Salmon Fly: May 2021

Sunday 30 May 2021

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 29th May 2021 - Tay Salmon Fly

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 29^th May

After Mondays dirty flood there were high expectations of a decent week of catches however the river seemed to take ages to clear from the flood wither this was due to the digger works in the river further upstream or just coincidence the water stayed black and the catches were very disappointing again which seems to becoming a trend this season so far. As May comes to an end it is likely that less than 1000 salmon have caught so far, I have the report total so far at 892 but there are beats that don’t report so they remain guess work to give an idea of the catch. Summer arrived on Tweed on Thursday with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees each day and looks like it’s due to continue into this week which will drop the river in towards summer level and below Coldstream should start to catch fish.

Mr Scott Connelly landed 2 and lost 2 at Lower Pavilion on his Scooby Snacks. On Dryburgh Upper there was success for Mr David Jenkins and Mr Alistair Makinson. Iain Wilson landed a fish from the Bridge Pool at Middle Mertoun. Mr James McKendry landed a lovely fresh fish at Rutherford. Mr Andy Britton landed one from the Slap at the Lees. On the BDAA stretch of the River Whiteadder there was success for Mr Robert Galbraith landing an 8lber on Beat 1. On Beat 2 Mr Richard John landed an 8lber and Mr Callum Simpson also had a lovely fresh fish.

Above Kelso 52 fish were reported, Between Kelso and Coldstream 32 were reported and below Coldstream 3 were reported. With the best fishing being on the Lower Pavilion beat where 10 springers were landed.

103 Salmon and 27 Sea Trout were landed for the week with the best fish 16lb Salmon caught on the Lower Pavilion beat.

If you catch a tagged fish then please take a note of the tag number, this can be made easier by taking a photo of the tag. To report a tagged fish please contact the Tweed Foundation on 01896 848 277 or the Head Fishery Officer on 07884 230 045.

Lower Birgham Head Boatman Mr Tom Davis reports “Well with the water rising and the hype of expectation building. This last week had all the ingredients for a trust epic week of fishing. Slowly dropping height, colour getting better as the week went on, great time of year with freshly running fish, freely taking... sea trout in abundance. Long warm evenings... etc etc...Well as with most best laid plans, there was a slight glitch. Everything worked fine apart from the fish. They were running through, don’t quite know when, but they had done, as there was fresh fish caught above us. But apart from the very odd splash it was an incredibly quiet week. There was a fresh fish intercepted on Friday, which was the highlight of the week. A lovey 8lb fish caught in the cauld. There was still a slight tinge of colour in the water towards the end of the week and looking forward to Monday, the water should be clearer, lower and fresh hope of the run either on their way... or there ready for us! Fingers crossed and tight lines. Tom.”

On Upper North Wark, Any enquiries or booking requests please call Martin on 07825334427.

Berwick and District Angling Association Secretary Mr Lee Ross reports “Good start to the week with a fish on Monday. Then Wednesday three fish then Thursday two and Friday one. 7 for the week. It’s been a quiet week on the tweed system with water unsettled / fluctuating water levels and it dropped down and steadied at 1'6”. Not a bad height if it sustains this and clears out a bit as there's still a beery tinge to it. Almost like a Highland spate river.

It’s to be dry all this coming week so it's going to drop gradually. Intermediate tips and small dressed flies like the usual suspects. Willie Gunn. Cascade. Gledswood. Park shrimp etc will entice a take. Hope everyone has a good week and tight lines to everyone fishing the tweed system this week”

Places to Stay, Eat and Browse Locally

After any fishing trip on the Tweed it’s always worth a trip to Kelso to enjoy a superb meal with great atmosphere in the fabulous Contented Vine restaurant. I would highly recommend it as a must visit during your trip. Call 01573 224777 to reserve your table.

***NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS*** Fantastic new self-catering accommodation at the 1905 Holiday Let which sits in a peaceful position on the cobbled streets of Kelso above 1905 Bar where one can enjoy a pint of real ale or a G&T in a cosy yet traditional bar. Four Bedroomed apartment in central Kelso for Holiday or longer term let. The accommodation sleeps 8 people. To book a stay in this superbly refurbished to a very high standard accommodation please go to this link https://abnb.me/ITUcD4HPOfb

We are blessed in this area to have some superb local fishing tackle shops that are well worth a visit the superb well stocked Borders Gunroom in St Boswells. I would recommend for a rummage round which and find out from the local staff what’s currently doing the damage on the river and lochs.

