![\"Spring-Salmon-fishing-scotland-river-tay\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/saumon-ecosse.jpg\")
A stunning example of a spring Salmon from the River Tay for Australian Guest Mark!<\/p><\/div>\n
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When fishing\u00a0for Spring Salmon you have to get\u00a0into the correct mindset. Personally, I try not to think and over analyse my fishing too much or listen to theories. I’ll fish methodically, covering as much water as I physically can. The more water you cover the better chance of getting your fly or lure in front of a Salmon – that’s how I always approach my Salmon fishing.<\/p>\n
The good thing\u00a0for us anglers is\u00a0Spring Salmon are generally more aggressive,\u00a0therefore, better takers. Although numbers aren’t as prolific as they are during\u00a0the back end, if you can cover them,\u00a0you stand a very good chance of inducing a take.<\/p>\n
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![\"spring-salmon-fishing-scotland-in-April\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/fishing-in-scotland-01.jpg\")
Fly fishing for Spring Salmon in April<\/p><\/div>\n
What makes Spring Salmon or “Springers” as they are more affectionately known such a\u00a0sought after quarry?<\/span><\/p>\n Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland effectively starts in January with the Helmsdale starting proceeding’s and then the Ness and Tay following on. The Tweed then follows, opening in February.<\/p>\n The spring Salmon season ends in\u00a0June.<\/p>\n I must admit, it feels nothing like spring when fishing in those early months of this “Spring” period, in particular January and February, then through to the beginning of March. One must invest in good thermals!<\/p>\n Despite the\u00a0cold, this time of year offers a great chance to connect with a spring run Atlantic Salmon!<\/p>\n A beautiful spring salmon from the River Tay system – our favourite river system!<\/p><\/div>\n The River Tay <\/strong> These early runners tend to be headed for the upper reaches of the system, Tummel, Isla, Ericht, Loch Tay and Dochart and some can be well in excess of\u00a020lbs!<\/p>\n As March begins\u00a0and the water temperatures rise the Salmon runs increase with the arrival of the spring\u00a0tides.\u00a0as the early spring Salmon run to the furthest parts of the system and the Loch itself can produce a number\u00a0of big fish in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n April & May sees the peak of the Spring Salmon run and during this period they can be caught throughout the system with the Middle Tay beats often the most productive. This is one of our favourite times to be on the River Tay.<\/p>\n The Lower River Tummel The River Teith in Spring, a beautiful river with great potential…<\/p><\/div>\n The Ericht is a river for the more adventurous angler, access can be a challenge but for those prepared for a scramble it offers an excellent chance of a spring salmon in Scotland, particularly in April & May.<\/p>\n North & South Esk The River Tweed The River\u00a0Teith\u00a0<\/strong> Head Guide Callum Conner admires a true Scottish Spring Salmon<\/p><\/div>\n A true “springer”\u00a0will be bright silver with glints of purple down the flanks and dark grey or blue backs. (As above)<\/p>\n As well as fresh run spring Salmon you may also encounter a few other classes\u00a0of Salmon.<\/p>\n Kelts\u00a0are what we call spawned out Salmon. These Salmon returned to the river the previous season and have spawned during\u00a0winter. The Kelts are now in a\u00a0recovery\u00a0stage\u00a0before\u00a0beginning\u00a0their journey back to\u00a0sea again.<\/p>\n A not so well mended Salmon kelt caught in spring. Note the thin appearance and fungus on tail, this is not prevalent in well-mended kelts.<\/p><\/div>\n Although silver, Kelts\u00a0are much thinner in appearance having used up all their body fat. They are often carrying gill maggots (see above) and are known to attack anything that comes in their general direction! Many inexperienced anglers can mistake\u00a0Kelts for Spring Salmon.<\/p>\n Gill maggots, a clear give away it is not a fresh Salmon and indeed a kelt.<\/p><\/div>\n There is also the opportunity of Rawners or Baggots, which are male\u00a0and female Salmon (respectively)\u00a0 that have entered the river and haven’t managed to\u00a0spawn.<\/p>\n Salmon Baggot caught in April<\/p><\/div>\n Baggots and Rawners\u00a0carry more colour, faded grey, purple & brown shades along body, with\u00a0brown colouration on their heads. Many will have gill maggots and ragged fins (as above). They may not be a spring salmon but they do still put a welcome bend in the rod!<\/p>\n Good sport can be had in the beginning months with these fish.<\/p>\n During the early\u00a0months of spring it is vitally important you wear appropriate clothing to endure the elements and increase your chances of success.<\/p>\n\n
