Disappointing returns on Tay

Last week again saw fish from the lower River Tay scattered throughout the beats with a spread in catches.

The very lower part of the river is producing consistent catches with Almondmouth, Waulkmill and Lower Redgorton all catching but in disappointing numbers.

The beats further up are not fairing any better as everyone hopes for some form of run.

Stobhall and Taymount have done better with 20 fish in the week. Ballathie and Cargill continue to work away with 13 fish. Cargill saw a few fish landed up to 18lb, with Paul Finan catching on the fly. Diana Finan and Maggie Marshall both had success as well.

Islamouth had another consistent week with 10, including a 25lb monster. Further upstream Meikleour and Upper Islamouth amassed four up to 18lb, with Martin Miller being successful in the March pool.

The middle river continues to be extremely disappointing with rising river temperatures over recent weeks and more water, though there have been odd exceptions. A few fish came from Kercock, Murthly, Glendelvine, Newtyle, Dalmarnock and Dalguise.

Mike Massie caught an 11lb fish from the Steps on the fly from Newtyle. There was also an 18-pounder caught on Dalmarnock by Robert Edmund. A further three fish came from Kinnaird with Phil Walker catching on the fly on Friday.

The upper river is seeing steady sport with fish reported at Edradynate and Findynate.

This week has got off to a better start with over 50 fish recorded up to an impressive 24lb. Mark Casswell caught the big fish on a red devon.