Horsbrugh beat is on the North (left) bank at Cardrona, midway between Peebles and Innerleithen. The beat lies directly above Glenormiston.
Horsbrugh has always been a consistently productive stretch on the upper Tweed, located in a very picturesque area of countryside.
Given the right conditions, anglers have as good a chance as anywhere of connecting with a fish.
The majority of the pools are easily fished, with easy access, as the main road runs parallel to the North bank of the river for most of the beat, with several parking spots available.This is a huge advantage, as anglers can drive and park between the various pools and streams.
A couple of pools are a little more challenging and not so suitable for the less able or inexperienced angler.
At the very top of the beat is the Castle pool (difficult access, not suitable for beginners) then the ReddYetts (a lovely long streamy pool). Then Park foot (opposite the Swedish chalet house), Maggies tail, Castle Haugh Cheek (at the end of the track down from the hotel) Kirkburn pool ( big pool on the corner above the old rail bridge) Upper and Lower Bridge pools. The Rumbler (anglers are not encouraged to fish the top part of the pool due to steep rock armour) Tail of the Rumbler (high bank above the island), Robbie's Pot (below island) Robbie's Stream, the Dirt Pot (big pool on the corner with gabion basket wall behind) upper and lower Craigs Stream. Nutwood (Spey casting essential due to trees behind) the bottom pool is the Lower Nutwood (next to the big lay-by and only accesssble by car)
Double handed rods of 12 to 14 feet are adequate but in early autumn and lower water even a single handed or switch rod is fine.
There is no full time ghillie but expert advice on tackle, techniques and conditions is readily available from Kenny the beat manager. Private guiding for individuals or groups can be arranged if required, contact Kenny.
There is no hut but the McDonald Cardrona hotel is right next to the river where food and refreshments are available.
Anglers staying at the McDonald Cardrona Hotel can literally just walk down to the river in the morning.
For a comprehensive list of places to stay whilst in the Borders visit the Where To Stay section on FishTweed.
Pourquoi tu dois pêcher ici
Horsbrugh actually comprises two beats, Nether Horsburgh (lower) and Horsbrugh Castle (upper).
Located in a very picturesque area of the upper Tweed valley, opposite Cardrona village. A good selection of pools and streams gives plenty options, even in very low or high water heights. Traditionally the upper Tweed has always been best in the last two months of the season, October and November. However fish can start to appear from June given suitable water levels but it is usually September before larger numbers start to appear. Again, it is totally dependent on rainfall, as the earlier fish tend not to run in lower water. November used to be the peak month for Upper Tweed but over the past few years, the majority of fish have been coming into the river earlier and as a result October is now the peak month but November can still be productive, especially if there has been a shortage of water in September and October.
Young anglers are very welcome. Anglers under 16 accompanied by a paying adult can fish free of charge, as long as they will be fishing alonside the adult accompanying them. (Please confirm with Kenny)