The Spring Salmon Fishing Season in Scotland<\/h3>\n
![\"spring-salmon-fishing-guide-scotland-river-tay\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/salmon-fishing-guide-scotland-2.jpg\")
Our\u00a0Best\u00a0Spring Salmon Fishing Rivers in Scotland<\/h3>\n
\nThe Tay offers the best value spring Salmon fishing in Scotland. Scotland’s largest river\u00a0can boast one of the highest numbers of rod caught Salmon in Scotland. During the early months of the year the traditional Tay method of Harling (Boat trolling) is without doubt the favoured method. From opening day\u00a0the lower beats of the Tay around Stanley fish best, particularly when cold as fish back up below the first real temperature barriers in the river.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The River Tummel is part of the excellent Tay system. This short river has a hydro electric dam at Pitlochry which acts as a temperature barrier for migrating Salmon. Salmon will\u00a0congregate in their hundreds and thousands below the dam until the temperature reaches 12 degrees. Like\u00a0flicking a\u00a0switch, the fish counter on the dam will start rising rapidly as Salmon run the fish ladder\u00a0in their\u00a0hundreds daily. As the Salmon run the fishing in the lower river Tummel becomes tougher.<\/p>\n![\"River-Teith-spring-salmon-fishing-scotland-0\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_5390-1.jpg\")
\nThe River Isla & Ericht\u00a0<\/strong>
\nOne of the most prolific spring salmon systems in Scotland. These small tributaries of the Tay offer outstanding value for money Salmon fishing and can be fished with a single handed fly rod. What the Lower Isla lacks in beauty it more than makes up for in\u00a0the numbers of fish it produces.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The North & South Esk have to be the two most under-rated Salmon rivers in Scotland. The Esk’s are spate rivers, fishing better after a rise in water levels. If you can time the conditions right they can offer an outstanding chance of landing a Scottish springer! The beauty of these little rivers is they can easily be fished with a single handed fly rod.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>One of the big four Scottish rivers more noted for\u00a0its Autumn Salmon fishing.\u00a0In recent seasons the Tweed\u00a0has seen an increase in its spring Salmon run. The Tweed is a fly fishers dream and boasts more fly caught Salmon than any other river in the central and borders region of Scotland. It is an utterly stunning lowland river and an absolute must for the avid Salmon angler!<\/p>\n
\nThe Teith is one of Scotland’s most beautiful rivers, given the right conditions it can compete with the best rivers in Scotland.\u00a0The Teith is a big fish river and many twenty pound plus Spring Salmon have been\u00a0landed from this system in recent years. It is where I caught my first ever Salmon, and holds a special place in my heart. Another must in our eyes!<\/p>\n![\"true-scottish-spring-salmon-held-by-guide-callum-conner\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/tay-sambo.jpg\")
The Salmon<\/h3>\n
![\"salmon-kelt-caught-in-spring-0\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1545k.jpg\")
![\"gill-maggots-on-salmon-kelt-0\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_1547k.jpg\")
![\"scottish-baggot-salmon\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_2537-e1457466842765-1500x750.jpg\")
Spring Salmon Fishing Clothing<\/h4>\n
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![\"spring-salmon-fly-fishing-tackle\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_7091.jpg\")
![\"DSC_3673k\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_3673k-e1436128195348.jpg\")
![\"spring-salmon-fisherman\"](\"https:\/\/scotiafishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/river-spey-fishing-guide.jpg\")