The river Tay in Perthshire, Scotland has had an excellent salmon fishing season by modern standards as the FishTay web site have reported over 8000 Salmon and Grilse for the 2013 fishing season. In terms of the salmon and grilse catch, the 2013 season total shows an 18 % increase on 2012 and a 26 % increase on the 5 year average for FishTay beats.
A spring beauty from Catholes at Stanley.
Catches reported per month through the season were as follows Jan 38, Feb 151, Mar 391, Apr 708, May 930, Jun 647, Jul 511, Aug 888, Sep 1659 and October 2123. The spring period from January to May was the big talking point, showing a staggering 82.5 % increase on 2012 and a 98% increase on the 5 year average. The summer period was not so prolific due to very low water, June to August was down 15.6% on 2012, but the autumn was a more positive period, September to October showed a 20% increase on 2012. Another aspect of the catch was the continuation of larger multi sea winter salmon being caught throughout the Tay system in the 20 to 30 pounds class plus a few over 30.
A summer salmon from Cargill.
To provide some context it has to be said the 2013 salmon rod catch was extremely heartening although everyone had to work extremely hard to achieve these results. The spring was the big plus which should bring renewed interest in spring fishing for 2014 and the on coming season is being greeted with much anticipation. The summer and early autumn was more difficult in most areas with no rain from May until early October because of excessive low water even for the Tay. It must be said the low water did suit some areas as salmon got held back in the main river and did not disappear up the tributaries. The end of the season was heartening with a substantial increase especially in October with a 40% increase on 2012 after the rain at last arrived, however there was with a feeling that a real autumn run had not taken place. Fresh salmon were still running the river right up to the last day and the extra 2 weeks extension continued to give the local economy a much needed boost.
An autumn fish from Scone.
The river cannot be complacent about these figures as we expect a lot more and every effort must be made to take the river forward to the levels of the past and put the mighty Tay in its rightful position of being the premiere salmon fishing destination in the world. The river has had a superb run and catch this season, which may just be down to the majority of anglers returning salmon over the past seasons. Thank you to all anglers who have this season returned their salmon and in particular spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done! It should be pointed out there are a number of beats that do not report catches on the FishTay website and the full rod catch for the River Tay in 2012 will be quite a bit higher than shown on the FishTay website.
Last light on the 2013 season.
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