 17 pounds.
The middle river is producing more fish now as the run progresses up river. Larger fish are being caught on a regular basis as these bigger fish have more energy in their tank enabling them to travel further before a rest. This is certainly evident last week as water temperatures start to climb a little.
Kercock had a couple in the week including a super 26 pounds monster for David Turpin.
Delvine and Burnbane also caught a couple with Willie Cumming landing a 12 pounds fish on a Vision.
Glendelvine had fish with John Dewar being successful on Friday. Murthly 2 had 2 in the week as did Newtyle and Dunkeld House. Successful rods on Newtyle included Robert Clyde and Len Merchant. At Dunkeld Julie Coleman landed her first ever salmon weighing 10 pounds.
Dalmarnock had a fish weighing 20 pounds falling to Phil Baker.
Dalguise had 2 including a memorable 21 pounds fish for Nathan Shephard. The Kinnaird beats had a fish a piece.
The upper river is also seeing a bit of action with Findynate being successful.
The Tummel saw some action as well with fish coming off the lower beat as Malcolm Anderson and Andrew Khakoo landed some superb fish on the fly up to 20 odd pounds testing his new range of flies for the Caledonia Fly Company.
Loch Tay continues to fish reasonably well with fish running through the system however no fish were reported last week.
Another example of fish running the system has been fish caught on the Isla at Coupar Grange and Keithick Mains with 10 grassed last week. This included some very big fish for the Isla with a 31 pounds beauty landed on Coupar Grange.
The Spring Salmon fishing season has had a quiet start but has started to show signs of picking up with improving catches and some outstanding fish landed so far so 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
Spring salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire is now about to see March out with improving conditions for fishing in milder weather and settling water levels plus catches are improving after a slow start to the season. Expectation is high on the river for 2017 after 4 successful springs and hopefully settled weather will continue with an improving run in March to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver”.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 25th March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Catholes 3, Upper Scone 4, Pitlochrie 2, Burnmouth 1, Stobhall 5, Taymount 9, Ballathie 2, Cargill 6, Islamouth 12, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 4, Kercock 2, Delvine Burnbane 2, Glendelvine 2, Murthly 2 2, Newtyle 2, Dunkeld House 2, Dalmarnock 1, Dalguise 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Upper Kinnaird 1, Findynate 1, Keithick Mains 2, Coupar Grange 8.
Total: 76 Largest: Coupar Grange 31lbs
SEA TROUT: Lower Redgorton 1, Taymount 1, Keithick Mains 1.
Total: 3 Largest: Taymount 7lbs
The first 3 weeks in March have seen improvements with more salmon landed in milder weather and river conditions have improved as the week went on favouring those who braved the elements in some cases. It is early yet but considering the conditions the results so far have been disappointing as we saw out February but March has seen an improvement with increased river levels and we should see that continue over the next few weeks. Seventy six fresh spring salmon were recorded last week and the class of fish being caught continues to be outstanding with 20 odd pounds or so being common and even a superb 31 pounder coming from Coupar Grange. 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 as the spring run develops further. There seems to be fish already running hard up the river after unseasonably mild weather.
It has been another more productive week on the river with at last a spring run starting to develop and progress up the river with most beats getting into the action. on the Lower river Upper Scone had fish from Benchil and the Pitlochrie beats caught on the fly by the Stephen Patterson party.
The middle river is producing more fish now as the run progresses up river. Larger fish are being caught on a regular basis as these bigger fish have more energy in their tank enabling them to travel further before a rest. This is certainly evident last week as water temperatures start to climb a little.
The upper river is also seeing a bit of action with Findynate being successful.
Loch Tay continues to fish reasonably well with fish running through the system however no fish were reported last week.
Another example of fish running the system has been fish caught on the Isla at Coupar Grange and Keithick Mains with 10 grassed last week. This included some very big fish for the Isla with a 31 pounds beauty landed on Coupar Grange.
The Spring Salmon fishing season has had a quiet start but has started to show signs of picking up with improving catches and some outstanding fish landed so far so 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
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 27th March 2017.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 27th March 2017.
The Salmon fishing season is well underway now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter late March and we have been encountering some lovely spring weather over the last week. Melting snow and rain have kept the water up which may have encouraged fish to run and trigger off an improvement in catches which was evident again last week. We have had some settled conditions over the last week or so which hopefully will continue to give more optimism. On the opening couple of months several anglers have braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather hopefully will remain reasonable to give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.
