Where is the best Trout and Grayling Fishing River Tay

To begin, the River Tay is Scotland’s largest river and this article helps you to identify the best places to target trout and grayling.

Firstly my love of trout fishing on the River Tay was ignited in 1980. I worked for the Forestry Commission and lived a few hundred metres from the river. Not long after moving to the area, I had negotiated river access with the farmer. In order to fish the river, all I had to do was drop him a bottle of his favourite Malt Whisky now and again.

Given that I could access the river so easily and at any time, I set about fishing at every opportunity. Meanwhile my friends partied as you did in the 1980’s. I had a more spiritual purpose. In fact, I fished the River Tay near Dunkeld so intensely, I knew every pool, riffle, and holding spot for trout. Catching them was a different matter. In those early days I was taught some valuable lessons. Sometimes during an evening rise I couldn’t believe how many trout came on the feed and how infuriatingly difficult they were t catch. This made me delve deeper into the science and I began studying books like “The Trout and the Fly” by Brian Clarke and John Goddard.

In addition, I began to understand the feeding patterns of these River Tay trout. Certainly, they were not easy to catch. In order to hook one, you had to be both accurate and delicate with your cast. Secondly, you had to react like a ninja if you got a take. The Tay fish are fast, and adept at shaking a hook. Equally, your tippet had to sit under the meniscus of the surface film, by using a degreasant. The trout were too educated, to be fooled.

River Tay, which sections of the river are best?

Firstly, the middle and upper beats of the river are best for Trout and Grayling. Of course the lower river offers some brilliant sport, but often it’s hard to move for salmon anglers. Equally, I’ve been on the lower river in a boat, fishing for salmon. Suddenly trout start rising all around the boat. On those occasions, the trout rod comes out and the quest for salmon is forgotten. Tay trout can be big, and 2-7lb fish are quite common.

Lastly, you should focus on the Upper Tay upstream of the Tummel junction, near Aberfeldy. Also, it’s worth fishing the River Lyon, and Tummel, both are brilliant trout and grayling rivers in their own right. Equally the River Brian, offers interesting trout fishing amidst stunning scenery. The trout are smaller in the River Braan, and fishing is mainly in pocket water with tight technical casting.

Finally, you should employ a professional River Tay guide. In truth, you will get more value, and enjoy your day more. Furthermore you will catch more fish, and importantly stay safe. Wading anywhere on the Tay can be dangerous, so having river knowledge is key. On that topic, always wear a PFD when wading in the Tay. (see photo above)

Best time of year to target trout and grayling on the River Tay

First, the best trout fishing is in the spring. Usually mid march to Early May. During this time, there are some epic hatches of March Browns and Olives. Often trout will move to calmer water during a hatch and this is often wind dependant. It pays to observe where the flies are gathering and spending ore time on the water. Sometimes, this can be in the shallowest water, close to the bank, so stealth and planning are vital.

Winter grayling fishing on the Tay

Meanwhile, Grayling fishing is best during the winter months. Ideally fishing in November, December to end of January. However Grayling can be caught all year. Whilst the season for them is all year round, its best to avoid spawning time. We stop fishing for them by Mid February and start again in late April. Also, you can access most of the beats of the Tay, as the salmon season is closed.

Finally, Euronymphing and dry dropper are the two most effective methods to catch Grayling in the winter.