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The Till, although in England, is a tributary of the Tweed and is governed by the Tweed Angling Code.

The River Till is 200 yards from the cottage, the fishing can be booked by the week with the cottage or as a day rod through our website directly or Fishpal. River access is down a fairly steep bank and the River flows through a wooded valley before joining the River Tweed junction two miles downstream.

On the farm there is a lockable tackle room located in the old farm Smithy with a catch record book, rod racks, hook & hangers providing plenty of room to store all fishing gear. There is a rustic log fishing hut in the middle of the beat by Pool 5 ‘Old Egypt Pool’.

Please check the River Levels as these fluctuate daily.

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Fishing pools

This aptly named pool often rewards those prepared to walk to the very end of the beat. It holds fish at most times and is quite easy to fish, although a stealthy approach is required when the water is low or clear.

If the water height is more than 2 ft it is safest to fish from the bank but in medium or lower water enter the pool upstream of the big rock to avoid scaring fish. Do not wade too far out and be sure to fish the slightly deeper channel down to the alder tree on the Tiptoe bank first. Then continue from the end of the riffle below the big rock as fish will lie in surprisingly shallow water at times. Cast over to the far side as you approach the willow bush on the opposite bank as running fish tend to go up that side. After the bush there is a rock seam just passed the centre of the river creating some good lies, so keep going until you can exit the pool just before the trees on the Tiptoe bank.

The wading is fairly easy making this a safe pool for night fishing although it is amazing how the current speeds up with a few extra inches of water, so if in doubt wear a life jacket!

The long flat runs from the tail of the top stream down to the mile marker. This water is not suited to wading and ideally lends its self to fishing from the bank. It is good spinning water due to its slow flat nature but is not great for the fly, however it should not be ruled out, especially if fish are rising.

The mile marker is a deceptively productive piece of water and some of the easiest; it is also some of the most dangerous water due to the nature of the bed rock. So EXTREME caution needs to be taken. This pool requires wading, once you have reached 1/3 of the way out make a straight cast towards the other bank, the fly will then swing gently towards the rock slab on your side, don’t re-cast until your fly is covering the slab on the tiptoe bank. Fish will often take right on the edge. Towards the tail end of the run focus on the rock boil on the far bank dropping your fly again towards the far bank and roughly a meter above the rock to ensure the tiptoe side is covered effectively.

Please do NOT go out there in the dark or coloured water unless you know the rock slab very well, the top part is undercut!

Tiptoe Throat is a continuation of the mile marker pool and tail. Enter the water above the rocks at the tail to provide good access to the streamy water and numerous rocky lies which offer an excellent prospect for running fish. Take extreme care at the end of the streamy water as there is a nasty drop-off at the end of the rock slab.

The old Egypt pool is a very graceful stretch of water flowing gently into the Big Nichol Stream below. Easy access can be gained where the slow pool reaches the faster water and on the far side where the pool tails of into the stream and for roughly 15-20 meters up the far bank are known sea trout lies. Wading needs care though especially at night.

The Stream. A lovely tumbling stream that is difficult to fish without wading. It can be accessed as above or by sneaking through the willow bushes a little lower down. A sink tip or heavier fly may be required due to the speed of the water.

This water is best fished close to the tiptoe bank right from the tip and progressively to the tail of the pool. A long line will be needed to work the water on the far bank where a run enters the pool. Special attention should be paid to the tail of this pool, particularly against the willow on the far bank for sea trout at night.

Being the most fishable and definitely some of the most prolific water on the beat means it requires considerable attention and is definitely worth fishing down before a day is out. Better to be fished late afternoon through to early evening for sea trout and salmon. The water is divided into two runs separated by a gravel bar which has moved a little over recent years. Starting at the top of the run the gravel bar needs to be fished all the way into the belly of the pool.

Another superb stretch with regular productivity and fishable in all conditions, Particular attention should be paid to where the tail of beaches and the head of windy corner meet behind the fallen tree, here there is some deeper water to be found and is a regular lie for mid season sea trout.