Currently the river is running at a good level for the time of year (around 4’ on the Ballathie gauge).
The weather has been settled for the time of year but will unsettle towards the end of this week but remain warmer. 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 has given us more water and would have encouraged salmon to run the river. Colder weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature has risen slightly to around 43F or 6C over the last few days and should remain at that level with the current forecast. These are normal temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may rise further and the milder forecast in recent days may have encouraged salmon to run throughout the system as earlier resulting in fish being caught well up the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats. Should you require guidance on salmon identification in early season please see this link for some help.
The Tay in Perthshire is a prime spring salmon fishing destination so why not give it a go?
Popular hotels to stay in the area are the Tayside Hotel in Stanley, Ballathie House, The Meikleour Arms, Murrayshall Hotel, Scone and the Royal Dunkeld Hotel.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method in early season but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.
Tackle recommendations for fishing the Tay throughout the season.
Fly Rods.
The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned. In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances.
Fly Lines.
In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down.
Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay.
Spinning Rods.
Rods.
You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms.
Line.
A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line.
Baits.
Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling.
What flies should I take?
In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day.
As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water.
Finally, you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January – 1st April 2017 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.
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.
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.
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
The Salmon fishing season is well underway now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter late March and we have been encountering some lovely spring weather over the last week. Melting snow and rain have kept the water up which may have encouraged fish to run and trigger off an improvement in catches which was evident again last week. We have had some settled conditions over the last week or so which hopefully will continue to give more optimism. On the opening couple of months several anglers have braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather hopefully will remain reasonable to give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.
The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned. In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances.
Fly Lines.
In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down.
Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay.
Rods.
You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms.
Line.
A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line.
Baits.
Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling.
In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day.
As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water.
Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White
Monday, March 20, 2017
Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 18th March 2017.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Tay, Perthshire Salmon fishing report w/e 18th March 2017.
Spring salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire is now into March with improving conditions for fishing in milder weather and settling water levels plus catches are improving after a slow start to the season. Expectation is high on the river for 2017 after 4 successful springs and hopefully settled weather will continue with an improving run in March to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver”.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 18th March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 2, Upper Scone 1, Burnmouth 2, Stobhall 1, Taymount 7, Ballathie 1, Cargill 8, Islamouth 8, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 2, Kercock 2, Glendelvine 2, Murthly 2 2, Newtyle 1, Dunkeld House 3, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Edradynate AA 1, Findynate 1, Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 3, Coupar Grange 9, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2.
Total: 60 Largest: Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 31lbs
The first 2 weeks in March have seen a few salmon landed in milder weather and river conditions have improved as the week went on favouring those who braved the elements in some cases. It is early yet but considering the conditions the results so far have been disappointing as we saw out February but early March has seen an improvement and with increased river levels we should see that get better over the next few weeks.
Sixty fresh spring salmon were recorded last week and the class of fish being caught was good with 20 odd pounds or so being common and even a superb 31 pounder coming from Meikleour and Upper Islamouth. 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 running hard up the river after unseasonably mild weather.
It has been another more productive week on the river with at last a spring run starting to develop and progress up the river with most beats getting into the action.
On the Lower river Lower Redgorton had a couple of fish in the week which included a 9 pounder caught on the fly in the Hatton for Eric Underwood. Upper Scone had a 9 pounder as well from Pitlochrie pool for Rory Kennedy caught in the boat. At Stanley Tom Charles’s party enjoyed 3 days fly fishing but unfortunately were not in luck. Burnmouth had 2 in one day with Ed Slaven and John Dewar being successful catching fish up to 15 pounds from the boat. Stobhall had one in the week. Further upstream Ballathie accounted for one as well but Cargill saw more success with 8. Neil French was successful on fly catching a few fish in the week up to 15 pounds.
A delighted Steve Todd caught his first ever springer on the fly weighing 10 pounds.
Charlie Adaire had a good few days catching fish up to 23 pounds. Islamouth had yet another consistent week with 8.
The Coates family enjoyed a 3 day visit to the beat landing several salmon. Jim caught 3 on the fly up to 15 pounds and father Geoff pipped his son with one at 15.5 pounds. Just a little further up river Upper Islamouth and Meikleour had a couple but caught a memorable 31 pounds beauty which fell to the boat and was landed by John Moses.
