Tag Archive for: river tay

Spring Salmon Fishing in Scotland

What is it about Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland that is so appealing? In the early spring months of January and February it is essentially winter-time and we have a cheek to call it Spring! At this time of year the Atlantic Salmon are pretty thin on the ground and one requires hard work, dedication and a dash of luck to connect with that prized bar of silver!

Catching the elusive “Scottish Springer” is no easy feat. However if you are fortunate to get your fly or lure in front of a springer, it could be the catch of your season.  It is this level of anticipation that captures the spirit of the die-hard Salmon angler. A Spring Atlantic Salmon in Scotland is the ultimate, the “pièce de résistance”  if you like. If you were to ask any die-hard Salmon fishermen what’s their favourite time of year to catch a Salmon, I reckon 95% would tell you it’s the Spring. You can even include ourselves in this statistic.

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A stunning example of a spring Salmon from the River Tay for Australian Guest Mark!

 

When fishing for Spring Salmon you have to get into the correct mindset. Personally, I try not to think and over analyse my fishing too much or listen to theories. I’ll fish methodically, covering as much water as I physically can. The more water you cover the better chance of getting your fly or lure in front of a Salmon – that’s how I always approach my Salmon fishing.

The good thing for us anglers is Spring Salmon are generally more aggressive, therefore, better takers. Although numbers aren’t as prolific as they are during the back end, if you can cover them, you stand a very good chance of inducing a take.

 

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Fly fishing for Spring Salmon in April

What makes Spring Salmon or “Springers” as they are more affectionately known such a sought after quarry?

  • Fishing is more accessible & affordable to anglers
  • There is more satisfaction at catching a spring Salmon
  • Greater admiration among your angling peers
  • They take and fight with unrivalled power and aggression
  • The fish are in peak condition, beautifully proportioned, bright silver and often sea-liced

The Spring Salmon Fishing Season in Scotland

Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland effectively starts in January with the Helmsdale starting proceeding’s and then the Ness and Tay following on. The Tweed then follows, opening in February.

The spring Salmon season ends in June.

I must admit, it feels nothing like spring when fishing in those early months of this “Spring” period, in particular January and February, then through to the beginning of March. One must invest in good thermals!

Despite the cold, this time of year offers a great chance to connect with a spring run Atlantic Salmon!

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A beautiful spring salmon from the River Tay system – our favourite river system!

Our Best Spring Salmon Fishing Rivers in Scotland

The River Tay
The Tay offers the best value spring Salmon fishing in Scotland. Scotland’s largest river can boast one of the highest numbers of rod caught Salmon in Scotland. During the early months of the year the traditional Tay method of Harling (Boat trolling) is without doubt the favoured method. From opening day the lower beats of the Tay around Stanley fish best, particularly when cold as fish back up below the first real temperature barriers in the river.

These early runners tend to be headed for the upper reaches of the system, Tummel, Isla, Ericht, Loch Tay and Dochart and some can be well in excess of 20lbs!

As March begins and the water temperatures rise the Salmon runs increase with the arrival of the spring tides. as the early spring Salmon run to the furthest parts of the system and the Loch itself can produce a number of big fish in the coming weeks.

April & May sees the peak of the Spring Salmon run and during this period they can be caught throughout the system with the Middle Tay beats often the most productive. This is one of our favourite times to be on the River Tay.

The Lower River Tummel
The River Tummel is part of the excellent Tay system. This short river has a hydro electric dam at Pitlochry which acts as a temperature barrier for migrating Salmon. Salmon will congregate in their hundreds and thousands below the dam until the temperature reaches 12 degrees. Like flicking a switch, the fish counter on the dam will start rising rapidly as Salmon run the fish ladder in their hundreds daily. As the Salmon run the fishing in the lower river Tummel becomes tougher.

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The River Teith in Spring, a beautiful river with great potential…


The River Isla & Ericht 

One of the most prolific spring salmon systems in Scotland. These small tributaries of the Tay offer outstanding value for money Salmon fishing and can be fished with a single handed fly rod. What the Lower Isla lacks in beauty it more than makes up for in the numbers of fish it produces.