The stunning Saddler Cottage, located within the grounds of Tillmouth Park in now under new ownership. Suitable for fishers and families this lovely cottage is very handily placed for fishing the Lower and Bottom Tweed beats. If you would like more information please check out the link https://www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com/properties/saddler-cottage/

If anyone would like to get in touch for advice or enquire about fishing, fishing tackle and fly tying, deer stalking etc., or just for a chat here are my contact details. Iain Wilson, Mobile. 07736903379 Email. borderstalker@gmail.com Website. borderstalker.com

A new and freshly available holiday let. The ‘Kelso Cobbles’ is a self-catering accommodation that can sleep 9 people. There are 4 large double bedrooms, two that are zip linked (so can be made into twin rooms). There are 2 spacious bathrooms. With large comfortable and spacious living areas. It has a separate dining room and benefits from its location of being very close to all local restaurants and shops in the centre of Kelso and overlooking the beautiful Kelso Abbey. For more information and bookings please contact Jason 07836270390.

The week ended with the level at Sprouston 1ft 1” and the water temperature is 54.

Looking at the availability for the week ahead, the river is really busy with not much availability for the next few months. If you are looking to fish the river I would suggest booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out. I would recommend Boleside and Lower Pavillion to be in with a chance of fish this week.

The forecast this coming week, Tomorrow, areas of mist and fog will soon clear to leave another dry, warm and sunny day. Some high-level cloud will build through the day, turning sunshine hazy in places. High pressure will remain dominant through the week, keeping things settled, warm and dry. Tuesday will be a sunny day, but some patchy cloud will develop through the afternoon. High cloud will turn sunshine hazy in places. Wednesday will be another dry and sunny day. Thursday currently looks to remain dry with sunshine, but there is uncertainty regarding this.

As always I would like to thank all those who provide me with the information to make this report, it is very much appreciated. If you have any information or photo’s you would like included please get in touch with Martin on 07825334427 or info@taysalmonfly.co.uk

Look at what to bring for the week ahead, floating with assorted poly leaders should suffice on most beats towards the end of the week. Gledswood Shrimp, Tritton Shrimp, Ghillie, Sunray Shadow and Aurora Cascade are all capable to tempting fish on around ½”- ¾” tubes, dressed flies are now worth a go more often in a size 8-14s. On the spinning front Rapala, Flying C and Toby should bring results.

As always come prepared and always listen to the advice of your boatman or ghillie. If you’re needing to top up your fly box ahead of your trip please check out www.taysalmonfly.co.uk

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Season So Far catches (This figure is a rough guide as there are quite a few beats that don’t report)

Total catch last week: 103 Salmon & 27 Sea Trout

Total caught so far this season: 892 Salmon and 86 Sea Trout

www.taysalmonfly.co.uk

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To book or enquire about fishing on the Upper North Wark beat on the River Tweed please give Martin a call on 07825 334427

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Tuesday 25 May 2021

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 22nd May 2021 - Tay Salmon Fly

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 22^nd May

Another week that felt nearer winter than summer with the return of east winds and more rain causing the river to rise and colour up towards the end of the week. Fishing is still on the sporadic side with some catches followed by days on not much happening. Four lucky anglers managed to land their first salmon this week, Mr Max Morgan landed his in the Learmouth Stream on the Lees using a small Black and Yellow Bottle Tube. Mr Oliver Peacock landed his first on Dryburgh Upper while on the Junction Mr Phillip Scott and Mr Robert Pick landed theirs, also on the Junction 86 year old Mr Dick Seaman landed a 12lber from the Bridge. Fishing at Dryburgh Lower Mr Iain Wilson landed 2 and lost 1. Fishing at Lower Pavilion on Saturday Mr Scott Connelly and Mr Lee Conway landed a fish each, Scott also landed a 10lb Brown Trout.