The quarry run is an excellent piece of water with several small features and structures that present good holding water. This water is better fished in higher water or on a falling spate where the structure generates a mouth watering glide facilitating the working fly.

The pulpit is a tricky piece to fish on the fly due to the depth and rate of flow, however a lot of fish have been caught by entering the water at the top end onto unpleasant jagged rocks and fishing deep through the narrower section. Recent floods have unfortunately torn away most of the old vegetation, moving the flow away from the Tiptoe bank. As the water passes through the narrow section it drops to 12ft deep and moves slowly ideally suited to the use of a spinner or worm. However it is definitely worth dropping a tungsten pink shrimp nymph upstream for all species. (the pink shrimp can be deceptively good for grilse!).

The pump house pool is possibly some of the most inviting water for evening and night time sea trout. The tail of the pool requires careful attention especially towards the far bank during the early season through to the back end for all species.

There is a nice long stream section to the main body of the pool where the wires cross the river. Wading is difficult but not really necessary. At the pool proper the main current is on this bank so wading is inadvisable.

During the early season the dead water towards the cauld should be fished hard, even though not the most productive water it is perfect for holding large sea trout at night and should not be overlooked. The run into the pool is great salmon water in the back end of the year especially in high water when they stop for a rest after the Mill Steps.

The mill steps boast some of the more diverse runs on the beat and should be the main focus for those chasing grayling and trout. Lovely streams and runs perfect for nymphing and dry fly. The last of the steps running into the hole is where the focus should be aimed if pursuing migratory species.

In low water there is a sea trout lie close to the Tiptoe bank immediately above the run into The Hole. This can be covered by wading carefully down to the bushes overhanging the bank. However – be careful! Do not attempt it in high water or when you can’t see the bottom.

**Current access is difficult due to storm damage**

The hole should not be overlooked, perfect holding water for fresh run salmon and sea trout. It has been known to hold large quantities of fish in the early morning and at the right time (just on dawn) it can be the place to see large sea trout!. Focus on this water should be against the large over hanging sycamore on the tiptoe bank and between the two willows on the opposite bank. Taking care not to damage your waders it is also possible to slide down the bank through the trees above The Hole and roll cast a heavy fly across the gush and down towards The Hole. Please use EXTREME caution though as the water ahead is fast and deep.

Wading is often necessary to fly fish the beat effectively, except in high water. However only a few parts of the beat are easy to wade, some pools being very rocky or have shelves with sudden drop-offs into deep water. Safety is paramount and therefore anglers must take all necessary precautions.
Anglers are advised to use a wading stick and to wear a life jacket. If you cannot see the bottom do not wade unless you know the pool well, particularly in higher water.

 

Booking

Fishing guidance and instruction

Charlie Brownlow - Borders Fly Fishing
Charlie started at a young age, growing up on a Norfolk Chalk Stream and spending most of his holidays in the north fishing Scotland's spate rivers. Since then, he has guided and hosted all over Scotland, fishing in some of our countries most amazing places.
Charlie is proud to be a guide/instructor for the Cancer and Pieces Trust days based at the Northern Fishing School. The Northern Fishing School based a Swinton in North Yorkshire is where he learnt to instruct and still does some work for them.
Charlie now lives on the banks of the Till with his
 family where he runs Borders Fly fishing -  an instructing and guiding service. 

Prices: on request
Remember to quote "Till Fishing" for a discount
Contact:  charlie@charlesbrownlow.com 07805250131

 

Bill Drew

Fishing experiences for guests
12 months a year: Salmon, Sea Trout, Grayling & Brown Trout (depending on fishing seasons)

For 22 years Bill Drew has been providing fishing guiding and instruction in the local area. All equipment rod/reel/line/waders/permits and licences would be provided. Individuals and groups are welcome. All ages and abilities.