The Ericht is a river for the more adventurous angler, access can be a challenge but for those prepared for a scramble it offers an excellent chance of a spring salmon in Scotland, particularly in April & May.

North & South Esk
The North & South Esk have to be the two most under-rated Salmon rivers in Scotland. The Esk’s are spate rivers, fishing better after a rise in water levels. If you can time the conditions right they can offer an outstanding chance of landing a Scottish springer! The beauty of these little rivers is they can easily be fished with a single handed fly rod.

The River Tweed
One of the big four Scottish rivers more noted for its Autumn Salmon fishing. In recent seasons the Tweed has seen an increase in its spring Salmon run. The Tweed is a fly fishers dream and boasts more fly caught Salmon than any other river in the central and borders region of Scotland. It is an utterly stunning lowland river and an absolute must for the avid Salmon angler!

The River Teith 
The Teith is one of Scotland’s most beautiful rivers, given the right conditions it can compete with the best rivers in Scotland. The Teith is a big fish river and many twenty pound plus Spring Salmon have been landed from this system in recent years. It is where I caught my first ever Salmon, and holds a special place in my heart. Another must in our eyes!

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Head Guide Callum Conner admires a true Scottish Spring Salmon

The Salmon

A true “springer” will be bright silver with glints of purple down the flanks and dark grey or blue backs. (As above)

As well as fresh run spring Salmon you may also encounter a few other classes of Salmon.

Kelts are what we call spawned out Salmon. These Salmon returned to the river the previous season and have spawned during winter. The Kelts are now in a recovery stage before beginning their journey back to sea again.

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A not so well mended Salmon kelt caught in spring. Note the thin appearance and fungus on tail, this is not prevalent in well-mended kelts.

Although silver, Kelts are much thinner in appearance having used up all their body fat. They are often carrying gill maggots (see above) and are known to attack anything that comes in their general direction! Many inexperienced anglers can mistake Kelts for Spring Salmon.

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Gill maggots, a clear give away it is not a fresh Salmon and indeed a kelt.

There is also the opportunity of Rawners or Baggots, which are male and female Salmon (respectively)  that have entered the river and haven’t managed to spawn.

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Salmon Baggot caught in April

Baggots and Rawners carry more colour, faded grey, purple & brown shades along body, with brown colouration on their heads. Many will have gill maggots and ragged fins (as above). They may not be a spring salmon but they do still put a welcome bend in the rod!

Good sport can be had in the beginning months with these fish.

During the early months of spring it is vitally important you wear appropriate clothing to endure the elements and increase your chances of success.

Spring Salmon Fishing Clothing

  • Thick Merino Wool Socks
  • Merino wool or synthetic base layer top and pant
  • Fleece layer top & pant or Primaloft top & pant
  • Waterproof outer layer jacket
  • Breathable or Neoprene waders
  • Wool hat
  • Wool or windproof gloves

Click the following link to read our informative article about layering your clothing.

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Never under estimate the importance of tackle choice…

After a few months of lying redundant it is important to double check all your fishing tackle and make sure it’s in fine order, replacing any old and damages lines and leaders for the new season ahead.

Spring Salmon Fishing Fly Fishing Tackle

Rods
12-15ft fly rods to suit the river size and med-fast actioned to aid sunk lines and skagit casting.

Reels
A smooth reliable drag is important and must match the size of fly rod and store approx 150 yards of backing.

Fly lines
Skagit iFlight, Hover sink1 shooting head, Intermediate head sink 2/3 shooting head & Full floating shooting heads.

Leaders
10ft Poly/Versi leaders in various sink rates.

Tippets
25lb Fluorocarbon for heavy tubes and 19lb for flies. And the old faithful 18lb or 20lb maxima chameleon

Flies
Monkeys, Black & Yellow, Willie Gunn & Ice Maiden in copper, tungsten and brass tubes during the colder months when it is imperative to get down to the fish.

