The river Tay in Perthshire Scotland had a reasonable catch last week in settled conditions that were more like summer but is looking for a far stronger run. Currently there has been a run of autumn salmon and grilse over the last few weeks on the river but there is a higher expectation of further improvement in the weeks to come with more fish running hopefully. The weather is to remain settled this week but the river is after a big spate to trigger off further improvements. The catches have been disappointing recently but more water would give hope and renewed optimism for the coming weeks assuming more fish enter the system. Most beats are reporting reasonable numbers of fish in residence but catching them is proving difficult.
This past week saw the water level drop to summer levels with sport maintained throughout the beats. The fishing can be supreme and the scenery is not bad either.
The Ospreys have now gone back to Africa but you could see an Otter or a Kingfisher darting past while you are in mid cast! It is true what they say, “ a salmon is a bonus!” That has certainly been the case this year!
Beat catches reported
(week ending 20th September)
SALMON & GRILSE: Almondmouth 22, Waulkmill 3, Lower Redgorton 13, Upper Redgorton 8, Fishponds 2, Benchil 1, Upper Scone 5, Stobhall 12, Taymount 10, Ballathie 7, Cargill 15, Islamouth 11, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 2, Kercock 2, Murthly 2 3, Newtyle 3, Dunkeld House 1, Lower Kinnaird 2, Upper Kinnaird 1.
Total: 123 Largest: Cargill 24lbs
SEA TROUT: Waulkmill 1, Lower Redgorton 1, Meikleour and Upper Islamouth 1, Murthly 2 1, Dalmarnock 3, Lower Kinnaird 1.
Total: 8 Largest: Lower Kinnaird 3lbs
Lower Tay.
The autumn fishing is hard on the lower river with limited fish running the river at the moment. Sea Trout have been an added bonus this summer but a strengthening autumn run is hoped for in weeks to come. The lower beats below Stanley caught fish this past week and Almondmouths catches were reasonable but unpredictable and this was reflected on the river in general. This beat is seen as a barometer for the river as it is the first beat at the head of the tide therefore improving catches there would hearten everyone and mean more fish are at last entering the river. They had fish all week and finished with 22, which is extremely disappointing for the time of year. The Stormont angling club water is also producing a similar catch but this is not registered. Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton also caught fish on most days but in disappointing numbers for the time of year.
Fishponds had odd fish and Upper Redgorton had reasonable success under the circumstances with the Robbins party. Upper Scone had 5 for the week and Tim Greenfield’s party on Pitlochrie and Benchil enjoyed the week despite not having a lot of success.
Tim caught a fish from the Long Shot on Benchil. Catches have been very hard to achieve and this proved the case on Stobhall and Taymount with limited success. Even Ballathie and Cargill found life difficult.
On Cargill it was a “week of high water temps and low river levels that impacted our catches again. Peter Harts party had a good couple of days on Monday and Tuesday with 11 fish up to 24lbs in weight, most of these fish were coloured but Peter did have two crackers on Tuesday at 23 and 19lbs both carrying sea lice. The rest of the week was a bit of a non event but Roy De Voss and Clive Downhill managed a couple a piece on the worm and floating Devon. Lots of fish in the beat but cooler water temps are required to get them on the take.” Islamouth had a consistent week with 11 fish.
On Upper Islamouth and Meikleour it was a “difficult time in the low water, with the Enderby party managing two fish and a sea trout for their week. Lots of fish throughout the beat, but we need water to stir them up a bit"
Middle Tay.
The catches further upstream have difficult and not easy to achieve. Kercock had 2 for the week and Murthly 2 had 3.
Newtyle had reasonable success with the fly being good for David Chapman from Cornwall and Welsh visitor Bill Bates landing fish up to 12 pounds. Later in the week Tom Kenyon caught an 11 pounds fish on a Cascade and 89 year old Tom Kenyon caught 2 fish form the boat. Dunkeld house reported one fish and fish were also landed at the Kinnaird beats.
Upper Tay.
This area has been quiet again and needs more rain.
Tummel.
It has been a very quiet week on the Tummel again with odd catches but fish have been running through Pitlochry Dam with the count just over 4100.
Isla & Ericht.
Salmon have been running the Isla and Ericht in recent weeks but more water would improve matters. Nothing was reported last week.
Earn.
Nothing was reported last week.
The 2014 salmon season in Scotland, Europe and Iceland has not been one to remember so far. Atlantic salmon stocks are relatively low so the importance of Catch and Release is vital to continue our enjoyment of this superb sport for the future. Currently on the Tay the majority of anglers with odd exceptions are achieving this. We had a superb spring run and catch last season, which may just be down to the majority of anglers returning salmon over the past seasons. This year catches have fallen dramatically so emphasizing the importance of catch and release is absolutely crucial. Retaining hen salmon is a strict no no and any angler doing so should not be allowed on our rivers.
Tim Greenfield being presented with the August award for a 23 pounds fish caught on the fly from Islamouth.
The Tay Ghillies Association have seized the initiative and launched a 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.
• Catch a good Tay Salmon
• Weigh it carefully and photograph it with as little handling as possible.
• Verify with Ghillie
• Safely return the fish with a minimum of handling
• TGA Committee decision is final
Send entries with a photo and verification details to:-
Mike Hay, Sec of Tay Ghillies Assoc.
Mobile: 07762 464407
Email: tayhayurg@gmail.com
Thank you to all anglers who have returned their spring salmon to maintain our sport for the future, but this should be extended to the summer and autumn now as catches have dropped to new lows, it is vitally important and is a great contribution by individuals who care for their sport and the river. Well done!
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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