(River Tay weekly report week ending 5th September 2026)
We have now moved into September and this can potentially be a productive month on many of Scotland’s salmon rivers, including the mighty Tay. Looking around us, the landscape is changing. The leaves on the trees are gradually transforming from bright, vibrant greens to pale yellows. On the moorland, the heather is blossoming into colour. The geese are returning to our shores once again, having made their annual migration south and the days are drawing in, with the nights getting cooler. This can only mean one thing: the changing of the seasons, as we move from summer to autumn.
Traditionally, the 1st of September marks the beginning of the autumn salmon fishing period and soon the summer season will be a distant memory. Usually, autumn is when the numbers of salmon in our Scottish rivers peak and there is a chance of making big catches. Hopefully, the next few weeks will prove to be a productive time on the Tay system with plenty of anglers getting their rods bent.
The weather was quite unsettled last week, with some showers and even longer spells of rain, but this unfortunately did not result in a decent lift in water. There was a small lift in water towards the end of the week but what is really needed now is a good four to five feet lift to clear the river out and freshen conditions. Hopefully, anglers will not have to wait too long for this.
There were some nice September salmon landed as we moved into autumn last week. On the River Garry at Ruan Ruarie, Mr Richard Henderson landed a fine brace, weighing five and fifteen pounds, on Thursday. At the Portnacraig Beat on the River Tummel, Mr Massimo Castelvecchi landed a grilse on the fly on Thursday evening from the Pitlochry bank.
On the middle river, there was a nice fifteen pounder caught at Lower Kinnaird on Saturday. Caragh Ashley caught a good fish at the neck of the Cotter at Newtyle on Wednesday.
There was more success at Newtyle on Thursday when a decent fish was caught on the fly from the Trap. On Saturday Mr Soren P Olsen from Denmark landed a powerful fish in the Steps.
At Kercock, angler Damian enjoyed success when he caught a salmon from the beat on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Mr Scott Sykes landed a nice double at Kercock.
Mr Rudi Kopcyk and Mr William Hampton both caught fish at Kercock on Friday.
On Saturday Mr Magnus Gloak and Mr Paul Jack both caught fish at Kercock and Mr John Dewar landed a fine double.
The Writer party had a great time at Meikleour during the first half of the week. Anglers Peter, Martin and Richard all caught fish in testing conditions. Well done, gentlemen!
There were three more fish caught at Meikleour on Saturday.
At Islamouth, Mr Stuart Lang caught a fine twelve pounder on Monday. On Wednesday Mr Barry Ward landed a fine brace at Islamouth.
Mr George Morris landed a good fish from the Castle at Islamouth on Friday.
It was a good day at Ballathie on Tuesday with four fish caught from the beat. There was more success at Ballathie as the week progressed, which included a lovely nineteen pounder caught on Thursday.
At Cargill, Ms Anne Curtis caught a nice fish on the fly from the Cradle on Wednesday. This was one of three fish caught at Cargill on Wednesday.
The Taymount and Stobhall beats finished with fish, eighteen and five respectively, which included a magnificent twenty-three pounder caught from Stobhall on Wednesday and a twenty-six pounder caught from the beat on Friday.
On the Stanley beats, there was a fish caught at Pitlochrie on Monday by Ms Anne Emsens, with three more landed from the beat on Friday.
A couple of fish were landed at Benchil on Thursday.
The Upper Scone Beat finished with two fish for the week. Other successful anglers included Mr Angus Chishom and Mr Neil Tong, who caught fish from the Long Shot; both fish were caught on the fly. There was success at Upper Redgorton on Friday.
There were fish caught at Fishponds on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Successful anglers included Mr Ian Law, who caught a five pound grilse from the Craigs; Mr Martin Deacon landed a lovely fish from the Luncarty pool and Mr Alistair Jack had success also from the Craig’s Pool. All fish were caught on the fly.
The Waulkmill Beat finished with thirteen fish for the week.
Hopefully, catches will build as we move through September so many anglers can get their rods bent on a regular basis. September can often be a productive month on the river, so why not book a day’s salmon fishing on the famous River Tay next week? It could be the place to provide you with that autumn day to remember!
We would like to thank all the ghillies and beat owners on the River Tay system who have contributed to this report by providing their time and information, as the weekly report would not be possible without your help and support. If you would like to share any interesting stories or pictures from your time fishing on the River Tay for the purposes of this report, please feel free to contact us at info@salmonfishingholidaysscotland.com
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Beat Catches Reported (week ending 5th September)
SALMON & GRILSE:
Lochlane & Laggan 1, Ruan Ruarie 2, Lower Kinnaird 1, Portnacraig Pitlochry 1, Newtyle 3, Kercock 10, Meikleour & U Islamouth 6, Islamouth 4, Ballathie 7, Cargill 4, Stobhall 5, Taymount 18, Pitlochrie 4, Benchil 2, Upper Scone 2, Fishponds 3, Upper Redgorton 1, Waulkmill 13
Total: 87 Largest: Stobhall 26lbs
WHAT WILL SEPTEMBER HAVE IN STORE FOR ANGLERS FISHING THE TAY?