As the water warms the usual dressed flies including Ally’s Cascades, Yellow Ally’s, Gledswood shrimp’s, Willie Gunn’s or Flamethrowers among many others work.

I am still great believer fly choice is more down to confidence and size/depth holds greater importance. Follow the rule, big water, big fly and vice versa

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Australian lady Liz spin fishing for Salmon on the mighty River Tay in May

Spring Salmon Lure Fishing Tackle

Lures
Megabass Vision Oneten’s, Devon Minnows, Toby Salmo’s, Rapala Max Raps & Kynoch Killers are the mainstays.

Rods
9-11ft rods are the norm. I prefer a shorter 9ft rod for spinning but 10ft is considered standard. An 11ft rod is better suited to fishing Devon Minnows.

Reels
I prefer a 4000 or 5000 series front drag reels with 40lb braid for Salmon spin fishing. Traditionally many use Shimano bait runners in the 6000, 8000 & even 10000. Although fine, they are are not actually designed for spinning and can be quite cumbersome reels to fish with all day, although ok for harling.

Other Handy Items For Spring Salmon Fishing

Landing Net / Gye Net
Rubber Meshed McCleans Salmon Nets take some beating. One with a gye strap when fishing alone for transportation. You don’t want to lose that elusive springer when trying to beach on your own!

Thermometer
Can aid line choice and give yo an idea of how the fish will behave. You can then alter your tactics to suit.

Towel & Spare Clothing
In the lucky event you take a tumble you don’t want to end your day early. It still amazes me how many anglers don’t do this!

Auto Inflate Life Jacket
We really shouldn’t fish without them.

Wading Staff
Acts a stabiliser and third leg when negotiating the riverbed.

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An angler awaits in anticipation as his fly swings round…

Fishing Tips For Spring Salmon Fishing in Scotland

  • Get some casting lessons from a qualified instructor during the closed season on techniques for sunk line and skagit lines
  • Layer your clothing correctly. Base layer, mid insulating layer & waterproof layer
  • Listen to local & ghillies advice – they know the river better than anyone
  • Thorough check your gear for wear prior to your trip
  • Fish deeper and slower to suit the colder conditions
  • Fish higher and faster in warmer conditions – Don’t be afraid to work the fly faster
  • Cover the river methodically, visualising your fly or lure fishing through the pool
  • Monitor any catch trends in specific areas, especially in the early stages of the season
  • Hire a guide if unfamiliar with the local fishing

If this wets your appetite for a Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland package please get in touch with us to discuss further.

Tight Lines

Callum Conner

Head Guide & Owner Scotia Fishing
Loop Tackle Design Ambassador
SGAIC Single & Double Hand Instructor

Fishing in March in Scotland 2015 with Scotia Fishing

Fishing in March was quite good to us, we managed some great fish for our clients including Grayling, Pike, and Trout but the Salmon evaded us!

We had some real mixed weather conditions which are typical of early spring/ late winter in Scotland. We’ve seen highs of 13/14 degrees, snow, hail, heavy rain – you name it we got it! The river shave been up and down also but when settled conditions have been good.

The Grayling fishing this winter has been very good to me personally, managing to top my personal bests on two occasions.

First with this Grayling at 48cm and unweighed..

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Hunchback of grayling dam…

Then this 3lb 5oz specimen a few weeks later.

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Blurred to protect our spots – sorry.

Then the following week I managed another chunk at 3lb 4oz from a new venue when out chasing Trout!

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A stunning Grayling with unbelievable colouration…

 

Having spoke with many other friends in the fishing fraternity we think it’s been a big fish year. Let’s hope for the same this season!

Trout fishing on the rivers has been slow to start with, the water temperatures are still low and only occasionally are we aw signs of life in March but temps are increasing as we write this review. The LDO’s are hatching and fish are rising!

The River Tweed Trout fishing season kicks off today and we cannot wait to get started with this beautiful river’s spotted residents.

