Top tips for salmon fishing on the River Tay

Salmon fishing on the River Tay ranks as an unmissable experience in Scotland. Furthermore, if you’re serious about catching an Atlantic salmon, then the River Tay offers realistic prospects. This article highlights some useful tips when salmon fishing on the River Tay.

Table of Contents

• The longest river in Scotland
• When is the salmon fishing season on the Tay?
• The best tactics for fishing the River Tay
• How much are salmon fishing permits on the River Tay?
• How far is the River Tay from Edinburgh?
• Where is the best accommodation for fishing the River Tay?
• What is the difference between a ghillie and guide?
  • • What is a Ghillie?
• What does a fishing guide do?
• Can I catch and kill salmon on the Tay?
• Can I fish a drift boat on the River Tay?
• Should I tip a salmon fishing guide or ghillie? Is tipping normal in Scotland?
• When is the best time of year to catch a salmon on the River Tay
• How long is a day? when fishing for salmon. Can you fish half days?
• Are there fishing huts on the River Tay?
• When do salmon spawn on the River Tay
• How much does it cost to fish for salmon on the River Tay?
• What are the best salmon flies for the River Tay?
• What are the best salmon flies for the River Tay? (continued)
• Why do salmon take a fly?
• The best salmon fishing lures for the River Tay

The longest river in Scotland

First and foremost, the River Tay is the longest river in Scotland and the 7th longest in the UK. However it is the largest river according to volume of discharge. The Tay is 119 miles long.

The River Tay starts as a spring in western Scotland on a mountain called Ben Lui. It flows eastward across the Highlands, passing through several lochs including Loch Dochart, Loch Iubhair, and Loch Tay. Then, it goes through a valley called Strathtay in the middle of Scotland, and continues onwards to Perth. When it reaches the city of Perth, where it becomes a tidal river. Finally, it empties into the Firth of Tay, which is south of Dundee.

When is the salmon fishing season on the Tay?

The River Tay season starts on 15th January and ends on the 15th October. However the tributary of the Tay, the River Earn, continues to the 31st October. Therefore allowing you to expend your season on the Tay by two weeks.

In fact, the Earn, is one of the most scenic rivers in Perthshire, and in Autumn, the forests are awash with colour.

Whilst the salmon season on the Tay starts in January, the river starts to offer the best chance of a fish from March onwards.

Also, some of the bigger spring fish, or “springers” are caught in late March, like this one shown below.

The best tactics for fishing the River Tay

Firstly, it’s vital to use the right tackle. So of fly fishing, a 14ft or 15ft rod is ideal and a 10 weight is perfect. Alternatively, if spinning, a 10ft or 11ft rod with a 4000/5000 spinning reel is a good choice.

Secondly, fly choice is subjective. Indeed, what fly you choose is determined by conditions, previous knowledge and time of year. Furthermore, it’s always best to listen to the ghillies and the guides. Also, you need to understand the correct depth to fish your fly or lure at. This is determined by air and water temperature, pressure and river levels. To enable you to adapt to conditions, you need to carry a set of poly leaders with varying sink depth rates.

Finally, it pays to fish each pool methodically and with careful thought and discipline. Generally, you start at the head of a pool and fish downstream, taking a step or two between casts. Having knowledge of the salmon lies is vital, and at different heights these tend to change. Lastly, you should fish with confidence, focus and stay relaxed. Adopting the correct mindset is vital when fishing for salmon. They are elusive fish, and you face a formidable challenge. Therefore staying positive and focused will improve your chances.

How much are salmon fishing permits on the River Tay?

Naturally salmon permits vary greatly, on each beat and on a week to week basis. Prices are determined by the beat owner, and are set according to likelihood of catching (based on historic catch rates) and also supply and demand.

In fact, it’s like buying a ticket to the Wimbledon tennis tournament, different seats offering different views, and prices varying greatly. The outer courts on day one, are not the same price as Centre Court tickets on Mens final day.

Permit prices tend to peak in October. This is when greater numbers of fish enter the river, and if conditions are right, the catch rates are historically high.

How far is the River Tay from Edinburgh?

It will take you approx 1 hour drive north from Edinburgh to reach the middle beats of the River Tay. Furthermore, it is a straight and easy drive on the M90 for most of the journey. Interestingly, en-route, you will pass the historic Loch Leven. In 1882 Loch Leven starting operating a hatchery, and the Loch Leven strain of brown trout has been transported to many regions of the world: Argentina, the Indian subcontinent, the Falkland Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

In North America it now lives alongside the German Brown strain and rainbow and cutthroat trout. The Rio Grande sea trout probably originated as Loch Leven trout that migrated to the sea in search of food.

