Setting
Tweedswood is a renowned and picturesque beat on the middle stretches of the River Tweed, providing 1.3 miles of double bank fishing in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders. It is a naturally scenic and peaceful part of the river that stretches upstream from the feet of the iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct, part of an old, disused railway. With such a photogenic setting this stretch of the river, meandering through its mix of wooded banks and wide-open pasture, has featured in many fishing magazines.
Since June 2020 Tweedswood’s new ownership has invested heavily in an ongoing programme of restoration to return the riverbanks and pools to their former glory. Without delay, work was started to reinstate three croys that had been eroded over time. The impact of these improvements was quickly noticeable as the restored croys helped to regenerate a fast moving channel through the centre of the beat and with enhanced catches resulting.
Fishing
Tweedswood is now designated a fly only beat, no spinning is permitted under the new ownership. Commencing in 2021, the number of rods has been reduced from six to four but during September and October six rods may be booked by a single party. There will be the occasional use of the owner’s house rod.
Easy wading along the length of the Tweedswood stretch provides excellent salmon fishing. While the majority of salmon have usually been caught in the autumn, the run has seen a trend towards an earlier start. There are good sea trout conditions, together with spring salmon and grilse, earlier in the year.
Fishing starts at 9 a.m. and finishes 5 p.m. The beat is split into two and each angler fishes one half in the morning, alternating to the other half in the afternoon, thereby giving everyone a good day’s fishing on the whole beat.
Pools
There are eight named pools, the first of which is located at Cowies, a long, deep channelled pool running down into the Willows - a steamier run that is very productive when the water's running off and fish rest in the tail. This stretch can be fished from both banks and has been very productive in all heights. The next pool is the Boiler which, as the name suggests, comes to the 'boil' when there is some extra water. It is deep and has a few good large stone lies in it, all the way down to Braes Corner pool. This area is long and fast and runs over a croy. It looks similar to a classic Spey pool where you could fish the fly all day and never tire of it! Middle Braes starts with a long run into a long deep pool before another fast-flowing section as the river enters the last pool on the Middle Braes, known as the Tappie. This is a great resting/holding pool with a large croy at the top and another on the far bank at the tail which holds fish in all conditions. Tweedswood is the next pool which can be fished by two anglers - from the bank, wading or from a boat if there is sufficient water - since there is plenty of room. It is a very productive pool and as good as any to be found on the middle Tweed. The bottom and last pool is the Bridge pool underneath the viaduct - one of the more famous landmarks along the Tweed. The Bridge pool always has something on offer: in low water conditions the croy on the opposite side just keeps things going; in high water anglers fish below the bridge.
Services
Ensuring your comfort while at Tweedswood, there is a fully equipped hut with log burning stove, table and seating, kitchen facilities with hot water and electric appliances. Full toilet facilities are available within the hut via a separate entrance.
A picnic service is offered where a fabulous lunch can be delivered to you at the river - please enquire.
Access
Tweedswood is easily accessible from the A68. Edinburgh is 34 miles to the north and the market town of Melrose is two miles to the west. There is a good selection of hotels and B&Bs in Melrose and the surrounding area, together with some of the best eating places in the Borders.
Stay
For a comprehensive list of places to stay whilst in the Borders visit the Where To Stay section on FishTweed.
