Friday, April 30, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Silvery Tay by Moonlight.

Salmon Fishing Scotland The Silvery Tay by Moonlight.


The Silvery Tay by Moonlight at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.


Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Scotland April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay, Scotland April 2010.


This was a cracking 17 pound spring salmon landed by Michel Bouyer on the Upper Farleyer beat today before lunch time. Michel caught this beauty fly fishing from the bank on a floating line and a small fly. The river temperature is coming up now to encourage floating line tactics. Summer is nearly here!


A Salmon fighting hard in the Plain water on Benchil.



Ian Mercer landing a salmon in the Plain water pool on the Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Fly fishing on the Tay April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Fly fishing on the Tay April 2010.


Neil Tong from Perth with a lovely spring salmon caught fly fishing on the Pitlochry Angling Club Portnacraig beat on Monday.


John Hackney from London his second spring salmon of the day from the Islamouth Meikleour beat on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. John is returning his 9 pound salmon which was caught fly fishing from the boat.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ospreys on the river Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ospreys on the river Tay.

This was an Osprey hovering over the Wash House pool today on the Pitlochrie beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ospreys on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Ospreys on the Tay.

Video of an Osprey flying and hovering over the river Tay at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland today.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report fro Third week of April 2010 and Prospects for the coming week.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report fro Third week of April 2010 and Prospects for the coming week.


River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for week ending 24th April 2010.

After last week’s 71 spring salmon being reported this week was a bit disappointing with 53. A few others were caught as well and not registered making it a reasonable week in April with hopefully better to come.

The river dropped steadily throughout the week giving good conditions for spring fishing. The weather was a bit colder and there was rain on Friday, which put the river up a little for Saturday.

The river temperature remained at about 45F or 7C enabling salmon to run.
This week the catches were dominated by the upper parts of the lower and middle river, which is expected at this time of year with a rise in water temperature. The upper lower river beats did reasonably well also with an increase in catches due to the warmer water. We have not had a strong run as yet which hopefully will improve. It is absolutely imperative we continue to adhere to our catch and release policy to return all spring salmon to preserve what we have for the future. Thank you all for making this possible so far.

The lower river produced 20 out of the 53 spring salmon caught. The catches were sparse on the lower Tay above Perth with only 2 salmon caught below the Catholes weir. However the beats above Stanley did much better. The Salmon seem to be running hard through the lower stretches and then slowing down above the Catholes weir. The upper Scone beat caught 2 at Stanley with Bob Middleton landing a 9 pound salmon fly fishing on Monday. On Tuesday Bob was fishing up at Taymount and he caught a 12 and 25 pounds salmon which was not a bad couple of days spring fishing on the Tay. Taymount had a reasonable week with 5 salmon. Rodger Moore caught a lovely 15 pounds beauty on Stobhall on Thursday on a harled tube fly. Cargil, Ballathie and Islamouth all produced again this past week.

The middle Tay again continued to catch with 20 salmon for the week. This figure is conservative, as Glendevine, Lower and Upper Murthly would account for another 10 at least but do not report. The milder conditions and higher river levels should encourage fish to run up to the middle river for next week as well. Coupar Grange again faired well with 8 on the Isla. Kercock, Newtyle and Dunkeld House continue to report salmon on a regular basis.

Peter Sproston caught a lovely 13 pound salmon fly fishing in the Cathedral stream at Dunkeld House on a Cascade on Saturday.

Also on Saturday there was a 19 pound beauty landed at Newtyle.

The Upper River and Loch only reported 13 salmon for the week. The milder conditions have encouraged spring salmon to run further upstream.

Steve Watt with one of the 4 salmon he landed.
The Tummel accounted for 6 on Monday with Steve Watt accounting for 4 on the Pitlochry Angling Club Portnacraig beat.


Jim Kennedy also landed a lovely salmon on Monday at the Dam. Guest angler Willie McAdam from Perth had his first spring salmon off the clubs Sawmill stream at the bottom end of the Pitlochry town water. All the salmon caught on the Pitlochry Club water were caught fly fishing. Upper Kinnard have started to produce the odd salmon as well.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of opening week spring salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences over the last season on the river. I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Prospects for week commencing 26th April 2010.
As of Monday the river is settled and running at a good level.

The weather is to be much warmer this coming week and there is a chance of more rain during the week but hopefully this will not affect the river levels. Hopefully it will be a settled week, which should bring better catches especially after last week with some encouraging catches. Hopefully there will be a few more fish running to let the lower river have a chance.