Myself and friends had a fabulous week on Upper Floors with 12 fish landed in the first 4 days of the week before coloured water ruined Friday. I managed 7 on a mix on Willie Gunn Franc N Snaelda, Girnel Shrimp and Sunray Shadow. Mr Alexander Triffitt landed 2 on a Silver Stoat, Mr Jonathan Lane landed 1 on an Aurora Cascade, Mr Jamie McCulloch landed 1 on a Monkey and Mr James Knox landed 1 on a small tube. Thanks to Colin and Richie for a great time and very enjoyable company. Mr Alex Knox and his amazing staff for putting up with us every night and creating by request delicious dishes of food not on the menu. Mr Eoin Fairgrieve for use of what proved very useful Loop 7X 11ft 6” not a length of rod I would normally use but I may just be converted…. Thanks you all it was fabulous.

Above Kelso 48 fish were reported, Between Kelso and Coldstream 30 were reported and below Coldstream 7 were reported. With the best fishing being on the Upper Floors beat where 12 springers were landed.

88 Salmon and 4 Sea Trout were landed for the week with the best fish 16lb Salmon caught on the Upper Makerstoun beat.

Lower Birgham Head Boatman Mr Tom Davis reports “Well it’s usually football that is described as a game of two half’s... but this week the fishing has been just the same. Everyday conditions were, up, down, windy, still, sunny, rainy, clear water and muddy. Ever changing....But in the beginning of the week this made no difference at all. We landed fish every day, all super fresh, fought well, and were the perfect ‘silver bars’ that we all hear about. Then when the water lifted A bit more it all went quiet. Saw very few as well, but as this has been normal for us this year we didn’t let that wain our efforts. Cast to the last and kept ringing the changes for our change of fortune and luck. Unfortunately whatever we threw at them at the end of the week was not what the fish were looking for. But it doesn’t mean a good time was had trying. Hopefully this next week settles A bit, we have had some good water for fish to run the river and now we want it to drop a fraction so we can get to the taking lies and really see what has come in. Let’s all keep the fingers crossed that it settles. As ever tight lines, Tom”

On Upper North Wark, a quiet week with not very pleasant weather. East winds, coloured water made for hard fishing. Fish seen some days and quiet on others. Any enquiries or booking requests please call Martin on 07825334427.

Lees Head Boatman Mr Malcolm Campbell reports “Not much to report this week, 2 fish on the Monday then just a couple of pulls after that, the heights were fine until yesterday (Friday) when it started to rise and was out of action for us below the Teviot today, didn't see many fish this week. It was very quiet. For a full report go to Lees page on tweedbeats and see Malcolm’s fishing reports, also log on to Instagram and follow tweedbeats for latest pics and clips.”

Berwick and District Angling Association Secretary Mr Lee Ross reports “Nothing to report this week”

James Armstrong from Chasing Fins report’s “Another good week on his stretch of the Whiteadder. We landed 2 fish on Monday including a lovely 12Ib sea liced fish. Then a further 2 and 3 lost over the course of the week. Most of the fish once again were eager to chase dressed flies (cascades and Willie gunns) and tubes sub surface which made for some very exciting fishing. Things are looking superb for this coming week after the recent rise of water we had over the weekend. Let’s hope the great fishing continues. Tightlines. James”

Places to Stay, Eat and Browse Locally

The week ended with the level at Sprouston 1ft 6” and the water temperature is 50.

Looking at the availability for the week ahead, the river is really busy with not much availability for the next few months. If you are looking to fish the river I would suggest booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out. I would recommend Boleside, Lower Pavillion and Dryburgh Upper to be in with a chance of fish this week.

The forecast this coming week, Tomorrow, a few sunny spells to start, but showers and spells of rain will re-develop in the afternoon, with skies becoming overcast. A little milder, but with gentle to moderate winds. Tuesday will start cloudy with a few outbreaks of rain. Heavy showers will then develop through the afternoon. Wednesday looks to start cloudy with the chance of some light rain. Sunny spells in the afternoon with still the chance of showers. Thursday will be a mostly dry day with only the odd shower in places through the afternoon. It will be a warmer day than of late too.

