Salmon & Sea-trout
The river Tweed flowing through Melrose is one of the most famous salmon fishing rivers in the world. Anglers travel here from far and wide for the chance to catch a beautiful Atlantic Salmon as they migrate up the river from the sea. Fly-fishing is the main method used but some parts of the river also allow spinning.
The river is privately owned by lots of different land owners and anglers must purchase a fishing permit from the landowner. This process is facilitated by the two main websites, Fishpal and Tweed Beats, where permits can be purchased and more information on the river can be found.
Prices for salmon fishing generally start at around £50 per person per day but can rise to several hundreds of pounds for the most productive stretches at the best time of year. The salmon fishing season is from the beginning of February to the end of November and fish can be caught throughout the season. However, the main runs of Salmon usually occur in March – May for the spring run, August for the Summer run and September – November for the autumn run. There is also a sea-trout run which peaks between June and August which can provide fantastic evening fishing.
The Eildon Melrose Holiday Cottages & Log Cabins provide a great base for visiting anglers as we are situated roughly in the middle of the river. All the classic middle river beats are close at hand and the upper and lower river beats are all within an easy scenic drive. There are facilities for drying waders and coats over-night next to our biomass boiler, fishing rods can be stored over-night in our barn to save having to take them down and we have a large chest freezer for any salmon you keep.
Trout & Grayling
Trout and Grayling fishing on the Tweed and its tributaries and on local lochs can be excellent and is much more affordable than Salmon fishing. Prices start from £4 per day. Trout and Grayling fishing permits on the Tweed are usually organised by local fishing clubs and are available to buy from various shops and post offices. Have a look on the Fishpal and Tweedbeats websites for more details of the different stretches and where to buy permits. Permits for the Melrose Angling Association stretch can be purchased from the Spar shop on the High Street in Melrose.
Fishing Guide – If you know what you’re doing then there’s no need to hire a guide. Each fishing beat on the river will provide a ghillie who will direct you to the best pools to fish and provide general advice. This is included in the cost of the permit but do note that usually ghillie’s will have to split their time between several anglers.
If you need a bit more help to maximise your time on the river then it’s best to hire a private guide. Bill Drew from Best Fishing Scotland is a local guide with over 20 years experience. He can organise fishing trips on the river Tweed system 12 months a year for trout, grayling, salmon and sea-trout. He can also provide fly fishing tuition, equipment, permits and waders. He can take out individuals or groups of up to 9 people. Mention our name when booking for a discounted rate. Contact Bill by email on billdrew13@icloud.com or telephone 07896 741193.
Course Fishing in the Scottish Borders
There are some well stocked lakes in the area with Carp, Tench, Roach Perch and Pike being the main species available to catch. Best advice is to join the Scottish Course Fishing group on facebook to find out more.
