Late June here and the combination of firstly massive FLOODS international PESTILENCE, DEATHS and record breaking DROUGHT really brought ones spirits down. The small team here were left alone busy on every manner of jobs with no customers and a shrinking river . The BBC were issuing unrelenting misery so the Radio was turned to either classic rock or something anything to lift the spirits.
Despite all this there were some signs that the fish were emerging from the depths of the North Sea. Timing on the river was vital because the river has been pretty consistently running low, we were able to pretty much predict the runs at least on the Spring Tides and at these times fish of all sizes were showing although briefly and not in really large numbers. Sea Trout their smaller relatives Finnock and odd Salmon be there or basically stare into empty water.
We watched enviously as the Tweed was without doubt experiencing a revival of fortunes perhaps only seen 40 years ago with substantial shoals running into the bottom beats with excellent catches.
We had some luck with Peter Stotts party they arrived keen and able to take over Robert W’s booking in early June, Alastair Metcalfe hit lucky with two lovely fish a splendid 9 1/2 Lb Sea Trout and a beautiful 13lb salmon on a size 8 pink cascade both from the Hut Pool. I guess that taught them eh Al ?
An absolute stunning Sea Trout :
The team that Alan Tulip gathered included some good locals and visits from outside the county. Not a lot about and occasional sightings plus a corking sea trout cartwheeled off in the Willows…eventually it happened and I received this from Peter B. In the gloaming “Kevin got a 10lb Salmon the Hut ..no lice but a bar of silver ! Unfortunately it jumped out of his arms as I was taking the picture Off the mark though”
Tim D and Shay hit the river and it was an absolute dearth of activity unfortunately …sorry guys but they saw pretty spectacular bird life which lifted their spirits.
Danny J , Eddie and Decker followed and Danny is an expert salmon angler but even his star billing didn’t attract the fish. After day 1 they saw nothing unfortunately. Regulars Roger N’s team were optimistic and tried everything they could and did connect but nothing stuck ..meanwhile the Tweed was again hauling out fish…
Our last party ably guided by Barry Mitchell were Marney S and Chris B there was a little fresh and some fish were running and luck shone on Marney with a lovely grilse in the Drift. Well done indeed!!
Peter Bowling hit the river with his son and girlfriend late June with friends joining him throughout. the lucky man to share his day was Kevin Reed and he ended up landing a tough fighting 10lber on Saturday the 27th . Well done Kevin !!