Look at what to bring for the week ahead, with rain due at the time of writing it could be wetcel 2 or intermediate lines at the start of the week then onto floating with assorted poly leaders should suffice on most beats towards the end of the week. Gledswood Shrimp, Tritton Shrimp, Ghillie, Sunray Shadow and Aurora Cascade are all capable to tempting fish on around ½”- ¾” tubes, dressed flies are now worth a go more often in a size 8-12s, possibly bigger at the start of the week all depends how much rain falls. On the spinning front Rapala, Flying C and Toby should bring results.

As always come prepared and always listen to the advice of your boatman or ghillie. If you’re needing to top up your fly box ahead of your trip please check out www.taysalmonfly.co.uk

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Season So Far catches (This figure is a rough guide as there are quite a few beats that don’t report)

Total catch last week: 88 Salmon & 4 Sea Trout

Total caught so far this season: 789 Salmon and 59 Sea Trout

As reported on Fishtweed:-

(Biggest Salmon 24lb Junction)

(Biggest Sea Trout 10lb Tillmouth)

www.taysalmonfly.co.uk

Sunday 16 May 2021

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 15th May 2021 - Tay Salmon Fly

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 15^th May

After a reasonable week last week this week started off with steady water levels before some heavy rain caused the river to rise nearly all day on Wednesday to around 2ft 6 at Sprouston and leaving behind it a very dark beery water with quite a bit of sediment in it which might have affected the catches towards the end of the week. The flood could have done with being bigger to give the riverbed a good clean out as there is a fair abundance of algae on the bottom now, making for slippy wading and clouds of muck flowing downstream with nearly every step. The lift in the water has pushed fish up through the system and some appearing to be reaching the upper river with Holylee reporting a fish on Tuesday. The week ahead is looking showery but no real rain until later in the week and with the winds swinging to a more south westerly direction let hope a few fish show up in the river this week and the rods can get a good go at them with the river looking very good heading into Monday and to top it all the fabulous Contented Vine restaurant in Kelso reopens tomorrow after the easing of the covid restrictions.

Mr James Fleming landed a 10lber, while Border Stalker Mr Iain Wilson landed 2 this week, one from Mertoun which was taken on a ½” Tungsten Posh Tosh fished of a Float/Inty line and a 10ft Fast Sink Tip and one from Makerstoun on the spinner. Mr Stuar Norris had an amazing day at Rutherford on Saturday landing 4 springers on the fly. Two in the Slap and Two in the Mill Stream. Mr Gerald Wainwright had a cracking 8lb Sea Trout at Upper Hendersyde taken on a Size 10 Posh Tosh. Fishing at Hendersyde Mr Simon Furniss landed two fish, 8lb and 10lb both on a size 8 Cascader. Fishing at Upper North Wark Mr Bill Shields had an early birthday present landing 3 springers, two on a Willie Gunn UV Feeler and one on the Burrly. Fishing at the Lees Mr Jonathan Maddock had a good start landing four on Monday, Mr John MacLeod landed a beautiful fresh fish in Iron Gate Point on a 1” Tube. Mr Steve Robins landed an 11lber on a 1” Posh Tosh tube fished of a 5ips tip. On the BDAA water on the River Whiteadder there was success for Mr Brain Thomson, Mr Ron Campbell landed an 8lber, Mr Alan Spence landed an 8lber on a 15mm Hazels Fancy and Mr Alex Scott landed a nice fresh fish from Beat 1 on Saturday.

Above Kelso 51 fish were reported, Between Kelso and Coldstream 48 were reported and below Coldstream 11 were reported. With the best fishing being on the Junction and Upper Floors beat’s where 12 springers were landed.