The water temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius with warmer weather to come, which will encourage salmon to run further upstream. The middle and Upper River should certainly benefit from this. Assuming the river continues to run at a consistent level there should be a better catch this coming week.

There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.

As to methods, spinning and fly fishing from the bank should enable you to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2010 is that all spring salmon should be released, ie the Tay has adopted a policy of 100% catch and release for spring salmon. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please help preserve both them and the long
term future of your sport by following the recommendations.



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 stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Tight lines.



To help you follow our guidelines I have included these helpful pointers.

How to SAFELY Release a Salmon
“The best method of releasing a salmon is to leave it in the water
and touch nothing but the hook with fingers or pliers.
“Whatever the method, care combined with speed, will give the fish the best chance of survival.”
Lee Wulff, Atlantic Salmon Journal Winter 1964/65

• Use barbless or pinched hooks
• Retrieve your fish quickly; release it immediately
• Keep the fish in the water
• Use rubber or knotless cotton net, if one must be used
• Cut the leader if necessary
• Remove the hook carefully
• Hold the fish gently in natural swimming position, facing upstream until it revives
• Don’t pump the fish. That is, don’t move the fish back and forth in the water.

How should hooks be removed?
Very Carefully
In quiet water, bring the wild salmon quickly within reach. Leaving the salmon in water and without squeezing it, remove the hook carefully with pliers or thumb and forefinger. If a net must be used, it should be rubber or knotless cotton. If necessary, cut the leader near the fly and spare the fish.

The Science of Live Release
“Peer-reviewed science supports live release as a proven and effective conservation tool.”
Dr. Fred Whoriskey,
ASF Vice-President, Research & Environment

Studies in North America and Europe have shown live release works, and in some instances Atlantic salmon have been angled 2 and 3 times.
Science has shown that virtually all Atlantic salmon will survive when released, as long as the angler uses the proper techniques, refrains from angling in overly warm water, and does not overplay the Atlantic salmon.
Like athletes sprinting on a track, Atlantic salmon build up lactic acid in their muscle tissues when they are being played.
The Key is Oxygen – The fish need oxygen in order to recover and continue their journey.
To recover, Atlantic salmon need:
• careful handling by the angler to reduce stress
• to remain in the water where they can breathe and reduce the oxygen deficit in their tissues
• to be held in an upstream position for water to flow more easily across their gills

Photographing Your Spectacular Live Release Salmon.

Use a photo partner:

* Digital camera: make settings on the camera before you begin fishing or use a point and shoot film camera. Give it to your partner before the angling session.

* Whether a digital camera or a film camera, tell your partner to fill the frame, and take several images.

* If it is a film camera, be sure there is film in the camera. This may seem to be a simple matter, but mistakes do happen...

Let your Partner get into Position:

* Tell him/her what you are going to do. Alert your partner before you take the fish out of the water.

Support the Atlantic salmon:

* Carefully take the barbless hook out of the fish’s mouth. With rod tucked under your arm, move one hand to the base of the tail. With your other hand, support the fish under the forward part of its body. Keep it in the water, with the fish pointed upstream to help its recovery.

* If a third person is present, give him or her the rod to hold, so you can concentrate on the wild salmon.

Take the Picture Quickly:

* With your photo partner warned, raise the wild Atlantic salmon partially out of the water for less than five seconds - or consider leaving it semi-submerged for the photo instead!

Return the Fish to Continue its Spawning Run:

* Support the salmon underwater in a natural position facing the current, handling it as little as possible. Give it time to recover. The goal is for the wild salmon to swim away on its own.


* Digital cameras offer the opportunity to adjust the film speed to suit conditions. In low light, such as evening, morning, heavy cloud, or deep shadow, consider setting the speed to 400, to take care of both movement and the low light. Experiment beforehand on speeds above 400, as many digital images become heavily pixilated at greater sensitivity.

* Remember to adjust the white balance for deep shadow, to warm the image.

* Today’s print films even at 400 speeds are superb. Use 400-speed film at dawn, dusk or in shadow.

* Don’t forget to smile! Your photo is a valuable memory.


Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2010.


Willie McAdam fly fishing on the Tummel today.



Willie McAdam from Perth with a fresh springer from the Sawmill stream on the Tummel.


Steve Watt with a lovely fresh 9 pounder caught fly fishing in the Pitlochry Angling club Sawmill Stream just at the bottom end of the town of Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland.