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Still bit of feeding to be done on this one, but great acrobatic fight!

 

Pick of the bunch for Grayling this winter was Mr Ed Molina, a highly regarded tattoo artist from USA with a great brace of Middle Tweed Grayling of 2lb 4oz and 2lb 10oz…

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Show those lady’s some love…

American singer and songwriter managed to break from his UK touring schedule to sneak an early morning raid on the River Tay for Brown Trout and Grayling, managing a few Grayling and a Trout on the Scottish version of the San Juan Worm – “The Squirmie Wormie”

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Can you spot the squirmie…

We had some nice Pike in March too with Josh nailing the pick of the bunch with a low double figure Pike caught in freezing conditions! The cold gets forgotten about when you’re catching fish though…

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JP with a great Pike

That’s a round up of the latest winter fishing and March fishing in Scotland –  April is shaping up nicely, the Salmon runs will start to increase into May, the trout fishing starts to come in to it’s own and the Pike will be on the hunt post-spawn at end of the month when sport can be hectic!

We still have some availability so please get in touch using the contact us button at the top of the page if you’d like to experience Scottish fishing at its best!

Tight lines

Callum

Salmon Fishing on the River Tay in Scotland

Salmon fishing on the River Tay in Scotland holds a special place in our hearts. It is our most local river that’s part of Scotland’s “big four” salmon fishing rivers and we would argue it offers the best value Salmon fishing in Scotland. The River Tay is Scotland’s largest river, flowing an impressive 117 miles from source to sea.

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Stunning Autumnal light when Salmon fishing on the River Tay!

The River Tay is steeped in tradition and Salmon fishing history. In-fact the biggest ever Salmon caught in the UK was caught on this very river back in 1922 by Miss Georgina Ballantine. It is still the British record rod caught Salmon to this day and unlikely to ever be beaten!

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Salmon fishing on the river tay in Scotland during low water conditions in September.

Scotia Fishing provide guided Salmon fishing on the River Tay from opening day in January up until the last day in October.

The great thing about the River Tay is fresh fish run the river from opening day, until the last day of the season. This means you will always have a chance at landing a bar of silver!

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A great back-end Salmon for Dan from Oklahoma on the River Tay!

The River Tay has a great spring, summer and back end run which makes the river very unique and consistent throughout the season.

The tributaries of the river Tay have some of Scotland’s most prolific spring salmon catches. If you time it right,  they can offer you one of the best chances of landing a spring Salmon in Scotland!

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Can you spot the jumping Salmon

Salmon Fishing on the River Tay

The Tay is one of the few Scottish rivers that will fish in mega low summer levels right up to 12ft above summer levels which was conditions we faced on the last week of the season in 2014 and still caught fish!

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Ronnie with a coloured back-end hen typical of fishing in the fall & autumnal months.

Up until the end of the 2014 season the Tay ran a trial extension period for four years with the season running to the end of October. This was a great idea in our eyes but following a vote in December 2014, land owners on the river have opted against this being applied for on a permanent basis.

This is a shame, as on the second last day of the season in 2014 we were still catching bright bars of silver like the one below.

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A stunning wee Grilse from the 2nd last day to the extension season.

 

There are so many picturesque beats offering first class Salmon fishing on the River Tay with great ghillies and facilities to match.

Different sections of this magnificent river fish best at different times of the year. Scotia Fishing will use our knowledge and experience of fishing and guiding on the Tay to select you the best beat suiting your requirements to give you the best opportunity possible of landing that prized Atlantic Salmon!

Our packages include:

  • Hotel pick ups
  • Permit / License
  • Personal guide per 3 anglers
  • Qualified tuition
  • Full safety equipment
  • Top of the range fishing tackle hire
  • Breathable waders & boot hire
  • Hearty Scottish themed lunches & non-alcoholic drinks
  • Photography to keep as a souvenir
  • Complimentary fine dram of single malt whisky

 

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A stinker of a salmon from the River Tay. Caught on the fly by Scotia Fishing owner..