The middle river is producing more fish now as the run progresses up river. Larger fish are being caught on a regular basis as these bigger fish have more energy in their tank enabling them to travel further before a rest. This is certainly evident last week as water temperatures start to climb a little.
Kercock had 2 in the week with Jimmy Harkin landing a 21 pounds fish from the beat.
Glendelvine had a couple as well with John Bennett catching a lovely fish on the fly. Murthly 2 also had 2 fish and Newtyle had one caught by Jon Amos weighing 8 pounds from the Ferry pool. Dunkeld House had 3 vin one day caught by Gordon Pollock on a quick visit to his former beat weighing up to 23 pounds. Dalguise and Lower Kinnaird also registered fish in the week.
The upper river is also seeing a bit of action with Edradynate and Findynate being successful.
The Tummel saw some action as well with 2 fish coming off the Port-na-Craig beat at the Dam. Paul Keely caught a 9 pounds fish on a spinner and then Martin Timmins caught a superb 22 pounds beauty down on the Sawmill ably supported by Innes Smith.
Loch Tay continues to fish reasonably well with fish running through the system. Fish n’ Trips had three fish last week which included fish up to 15 pounds and John Butler had a fish weighing 9 pounds. There have been other fish caught in the loch but not reported.
Another example of fish running the system has been fish caught on the Isla at Coupar Grange with 9 grassed last week.
The Spring Salmon fishing season has had a quiet start but has started to show signs of picking up with improving catches and some outstanding fish landed so far so 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
Spring salmon fishing on the Tay in Perthshire is now into March with improving conditions for fishing in milder weather and settling water levels plus catches are improving after a slow start to the season. Expectation is high on the river for 2017 after 4 successful springs and hopefully settled weather will continue with an improving run in March to give everyone a chance of landing a spring “Bar of Silver”.
Beat catches reported
(week ending 18th March)
SALMON & GRILSE: Lower Redgorton 2, Upper Scone 1, Burnmouth 2, Stobhall 1, Taymount 7, Ballathie 1, Cargill 8, Islamouth 8, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 2, Kercock 2, Glendelvine 2, Murthly 2 2, Newtyle 1, Dunkeld House 3, Dalguise 1, Lower Kinnaird 1, Edradynate AA 1, Findynate 1, Loch Tay Fish n' Trips 3, Coupar Grange 9, Portnacraig Pitlochry 2.
Total: 60 Largest: Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 31lbs
The first 2 weeks in March have seen a few salmon landed in milder weather and river conditions have improved as the week went on favouring those who braved the elements in some cases. It is early yet but considering the conditions the results so far have been disappointing as we saw out February but early March has seen an improvement and with increased river levels we should see that get better over the next few weeks.
It has been another more productive week on the river with at last a spring run starting to develop and progress up the river with most beats getting into the action.
The middle river is producing more fish now as the run progresses up river. Larger fish are being caught on a regular basis as these bigger fish have more energy in their tank enabling them to travel further before a rest. This is certainly evident last week as water temperatures start to climb a little.
The upper river is also seeing a bit of action with Edradynate and Findynate being successful.
The Tummel saw some action as well with 2 fish coming off the Port-na-Craig beat at the Dam. Paul Keely caught a 9 pounds fish on a spinner and then Martin Timmins caught a superb 22 pounds beauty down on the Sawmill ably supported by Innes Smith.
Loch Tay continues to fish reasonably well with fish running through the system. Fish n’ Trips had three fish last week which included fish up to 15 pounds and John Butler had a fish weighing 9 pounds. There have been other fish caught in the loch but not reported.
Another example of fish running the system has been fish caught on the Isla at Coupar Grange with 9 grassed last week.
The Spring Salmon fishing season has had a quiet start but has started to show signs of picking up with improving catches and some outstanding fish landed so far so 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
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 20th March 2017.
Salmon Fishing Scotland Prospects for Tay, Perthshire w/c 20th March 2017.
The Salmon fishing season is well underway now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter mid March and we have been encountering some colder winter weather occasionally over the last week. Melting snow and rain at the end of last week has brought more water which may encourage fish to run and trigger off an improvement in catches which was evident again last week. We have had some unsettled conditions over the last week or so but that will hopefully settle down to give more optimism. On the opening couple of months several anglers have braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather hopefully will remain colder to give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.
Currently the river is running high from melting snow and heavy rain for the time of year (around 5’ on the Ballathie gauge).
