Top rod 6/11/16
At the beginning of last week, a number of rivers across Scotland closed for the season. Now, there are only a handful of rivers open until the end of November. Many anglers have hung up their fishing rods for another year. However, there are still a few opportunities out there for some late autumn sport.
The River South Esk amongst many others closed for the season last week
The weather last week was typically autumnal. Monday was mild in comparison to the rest of the week as an area of light and mostly patchy rain travelled southwards. Behind this band of rain, temperatures dropped and there was a much cooler feel to proceedings. As the week progressed, the cool, crisp and mostly dry weather continued. On Thursday there was more patchy rain across northern Scotland. It has felt cold over the weekend in the brisk northerly wind and there have been some wintery showers affecting some parts of the country. This should not come as a surprise as we are now moving towards mid-November.
Snow fell across some parts of Scotland over the weekend
Looking ahead to next week, the cold weather is set to continue for some time. Monday will be mainly dry as a weak ridge of high pressure builds. There will be a hard frost on Monday night across many parts of the country. A weather front will cross Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing patchy rain. It will then turn briefly milder towards the end of the week.
A first salmon caught by Bobby Chisholm from the Alness
There was very little rain across Scotland over the past week and this did little to boost river levels. With only a handful of rivers still open, angling activity was limited. Of the rivers that were open, most could have done with a decent spate to encourage any fresh fish lying in the estuaries to run. Unfortunately, this did not happen and catches across the country were uninspiring.
The River Tweed is the most notable river that currently remains open in Scotland. Anglers on the Tweed have been hoping for a decent spate for weeks now. Unfortunately, this did not materialise last week. As has been the case over recent weeks there are decent numbers of fish in many of the pools in the river but the vast majority of these are coloured. There appears to be very few fresh fish entering the system and even fewer being caught. Due to the low water conditions, the bulk of the action was on the middle and lower and river last week. This is unlikely to change until there is a significant spate. In spite of this, there were a few fish caught from the upper river. The Traquair Beat which has fished well in October and November in recent seasons produced a few fish which was good to see. Catches on the river may improve if there is a decent lift in water in the upcoming days but only time will tell. There is good availability on the river next week. The Tweedswood, Dryburgh and Ladykirk beats all have rods available. Tweedswood is a lovely six-rod beat situated close to Melrose. The beat is located in a beautiful setting with the stunning Leaderfoot viaduct spanning the river. The beat fishes well in most heights of water and there is some excellent fly water to explore. The well appointed warm fishing hut is a godsend during the cold November days. Any of these Tweed beats could produce some good sport in the upcoming days.
A nice autumn fish caught from the Tweedswood Beat
Just like the Tweed, anglers on River Annan would also benefit from a lift in water. There has been no significant spate on the river since mid-October. Fishing conditions on the river were challenging last week but there were still a few fish showing in many of the pools. Next week there rods available on the Hoddom and Hallheaths beats. Hallheaths is situated on the middle river Annan and boasts almost two miles of water. The beat can accommodate six rods. Hallheaths fishes well in most heights of water. A number of the pools on the beat have some nice fly water. Either of these beats on the River Annan could be well worth a cast.
The fishing on the River Nith was slow last week. Again the lack of water did not help. Traditionally, November can be a productive month on the Nith. In the past, good numbers of fresh sea liced salmon have been caught at this time of year. With a decent rise in water, there is still a chance that a few fresh fish may still be grassed before the season draws to a close. Next week there are rods available on the Rosehill, Friars Carse and Blackwood beats of the Nith. Any of these beats could prove to be productive in the upcoming days.
The Willie Gunn is a great fly during the autumn months
There are still some exciting fishing opportunities available across Scotland over the next few weeks. Sometimes the thought of getting that rod bent one last time draws you to the river like a magnet. Nothing beats landing some late season silver, so why not have a cast?
We will be updating the “Top rod” feature again next Sunday. Until then, have a great time wherever you decide to book a rod in Scotland next week. Hopefully, you may even end up being top rod!
Tight lines,
Sandy & Sam