A superb 15 pound spring salmon caught by Rodger Moore on the lower Stobhall beat on a harled tube fly.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2010.

The fly seemed to be the answer on the river today. This was especially so at Pitlochry on the Tummel where 5 spring salmon were landed.

Jim Kennedy with his first spring salmon of the season caught fly fishing on the Pitlochry Angling Club water at Portnacraig.


Steve Watt from Perth had a real red letter day on the Pitlochry Club water today at Portnacraig fly fishing. Steve landed 4 salmon on the fly which is a pretty good days spring salmon fly fishing by anyone's standards. All the salmon were returned to the river.


Steve Watt with another spring salmon caught fly fishing at Portnacraig on the Tummel.


Bob Middleton returning a spring salmon on the Upper Scone Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Bob caught his salmon fly fishing in the Plain water pool casting from the bank.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Large Spring Salmon on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Large Spring Salmon on the Tay.


This was a very proud Arnot McWhinnie with a 27 1/2 pound salmon caught recently on the Tay at Burnbane on the middle Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. Arnot landed and returned this magnificent spring salmon on a harled Tomic lure from the boat.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the second week in April 2010 and Prospects for the coming week.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay Salmon Fishing Report for the second week in April 2010 and Prospects for the coming week.


River Tay Salmon Fishing report for week ending 17th April 2010.

After last weeks 44 spring salmon being reported this week was much better with 71 which represented the best weekly catch for the season so far. A few others were caught as well and not registered making it a reasonable week in April with hopefully better to come.

The river dropped steadily throughout the week giving good conditions for spring fishing. The weather was good as well with warmer daytime temperatures. This caused a bit of snow melt in the hills making the river rise a bit during the night and fall during the day.

The river temperature started to rise as well and was running at 45F or 7C by Saturday enabling salmon to run. This was apparent by a number of salmon carrying long tailed sea lice. This could be good news for next week as well and hopefully the run will continue.
This week the catches were dominated by the middle river, which is expected at this time of year with a rise in water temperature. The upper lower river beats did reasonably well also. We have not had a strong run as yet which hopefully will improve. It is absolutely imperative we continue to adhere to our catch and release policy to return all spring salmon to preserve what we have for the future. Thank you all for making this possible so far.

The lower river produced 26 out of the 71 spring salmon caught. The catches were sparse on the lower Tay above Perth with only 1 salmon caught at Waulkmill. However the beats above Stanley did much better. The Salmon seem to be running hard through the lower stretches and then slowing down above the Catholes weir. Catholes, Burnmouth, Taymount, Stobhall, Cargil and Ballathie all figured but the Islamouth beats faired best with 19 salmon for the week. A party from Essex did well at the start of the week on the Islamouth Meikleour days with 8 Salmon. This included a lovely 11 pound springer for John Arkwright fly fishing from the boat.

Bob Minto had a 12 pound beauty off the Upper Islamouth on Saturday on a small Tay Lure. Another successful fly angler was Donnie Gow from Crieff who caught a lovely 14 pound salmon at Ballathie on a Posh Tosh casting from the bank.

The Forrest party had a good day on Cargil on Saturday landing a couple of Springers. Gordon Donaldson also caught a 14 pound salmon on the Lower Stobhall beat on a Toby Salmo on Thursday. 2 lovely salmon were also landed on the Catholes on Thursday by George McKinlay and Bill Duncan.


The most notable catch of the week was 8 year old Ellie White landing her first ever salmon on a harled Tube fly on Burnmouth with the aid of her Grand Dad Geordie Stewart. She also landed a Kelt and a Rawner for good measure.

The middle Tay again dominated the catch with 36 salmon for the week. This figure is conservative, as Glendevine, Lower and Upper Murthly would account for another 10 at least but do not report. The milder conditions and higher river levels should encourage fish to run up to the middle river for next week as well. Coupar Grange again faired well with 10 on the Isla. There are also salmon being caught on the Ericht below Blairgowrie.
Kercock and Dunkeld House continue to report salmon on a regular basis.

Allan Rennie continues to have a good season on the Newtyle beat landing another 2 beauties this week including a 15 ½ covered in long tailed sea lice.

