FISHING IN THE BORDERS
Fishing in the Borders is dominated by the River Tweed which flows east for 100 miles to the sea at Berwick, much of it through a beautiful wooded valley surrounded by gently rolling hills. There are also many good trout lochs in the region. Richard and Susan Persse who own High Letham are both experienced anglers and can provide expert advice on either trout or salmon fishing.

SALMON FISHING
The Tweed is probably the best salmon river in Europe, and has the longest salmon fishing season of all Scottish rivers - from February to November. Three tributaries, the Ettrick, Teviot and Till, all have good runs of fish, while the Whiteadder - a spate river which runs behind High Letham - can also be productive. The Till is particularly renowned for its sea trout fishing, but produces many salmon as well.

For most of the season the best Tweed fishing is in the lower and middle reaches, with the upper river coming into its own with the start of the autumn run in October. The Tweed produces a fair number of salmon weighing over 20 pounds [average 8-10 lbs], and guests at High Letham can easily access some of the best lower beats - for example, Pedwell, Ladykirk, Horncliffe and Tweedhill - where bigger fish are often taken, and which can produce fresh-run salmon even in low water conditions. Other famous beats such as Tillmouth Park and Lennel are only a short drive away.

Tackle: The Tweed is a large river and a 15 foot fly rod is necessary for many beats. Smaller rods are preferred on the tributaries, particularly for grilse and sea trout. Floating and sinking lines should be carried, along with chest waders, wading stick and life jacket. Boat fishing is sometimes necessary on the wide pools of the lower and middle Tweed.
Flies: Waddingtons and tubes for heavy water; size 8,10 or 12 doubles or trebles at other times. Standard patterns such as Jock Scott, Garry Dog, Munro Killer, Willy Gunn, Stoats Tail, Dusty Miller, Silver Wilkinson and Shrimp variations.
Spinning: Permitted on the Tweed and Till between 15 February and 14 September. Otherwise fly only.

Availability: Salmon and sea trout fishing can be arranged on a variety of Tweed beats, as well as on the Till and Whiteadder. Ghillies and tackle hire are available if required.
Prices: Prices for salmon and sea trout fishing vary according to the river, beat and season. Tweed - from 30GBP per rod day. Till - 14GBP per day on private lower beats; 25GBP per day on private middle beats (20GBP Mon/Tues, May-August); 200GBP weekly (6 days, May-August); Association Water (middle) 12GBP per day, 42GBP weekly.

Tweed and Till Salmon Season: 1 February - 30 November. No Sunday fishing. A NRA rod licence is NOT required for the Tweed, Till or Whiteadder.