Decided to head off down the Tweed today for a final day of fishing for the Lady of the Stream- the Grayling. There is no formal Grayling open or closed season in Scotland- unlike England, but the Peebleshire Trout Fishing Association request not targetting them from 1st April through to end of June, their breeding season. The Trout fishing does not start formally on the Tweed until 1st April either.
Having the whole day I decided to fish the entire stretch from the “viaduct” ( A questionable name but I dunno what else to call it) just below Manor Bridge to round the bend about 800yards above the Manor Bridge.
Sunny Spring day on Tweed below Manor Bridge
It was a stunning day for fishing, the water was quite low relative to the winter and you could wade right out in most sections so all areas could be covered. The water is gin clear and the air was warming up. But for a cold breezy spell around mid day it seemed a perfect day for fishing and I thought the fish might be well spread out on the water. I had hopes for some dry fly sport too as there were tons of small olives and midges on the water. While it was sunny- the main part of the day was not overly bright so no excuse there either. The hour or two before sunset was stunning.
Unfamous models Simms Headwaters with a Simms Jacket and Hat and used the Greys Streamflex XF2 while looking cool (Allegedly) in Scierra Polaroids 🙂
I never saw or touched a fish all day, not a single rise or a turning fish did I spot. I covered I would say, near as dammit 80% of the water fished from bank to bank- but for one possible half-hearted knock right at dusk above Manor bridge- nothing. I tried short line Czech nymphing, French leader, for a bit more reach, have to say really liked this method on my new Streamflex XF2 rod with a 4.5 metre Hends French Leader, and even tried a nice F Fly with some wee bugs through the riffles which fished very nicely – and never touched a thing.
I was speaking to another angler on the water below Manor Bridge and he was the same- and expressed his surprise at no fish moving. There were flies all over the river. While I wasn’t looking for Trout I thought I would pick one up here or there too- nothing.
Evening on the Tweed
A gorgeous day to be on the water but have to say, fruitless and no reward for the effort other than the pleasure of casting a line in some nice spring sunshine.
Sunset from Manor Bridge