The Upper River and Loch only reported 9 salmon for the week. The milder conditions have encouraged spring salmon to run further upstream. The Tummel accounted for 6. Steve Watt, Les Dargie and Davie Stewart all caught but best fish of the week fell to Neil McLennan at 18 pounds and David Bryce with a 17 pound Springer. All these salmon were caught fly fishing on the Pitlochry Angling Club Portnacraig beat. Donnie Whiteford had the first spring salmon off the clubs Sawmill stream at the bottom end of the Pitlochry town water. Lower Kinnard have started to produce the odd salmon as well.
Loch Tay accounted for 28 spring salmon in March and have had 13 in April so far. The best salmon in March was an estimated 25 pound fish caught by the Highland lodges. Highland lodges and Bill Hills party figure best in the catches.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of opening week spring salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences over the last season on the river. I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Prospects for week commencing 19th April 2010.


As of Monday the river is settled and running at a good level.

The weather is to continue settled with high pressure for most of the week. Hopefully it will be a settled week, which should bring better catches especially after last week with some encouraging catches. Hopefully there will be a few more fish running to let the lower river have a chance.


The water temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius but the weather is to be a bit colder this coming week a prospect of the odd frost, but this should not discourage salmon to run further upstream. The middle and Upper River should certainly benefit from this. Assuming the river continues to run at a consistent level there should be a better catch this coming week.

There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.

As to methods, spinning and fly fishing from the bank should enable you to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year.

Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2010 is that all spring salmon should be released, ie the Tay has adopted a policy of 100% catch and release for spring salmon. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please help preserve both them and the long
term future of your sport by following the recommendations.



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 stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Tight lines.




Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Young Salmon Fishers on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Young Salmon Fishers on the Tay.

These were some images of young salmon fishers on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland today.

My daughter Ellie White with a lovely fresh 7 pound spring salmon caught on the Burnmouth beat at Stanley on a harled tube fly. This was Ellie's first salmon at the age of 8. Ellie caught the Tay Springer with her Grand Dad Scottish ghillie Geordie Stewart.


Peter Gifford fly fishing in the Long Shot on the Lower Tay Benchil beat just below Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.


Charlie Cadogan fly fishing in the Long shot on the Benchil beat.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tay April 2010.


Donnie Whiteford with a lovely 8 pound spring salmon from the Pitlochry Club water caught fly fishing. Donnie caught and released his salmon in the Sawmill stream at the bottom end of the town of Pitlochry on the river Tummel which is a tributary of the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland,

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Tay April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catching Spring Salmon on the Tay April 2010.

Some spring salmon fishing action from the river Tay today in Perthshire, Scotland.

Perth and District member Bill Duncan with a 12 pound spring salmon from the Catholes at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Bill caught the superb springer from the boat in the Black Stones pool.


George McKinlay from Perth with 9 pound beauty from the tail of the Catholes Stream on a Toby.


Gordon Donaldson with a fresh 14 pounds springer caught on a Toby Salmo at the Root on the Lower Stobhall beat above Stanley.


A lovely 12 pound spring salmon caught and released fly fishing on the Isla. The salmon was taken on the Coupar Grange beat in Pats Pool on a small copper Cascade Tube fly.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing April 2010 on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing April 2010 on the Tay.

Some action from the river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland on a superb spring day in April.

John Arkwright from Essex with a cracking 11 pound springer from the Meikleour Islamouth beat caught and returned on a fly from the boat today.


Donnie Gow from Crieff with a lovely fresh 14 pound spring salmon caught fly fishing on a Posh Tosh on the Ballathie beat.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Tay 2010.


Jessie James with a lovely 11 pound spring salmon caught fly fishing on the Erics pool of the Catholes beat at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.


Brendan McKay playing a Kelt on the Tay at Stanley on the Pitlochrie Beat.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay April 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Salmon Fishing on the Tay April 2010.


Mark Jenkinson with a fantastic 17 pound springer caught from the Oat Tree pool on the middle Tay Dalmarnock beat just above Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland. The salmon was taken and released on a pearly Tomic.


Steven Watt with a lovely 6 pound spring salmon from the Pitlochry Club water on the Tummel at Portnacraig caught fly fishing this morning.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay report for the first complete week in April and Prospects for next week 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland River Tay report for the first complete week in April and Prospects for next week 2010.

River Tay Report for the week ending 10th April 2010.
After last weeks 58 spring salmon being reported this week was not quite so good with 44 but the catch was virtually only in 3 days fishing. A few others were caught as well and not registered making it a reasonable first complete week in April with hopefully better to come.

