18lb fish from Benchil

Fish from the lower River Tay were scattered throughout the beats last week, with a spread in catches.

The very lowest part – Almondmouth, Waulkmill and lower Redgorton – is now producing consistent catches.

Luncarty saw a few fish, with the Wangert party having success. Fishponds caught four in the week.

The highlight on Benchil was Mungo Ingleby landing a superb 18lb fish on the fly from the Long Shot. Mark Newton caught his first salmon – a small grilse – from Pitlochrie pool.

Further upstream Ballathie and Cargill had a consistent week with 23 between them. On Ballathie, John Milligan caught on the fly early in the week then Jim Ferrie and Simon Furniss’s party had success at the end of the week.

Meanwhile, Cargill had a steady week with fish landed up to 21lb. Robert Dawson, Steve Curnow and Ian Jardine were amongst the successful rods.

Islamouth finished with 10 in the week, with Ian Muir, Kath and Brian Giles all catching.

Upper Islamouth and Meikleour had five, which included Lloyd Thomas landing his first two salmon, and Scott Sykes landing a grilse from the Castle pool.

The middle river is extremely disappointing, but there have been odd exceptions. Kercock had five for the week, with Ernie O’Donnell landing a good fish on the fly weighing 18lb.

Further upstream fish came from Murthly, Glendelvine, Newtyle, Dalmarnock, Dalguise and Kinnaird. On Newtyle the Miller family all caught with Stewart, Sara and Steven landing fish up to 15lb.

Nothing was reported from the upper river.