Description
Wild Brown Trout and Grayling Fishing on the River Tay
Perthshire offers fantastic fishing in the River Tay for Wild Brown Trout, and Grayling.
In fact throughout its river system and we have access to a wide variety of beats. The Upper River Tay near Aberfeldy is a more manageable size and produces great fishing on the dry fly and Euronymphing. Also the swinging soft hackled spiders is also an effective technique.

The middle and lower river offers a great variety of trout and grayling water. Despite the river being a lot bigger here, there are still many sections that offer a small stream fishing experience. Lastly we know many great locations that deliver in varying water heights.
What are the top 5 tactics to fish for trout and grayling on the Tay
- Use appropriate tackle – We suggest 11ft 2 weight for nymphing. 9ft 4 weight for dry fly. Trout Spey for wets and streamers.
- Take time to observe the river during a hatch. Time planning is seldom time wasted.
- Wear appropriate gear and travel light – Good chest waders, net, and boots with a good grip of the river bed. Warm layers.
- When fish are not on the surface, prospect with nymphs, spiders or streamers
- Employ a fishing guide. Guides have fished these waters since boyhood. The knowledge will save you time and get results.
Trout and Grayling fishing near Dunkeld and Aberfeldy

We can collect you from your hotel in Edinburgh or Perthshire and transport you to the river. Dunkeld is a good town to be located for the middle river and Aberfeldy for the upper river.
We will also supply all your tackle, waders, boots and life vest. In fact, al you need to bring are warm layers and sunglasses.
Your river guide is a current team member of the Scotland Fly Fishing Team, and competed in last years World Championships. He is a very skilled trout and grayling angler and can help you learn new techniques.
What time of year to target wild brown trout and grayling on the Tay?
Firstly, trout and grayling can be caught throughout the season on the Tay. The trout fishing is best in early spring for dry fly fishing. In fact, with milder seasons, March has become a great month to target early trout. Huge hatches of Olives can cause trout to explode on the surface, as they feed confidently. This is when big trout can be caught and these rises occur usually in the warmer part of the day between 12 noon and 3pm.
Also Grayling fishing is best in the Autumn and winter months, Oct – January. Outside of these peak times, fish can be caught, but tactics need to be flexible to adapt to river levels and conditions.