The river rose steadily on Monday and with heavy rain and high winds on Monday night was in full spate by Tuesday. On Wednesday the river was still dirty, especially on the lower Tay but started to clear by nightfall. The rest of the week was ideal but it was only the middle Tay that really benefited with some good catches.

The river temperature started to rise as well and was running at 43F or 5.5C by Saturday enabling salmon to run. This was apparent by a number of salmon carrying long tailed sea lice. This could be good news for next week as well and hopefully the run will continue.
This week the catches were dominated by the middle river, which is expected at this time of year with a rise in water temperature. This was the first week the middle river has had more salmon reported than the lower and upper area together which must be down to the higher river levels and increase in water temperatures.
We have not had a strong run as yet which hopefully will improve. It is absolutely imperative we continue to adhere to our catch and release policy to return all spring salmon to preserve what we have for the future. Thank you all for making this possible so far.

The lower river produced 12 out of the 44 spring salmon caught. The catches were sparse on the lower Tay beats during the week.

Scottish ghillie Dave Barwick releases an 8 pound spring salmon from the Upper Scone beat caught by Dr Tony Portno at Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland.
Upper Scone accounted for 3 and Islamouth caught 3 lovely spring fish on Saturday.

A beauty from Islamouth on Saturday.

The middle Tay dominated the catch with 27 salmon for the week. This figure is conservative, as Glendevine, Lower and Upper Murthly would account for another 10 at least but do not report. The milder conditions and higher river levels should encourage fish to run up to the middle river for next week as well. Coupar Grange again faired well with 16 on the Isla. There are also salmon also being caught on the Ericht below Blairgowrie.
There was a real Tay beauty landed again this week on Burnbane. Arnot McWhinnie landed a 27 1/2 pound Springer on Friday from the boat harling a Tomic. Other good spring salmon were landed at Dunkeld House as well at the end of the week.

The Upper River and Loch
only reported 5 salmon for the week. The milder conditions have encouraged spring salmon to run further upstream. The Tummel accounted for 4 as the salmon run further upstream.

Steven Watt, a regular on the Pitlochry Angling Club at Portnacraig caught a 9 pound Springer fly fishing on Saturday and Davie Stewart had a lovely 9 pounder as well on Tuesday as the river began to calm down. There have not been any updates from the Loch.

Many thanks for all the pictures everyone sent me of opening week spring salmon and thanks to all who have sent me their individual fishing experiences over the last season on the river. I would be most grateful if you to do the same this season by emailing stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Prospects for the coming week.
As of Monday the river is settled and running at a good level.

The weather is to be settled with high pressure for most of the week. Hopefully it will be a settled week, which should bring better catches especially after the last few days of last week with some encouraging catches. Hopefully there will be a few more fish running to let the lower river have a chance.


The water temperature is 43 degrees Fahrenheit or 5.5 degrees Celsius and probably set to rise with the warmer weather and little prospect of a frost, which will not discourage salmon to run further upstream. The middle and Upper River should certainly benefit from this. Assuming the river continues to run at a consistent level there should be a better catch this coming week.

There is good availability throughout the river so why not have a go.

As to methods, spinning and fly fishing from the bank should enable you to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year.


Finally all anglers are reminded that the Tay's policy for Catch and Release in 2010 is that we now recommend every angler should release all spring salmon to conserve stocks for the future . i.e. the Tay has adopted a policy of 100% catch and release for spring salmon. Spring salmon are a scarce and precious resource. Please help preserve both them and the long-term future of your sport by following the recommendations.
To help you follow our guidelines I have included these helpful pointers.

How to SAFELY Release a Salmon
“The best method of releasing a salmon is to leave it in the water
and touch nothing but the hook with fingers or pliers.
“Whatever the method, care combined with speed, will give the fish the best chance of survival.”
Lee Wulff, Atlantic Salmon Journal Winter 1964/65

• Use barbless or pinched hooks
• Retrieve your fish quickly; release it immediately
• Keep the fish in the water
• Use rubber or knotless cotton net, if one must be used
• Cut the leader if necessary
• Remove the hook carefully
• Hold the fish gently in natural swimming position, facing upstream until it revives
• Don’t pump the fish. That is, don’t move the fish back and forth in the water.

How should hooks be removed?
Very Carefully
In quiet water, bring the wild salmon quickly within reach. Leaving the salmon in water and without squeezing it, remove the hook carefully with pliers or thumb and forefinger. If a net must be used, it should be rubber or knotless cotton. If necessary, cut the leader near the fly and spare the fish.

