A Turn Towards Autumn

 

The Milne Graden beat has had an exciting time in its turn towards Autumn. Those of you who follow our fishing reports might have noticed the Bottom Tweed has had a dramatic change in its catch rate which has had an impact on many 5 year averages for this particular part of the River.

 

Milne Graden fishing sheil on the river tweed overlooked by a blase of autumn trees

Following a slow Summer, where up and down the river low water levels and obstructive algae resulted in frustrated fisherman, a 3ft fresh run of water in mid September helped clear this out and liven up the fish. Smiles all round as Salmon entered their taking mood.

Autumn sunlight over the river Tweed

Francis flies proved successful. Some local beats enjoy using Willie Gun Schnelders but when the water drops back, the trusty Cascade seems to come up trumps!

two wild swans swimming in the river Tweed at Milne Graden

Fisherman who have been active at Milne Graden over the last month have come away with extraordinary memories that will be spoken around dinner tables for years to come. Ash Grist has enjoyed his first ever time salmon fishing here at Milne Graden last week, on Friday 30th September he managed to hook 4 fish all on the fly with the largest weighing in at 20lb. Ash and his mate Sam Weller managed 6 fish between them. What a marvellous day they must have had.

Autumn trees on the banks of the River Tweed

Hugged by bankside Willows and Ashes, mottled with blue Kingfishers, Milne Graden at this time of year sees an extraordinary liveliness. Whether you manage to land your first fish or just enjoy the spirit of the place, the energy of the year at the Milne Graden beat seems to culminate as it relishes the Autumn. It’s final burst before Winter sharpens the air and starts closing the doors on the season.

Autumn trees overhanging the River Tweed at Milne Graden