Description
River Whiteadder – a lesser known river on the Tweed system
Firstly, The Whiteadder is a tributary of the River Tweed, rising in the Lammermuir Hills. From there, it flows through East Lothian, Berwickshire and Northumberland before joining the Tweed near the Berwick and flowing into the North Sea. The salmon season on the Whiteadder runs from 1st February to 30th November. The trout season on the Whiteadder runs from 15th March to 30th September. Grayling can be targeted all year on the Whiteadder, with a break for spring spawning.
Moreover, the Whiteadder can be easily accessed from Edinburgh. In fact, a scenic drive of approx 1 hour on the A1, and a nice straight road to boot.
The river offers wild brown trout fishing throughout the system and excellent runs of salmon and sea trout.
Interestingly, the river is noted for having the world’s oldest fishing club. The Ellem Angling Club, established in 1829 and sits proudly in the Guinness Book of Records.
Much work has been carried out to improve the fishing in the Whiteadder. This included the installation of a fish pass, which freed up an additional 16 miles of spawning ground and feeding for migratory fish.
The river is an ideal size for a single hand rod or a light switch rod for salmon. For trout fishing a 4 or 5 weight 8-9ft rod is ideal.
Trout Fishing River Whiteadder
As with most of the Tweed and tributaries, the best trout fishing is in the spring. Trout go on the feed heavily after a long winter and there are prolific hatches of Blue Winged Olives and March Brown.
The big trout come out of hiding, and migrate into feeding zones to put on some weight. This gives you a great chance of a trophy fish.
The Whiteadder is a small river and therefore, long casting not required. As with all small rivers, keeping a low profile is vital, and only wading when really necessary.
Czech nymphing and Euronymphing can be highly effective on this river, and is a good tactic when your prospecting in between hatches.
Grayling fishing on the rise
In the last 5 years, there has been a population surge of Grayling in the Whiteadder. Since the destruction of a could in the lower river, Grayling have progressed through the system in upper reaches.
Salmon Fishing River Whiteadder
This beautiful river, although a tributary of the Tweed is a salmon river in its own right. This is a small easily fished river and a rod between 10ft summer and 12ft for heavier water/ autumn conditions is ideal. Interestingly when the Tweed is flooded, the Whiteadder can be a good Plan B. Since water levels are more regulated by the reservoir at the head of the system.
Most fishing can be done with shallow, non obtrusive wading and long casting is not necessary. We hold in stock Scott Mackenzie Atlas switch rods, in 11ft, 4 inch, 12ft 7 inch, that are ideal tools for fishing this river. You can also fish for salmon with single hand rods. Salmon can be sight fished and your guide can assist by guiding you onto fish.
Lastly, fishing is by fly only, and no other method is permitted. It’s mandatory catch and release until the end of June. With the intention to protect Spring fish. The river associations and bodies governing this river encourage catch and release at all times.
There are salmon throughout the system throughout the year. The Spring and then autumn/ fall months give the best chance of salmon, especially when the is falling back after a spate.
