Description Of The Blog

Thank you for visiting our salmon fly blog. In this blog you will find lots of fly pictures, step by step's, and other pictures of fishing related stuff. We have recently launched our official website that can be found at www.taysalmonfly.co.uk or click on the link on the right hand side of the page.

Sunday, 16 May 2021

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

River Tweed River Report Week Ending 15th 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.

 

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 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

 

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 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.

 

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. 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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------

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)

























www.taysalmonfly.co.uk


Please come along and like our Facebook Page and join in the discussion and check out our other deadly salmon flies.

For all your Salmon Fishing Flies visit our Tay Salmon Fly Website please click here

If you wish to contact us you can do so by clicking here 



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












Tay Salmon Fly, Salmon Fly, Salmon Flies, Fishing Tackle In Dunkeld, Fishing Tackle In Birnam, River Tay, River Tweed, River Spey, River Spey, Fly Fishing, Atlantic Salmon, Springer, Spring Salmon. Fly Tying, Salmon Fly Tying, Salmon Fishing In Scotland. Where To Fish In Scotland, How To Tie, How Do I Tie, Salmon Fly Dressing, Salmon Fly Dressing, Salmon Fly Pattern, Murthly Salmon Flies, River Tay Salmon Flies, River Tweed Salmon Flies. Foxy Tails, Venairds, Futurefly, Eumer, Murthly Beat 1, Murthly Beat 2, Upper Hendersyde,Tay Salmon Flies,Fishing The Tay, Fish Tay, Fish Tweed, Fish Spey, Fish Dee, Where To Fish For Salmon In Scotland, Salmon Fishing Holidays In Scotland,Tony Black, Tony Black Salmon Flies, David Ballingall, David Ballingall Salmon Flies, Upper North Wark, Upper North Wark Beat River Tweed, Fishtweed, Fish The Tweed, Tweedbeats,Fishtweed Reports, River Reports,Fishtweed Prospects, Kilt Pin, Brooch, Salmon Fly Kilt Pin, Fly Tying Instruction, Fly Tying Step By Step, FutureFly, 

No comments: