Very little is known about the general condition of the Trout spawning burns within the Tweed system, so spawning burn surveys are one of the priorities of the Tweed Trout & Grayling Initiative. To survey the large number of burns within the Tweed System the Initiative plans to train anglers in surveying techniques so that they can cover burns within their angling association waters.


Obstacles to upstream fish movement are a major problem within Trout spawning burns. The obstacle on the right only allows Trout to pass upstream during periods of high water. Several obstacles like this within a Trout spawning burn can deny Trout access to the upper reaches of a spawning burn unless there are prolonged periods of high water.



The obstacle on the left causes a complete blockage to upstream trout movement and prevents Trout accessing the upper reaches of the burn. This prevents the upper reaches of the burn from producing small trout which would eventually move into and stock the main rivers.