Tackle and Techniques
Fly fishing only is allowed during April and September and although bait fishing is allowed throughout the rest of the season on the main river below Lyne Foot, spinning reels, floats, maggots and minnow fishing are banned at all times. The majority of anglers fly-fish and a suitable outfit would consist of an 8 - 9 ft. fly rod rated for a 5 - 6 wt. floating line with a cast of 3 - 4 lb. nylon.
Dry Fly
The river Tweed has some excellent hatches of fly throughout the season and as such, dry fly has traditionally been the preferred method of local anglers. Hatch times vary depending on the river conditions but generally, these occur during the day in the early part of the season between April and June and in the evening during the warmer months of July and August.
Suitable dry flies include:
| Size 14-18 | ||
| March Brown | Greenwell's Glory | Yellow Sally |
| Border Greenwell | Grey Hen and Rust | Blue Hen and Yellow |
| Blue Winged Olive | Iron Blue Dun | Sedges |
| Grey Hen and Yellow | Blue Hen and Yellow | Tupp's Indespensible |
Wet Fly
Wet fly can be productive during fly hatches and at times when there is no surface activity. Wet fly is probably the best method for anyone new to fly fishing or for those who struggle to see a small dry fly in broken water. It is also the only the only method suitable for night fishing which is allowed in June and July.
Suitable wet flies include:
| Size 12-14 | ||
| March Brown | Greenwell's Glory | Snipe and Purple |
| Partridge and Orange | Invicta | Mallard and Claret |
| Hare's Lug | Olives | Wickham's Fancy |
| Silver Butcher |
Nymph
Nymph fishing is the least used method locally but can be highly successful. Some anglers have had good catches using weighted / Czech Nymphs, especially in deep fast streams that are not suitable for wet or dry fly. Also, grayling tend to be caught more often using this method.
Suitable flies include Czech Nymphs and Bugs in various sizes and weights.
Local tackle shops
Cast Around Peebles,
16 Northgate, Peebles Tel. (01721) 729229
Fishers, 10 John Street,
Penicuik Tel. (01968) 672877