Cargill- River Tay Clearing water brings better conditions

Cargill- River Tay. The recent thaw had turned the lower Tay cloudy. Today the river was much clearer hopefully providing better fishing conditions for the week ahead. The river is still very cold and low but with clear water these are good conditions to pick up an early March fish. Follow the Book salmon fishing online link to book a spring day on Cargill.

 

 

Cargill- low but coloured water

Cargill beat- River Tay. After the recent sleet. Melted snow has made its way into the River Isla and lower Tay. This made fishing conditions very difficult today. Hardy anglers braved the cold easterly to fish the fly.

 

 

Cargill beat- River Tay beat report

Cargill beat- River Tay beat report. The river is currently still very cold and clear with the river level hovering below 1ft. This creates good fishing conditions but with a water temperature of 1 ̊c spring salmon are only making tentative steps into freshwater. However Cargill again produced a lovely spring salmon at 15lb. Hooked on a pink and pearly kynoch in the Rumbling stone the bar of silver was landed by Bobo Forrest. A cracking fish for his first every salmon. As always this springer was returned carefully and swam away strongly. Snow is again falling in the Tay valley, so a rise in water levels is predicted. The resultant rise in water temperature should encourage more fish movement. There are still plenty of big kelts being caught which in the clear water are fighting hard. March will see an increase in numbers as Ericht bound fish begin advancing.

Aerial photos of Upper Cargill

Here are some amazing photos taken by Stuart Godfrey yesterday from the air. The river is very low and all the pools and ledges can be seen clearly defined.

Cargill- Cold and clear

This afternoon the Tay at Cargill is sitting at 7 inches above summer level. In the crystal clear water you can clearly see the cobbles which line the edge of the pot shot pool. These are remnants of the days when the pool was netted for salmon. The cobbles were used as a clean even surface on which a net could be fished easily. On the adjacent banking a mound is the only evidence left of the old fishing bothy.

 

 

The river temperature is hovering just above freezing with the air temperature dipping as low as -10 degrees once again. Pancake ice is forming in the quiter areas.

 

Big fish action at Cargill

Along with a cracking springer today from Cargill there was a lot of action with big kelts with fish over 20lb being quite common. It is very encouraging to see this big fish in the system. Hopefully the Tay's reputation as a big fish specialist will live on.

 

 

15lb springer at upper Cargill

20th February 2010 River Tay-Cargill 15lb springer caught today from upper Cargill. Hooked on a pink and pearly kynoch in the Rumbling stone, the bar of silver was landed by Bobo Forrest. A cracker for his first every salmon. As always this springer was returned carefully and swam away strongly.

 

 

 

 

River Tay Cargill- beat report

Thursday 18th February 2010. Cargill River Tay. The first 2010 Cargill springer was captured on February 12th . The long tailed sea liced bar of silver was captured from the pot shot by head ghillie David. It weighed in at 8lb and was carefully returned to carry on its journey. Current river conditions are good for the time of year. The river level has been low and very clear for days. The temperature has remained cold at 2 ̊c or below. This means that any fresh fish entering the Tay will be making very slow progress upstream. There are still plenty of kelts throughout the beat with many being landed on the fly rod. Long term forecasts are suggesting we haven’t seen the end of the cold snap yet. If this is the case the resulting very slow rise in river temperature as spring progresses will help slow any advancing fish down. This will help captures in the lower river. March will see an increase in numbers as Ericht bound fish begin advancing. Visit www.taysalmon.co.uk for more information.

Pot shot in ideal spring conditions

 

February 14th 2010- cargill River Tay. The river level is sitting at 1ft 10inch. The pot shot in the photo is close to perfect height for fly fishing. The river is very clear creating ideal fishing conditions on Cargill. As we approach the end of February the spring runs should begin to strengthen. Coupled with the clear low water there should be some exciting fishing ahead.

 

As spawning on the lower river has drawn to a close, there are many carcases littering the river banks. Atlantic salmon do not routinely die after the exertions of spawning but many fail to recover condition. These caracses provode a much needed nutrient boost. Invertebrates benefit resulting in a boost for resident juveniles and trout in early spring.

Opening day action on lower Cargill- plenty of large kelts

 

 

February 12th 2010- Cargill River Tay. Plenty of action on lower Cargill enjoyed by the Carroll party on opening day.

 

 

February 12th 2010- Cargill River Tay. Some pics of big february kelts from Cargill. These hens have both recently spawned still displaying they're dark spawning colours. As spring progresses the kelts become progressively silver. When they are as big as these the fight can be strong.

Febuary 11th - Cargill River Tay Scotland. Estuary beat map

This is a map of our Willowgate estaury beat of the river Tay. Tickets are priced at £15/day. A ghillie would be available for an extra charge on request. Please contact willowgate on 017384446546 to make a booking or for more information.

10th February 2010- Cargill River Tay beat map

10th February 2010- Cargill beat River Tay. This is a map showing the names of all the famous pools on the Cargill beat of the river Tay.

 

February 9th 2010. Cargill river Tay. Harling through the rumbling stone pool on upper Cargill. Still plenty of kelts splashing around the beat.

 

February 9th 2010. Cargill river Tay. Jim the boatbuilder getting a breif casting lesson on upper Cargill. Beaufiful winter sunshine today and even feeling warm out of the breeze.

 

8th February 2010- River Tay Cargill. Looking upstream to the bridge stream. The river has cleared nicely after the recent rise in water making for excellent conditions for all methods on Cargill.

 

8th February 2010- River Tay Cargill. Photo looking downstream towards famous pools such as the pot shot and rumbling stone.

 

Feburary 6th 2010 - Cargill beat river Tay. Playing a big fish on the fly rod at upper Cargill. Still waiting for the first spring fish of the year but plenty of sport being enjoyed fighting big kelts and late spawners. The recent rise in water height and the gentle rise in water temp should encourage more spring fish through the beat.

 

 

 

Febuary 5th 2010. Photos taken whilst harling on upper Cargill. Plently of kelts and baggots aroung to be caught. Still waiting for our first springer of the season.

Febuary 5th - Cargill River Tay Scotland Spring salmon

This beautiful 27lb springer was caught in the top beat of Cargill in May 2009. After a 45 minute fight this monster was finally landed.