An excellent, double bank, secluded, Lower Tweed beat. Situated well away from the road, between Kelso and Coldstream, Lower Birgham offers approximately three-quarters of a mile of private, tranquil fishing from both the Scottish and English banks, split into three sub beats which are rotated on an am/pm basis. There are 12 named pools fished by three rods,the beat has two boats available and there is easy and extensive wading from both banks.
The differing character of these pools means that good fishing can be found in both high and low water conditions. As an added bonus in the Summer months, the beat also has some excellent Sea Trout pools.
There is one highly skilled and very enthusiastic Head Boatman working throughout the Spring and Autumn. He is also available in the Summer to simply show anglers around the beat, and to provide general advice and assistance. He does have other beat duties to attend to during the summer months, and will therefore not normally be available full time.
A detailed beat map and guidance notes are available for all anglers.
However, if specifically required, and enough notice given, it is normally possible to provide a second full time boatman at an additional cost. This should be arranged through the Head Boatman, and is a private arrangement between the tenant and the additional boatman.
There are two very well-appointed huts, one on the Scottish bank and one on the English bank. Both have heating, cooking facilities, picnic tables, barbecues, and ample parking. As both huts are situated in the middle of the beat, all pools can easily be reached. This, together with the two boats, the services of the knowledgeable Head Boatman, and a proper concrete path to a landing stage on the Scottish bank, make it an excellent beat for the disabled and less agile angler to consider.
The beat has been greatly improved over recent years with well-maintained banks opening up more fishing, better facilities, and a Head Boatman with a genuine desire to make the visiting angler's trip a most enjoyable experience. The fishing is privately owned by a group of keen fishermen, and therefore opportunities to fish this very attractive and productive water do not occur very often. Catches of those elusive Springers have improved in recent years and, given the right water, the Summer fishing can also produce some good Salmon returns. Also, the Summer months can provide excellent Sea Trout fishing.