123 Salmon and 15 Sea Trout were landed for the week with the best fish 24lb Salmon caught on the Junction beat.

Lower Birgham Head Boatman Mr Tom Davis reports “Well a week full of promise. Not very often do we have a week of such great water. Clear but not too clear, coloured but not too dirty and no drastic rain forecast to ruin the river or our spirits. But with all great plans there is always the chance of something out of our control not quite lining up and this last week it seemed there was a slight lack of abundance of fish. Whilst we caught a few and what we caught was in sparkling condition, there were days where pulls or even sightings were few and far between. But we did have fish, we did have very fresh fish. We caught, tagged and released some truly magnificent spring salmon. And what a joy it was, and how lucky to do what we do. This year so far isn’t one where we have broken any catch records, either good or bad. But the quality of what we have been catching had been breath taking. Virtually everyone sea liced or super fresh, each fighting hard and going away strong. Continuing upriver to carry on its fantastic journey up to the upper reaches of the river, stream or burn from where its own story began. Looking to next week it looks like continuing dropping water levels and slightly warmer days could hopefully bring more salmon out to play. It will certainly be welcome and see what really did come into the river last week. As ever tight lines to all and fingers crossed for some more of these perfect silver bullets. Tight lines, Tom”

On Upper North Wark, the week started well with Mr Bill Shields landing 3 on Monday, a couple lost on Wednesday in the rising water, with a few showing around the beat a bit frustrating not to catch some more. Any enquiries or booking requests please call Martin on 07825334427.

Lees Head Boatman Mr Malcolm Campbell reports “A quiet week on the Lees for seeing fish, we did manage 7 for the week but 4 of them fell to Jonathan Maddocks on the Monday so that only left 3 for the rest of the week. One day was lost to a bit of a rise and some milky colour. It’s still on the cold side and water temps are struggling to reach 50f. We are fishing inch tube or #8 dressed flies on fast sink tips of varying lengths. For a full report go to Malcolm’s fishing reports on the Lees page of Tweedbeats, follow Tweedbeats on Instagram for latest pics and clips.”

Berwick and District Angling Association Secretary Mr Lee Ross reports “Good start to the week with five landed in various pools, and then one on the Tuesday, on Wednesday we had a flash flood due to heavy rain in the hills which made the river unfishable for a couple of days, then on Saturday Alex Frere-Scott landed a sparkling 8lber from beat one, 7 for the week and river level at 1'2" now so it’s on the low side again, so next week it'll be back to intermediate tips and small dressed flies.”

James Armstrong from Chasing Fins report’s “Another superb week on his stretch of the Whiteadder. Even though we lost half the week to dirty water, we still ended on 6 fish for the week. 5 of those fish carrying sea lice which is great to see. Largest was 13Ibs. Bringing the total to 14 for our season. Most of the fish were eager to chase dressed flies and small tubes sub surface which made for some very exciting fishing. www.chasingfins.co.uk”

Places to Stay, Eat and Browse Locally

The week ended with the level at Sprouston 1ft 1” and the water temperature is 50.

Looking at the availability for the week ahead, the river is really busy with not much availability for the next few months. If you are looking to fish the river I would suggest booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out. I would recommend Lower Pavillion, Dryburgh and Horncliffe to be in with a chance of fish this week.

The forecast this coming week, a cloudy start tomorrow, with a few light showers. Turning drier into the afternoon with cloud giving way to plenty of sunshine for the rest of the day. A gentle westerly wind. Tuesday will bring plenty of sunshine throughout the day, with only a few light showers in places through the afternoon. Wednesday will be a similar day, although the showers in the afternoon will turn heavy and thundery once again. Low pressure will move in around Thursday, although there is considerable uncertainty surrounding this at this point.

Look at what to bring for the week ahead, Floating with assorted poly leaders should suffice on most beats. Gledswood Shrimp, Tritton Shrimp, Ghillie, Sunray Shadow and Aurora Cascade are all capable to tempting fish on around ½”- ¾” tubes, dressed flies are now worth a go more often in a size 8-12s. On the spinning front Rapala, Flying C and Toby should bring results.

As always come prepared and always listen to the advice of your boatman or ghillie. If you’re needing to top up your fly box ahead of your trip please check out www.taysalmonfly.co.uk

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Season So Far catches (This figure is a rough guide as there are quite a few beats that don’t report)

Total catch last week: 123 Salmon & 15 Sea Trout

Total caught so far this season: 701 Salmon and 55 Sea Trout

As reported on Fishtweed:-

(Biggest Salmon 24lb Junction)

(Biggest Sea Trout 10lb Tillmouth)