Fishing the River Tweed – a complete guide

Firstly the River Tweed is one of Europes best game fishing rivers. At 97 miles long (156 km) the Tweed flows through the Borders region, 1 hour South of Edinburgh. Notable towns it flows through are Peebles, Galashiels, Melrose, Kelso, Coldstream and finally flowing into the North Sea at Berwick on Tweed. Without doubt, the Tweed is on of Europe best salmon rivers. However, it also holds a large native stock of Brown Trout, Grayling and runs of Sea Trout.

River Tweed fishing permits

Firstly, there is no licence system in Scotland for fishing. Before fishing the Tweed, you will need to buy a permit. If you are on a guided fishing day on the Tweed, your guiding co many will buy the permit for you. Permits vary in price from week to week and for different beats. Therefore pricing is based on likelihood of catching and previous catch returns. Generally speaking permits for salmon range from £70 to £300 per person per day for the ticket. If you plan to fish the River Tweed without a guide, then you can buy permits online via Fishpal, and other agencies.

When is the best time to fish?

To begin with here are the seasons.

River Tweed Salmon Season – February 1st to November 30th (Excluding Sundays)

River Tweed Trout Season – 15th March to 6th October (although most trout tickets available from 1st April only)

River Tweed Grayling – No close season – although we avoid spawning time in early spring

Salmon fishing is slower in the colder months, and the first runs of big spring fish tend to come in on the big tides of March. Therefore the lower beats of the Tweed do well in Spring. Tributaries like the River Whiteadder are excellent in the spring too and are best fished after a falling spate.

Next as the warmer weather of late spring creeps in, and early summer, salmon begin to arrive in numbers and mid summer sees the arrival of the girls run. Grilse are salmon that have spent one winter at sea and average from 4-8lbs in weight.

In late summer and Autumn, more salmon enter the system and the Autumn run of fish brings in good numbers. The last few year, August and September have been the best productive months, However fish will continue to run the river into October, as they prepare to spawn.

Best time to fish for trout on the Tweed

Firstly the best time to fish the River Tweed for trout is certainly early April, but fish can be caught all year. In April,, there are prolific hatches of Large Dark Olives and March Brown flies, and big trout go heavily on the feed. Every year on guided trips we land trophy trout in April, usually on the dry fly.

When trout are not feeding on the surface, the Tweed is an excellent river for nymphing tactics. Fishing dry dropper and Euronymhing are both highly effective.

In addition, larger trout will take streamer patterns. This is especially effective slightly coloured water after a flood.

Grayling Fishing on the River Tweed

Without question the River Tweed is one of Europe’s best grayling rivers. Fishing the River Tweed for Grayling is a unique experience. Winter fishing for grayling is popular, but they can be caught all year. Your trout permit will allow you to fish for Grayling too. All fishing is catch and release, and we only use barbless hooks.

Best Places to Stay for the Tweed

In summary Melrose is our first choice and Kelso second. Both of these town have plenty to offer visitors and non anglers, yet are close to the best river beats.

Melrose is a charming market town. There are interesting artisan shops, great pubs and restaurants and things to see and do. Melrose Abbey in the centre of the village as is a Roman Museum. Burts Hotel and the Townhouse offer great accommodation. The Ship Inn is a great local pub where you can enjoy good food and a chance to mix with friendly locals.

For those not wanting to drive, there’s an excellent train service from Edinburgh Waverly. It takes about 40 minutes and arrives at Tweedbank Station. Tweedbank is a short 5 minute taxi ride to Melrose centre. But always book cabs in advance. Tweedbank is not a metropolis with an abundance of taxis. Tickets can be bought in advance on Trainline.

Kelso is another interesting town and better if you are fishing the lower beats of the Tweed. The Ednam House hotel is a good option and a short walk from everything in the town. There’s a superb salmon fishing museum in Kelso and a good tackle shop.

How to prepare for a guided day on the Tweed

Please bring with you:

1. Sunglasses – this is Vitaly important for eye protection

2. Warm layers. Its also best not to wear jean under waders, soft joggers or thermal leggings are best, free from buckles, studs and zips

3. Waterproof rain jacket

4. Sensible footwear for when not wading (some fishing can be from the bank) wet grass with a good grip on the sole, i.e. walking boots or gore tex trainers

5 Lunch and drinks

Note, Our guide can stop en-route if traveling from Edinburgh to buy sandwiches. A packed lunch is best, as often the best fishing is during lunch time and so keeping everything flexible and watching the river is essential.

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We will provide:

1. Quality Sage R8 trout and Spey rods/ Sage reels and Rio fly lines. fishing tackle

2. Orvis breathable waders and boots

3. Alba Game Fishing “Fishing in Scotland” baseball hat for each guest

4. Specialist flies tied by our guides

5 Auto inflate PFD life vest/ wading staff

6 A tip to the resident ghillie. This leaves you free to tip your guide if you have enjoyed your day. Tips average £50 – £200 per guide per day, but he will be grateful for anything and his focus is you enjoying your day.