There has been an event more successful week completed on the mighty Tay in Perthshire, Scotland with continued cold weather and improved catches despite some inclement weather at the end of the week making it a pleasurable pursuit of that magical spring salmon. The weather was consistently cold for the week with frosts most nights. River levels dropped back during the week but rain on low ground on Sunday may raise the heights slightly. Catches continued at better level from the previous week, which was very heartening. We have now gone back into a much colder spell for this coming week, which may give us more snow, but hopefully this will not stop us maintaining good sport.
The Catholes at Stanley.
Currently the river is running back at a lower level after more cold weather and there is even colder weather forecast towards the end of this week (1’4 and steady on the Ballathie gauge). The weather is set to remain cold over the next week, which should benefit the lower river mainly and maintain the chance of producing some sport and some early "Bars of Silver" if you are prepared to brave the elements.
The sun goes down on the Tay on a cold spring day.
The weather is set to be cold with frost forecast at night and possible snow during the day and will get colder at the end of this week yet again. 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. Milder weather and some rain on Sunday may give us more water and encouraged more salmon to run the river, which will benefit everyone as conditions settle. The river is falling with colder temperatures and will continue to do so until we get rain or a thaw from milder weather. The water temperature is currently around 39 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celcius but may drop back. These are typical temperatures for this time of year. The temperature may come back further with the colder forecast at the end of the week ahead but there have been salmon running throughout the system after milder conditions and this resulted 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 at this time of year please see this link for some help.
First ever salmon for Archie Peddie at Stanley.
As to methods, in settled conditions fishing by any method will have to be slow and deep with large lures to catch the elusive Tay Springer. Harling is also a favoured method at this time of year but be warned wrap up well or it will not be a pleasant experience.
Finally you are reminded that the Tay's policy for January - May 2013 is that all spring salmon should be released, 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.
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.
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.
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