Description
Guided Fly Fishing River Tay for Salmon: Wading or Boat fishing
Firstly, salmon fishing on the River Tay is an unmissable experience for any salmon angler. The Tay is one of Scotland’s Big Four Rivers, and one of the best in the World. Alba Fishing offers guided salmon fishing trips, on various River Tay Salmon Beats. In addition these days are suitable for beginners, intermediate and experts.
Our team of fishing guides, and SGAIC spey casting instructors will help you learn to Spey cast, or make improvements to your existing casting skills.
Initially, we will give you solid advice on reading the river, fly choice and salmon fishing techniques. You can fly fish, or spin cast on the River Tay, allowing to mix up your day with different fishing styles.
In addition, we provide quality fishing tackle. We have double hand Spey rods by Sage, Scott Mackenzie, Orvis and Vision. These rods, are carefully matched with a selection of Rio fly lines
Conveniently, to save you luggage space, we will provide Orvis breathable waders, and boots with tungsten studs. In fact, we hold all sizes for men, women and kids. This takes away the stress of transporting heavy gear, It also removes the hassle of sterilising boots and waders, a mandatory requirement when using overseas gear in our rivers.
Finally, transport to and from your accommodation to the river can be arranged. Also we can provide delicious riverside lunches.
History of salmon fishing on the River Tay – one of the world’s best salmon rivers
Firstly, the River Tay is internationally renowned for its Atlantic salmon fishing, and one of the best salmon rivers in the UK. It is without doubt, one of the world’s most iconic rivers.
Moreover, anglers come from far and wide to fish for wild Scottish salmon on the River Tay.
Interestingly, the River Tay is the longest river in Scotland, at 117 miles long. Its source and headwaters comes from the west coast of Scotland. The river empties Loch Tay at Kenmore, and then meanders eastwards to the Tay Estuary, and North Sea.
Also, the Tay regularly produces very big salmon, including the current UK rod caught salmon record. This was caught by Miss Georgina Ballantine in 1922, and weighed 64lbs.
The Atlantic salmon is such a powerful fish, and somehow a symbol of ancient Scotland. Every anglers dream, is to catch a salmon in Scotland. According to Visit Scotland, catching one, one of the top ten attractions in Scotland.
The longest river in Scotland
The River Tay is Scotland’s longest and largest salmon river. The main River Tay tributary rivers are the River Tummel, Garry, Dochart, Lyon, Earn, Isla & Almond. These rivers are big enough and good enough to be stand alone salmon rivers in their own right.
The salmon season starts each year on the 15th of January and closes on the 15th of October. You can extend fishing to 31st October by switching to the excellent tributaries like the River Earn, and the River Tummel. The former is one of the best Autumn rivers for Salmon in Scotland.
A typical salmon fishing day on the River Tay
Of course, our guides can arrange to collect you from your hotel. A typical salmon fishing day runs from 08:00 to 17:30, however we flexible with timings.
Secondly, if you are fishing the Tay, the best cities to stay, are Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Strathtay areas. A full list of our recommended fishing accommodation can be found here. Dunkeld is a perfect village to locate yourself, as it’s located middle of the river, and is a charming market town.
Additionally, our fishing guides have one goal, to maximise your chances of catching a salmon, and deliver an enjoyable experience.
Finally, our fishing tackle is of the highest quality. In that your guide will bring double hand Spey fly rods and spin casting rods. Similarly, we constantly explore and update tactics, when targeting salmon in Scotland.
Salmon flies for the River Tay
Furthermore our River Tay Salmon Flies are carefully crafted by our guides, and highly effective. Likewise we carry single hook flies, doubles and tube flies.
Furthermore, we have a range of line choices, to cover all scenarios. Hence, we stock Shooting Heads, Spey lines, Short Spey and Skagit all perfectly balanced to help present the fly at the right speed and depth.
We will supply all the gear you need, saving time and hassle. Also we provide quality Orvis breathable waders in all sizes. Furthermore, we’ve added tungsten studs to the soles of our wading boots. Accordingly, this will give you a better (and safer) grip on the river bed, when wading.
Importantly, for your safety, please remember to bring your sunglasses, but if you forget, don’t worry, we carry spares.
What gear do you need to bring on your River Tay salmon fishing day?
1. Sunglasses – this is Vitaly important for eye protection (note you cannot fish without sunglasses or eye protection)
2. Warm layers. Its also best not to wear jeans under waders, soft joggers or thermal leggings are best, free from buckles, studs and zips
3. Waterproof rain jacket – A muted colour is best!
4. Sensible footwear for when not wading (some fishing can be from the bank) wet grass with a good grip on the sole, i.e. walking boots or gore tex trainers.
5 Lunch and drinks – Use redwood if near Dunkeld
6 Sun cream Factor 50 sunblock
Lastly, your guide will be on hand all day, and happy to give you casting tips, take photos and share stories. Naturally if you need solitude, we’ll take a back seat and stay within eyeshot in case you need us.
Can I include lunch on my River Tay salmon fishing day?
In addition to providing tackle, waders, permits, guide and transportation, we can arrange lunch. Therefore, if your salmon fishing day is near the village of Dunkeld, we work with the excellent Redwood Wines, who supply the mist excellent sandwiches, wines, beers and sweets. Accordingly all you need to do is make your choices and this can be added to your order, and delivered to the fishing hut.
Included in your fishing day
- Salmon Fishing permits for a prime beat of River Tay
- Transport arrangements can be arranged from Edinburgh, Gleneagles, St Andrews or Perth
- Professional Orvis Endorsed fishing guide and SGAIC casting instructor
- The latest fishing tackle and techniques; hand tied salmon flies, and premium fishing tackle.
- Spey Casting clinic, lessons or fine tuning if required
- Photographs of the day, air-dropped to you from your guide at end of day
- Clothing, footwear/ waders, and spare sunglasses
- Brand new Crewsaver auto – inflate life vest (see below)
- Alba Game Fishing “fishing in Scotland” Baseball cap (see below)
Optional Extras
- Professional photographs of your fishing experience by a dedicated professional photographer. We us a Nikon D850 frame format Nikon DSLR and prime lenses. Link sent to Dropbox or DVD provided – £350.00
- Excellent Fishing Accommodation
- Specialist Box of salmon flies, hand tied by Alba Guides 20 of the best salmon flies for the River Tay (that work) £80.00
