The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
RiverTay bucks fishing trend
THE RIVER Tay is bucking a national trend that has seen a poor start to the fishing season across Scotland.
Latest figures for catches on Scotland’s rivers reveal that the number of fish caught on rod and line in the Tay greatly exceeds that of other waterways around the country.
Last week the Tay recorded a catch of 105 Salmon and grilse, as well as six sea trout, compared to 25 and six respective catches in the Dee and just 21 and three in the Esks.
So far this week anglers on the Tay have recorded catching 26 salmon and grilse — more than the Rivers Dee, Esks and Tweed put together — with the largest being a 32lb fish caught at Findynate.
Dr David Summers, director at the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, said: “There was a poor start to the season but the Tay seems to be bucking the trend.
“Because of the very wet weather early on March was a bit below average. However, the last two weeks were perfectly good and April has started well. It is not fantastic but it is perfectly good enough for recent times. We’re actually quite encouraged.
“Last year we had the best March since 1980. The year before was also good and this season seems to be continuing the trend that the Tay has done better than the rivers elsewhere.”
This year the salmon fishing season on the River Tay opened with a statutory “no kill” rule in place for the first time.
New legislation has seen all salmon caught before April released unharmed. Anglers claimed it was an “important milestone” in the protection of early-running salmon.
However, Dr Summers warned: “Two years ago the good fishing continued right through until June. Last year it was good in March and April but then petered out in May and was quite poor after that. This year it’s going OK at the moment. A total of 26 for a day for this time of year is perfectly good for recent times. If it continues at that rate we will be more than delighted.” ggibson@thecourier.co.uk