Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on Catholes, Tay, Stanley, Perthshire 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on Catholes, Tay, Stanley, Perthshire 2020. 

It was a spring day to remember for myself on the Catholes today with a couple of lovely fresh salmon landed fly fishing from the anchored boat.

This was the first one estimated at 16 pounds caught in the Back Dam pool. A big thank you to Davie Seaton coming from Benchil to help me land this lovely fish as it gave an incredible fight.

The salmon being safely released back to the river. 

The Back Dam today, an ideal high water pool on the Catholes for fly fishing.

The set up today, 15' Loomis NRX, Rio Gamechanger float, intermediate, hover, sink 3 and a 20' sink tip 3 to 5 inches a second plus a tungsten turbo tube tied by myself!

The second springer caught in the Woodside at the top of the Catholes probably about 15 pounds.

What a day and the ultimate experience for any salmon fisherman. Hopefully this is the start of a good run over the next few weeks. 

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 24th February 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 24th February 2020. 

Well what can I say about last week at Stanley! The river height never went below 9'. We had a 15' spate last weekend and another of a similar depth on Saturday. No fishing took place during the week with some disappointed people however I have rescheduled all of them over the weeks to come. 

On a positive note the weather is to settle after Monday and get much colder which will bring down the river levels and keep the water cold which is ideal for Stanley. Fingers crossed that there will be a start of some good spring salmon running the Tay and in these predicted conditions we should be well placed on our beats. 

Tackle advice on Stanley beats. 

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer.

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. Rio Game Changers plus a tip of choice attached are currently a great 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. 

Spinning 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. 

The Stanley beats are steeped in history and this year we have reduced the available rods to 4 giving you far more opportunity and value for money. We are fly fishing friendly as well. Look forward to seeing you on the beats. Feel free to contact us direct on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com or 07979528134/01738827416. 

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Second big flood on Tay at Stanley, Perthshire February 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Second big flood on Tay at Stanley, Perthshire February 2020. 

The crazy weather continues in 2020 giving us more floods.


Video clips showing the sheer power on the mighty Tay as it roars!

Unfortunately this does not help the river and makes the importance of a Hatchery paramount.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 17th February 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 17th February 2020. 

Well what a week it has been! A spate running off at the start following storm Ciara, a superb spring salmon on the fly on Thursday and then storm Dennis and a massive water up to 15 foot by late Saturday night. Wow!!
Monday saw a dirty water just below 10 feet which cleared a bit by Tuesday but was not really fishable until Wednesday.

On Thursday I had Kenny Johnstone's party fishing the Catholes with 4 rods so all the boxes were covered after the water had dropped to around 6 feet. The beat was fished hard with fly and spinner but it was not until the last hour that the action started. Peter Duncan was in the boat with me anchored in the Back Dam, a great high water pool, and casting out an Rio iflight with a fast 15' tip with a turbo tube that i tied when all hell broke loose. Probably a large exaggeration as the fish took very quietly on the last coil of my 80 yard rope. Peter immediately said "its probably a kelt" but anyway I took the boat to the side of the pool and went away from the tail of the pool trying to bring the fish well upriver.

The fish fought well be it was obviously tired as it did not take any violent runs. at one stage it came close to the boat and rolled on the surface, then i knew it was a fresh run springer and everything went up a notch!

Anyway nobody panicked and we soon had the magnificent salmon in the net. Oh what a lovely pristine spring salmon, no sea lice but just perfect. A picture followed then release.

Such a perfect end to another hard day. Well done everyone.

Friday saw good water but alas nothing despite my best efforts and on Saturday we saw the start of storm Dennis. A South African client Eugene tried hard with the fly under the Weir in the Woodside but alas only a spirited Brown trout only took his fly. At lunch time we called it a day and consoled our spirits with a lovely dram of Jura Whisky.

We currently have very high water from Dennis but that should clam down by Tuesday or Wednesday to hopefully give us another chance of landing a superb spring salmon.

Tackle advice on Stanley beats. 

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer.

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. Rio Game Changers plus a tip of choice attached are currently a great 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. 

Spinning 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. 

The Stanley beats are steeped in history and this year we have reduced the available rods to 4 giving you far more opportunity and value for money. We are fly fishing friendly as well. Look forward to seeing you on the beats. Feel free to contact us direct on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com or 07979528134/01738827416. 

Tight lines!

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Tay, Perthshire Flood February 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Large Tay, Perthshire Flood February 2020. 

There has been a large flood on the Tay, Perthshire over the last 12 hours following heavy rain, temperatures rising and strong winds.

There was over 20mm of rain, but the warmer temperature and strong wind has stripped the snow off the hills bringing the river up to over 15 feet over night. The river is now falling as quickly as it rose but still an awesome sight. 

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland First Springer landed on the fly on Stanley beats 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland First Springer landed on the fly on Stanley beats 2020. 

It was a memorable day on the Stanley beats of the Tay, Perthshire with our first springer landed on the Catholes and yes on the cast fly from an anchored boat. Salmon are not plentiful anymore but a pristine springer on the fly is certainly worth celebrating.

Peter Duncan playing the fish after taking the boat to the shore on a cold February day in the Back Dam of the Catholes.

Not far away now but nervous times as we knew it was the elusive springer by this time.

