River Tweed salmon catch up 14%

THE number of Atlantic salmon caught with rods in the River Tweed leapt by 14% last year, according to the latest figures.

The River Tweed Commission said 6,690 salmon were caught last year, up from 5,862 in 2021, and approaching the five-year average of 6,810.

The additional 828 fish were caught despite “extremely-low water levels from May to September”.

Jamie Stewart, clerk to the River Tweed Commission, said: “The Tweed is a special area of conservation for salmon and we were pleased to see an increase in last year’s catch within the catchment.

“It is evident, however, that wild salmon still face significant issues due to a range of factors including climate change, pollution and predation.

“We’re working hard to address as many of these as we can, both with partner organisations and landowners, but also with the Scottish Government, whose recently-published Wild Salmon Implementation Strategy we welcome.”

Stewart added: “We’re also delighted to have the support of anglers from home and abroad, whose behaviour when they fish here is demonstrating a deep respect for the river environment.

“The Tweed is one of the world’s great salmon rivers, with fishing providing a significant contribution to the local economy, so we all want to do as much as we can to protect this precious natural resource.”

Read more fishing stories on Scottish Field’s field sports pages.

Plus, don’t miss Michael Wigan’s fishing column in the April issue of Scottish Field magazine.

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