(River Tay salmon fishing prospects week commencing 7th September 2026)
We moved into September last week, which marks the beginning of the autumn salmon fishing season in Scotland. September can often be a prime month on the River Tay and in years gone by, when the famous Tay autumn run started. Unfortunately, the days of catching fresh autumn salmon are now a distant memory, but anglers can often still enjoy some good sport on the Tay if conditions are favourable. It will be interesting to see what September will have in store for anglers fishing the Tay.
River levels were steady for much of last week, despite the weather being quite unsettled. However, there was a small lift in water towards the end of the week. There were some showers and even some longer spells of rain over the past week, but this did not translate into a decent lift in water.
Over the weekend it was mainly dry on Saturday with mostly light rain on Sunday. Looking ahead to next week, there is a distinct autumnal flavour to the weather; Monday should be mainly dry. On Tuesday, an area of low pressure will bring strong winds and heavy showers to much of the country. There will be further showers from midweek onwards with temperatures in the high teens for the most part.
On the main river, salmon were caught from Lower Kinnaird down to Waulkmill last week. There were also fish caught on the River Garry and Tummel. Probably the best chance of success next week would be on some of the beats situated on the middle and lower river.
There is good availability next week, so why not wet a line and chase some Tay autumn silver? There is no better way to start the autumn season than by landing a big Tay cracker!
Good luck to all those anglers fishing on the River Tay next week.
Tight lines,
Samantha & Sandy Datta
Tactics for the River Tay during the summer period (June-August)
The ghillies on the River Tay are all highly experienced and have an intimate knowledge of their beats. Their advice and guidance are key to success. Please contact your ghillie for up to date advice on tactics and what tackle to bring prior to visiting the River Tay.
Fly Fishing
During the summer months water temperatures usually begin to rise on the river. The fish also start to become a bit more active. Often river levels are low but on the River Tay they are never too low that fresh fish cannot run the system. At this time of year full floating lines coupled with polyleaders of various sink rates can often work well.
As the Tay is a big river usually a powerful fourteen or fifteen-foot rod with a ten-line rating will cover almost any eventuality. In terms of lines whether that be a full Spey line or Shooting head system a floating line coupled with a selection of polyleaders of various sink rates is perfect for the job at this time of year. In higher water during the summer months a sink tip or intermediate line may be required to produce the best results.
Make sure that your fly reel has got an adequate backing capacity and a good reliable drag system. On the River Tay when that line tightens the fish could turn out to be that one of a lifetime. It is also important during the summer period to use leader material with an adequate breaking strain, as there are some big summer salmon that run the Tay. Usually a breaking strain between twelve and fifteen pounds is ideal.
During the summer months depending on the water height and temperature smaller dressed flies can work well. Small bottle tubes are also well worth ago. Don’t forget how effective flies like the Sunray Shadow can be at this time of year. These flies fished close to the surface can really do the business especially if the fish are keen on chasing a fly and in an active mood.
Spinning
A powerful spinning rod between ten and eleven foot is usually more than adequate to cover the River Tay. The rod should be able to comfortably cast lures weighing anything from eighteen to thirty grams. A good fixed spool or multiplier reel with a reliable drag system is perfect for the River Tay. The reel should be able to accommodate a large amount of either nylon or braided line with an adequate breaking strain.
In terms of lures, spoons like the Toby, Salmo Toby and Blair variety work well on the river. These can range in weight from eighteen to thirty grams. Devon Minnows can also be effective on the River Tay. During the summer months, the Floating Devon and Flying C can be particularly productive. The Flying C lure can be fished upstream especially when water temperatures start to rise and often salmon will chase the lure before taking it. The Vision110 lures have also got a good reputation for producing fish on the river. These lures can be excellent during the summer months.
Harling
Harling is a method unique to the River Tay which involves fishing from a motorised boat. This method is employed on many beats and can be highly effective.
Usually two or three rods are placed in rod holders with various lures and then the ghillie skilfully combs the water by moving back and forth in the boat, whilst gradually dropping downstream, covering the likely lies on the beat. Often during the summer months, the water is too low to harl on many beats. However, if there is a decent spate this method can be highly productive. Harling is a method which is very much water height dependent and is practiced at the beat ghillies discretion.
TDSFB Conservation Policy
All anglers fishing on the River Tay system are reminded that the TDSFB’s policy from January 15th to 1st of April is that all spring salmon must be released. This means that the TDSFB has a 100% mandatory catch & release policy of all salmon caught. This is in line with the Scottish Government Statutory Conservation Regulation. Even if the fish dies it must still be returned to the river.
It is also worthwhile remembering when releasing fish to keep them in the water for as long a period as possible and to use minimal handling. Please also give the fish plenty of time to recover before releasing them. It is important that anglers treat their quarry with the utmost of respect at all times.
This report is the property of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board and may not be reproduced in full, or in part, without the prior written consent of the Tay District Salmon Fishery Board