Meanwhile, for guests looking to travel to Inverness and Highland, Dunkeld is en-route and a perfect stop off point. Redwood wines is one of the best spots to enjoy lunch, dinner and a glass of wine, anywhere in Scotland. Dunkeld Cathedral is unmissable. Furthermore, the waterfall walks to the Hermitage, amidst some of the tallest tress in the UK is spectacular.

Where is the best accommodation for fishing the River Tay?

To begin with, Dunkeld does not have any high quality accommodation options. Dunkeld House is a Hilton hotel, the location is spectacular but service is hit and miss. The rooms facing the river are good, and the food is average. It’s a long walk to the village from the hotel, or a drive.

It’s worth traveling 10 minutes North to the excellent Knockendarroch Hotel. The service is first class, it’s bang in the centre of Pitlochry and close to the middle Tay river beats. Knockendarroch rooms are charming, the beds comfortable, and showers are hot. Furthermore it’s quiet. Therefore unlike other hotels, you won’t be kept awake by wedding parties.

What is the difference between a ghillie and guide?

To begin with you should understand, a ghillie and a guide are very different. A ghillie looks after one or more specific beats on a river and therefore knows it inside out. He is responsible for organising which pools are fished in rotation by which guests. Furthermore, he is a caretaker of the beat and looks after the upkeep, maintenance of the bankside and hut. The ghillie should have a real understanding of the water he looks after. For example, where the fish lie at differing river levels, what flies work best and what sink rate polyleader works on each pool.

A guide operates on various beats (see below)

What is a Ghillie?

The term ghillie is an ancient Gaelic word, meaning man servant to a clan Chief. Ghillie’s nowadays, is someone employed by an Estate or land owner to manage a salmon fishing beat and maximise clients chances of catching fish.

On a normal fishing day, the ghillie would set up the guests throughout the beat on a rotation basis. Thereafter the guests are left to fish un attended (for the most part) Unless of course, they hook a fish. Because at that point, the ghillie will help by netting the fish. Sporadically the ghillies do the rounds and check everyone and adjust tactics, but if guests are with guides, they tend to leave them to it.

What does a fishing guide do?

A guide operates on various river beats throughout Scotland. Therefore he has knowledge of different beats and works with the ghillies. A guide generally stays with the guest all day, so can offer casting tips and tuition and advice on fly changes and poly leader choice (working with the ghillie). Often a guide will collect the guest from the hotel, provide equipment and waders and ensure the guests safety.

In summary, guides will keep a closer eye on guests to ensure the safety guidelines of the ghillie and the beat are adhered to. For example, often guests will take off sunglasses and perch them on their hats, leaving their eyes open to an accident with a hook in the eye. On many occasions, guests remove life vests to go for a pee and choose not to put them back on again. Finally the worse one, take your eye off a guest and they will start to wade too deep. Guides can help ghillies by keeping a closer eye on these potential disaster points.

Can I catch and kill salmon on the Tay?

In short, if you’re planning a salmon fishing trip with Alba we don’t allow killing of salmon for the table. We practice sustainable catch and release and all fish are handled carefully and returned to the river to continue their remarkable spawning journey.

Some ghillies or guides will permit the killing of a small cock fish outwith spring time. However, in general, you will encounter a universal catch and release culture when fishing for salmon on the River Tay.

Can I fish a drift boat on the River Tay?

Firstly, drift boat fishing US style is not practised in Scotland. This is because all the beats are under different ownership, and therefore each beat requires a different permit from the land owner.

However, Harling from a boat is common practice. This involves trailing multiple rods and lures/ flies from the back of the boat. Usually 4, and manoeuvring the boat over different lies. Typically the boat man moves downstream a boat length at a time.

Should I tip a salmon fishing guide or ghillie? Is tipping normal in Scotland?

Firstly, it is normal practice to tip your guide at the end of a fishing day in Scotland. Tips vary greatly however 10% is usual.

In addition, Alba factor in a tip for the resident Ghillie, this is on a per rod basis, we take care of that. However if the guest chooses to tip the ghillie as well, again this is fine.

All tips and gratuities are appreciated whether received or not, it’s just important that guests enjoy their day.

When is the best time of year to catch a salmon on the River Tay

Salmon can be caught all year round on the River Tay from January onwards to October. Spring fishing in March April and May allows anglers to target bright clean, silver springers. These fish are less in numbers, but arguably the most sought after prize. In the summer months, the mature salmon runs are bolstered by the arrival of the grilse run. These are smaller salmon that have spent one year at sea and average 4-8lb in weight.

As the season progresses towards late summer and Autumn, numbers of fish increase. Autumn fish tend to be more coloured. Occasionally you will encounter fresh run autumn fish, more silver in colour. Generally though, a lot of Autumn fish have been in the system for a while and as a result, colour up for spawning and camouflage.

