Wild Riches
In a guest blog to mark the start of the prized salmon and trout fishing season, local fly-fishing guide and instructor, Finlay Wilson, explores the treasures on offer in the Upper Tweed.
Spring is a special time in the fly fisher’s diary. Anticipation, undoubtedly, is one of the key elements that make the sport so addictive: the expectation that builds before that next trip to the river; the search for signs of moving fish; and of course the take itself. The electric pull and raw power of a wild trout or salmon on the line is, after all, the connection that keeps us coming back.
Another is the simple draw of the river itself. Being immersed in the sights and sounds of the Tweed and its surrounding habitat is a joy in itself, though perhaps never more so than at this time of year when nature starts to explode anew.
With the grayling fishing over and the winter months now behind us, focus shifts to salmon and trout. The Tweed salmon season began on 1 February and though only modest numbers run the river this early, there is always a chance and the prize is great. Spring salmon are, for good reason, regarded as the pinnacle of the sport. Known as Springers, they are particularly broad-shouldered, deep bodied and aggressive specimens.
Landing a Springer in the Tweed
If you are lucky enough to connect with one of these silver ghosts fresh in from their perilous journey across the Atlantic, you’ll be astonished by both their power and beauty. My personal best salmon, a fish of 24lb, was a bolt from the blue caught in the first week of February – so hope always springs eternal.
Numbers of salmon entering the system should build over the months ahead, and prospects too. A foray further down the Tweed is necessary to maximise your chances of connecting with a Springer but easily managed in a day trip from anywhere in the upper catchment area.
As April looms, trout fishing takes centre stage. The Tweed is world-renowned for its salmon fishing but the quality of its wild brown trout fishing remains largely underrated. It regularly produces specimen trout, and grayling, testament to the rich feeding available and to the general health of the river.
Early April welcomes the start of trout fishing season
Fly life is abundant, though a little entomology is helpful. Early season can be a particularly good time for catching big trout and especially on the Upper Tweed. They’re keen to feed after the rigours of spawning in winter and if you’re lucky enough to be on the river when a March Brown or Large Dark Olive hatch kicks off, usually in April (during the warmest part of the day), then spectacular sport can be enjoyed.
These are both varieties of large upwinged olives, prevalent on the river. They live as nymphs on the underside of stones on the riverbed until ready to hatch, then ascend to the surface and metamorphose into the adult fly, or dun. At this stage, especially when trapped in the surface film, they are at their most vulnerable and this is when trout will rise to pick them off.
Hatch of fly on the Upper Tweed
Targeting individual wild brown trout feeding steadily in a good hatch of olives with a dry fly is as good as it gets. Anticipation and excitement levels will go through the roof. It can be a fickle game of course, waiting for a hatch and searching for feeding fish. It isn’t always easy, especially in adverse conditions, but there are few better ways to spend your time.
Often a good deal of ground needs to be covered. This is all part of the fun and there is always so much to enjoy. The ever present and ever busy dippers will be a constant companion, the oyster catchers will have arrived and likely the ospreys too. Herons, kingfishers and otters are all present, and the smell of wild garlic fills the air.
Peaceful spring evenings …
As we move through into May and the days lengthen, those big trout will switch to an evening rise, especially in an Olive Upright hatch just as the light starts to fade. As spring unfolds, the fishing just gets better and better …
Scotland at this time of year, especially here in the Upper Tweed valley – there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be.
Further info
Finlay Wilson is a professional fly-fishing guide and instructor who has been welcoming visiting anglers to the Tweed Valley for more than 15 years. He manages the Dawyck Estate beat on the Upper Tweed at Stobo, guides and fishes extensively throughout Scotland and is a feature writer for Trout & Salmon Magazine.
Tel: 07791 696 129
Email: finwilson@fishwild.co.uk