Where to go fly fishing in the Borders

There is a wide variety of fly fishing available in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland to suit all levels of expertise and angling tastes. Below are some suggestions of where to go.

Small Stillwater Rainbow Trout – best for beginners

Rainbow Trout in small stillwaters (large ponds and small reservoirs) are the best fish to fish for if you’re a beginner. They are released into these waters in higher numbers than would normally be present and at a larger than normal size. Also, as they are in small stillwaters long casting isn’t required, again suiting the beginner. Small stillwater fisheries often have employees or local anglers on hand to give out friendly help and advice.

River Brown Trout and Grayling

There’s loads of river fishing available in the Scottish Borders meaning you never have to travel to far to find some. A permit is needed to fish for Brown Trout in the Scottish Borders, while a rod license is also required in England.

Loch and Reservoir Fishing

The Borders also offers some loch and reservoir fishing for Brown Trout and/or Rainbow Trout.

Sea Trout and Salmon

Salmon fishing often involves fishing with a large, heavy rod and line and with large flies that can be difficult to cast. Therefore salmon fishing is only for strong casters. River Sea Trout fishing doesn’t require as tricky casting however Sea Trout are notoriously difficult to catch, making them the ultimate fishing challenge in rivers.
Salmon & Sea Trout fishing on large rivers like the Tweed can be quite expensive with most beginners unwilling or unable to pay large sums for fishing whilst still learning. Some Angling Associations on tributary rivers flowing into large rivers, like the Tweed, offer salmon & Sea Trout fishing for locals at cheaper prices, if you are lucky enough to live in/near these places. Places to fish for Salmon & Sea Trout within the Tweed system include:-

Hawick AC
Kelso AA
Jedforest AA
Berwick & District AA
Selkirk & District AA

Fishtweed (prime fishings but including some of the cheaper beats) –