We offer one of the best value services in Scotland and have built up a reputation for delivering results. Don’t just believe us, check out the independent reviews on Trip Advisor.

Please visit our Salmon fishing in Scotland package page or get in touch using the “Contact Us” button to find out more information about Salmon fishing on the River Tay in Scotland.

Best Salmon Fishing in Scotland – Our Thoughts

The best Salmon fishing in Scotland. How does one prove such a statement? Well, in our opinion there are number of factors that contribute to defining the best Atlantic Salmon fishing in Scotland. Scotland has an abundance of prolific Salmon rivers, with each one having it’s own unique feel, appearance, history, traditions and charm.

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A pristine example of a prized, fresh run, Scottish Atlantic Salmon.

 

Here’s our thoughts on what makes the best Salmon fishing in Scotland.

 

1. Accessibility is a major factor. Somewhere within a short drive from the major Scottish cities is a must.

2. Value for money. A river with affordable Salmon fishing options to cater for all budgets at the various times of year.

3. Well managed. A river managed well, with helpful, professional ghillies looking after the beats and providing a welcoming atmosphere to the visiting anglers.

4. Scenery & wildlife. After all, it’s what Scotland is famed for.

5. Quality of fishing. It has to offer quality fishing all year round, good spring, summer and a back end run.

6. History and charm. Scotland is the home of Salmon fly fishing, Spey Casting and the British record Salmon.

When we sat down to go through all the above criteria, in our opinion, the best Salmon fishing is on the mighty River Tay.  Let us explain how we come to our conclusion.

 

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A client fishing the River Tay in Summer levels

 

 

You can fish the River Tay within a short drive from all Scotland’s major central cities and towns such as, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee, Fife, Stirling & even St Andrews.

It offers the best value for money Salmon fishing in Scotland. Affordable permits and access to such beats can be found all year round, even in peak season when booked in advance.

Fresh run Atlantic Salmon can be caught from opening day, right up until the very last day of the season in most conditions.

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The Best Tay Salmon fishing in Scotland in stunning woodland estates

The Tay has a reputation for big fish and due to it’s size, fresh fish will run the system even in the lowest of summer levels. It will is fish when below summer level and up to 12 feet above summer level, offering reliable and consistent Atlantic Salmon fishing throughout the season.

For those that can’t fly fish, Spinning is allowed all year round.

The Tay has different types of water to suit both fly and spin anglers. Beautiful long streamy runs, deep holding pools – it really has it all!

Many of the Tay’s tributaries offer Salmon fishing and in fact some of the best Salmon fishing in Scotland in the spring time (given the correct conditions), is found on the River Tay’s tributaries.

 

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The bank-side trees are lit by the warm Autumnal light.

 

Meandering through the Perthshire countryside (often referred to as the start of the Highlands), the River Tay is surrounded by beautiful scenery, the banks are lined with impressive Beech and Oak trees, which come Autumn/Fall are simply breath-taking when illuminated by the warm evening and morning autumnal sunlight.

An array of impressive wildlife can be seen whilst fishing the River tay, including Kingfishers, Ospreys, Deer, Otters and Pheasants are often spotted whilst fishing.

The river Tay is the largest river in the UK by volume of discharge. It has the largest catchment area of approximately 2000 square miles and  is the longest river in Scotland spanning an impressive 120 miles from West to East.

The River Tay home of the UK’s largest rod caught Salmon caught by miss Georgina Ballantine in 1922, weighing an astonishing 64lbs. A record which is unlikely to ever be beaten. (pic shown above)

 

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Miss Georgina Ballantine’s 64lb Atlantic Salmon from the River Tay

 

So for the above reasons, the River Tay offers the best Salmon fishing in Scotland – in our unbiased opinion!

For anyone interested in guided Salmon fishing trips in Scotland please follow the links to find out more information on our Salmon fishing packages in Scotland or get in touch by filling in our contact form here.