Fishing trips and touring throughout Scotland

River Tay, Salmon rods, fishing tackle, Sage sonic, Sage X
Sage x and Sage Sonic - two very good salmon spey rods

//  by 

First, when fishing the River Tay, using the right fishing tackle, flies, lures and gear, will increase your chances of success, targeting salmon.

Secondly the brand preference of your tackle is a personal choice, however this article will help you understand what to bring and what to wear.

Table of Contents

Spin Casting on the River Tay for Salmon

Lastly, the River Tay is a big river. Undoubtedly, it’s the King of rivers in Scotland. Therefore, it needs a big spinning rod. With this in mind, an 11ft spinning rod is excellent for striking the balance between light enough to fish with all day and strong enough to play a big fish. In conclusion, we use the Daiwa whisker salmon rods, 11ft, rated 10-60g casting weight.

Shimano Sustain, 4000 reel, spin casting, sea fishing, lure fishing, Predator fishing
A Shimano Sustain 4000 spinning reel a good choice of reel for salmon fishing on the Tay.

Subsequently the ideal reel match for that rod is a 4000 or 5000 spinning reel. Nevertheless, loading that reel with mono or braid is a personal choice. We prefer braid and use Suffix 131, rated at 35lb breaking strain and with a diameter of 0.285mm. This is not cheap, but excellent quality braid and will not let you down.

Lastly, the braid terminates at a barrel swivel, and then approx 700mm length of Maxima this is attached to the lure at the business end.

Best River Tay Spinning Lures

Firstly, the following list of lures are tried and tested and catch salmon on the Tay. With this in mind, the following lures are highly effective

  • 28gram Toby – Copper and Silver are popular colours. An orange tiger pattern works well in coloured water
  • Megabass vision oneten – Rhubarb and custard, Carrot (high water) our favourites
  • Flying Condom – we use hand made versions – Black, yellow and orange are good colours
  • Payo Aegis 110 – These come with 3 trebles. We change them to be “Tay rigged” The Carrot is deadly in high water. Rhubarb and custard highly effective too.
Rivers of Scotland, Spin casting, spinning, Salmon Fishing Tay, Alba Game Fishing, Orvis Guide, Atlantic Salmon Scotland, Fishing Guide Tay
Spin casting for salmon on the River Tay

Spey Casting and fly fishing with double hand rod for salmon on the Tay

To begin with, a double hand Spey rod 14ft or 15ft in length is perfect for a big river like the Tay. Secondly, marry this to a good spey reel 9/10 weight with plenty of Dacron backing and a floating spey line. A short head Spey line (Scandi) is a good choice, unless you are an expert Spey caster. For experts a 65ft, spey line offers excellent presentation and line control. On the other hand, if fishing heavy copper or brass tubes, a shooting head or skagit will give you that extra punch, to cast the additional weight.

Sage spey rod, sage x, sage sonic, Double hand rod, salmon rods, salmon fishing, fly fishing
The Sage X and Sage Sonic Spey rods, married with the excellent Danielsson Eight Thirteen salmon reels

Importantly, you should bring a range of poly leaders, that match the fly line. These should include, a floating leader, a slow sink, sink 3 and then sink 5. This will cover most bases.

River Tay a wading staff is essential

Alarmingly, some of the wading on the Tay is highly dangerous, so always use a wading staff and wear a PFD. This could save your life, and make your fishing experience safer and more enjoyable. Additionally, your Alba fishing guide will know the river bed intimately, and will not let you wade anywhere with risk.

Atlantic Salmon, Springer, Identify, River Tay, Trophy, Big Salmon, Catch and Release,
A 9lb Springer from the River Tay, Dunkeld. Alba PFD’s are provided for guests on all trips

Lastly, bring a BIG landing net, like the one you see in the photo above. The Tay has a reputation for big fish and you should always be prepared.

What are the best salmon flies for the River Tay?

Firstly, the following salmon flies are tried and tested and have caught salmon for our guests over the last 20 years of guided trips on the River Tay:

  • Cascade
  • Willie Gunn
  • Shitey Whitey
  • Park Shrimp
  • Banana Tube fly
  • Monkey tube fly
  • Snaelda
  • Red Francis
  • Sun Ray shadow
  • Black and Yellow (Spring)
Salmon fly, Ghillie, hands, fisherman, River Tweed
A monkey tube pattern is highly effective in Spring and Autumn

Best clothing for salmon fishing on the River Tay?

First of all wear thin warm layers. The Patagonia micro puff and nano puff jackets are superb, offering warmth and less bulk. A good waterproof jacket is essential, however avoid bright colours. Additionally, wear warm trousers under the waders, and avoid jeans, belts, buckles. Finally, I wear two pairs of socks, and go up one size in wading boots. Your feet will appreciate the extra warmth.

Breathable chest waders are the safest best option. Partly due to comfort and secondly, having a tight belt around your waist, minimises the chance of your waders filling up if you fall in. With this in mind, we use Orvis, Redington, Vision and Patagonia chest waders. In contrast to other companies who’ll provide you with cheap rubber soled waders and boots, our boots are fitted with tungsten studs. Coupled with quality breathable waders, you’ll stay dry and get a good grip on the river bed when wading.

River Tay, River Spey, waders, boots, PFD, Crewsaver 165 sport
The correct attire for a days salmon fishing

Should I employ a fishing guide for the River Tay?

A River Tay salmon fishing guide is essential if you want to maximise your day and improve your chances of catching. Furthermore, your guide will keep you safe. In particular, wading on the Tay can be dangerous. As a result, having a knowledge of depths and the contours of the river bed is essential.

What skills can a River Tay guide teach you

Firstly, your guide can teach or tune up your Spey Casting. We teach in an uncomplicated, fluff-free style, that allows you to focus on enjoying your day and fishing. Meanwhile guests looking to spin cast, can get tips and tuition on casting, minimising body stress and how to cover the water effectively.

In the same vein, your guide can teach you how to approach and fish a pool effectively. Also fly choice, speed and depth that you are fishing are covered. Equally important how to hook, play and land a fish. Finally having a guide at hand is vital for landing and photographing your magic moment, should you catch a fish. Ive seen many great moneys screwed up with bad photos. We can help capture an unforgettable memory.

How to choose a good fishing guide for the Tay

To begin with if your guide is supplying tackle and waders, ensure they are a reputable company and providing faulty gear fit for purpose. Ive seen less expensive companies supplying rubber soled baggy waders, which in our opinion is an accident waiting to happen. The River Tay riverbed is extremely slippy and to get a sure foothold, you need sturdy boots with tungsten studs. Equally breathable chest waders with an adjustable belt, should minimise water iingress if you fall in. Baggy waders filling with water, will drag you down to the bottom and there’s no escape.

Also ensure your guiding company is properly insured and check out their online reviews. It’s perfectly acceptable to request a copy of their public liability insurance certificate.