The Science of Live Release
“Peer-reviewed science supports live release as a proven and effective conservation tool.”
Dr. Fred Whoriskey,
ASF Vice-President, Research & Environment

Studies in North America and Europe have shown live release works, and in some instances Atlantic salmon have been angled 2 and 3 times.
Science has shown that virtually all Atlantic salmon will survive when released, as long as the angler uses the proper techniques, refrains from angling in overly warm water, and does not overplay the Atlantic salmon.
Like athletes sprinting on a track, Atlantic salmon build up lactic acid in their muscle tissues when they are being played.
The Key is Oxygen – The fish need oxygen in order to recover and continue their journey.
To recover, Atlantic salmon need:
• careful handling by the angler to reduce stress
• to remain in the water where they can breathe and reduce the oxygen deficit in their tissues
• to be held in an upstream position for water to flow more easily across their gills

Photographing Your Spectacular Live Release Salmon.

Use a photo partner:

* Digital camera: make settings on the camera before you begin fishing or use a point and shoot film camera. Give it to your partner before the angling session.

* Whether a digital camera or a film camera, tell your partner to fill the frame, and take several images.

* If it is a film camera, be sure there is film in the camera. This may seem to be a simple matter, but mistakes do happen...

Let your Partner get into Position:

* Tell him/her what you are going to do. Alert your partner before you take the fish out of the water.

Support the Atlantic salmon:

* Carefully take the barbless hook out of the fish’s mouth. With rod tucked under your arm, move one hand to the base of the tail. With your other hand, support the fish under the forward part of its body. Keep it in the water, with the fish pointed upstream to help its recovery.

* If a third person is present, give him or her the rod to hold, so you can concentrate on the wild salmon.

Take the Picture Quickly:

* With your photo partner warned, raise the wild Atlantic salmon partially out of the water for less than five seconds - or consider leaving it semi-submerged for the photo instead!

Return the Fish to Continue its Spawning Run:

* Support the salmon underwater in a natural position facing the current, handling it as little as possible. Give it time to recover. The goal is for the wild salmon to swim away on its own.



* Digital cameras offer the opportunity to adjust the film speed to suit conditions. In low light, such as evening, morning, heavy cloud, or deep shadow, consider setting the speed to 400, to take care of both movement and the low light. Experiment beforehand on speeds above 400, as many digital images become heavily pixilated at greater sensitivity.

* Remember to adjust the white balance for deep shadow, to warm the image.

* Today’s print films even at 400 speeds are superb. Use 400-speed film at dawn, dusk or in shadow.

* Don’t forget to smile! Your photo is a valuable memory.

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 stanley.fishing@ukonline.co.uk to be included in this report.


Tight lines.




Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Spring Fishing on the Tay 2010.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Spring Fishing on the Tay 2010.

These are a couple of spring salmon caught at the Islamouth beat today on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. Details will follow later.


Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Tay.

Salmon Fishing Scotland April Salmon Fishing on the Tay.


This was a lovely 10 pound springer caught on the Islamouth beat today on the Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. The fresh spring salmon was successfully landed and returned by Fred Barber on a Kynoch harled from the boat.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Salmon Fishing Scotland G. Loomis Youtube Channel.

Salmon Fishing Scotland G. Loomis Youtube Channel.



Check out the new G. Loomis youtube channel by clicking on this link.
There are plenty of interesting videos including the G. Loomis factory tour, Fly casting demonstrations, Skagit fly casting and Spey Casting to name a few.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tummel.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Spring Fly Fishing on the Tummel.


On Monday and Tuesday heavy rain and snowmelt put the river completely out of sorts. However by lunchtime yesterday the Tummel at Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland was falling nicely and clearing too. Donnie Whiteford was first into a fish which came off very quickly but later in the afternoon Dave Stewart landed a liced,9lbs fish off Portnacraig bank fly fishing.

Fishing Salmon River, Salmon River, Fishing for Salmon, salmon Fishing Alaska, Fishing Alaska, Fly Fishing Salmon, Fly Fishing, Salmon Fishing Report, Trout Fishing, King Salmon Fishing, Salmon Fishing Forum, Salmon Fishing Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland, River Tay Scotland, Scottish Salmon, Salmon Rivers Scotland, Fishing Tackle Scotland, Salmon Fishing Flies, Fly Fishing Flies.

Bargain Fishing Books and DVDs