Over 100,000 rod/days to choose from!
The Berwick & District Angling Association administers several miles of the river Whiteadder with some prime Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout fishing.
They have fivebeats along the length of the lower Whiteadder starting with beat 1 above Allanton Bridge near Chirnside in Berwickshire down to Clarabad Mill near Paxton.
There are a number of named beats on the river and these are the only places where migratory fish can be taken.
The Berwick & District Angling Association note from visitor feedback that the BDAA beat scored 5 stars out 4 of 5 categories that were rated.
Brown Trout
Brown trout can be taken from any of the association water with the purchase of an association trout permit.
The Whiteadder runs over limestone ridges, through meadows and wooded valleys before meeting the Tweed a about half a mile above Berwick upon Tweed. The river has many fast streams and deep holes holding the bigger fish.
The Whiteadder’s run of salmon has improved greatly over the past few years with the removal of the estuary, coastal nets and many of the river obstructions. After the spring run of salmon in February and March the fish continue to move into the river with some double figure fish being reported in April / May with a spate and falling water. Adding to the mix from the end of May there is some fantastic sea trout fishing at night although fish are often caught during daylight hours .
There is a good run of grilse over the summer months with a spate.
The traditional main run of salmon is at the end of the season with the bigger slow moving fish entering the river from September onwards. This is where the lower river comes into its own. When the river Tweed is unfishable the Whiteadder is an excellent standby for lost day/days on the Tweed beats as it falls and clears to fishable levels quickly.
As a tributary to the Tweed the river is considerably smaller in size and as such tackle should be scaled down. Ideally a shorter rod is recommended although in high water a 15ft rod is advantageous especially when fishing catch and release (the association encourage anglers to net and release fish quickly in the water).
Permission to fish is given subject to the Rules of the Association and the terms of the Tweed Angling Code.
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General Conditions
1. Fishing is by fly only, spinning or bait fishing are not permitted.
2. No fishing on Sundays.
3. Season: 1st February to end of November for salmon. 15th March to 30th September for brown trout.
4. Anglers must carry a permit when fishing and it,as well as fish and tackle, must be exhibited to any Water Bailiff, Police Officer, Keeper, River Watcher, or any authorised person, including members of the Association on application.
5. All parr, smolts, coloured fish, kelts and grayling must be carefully returned.
6. Permit holders must respect fences and property being passed over, shut gates, and park sensibly as heavy farm machinery will be using the roads. Do not light fires, take dogs onto the waterside or interfere with any farm animals game.
7. Suspected pollution or poaching must be reported without delay to the Secretary.
8. Only Resident season permit holders are entitled to vote at the Associations AGM held in early January in Berwick (see local press for details). This permit must be produced at the AGM for voting purposes.
9. ALL migratory fish MUST be returned until the end of June. After June season permit holders can kill one fish per week (Mon-Sat).
10. After killing a migratory fish, the angler can continue fishing for migratory fish catch and release with barbless hooks.
11. BY LAW the catching of any salmon or sea trout must be reported to the Secretary either by post, telephone or email within one week of the catch date. The following information is required: Species, catch date, beat number and whether the fish was killed or returned.
12. Permit holders must observe the following:- (a) Only two anglers anglers are permitted to fish a pool a pool at ANY ONE TIME. (b) Do not start fishing fishing in front of another angler. (c) Keep moving down the pool when others are waiting to fish behind you. (d) If you wish to fish the pool again, come out of the water and take your turn at the head of the pool. Brown Trout Conditions.
13. For conservation reasons, anglers are encouraged to return all brown trout, brown trout under 9 inches and over 12 inches MUST be returned. Specimen trout over 22 inches may be taken as part of the two fish limit. Brown trout must be measured from the nose to the V in the tail. No more than TWO brown trout may be taken in a day.
14. Extent of Association water for brown trout: - Canty’s Bridge to approx ½ mile above Allanton bridge, excluding Edington Mill stretch from footpath above the Cauld down to the mill lade. Hutton Bridge up to the Cliff above Duncan’s Mill stretch south bank only. Please refer to the current map.
15. Brown trout fishing is only allowed after the 1st of June on Gainslaw Hill Stretch between Canty’s Bridge up to the the Cauld, South bank only. Anglers must sign a declaration stating that they have satisfied the conditions relating to the prevention of spread of the parasite Gryrodactylus Salaris given in the in the current Tweed Angling Code.
To book a Monday you must book before midnight on Sunday
To book a Tuesday you must book before midnight on Monday
To book a Wednesday you must book before midnight on Tuesday
To book a Thursday you must book before midnight on Wednesday
To book a Friday you must book before midnight on Thursday
To book a Saturday you must book before midnight on Friday
To book a Sunday you must book before midnight on Saturday
Beginner friendly
Bank fishing
Easy wading
Fly only
Sea trout
Atlantic salmon
Wild trout
Pub (a short drive)