The weather has been mixed for the time of year but will be reasonably settled this week and much colder with nightly frosts. 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 has given us more water and would have encouraged salmon to run the river. Colder weather will settle the river back to a good level and make ideal spring fishing conditions. The water temperature has risen slightly to around 42F or 5.5C over the last few days and should remain at that level with the current forecast. These are normal temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may drop back but the milder forecast in recent days may have encouraged salmon to run throughout the system as earlier resulting in fish being caught well up the system. Hopefully there might be a chance of a fresh fish anywhere in the river. There will no doubt be quite a few kelts about on many beats and possibly some later run fish, which have yet to spawn. Should you require guidance on salmon identification in early season please see this link for some help.
The Tay in Perthshire is a prime spring salmon fishing destination so why not give it a go?
Popular hotels to stay in the area are the Tayside Hotel in Stanley, Ballathie House, The Meikleour Arms, Murrayshall Hotel, Scone and the Royal Dunkeld Hotel.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method in early season but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.
Tackle recommendations for fishing the Tay throughout the season.
Fly Rods.
The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned. In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances.
Fly Lines.
In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down.
Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay.
Spinning Rods.
Rods.
You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms.
Line.
A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line.
Baits.
Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling.
What flies should I take?
In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day.
As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water.
Finally, you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January – 1st April 2017 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.
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.
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.
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
The Salmon fishing season is well underway now on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland as we enter mid March and we have been encountering some colder winter weather occasionally over the last week. Melting snow and rain at the end of last week has brought more water which may encourage fish to run and trigger off an improvement in catches which was evident again last week. We have had some unsettled conditions over the last week or so but that will hopefully settle down to give more optimism. On the opening couple of months several anglers have braved the elements in pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather hopefully will remain colder to give a greater chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.
Popular hotels to stay in the area are the Tayside Hotel in Stanley, Ballathie House, The Meikleour Arms, Murrayshall Hotel, Scone and the Royal Dunkeld Hotel.
The Tay is a large river especially when running at a normal level and even in lower levels you are fishing another river within the mighty one so therefore a 15 foot fly rod for a 10 weight line is certainly minimum requirement for much of the season. Do not come under gunned. In some parts of the river where it is especially wide even longer rods are used. It should be noted however that it is better to cast a shorter controlled line than try to cast out with your capabilities and have the lines end up in a mess and decrease your chances.
Fly Lines.
In early season when the water is cold you need to cast larger flies and get them deeper in the water to fish them slowly. There is a tremendous choice on the market nowadays which can be quite confusing to many anglers. Any type of Skagit line that can easily cast a 15 foot sinking leader of various depths is a good choice especially to the less experienced. Iflights and a tip of choice attached are another good bet as these lines enable you to cast a longer line than normal with ease. For more experienced anglers, there are a vast array of shooting heads of different sinking abilities available as well. These tactics can be used in late season as well when the water starts to cool down.
Once the water temperature starts to climb by April then tactics change to mainly floating lines and sink tips with much smaller conventional flies. Again, the choice of lines is incredible from longer belly Spey lines to shooting heads. If you go to shooting heads, then it is important to choose a good shooting backing as line management can be a big issue casting longer lines on a river such as the Tay.
Rods.
You should have a minimum of a 10 foot rod for casting baits of 20gm to 60gms.
Line.
A main line of 20 pounds in nylon or 30 pounds in braid. You should use a lesser poundage far a cast such as 15 pounds so if you get caught up on the bottom you do not lose a large part of your main line.
Baits.
Tobies from 18gm upwards. Toby Salmos are very popular in 30gms. Conventional weighted Devon’s are good especially in the Spring. Rapalas and Vision 110’s are very effective and of course Kynochs are popular for harling.
In early season bigger flies such as Tube Flies, Temple Dogs and Monkey type flies up to 2 inches in body length and larger conventional patterns in 4’s and 6’s in lower water are required. A point of note is that a lighter Tube such as an aluminium or plastic body is far easier to cast than brass. Current line technology enables you to get these lighter flies to the correct depths. Ask your ghillie for tip advice on the day.
As river temperatures rise to a more conventional approach then a size range in your box should be from 6 in higher water to 12 in lower water and even smaller on exceptionally low conditions. Cascade type patterns seem to be the most popular and recently feeler flies have come to the fore. It is always worth a go with a Sun Ray type fly with a long wing whether casting normally in colder conditions to stripping it fast in warmer water.
Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White
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