Tweed Salmon Fishing - Tackle Advice

Rods and lines

Depending upon the conditions and time of year, different tactical approaches will be required for catching salmon.  In very general terms, a 15' rod is regarded as standard all year round along with a stout salmon reel. 

The opinions on fishing tactics are wide and far-reaching.  A 'potted guide' is set out below.

In the spring when the water and air temperatures are cool, fish are less inclined to travel great distances to intercept a fly.  To this end, every attempt is made to fish 'slow and deep'.  In order to do this, sunk lines such as Wetcel 2 and 4 are used and occasionally intermediate lines with a sink tip.

As the water warms, consistently reaching temperatures over 50°F so the tactics are to fish higher in the water and slightly faster than before.  Intermediate, sink tip and floating lines are then employed. 

Throughout the summer and into the early autumn most people will fish the fly and bait high and fast in the water.  Fish will respond by coming some distance to intercept a lure in quite an aggressive manner.

As the water cools into October and November, we return to the tactics of the spring and get lures back to the deep, slow presentation as before.

Nylon leaders ranging in strength from 8lbs to 20lbs should always be carried in the Tweed fisher's armoury.

Flies

Generations have tried and tested countless flies over the years, some more effectively than others.  One has to wonder whether some flies are more successful because they are used more than others.  What is arguably more important than pattern and colour is the size of the fly employed, the depth and speed at which it is fished.

The following are generally regarded as a good starting point for fishing on Tweed: Ally's Shrimp/Cascade, Stoat's Tail, General Practitioner, Tosh, Hairy Mary, Thunder and Lightning, Willie Gunn, Frances (of all colours), Pot Bellied Pig.

A range of flies from size 6 to 16 should feature in the fisher's bag along with bigger Waddingtons for the cold water and some tubes in 1/4" to 3". 

Spinners 

Flying C, Mepps, Devons, Rapala, Spoon and Toby are all popular but be aware that on Tweed only one set of double or treble hooks per lure is allowed.

Waders

On many beats there will be a mixture of bank and boat fishing.  The use of chest waders is recommended and most rods tend to wear them in the boat too.

Buoyancy aids

Most beats will either insist upon or recommend the use of buoyancy aids, some will ask guests to sign a disclaimer if they opt not to wear one.  Most beats can provide buoyancy aids but it is best to check before arrival. Wading can be awkward for even the most experience rod and we would strongly recommend the use of buoyancy aids at all times.

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