River Tweed River Report Week Ending 31st August 2019 - Tay Salmon Fly

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 31^st August

We start the report this week on a sad note with the news issued on behalf of the Innes Ker family and Roxburghe Estates on the 29th August 2019, the family of the 10th Duke of Roxburghe are sad to announce that the Duke has today died following a lengthy battle with cancer. Guy Innes Ker died peacefully at his family’s ancestral home, Floors Castle, near Kelso, in the Scottish Borders. He is survived by Virginia, the Duchess of Roxburghe, five children and five grandchildren.

On the fishing front the catches remained quite consistent with pods of fish been caught in certain areas and others seeming like there’s not a fish to be seen. Reports suggest there are a few fresh grilse about in amongst some auld springers and river fish been caught.  The wind last week was horrendous apart from the odd place on the river where you can get tucked in out of it for us on the North side of the river it was brutal! The bulk of the expected rain that was forecast to hit us on Saturday pretty much missed us and went north with the River Tay getting an 8ft rise. We were tickle of water here over the weekend with hopefully moved some more fish about.

We always love to hear about your trips and this one really brought a smile to my face. 12 years old James Renehan caught his first salmon on the Nisbet beat of the River Teviot with his grandad on the 27/08/19. James’s Salmon was 7lb and returned, it was on exactly the same pool as his grandad caught his first salmon about 40 years earlier. Well done James hopefully the first of many for you.

Above Kelso 118 fish were reported, with Rutherford 24, Lower Makerstoun 11, Upper Floors 10 and Lower Floors 23 (10 on Saturday) having the best of the fishing. Fishing at Rutherford Mr Jonathan Reddin landed his 40^th fish of the season with a 14lb fish.

Between Kelso and Coldstream 88 fish were reported with the fish scattered about a few beats with Junction 30 and the Lees 212 having the best of the fishing. Fishing at the Lees Mr Michael Black landed a cracking 16lb fish from the Glide on the fly.

Below Coldstream 79 fish were reported, with Tillmouth 18, Ladykirk 16 and Milne Graden 13 having the best of the fishing.

On the River Till, a quiet week on the Till with just 2 Salmon and 1 Sea Trout at Lower Tindal were reported.

349 Salmon and 28 Sea Trout, with the best fish for the week was 20lb Salmon caught on the Tillmouth beat.

Bemersyde Head Ghillie Mr Ian Farr reports “5 last week all fresh all small grilse on Thursday to criss price and an 11lbs fish for Fiona Brown on Friday good water high disappointed not seeing more fish after all the big water”

Lower Birgham Head Boatman Mr Tom Davis reports “Another good week at lower birgham. 7 salmon landed and a sea trout. Some older river fish and some fresh ones. No sea lice on them but very fresh. Lots of fish seen early on in the week, but they were had to get hold of. But fish every day towards the end of the week. Hopefully the week stays settled and the fish continue to be on the take”

On Upper North Wark, quite week this week with hot sunshine at the start of the week then very windy pushing gales at the end of the week. Mr Stevie Carella had a cracking sea trout of 10lbs taken on a Blue Gledwood Shrimp from the Middle Island.

Lees Head Boatman Mr Malcolm Campbell reports “A difficult week thanks to the wind which I hate with a passion. We saw more fish mid-week onwards but for us they were not keen to take, apart from Michael Black who was shaking them off as quick as he could hook them, he made good on Saturday afternoon getting a nice 16lber from the Back of the wall. Looking good for the first half of the coming week. Forecast says lump of rain for Thursday night. Often with the countryfile forecast after two days you're better looking out of the window.”

Berwick and District Angling Association Secretary Dave Cowan reports “Two grilse from BDAA water at the beginning of the week but water levels continued to drop to steady out at 6 inches. Fish in the river but rain needed.”

Hawick Angling Club reports “The fishing on Acreknowe continues to be hard going. The fish are rising but are proving difficult to hook. Hatches of flying ants have resulted in the fish rising all over the loch but catching them is another matter.
Late evening is still the best chance of a fish or two. Large Sedge`s can be worth a try. There has been little activity on Wulliestruther over the past few weeks.
Power bait is still taking the majority of fish. Barnes Loch like, Acreknowe, is fishing best just before dark. Again sedges taking most fish. The water levels have been up and down over the past couple of weeks and the river has been pretty coloured most of the time. It has been disappointing that so few sea-trout have been caught. One or two nice fresh grilse have been taken, but very few fish are being seen. 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 1ft 3” and the water temperature is 58.

Looking at the availability for this coming week I would recommend Boleside, Rutherford and Upper Hendersyde beats should have a chance of some action this week.

The forecast this coming week, Monday will become mostly overcast and blustery with outbreaks of rain spreading from the west. The rain is likely to become heavy in places. Brisk south-westerly winds. Tuesday will be cloudy and breezy with spells of rain, some heavy. Further rain overnight and it may well become windier. Wednesday will have early rain and showers but it should turn drier and less windy later on. Thursday looks like being breezier again with spells of sunshine giving way to outbreaks of rain from the west later on.

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, Sunray Shadow, Kylie and Red Frances are all capable to tempting fish on ¾” - 1” tubed or dressed flies in size 6 and 8. On the spinning front the Blue Rapala, 20-28gm tobies and Black Flying C 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:  349 Salmon 28 Sea Trout

Total caught so far this season: 3498 Salmon and 1574 Sea Trout

As reported on Fishtweed:-

(Biggest Salmon 20lb Sprouston & BDAA Whiteadder & Tillmouth)

(Biggest Sea Trout 13lb Sprouston)

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