Peter with the prize in the net. A pristine beauty 17 pounds bar of silver. Well done Peter and on a fly I tied!!

 The fly!
Hopefully the first of many.


Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 10th February 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 10th February 2020. 

Last week saw a dropping water for most of the week until the weekend storm Ciara started to take effect and rise river levels steadily on Saturday. Although very lightly fished a few Kelts were landed.  Heavy rain and wind over the weekend has brought the river up and is currently in spate. Much colder weather if forecast which is ideal as it should help clear the river quickly and keep the temperature down giving the Stanley beats a great opportunity of landing a springer. Another plus point are the high spring tides so fingers crossed there will be some action.

Tackle advice on Stanley beats. 

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer.

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. Rio Game Changers plus a tip of choice attached are currently a great 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. 

Spinning 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.

The Stanley beats are steeped in history and this year we have reduced the available rods to 4 giving you far more opportunity and value for money. We are fly fishing friendly as well. Look forward to seeing you on the beats. Feel free to contact us direct on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com or 07979528134/01738827416. 

Tight lines.

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Full guided salmon fishing experience on Lower Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Full guided salmon fishing experience on Lower Tay. 

·      Pick up from local residence

·       all kit supplied

·       professional tuition

·       exclusive use of lower Tay beat

·       boat available

·       lunch and snacks provided

·      photos taken throughout day 

 return to residence at the end of the day 

Salmon fishing in Scotland is at the top of most anglers to do lists. The mighty Tay is simply synonymous with Atlantic Salmon Fishing with the record rod caught fish of 64lbs being caught by Miss Ballantine in 1922. It is still the place all true Salmon anglers dream of catching that ‘bar of silver’ and fish of a lifetime. I can make your dreams come true with a complete experience to remember, with the opportunity to fish some of the most famous and prolific Atlantic Salmon pools at Catholes, Pitlochrie, Benchil and Luncarty pool on the Lower Tay.

Picture by Yuri Janssen.

Atlantic Salmon fishing in Scotland is steeped in years of history and tradition. A days Salmon fishing with an experienced guide is a day that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You will learn the history and art of Salmon fishing and Spey casting in Scotland from myself with over 40 years experience on this famous river endorsed by the House of Hardy, Rio fly lines and Caledonia flies. A member of Fly Fishers International. 

Don’t worry if you haven’t tried Spey casting or fly fishing before, I will teach you the basics in no time using professional instruction techniques. You can fish for Salmon using both traditional and modern Spey rods and modern lines make it far easier.

I will provide quality Salmon fly fishing tackle including top of the range fly rods, reels and flies tied in Scotland.

There’s also the possibility to spin for Salmon if you wish and when conditions/rules allow. I will provide premium spinning gear.

I have 4 prime Lower Tay beats to choose from and will use my vast experience and water craft to select the part of the river that offers you the best chance of catching that elusive “bar of silver”.

I can offer Salmon fishing trips to our scenic beats to suit all experience levels and will tailor the package to suit your requirements. The beats are double banked, well maintained, boats on hand to take you to spots you couldn’t reach and give you an advantage with comfortable heated fishing huts and toilet facilities.

I will collect you from a local accommodation and take you on a scenic drive to the river.

Upon arrival refreshments will be offered. You will then be briefed on safety and the equipment you will be using on the day.

Qualified spey casting tuition will be given to get you started.

Fishing will then commence, and I will be by your side to offer expert advice, one to one tuition and take photographs throughout the day to remember your experience.

Home-made Scottish themed lunches such as soup/chowders, gourmet burgers or sandwiches will be provided. All catering needs accommodated 

Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the day.

End of day pack up. Enjoy a celebratory dram of the finest single malt to toast the day!

I will drop you back at your local residence after fishing.

Basic cost would be £275 for one person, £250 per person for 2. If there were more people present it would be one ghillie per couple. 

The day can be tailored to your requirements if other requests are made. 

Enquire at robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com

Tel 07979528134 or 01738827416 

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 3rd February 2020.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Stanley beats, Tay, Perthshire Report and Prospects for W/C 3rd February 2020. 

The start of last week saw some better settled conditions for spring fishing and even a light fall of snow on Wednesday. The much cooler weather brought the river temperature back to around 40F/4.5C which suits early fishing on the lower river slowing any fish traveling up the system.
The milder weather and rain by Thursday shot the river back up wiping out the day. Friday saw the river slowly settle but remain high. Saturday was again a bit unsettled but colder conditions on Sunday has settled the river more but it remains high for the start of the coming week. The forecast does not look bad so hopefully water levels will slowly settle back and a few fish will hopefully start running to give us a chance of landing our first spring salmon. There have been a few Kelts landed last week on all the Stanley beats which is good news as a spring salmon may stop beside one of them. Here's hoping!

The Stanley beats are steeped in history and this year we have reduced the available rods to 4 giving you far more opportunity and value for money. We are fly fishing friendly as well. Look forward to seeing you on the beats. Feel free to contact us direct on robert.salmonfishing@googlemail.com or 07979528134/01738827416. 

Tackle advice on Stanley beats. 

As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method should be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer.

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. Rio Game Changers plus a tip of choice attached are currently a great 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. 

Spinning 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. 

Tight lines!

Salmon Fishing Scotland - By Robert White