River Tweed River Report Week Ending 4th May 2019 - Tay Salmon Fly

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 4th May

We’re now into and the weather condition’s feel a lot more familiar with March, cold north winds at the end of the week along with colder night dragged the water temperature back down from the high 50’s to the high 40’s. Catches remain quite sporadic with some better days followed by a quieter day. On Monday we were greeting with a small rise from the Sunday which dropped away, maybe just me but the river seemed quite scummy/smelly and I had a report of raw sewage been seen in some areas. This was reported to SEPA. The majority of fish been caught below Kelso still appear to be sea liced going by reports with the odd older fish been caught in amongst them. In this month’s Trout and Salmon magazine there is a good feature on the Makerstoun Beats written by Mr Fin Wilson well worth a read.

Above Kelso 32 fish were reported, 8 were landed on the Middle Mertoun beat with Mr Jonathan Reddin been amongst the successful rods. Boleside had a better week landed 8 fish with Mr Rab Tomkins and Mr Lee Conway having success on Saturday. On Lower Floors Mr Joe Wilkinson landed a nice fish. On Thursday Bemersyde landed 3 Springer’s with Mr Calum McCready having success.

Between Kelso and Coldstream 37 fish were reported with Hendersyde 12, Sprouston 9 and Junction 7 having the better of the fishing. Fishing on the Junction Mr Bill Sheil landed a 15lber on a Cascade from the Willow Hole and Mr Adam Perkins had a 9lber from the same pool on a size 8 Cascade both ably assisted by Boatman Pud Murray. Mr John Turner landed his first salmon from the Bridge. Fishing at the Lees Mr Terry Harper landed a lovely fresh springer from the Slap on the fly.

Below Coldstream there were 20 reported. Milne Graden landed 3 with Boatman Kevin Wright picking away at them. Ladykirk had a good week landing 5 springers Mr Antoine Kopff landing 2 and Mr John McCann continuing his fine run with another springer. 3 trips on a trot John has managed to land a springer. Tillmouth landed 8 for the week inc fish of 18lbs and 16lbs. Fishing on Waltham and Dritness syndicate water Mr Jack Weighman landed a 8lber on a Willie Gunn.

On the River Till, 3 Sea Trout were reported on Redscar and Upper Tindal.

100 Salmon and 10 Sea Trout, with the best fish for the week was 18lb Salmon caught on the Tillmouth beat.

Middle Pavilion Head Ghillie Steven Charlton reports “Two fish landed this week, the first landed on Tuesday by Mr Charles Jesper on a size 12 Cassley shrimp from the whirls, the second of the week coming on Saturday, with Mr Steve Howard landing a nice fish again from the whirls, few more fish being seen this week, bottom getting a bit thick, fingers crossed for another good week”

On Upper North Wark, water conditions remain on the low side for the beat. Got some more grass cut and the 1st of the fleet painted. Preparations are under way for the planned start date for the new fishing hut been built.

Ladykirk Head Ghillie Mr Matthi Viethen reports “5 Springer’s this week, with quite a bit of fishing effort put into it though. All Springer’s, as in previous weeks, were of amazing quality though and incredibly strong, absolutely amazing! Notable catches included syndicate rod John McCann catching 8 lb, having been successful for 3 weeks in a row and French day rod Antoine Kopff, fishing for 3 days this week, catching 2 Springer’s including cracker of over 13lb and loosing 3 others. Quite a bit of action for 1 rod at this time of year...

Let’s hope these Springer’s keep coming”

Berwick and District Angling Association Secretary Dave Cowan reports “Whiteadder dropped away again during the week and now steady at 4 inches however one fish at 7lb came off one of the middle of six BDAA beats”

Hawick Angling Club reports “The weather over the past weeks has not been kind for fishing. Cold winds have continued to make condition difficult. Buzzers have been the most successful method, fished deeper getting the best results. Some fish have been rising when the wind drops and a few have been taken on dries. The Yellow Owl taking a few fish. Williestruther has slowed down a little with fewer anglers out. Power bait is still taking the majority of fish. Barnes Loch continues to be lightly fished but has been fishing reasonably well. Again the cold wind has been making life difficult at times. Tickets can be purchased from the usual outlets. Tight Lines”

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 and Fin and Game in Kelso 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.

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.

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/

The week ended with the level at Sprouston 4” and the water temperature is 49.

Looking at the availability for this coming week I would recommend the Boleside, Lower Birgham, Tillmouth, Ladykirk and Horncliffe beats should have a chance of some action this week.

The forecast this coming week, a rather cloudy start on Monday with some rain. It will then become brighter with spells of sunshine, but also a few showers, which could be wintry on the high ground. Feeling cold. It will be fairly chilly over the next few days with temperatures below average for May. Tuesday will be unsettled with scattered showers, albeit there will be sunny spells in-between. It will become increasingly cloudy overnight. Light rain quite possible on Wednesday along with a few showers later in the day. Thursday will be another unsettled day with showers.

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 aheads fishing, Floating lines with assorted poly leaders should suffice on most places with Gledswood Shrimp, Pot Belly Pig, Underghillie and Cascade are all capable to tempting that springer on half inch to inch or dressed flies in size 8 and 10. On the spinning front the Black and Gold Rapala, 18-20gm tobies 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

Total catch last week: 100 Salmon 10 Sea Trout

Total caught so far this season: 613 Salmon and 66 Sea Trout

As reported on Fishtweed:-

(Biggest Salmon 18lb Upper Hendersyde & Tillmouth)

(Biggest Sea Trout 8lb Milne Graden)

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