How long is a day? when fishing for salmon. Can you fish half days?

In summary, we are flexible with timings. All associated costs for a day salmon fishing are charged on a day rate. For example, permits and guides and tips to ghillies are all “by the day”. Therefore there is no difference in cost between a half day and a full day. Lastly we are happy to accommodate any timing requests, just let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Are there fishing huts on the River Tay?

Most beats on the River Tay have salmon huts. Naturally, they vary in quality and charm. The salmon hut is an institution for salmon anglers. Furthermore, its a place to share stories, eat lunch and enjoy a dram. In addition a lot of huts act as make shift tackle shops. Most huts have wood burning stoves. Invariably the best salmon pools are beside the fishing hut.

When do salmon spawn on the River Tay

Generally, spawning takes place in late Autumn early winter. In fact the times can vary depending on the temperature and weather patterns. Moreover, lowland rivers like the River Tweed will have a later spawning time than Highland (colder) rivers. Interestingly, Atlantic Salmon can mend and rejuvenate after returning to the sea.

How much does it cost to fish for salmon on the River Tay?

Fishing permits are available for anglers looking to fish the Tay without a guide. www.fishpal.com is a good website offering permits for most of the Tay beats. Prices vary, according to likeliehood of catching. As a result, you can expect to pay anything from £70 to £300 for a days permit. Finally always remember to tip your beat ghillie.

What are the best salmon flies for the River Tay?

• The Cascade:
  • Description: A modern pattern with a bright orange and black color scheme and a flashy wing.
  • When to Use: The Cascade is versatile and can be used throughout the season. It’s especially effective in summer and autumn when water levels are lower and fish are more likely to respond to bright, flashy patterns.
• The Sunray Shadow:
  • Description: A sparse and elegant fly typically tied with a wing of black and silver materials.
  • When to Use: This fly is particularly effective in low light conditions or when fishing in clear water. It’s a good choice for summer and autumn fishing when water levels are lower and fish may be more wary.
• The Stoat’s Tail:
  • Description: A traditional pattern with a body of black fur or tinsel and a wing of stoat’s tail hairs.
  • When to Use: The Stoat’s Tail is a versatile fly that can be used throughout the season. It’s particularly effective in spring and early summer when fish may be more aggressive and willing to chase smaller patterns.
• The Flamethrower:
  • Description: This fly features a vibrant combination of red and orange colors, often tied with a wing of fiery materials.
  • When to Use: The Flamethrower is effective throughout the season but can be particularly useful in autumn when fish may be more aggressive and willing to respond to brighter patterns.

What are the best salmon flies for the River Tay? (continued)

• The Garry Dog:
  • Description: A classic fly with a body of black floss or tinsel and a wing of silver fox or squirrel tail.
  • When to Use: The Garry Dog is effective throughout the season but can be especially useful in summer and autumn when water levels are lower and fish may be more selective.
• The Blue Charm:
  • Description: A simple yet effective pattern with a blue body and silver or white wing.
  • When to Use: The Blue Charm is a versatile fly that can be used throughout the season. It’s particularly effective in summer and autumn when fish may be more willing to respond to smaller, more subtle patterns.
• The Willie Gunn:
  • Description: A popular modern pattern often tied with a body of black or orange and a wing of black and yellow.
  • When to Use: The Willie Gunn is effective throughout the season but can be particularly useful in autumn when fish may be more aggressive and willing to respond to larger, more brightly colored patterns.
• The Junction Shrimp:
  • Description: This fly typically features a body of orange or fiery orange with a wing of black and orange.
  • When to Use: The Junction Shrimp is a versatile fly that can be used throughout the season. It’s particularly effective in summer and autumn when fish may be more aggressive and willing to respond to brighter patterns.

Why do salmon take a fly?

There are a number of theories as to why a salmon takes a fly. Considerning Atlantic salmon do not feed in fresh water, its something of a conundrum. Firstly, salmon will take a fly through an aggressive response. Secondly, salmon may take a fly through curiosity. Thirdly, salmon may eat something that resembles food they ate at sea. This is a conditioned response. Lastly, salmon may sometimes eat smaller river nymphs. However not for profit. Their reason for thisis again a conditioned response and a memory of when they fed in rivers as a parr.

The best salmon fishing lures for the River Tay

First and foremost here is a list of the best salmon lures that work on the River Tay:

• Salmon toby 28gram – copper and silver
• Flying Condom – or Flying C, various sizes but 25-30gram ideal for the Tay
• Kynoch killer
• Megabas Vision 110 – a rapalla style lure – Carrot, Rhubarb and Custard, and pink, all popular colours
• Devon Minnow – fished on a bouncing Betty weight