Prices: on request
Remember to quote "Till Fishing" for a discount
Contact Bill at billdrew13@icloud.com 07896741193

Leigh Final 

Sharing local knowledge and advise

Leigh started fly fishing when he was growing up on the banks of Coquet the and has vast experience fishing the River Till, providing him with knowledge that is very valuable to fellow anglers. There is nothing he likes better than sharing his enthusiasm, and he is available to speak with or meet on the Tiptoe beat to talk and advise. Leigh is also a passionate fly tyer.

Prices: on request

Contact: Leigh at leighfinal@gmail.com at 07708675624

Seasons

Sea Trout and Salmon – 1st February to 30th November inclusive. Closed season 1st December to 31st January.

Grayling - all year round. No closed season.

Brown Trout – 15th March to 6th October inclusive.

Fly choice

Low water - Fly choice: day

An 8lb tippet on a full floating line is recommended. Small fly sizes between 12-14.

Patterns we recommend you to try:

  • Teal blue & Silver
  • Teal blue & black
  • Black & Silver
  • Stoat tail
  • Butcher
  • Black & Blue
  • Alexandra
  • Haugur
  • Peter Ross variant with pearl body

Low water - fly choice: night

On dusk is when the Till sea trout are at their most active. They are good takers to small double casting 45 degrees across the glided pools. The angler may change the point fly to a size 12 when fishing during the night. 1 inch plastic or aluminium, black and silver tube flies are also a recommended choice, fished solo with 10lb tippet.

High water - fly choice: day

The angler can encounter some excellent sport with a spate running off. A full range of sink tips in various sink rates is recommended with tippet of 10-12lb. Fly sizes 8-12.

  • Teal blue & silver
  • Black & Silver
  • Blue charm
  • Dunkeld
  • Haugur
  • Cascade
  • Willie Gunn
  • Silver doctor
  • Munro Killer
  • Allys shrimp
  • Kylie shrimp

Low water - fly choice: night

Water should only be fished in clear water during the night. Extra precaution is advised when wading in pools.

Hover the intermediate tips with 10lb tippet is recommended when fishing faster flowing pools.

1-1 ½ inch aluminium tube flies & larger doubles.
12-10 and single hook flies on sizes 12-8. Hair winged flies with flash.

  • Black & silver
  • Tosh (black silver yellow)
  • Hauger
  • Traditional patterns on larger sizes are also recommended if the water has dropped off but still a reasonable height

Catch records

Salmon & Grilse

20162017201820192020202120222023
January
February
March
April
May311
June111251
July532121
August4188183
September11110722
October32
November1
December

Sea trout

20162017201820192020202120222023
January
February
March
April1
May52151132
June5105192312
July616341331
August121753110
September21215
October
November
December

FAQs

The cost of the fishing permit is included within the day rate. We will supply you with a permit when you arrive at the farm.

Yes, you can fish at night on the River Till, Tiptoe Beat. However extreme caution is advised. Only wade at night when the water is low & clear.

The River Till is best known as a Sea Trout river, however there are runs of Salmon throughout the summer months, Brown trout & year round Grayling fishing.

Sea Trout and Salmon – 1st February to 30th November inclusive. Closed season 1st December to 31st January.

Grayling - all year round. No closed season.

Brown Trout – 15th March to 6th October inclusive.

No fishing is not allowed on a Sunday. Although the River Till is located in England it is governed by the Scottish Tweed commission and no fishing is allowed on a Sunday.

Sea Trout 1st February to 31st March. (Can take fish from 1st April to 30th November).

Salmon 1st February to 30th June (Can take fresh i.e not coloured fish from 1st July to 30th November).

Artificial Fly – 1st February to 30th November

Spinner or Worm – 15th February to September 14th only. (Not allowed 1st to 14th February and September 15th to 30th November)

Other baits including artificial prawns and shrimps are banned.

More detail in the leaflet TWEED ANGLING CODE for Salmon & Sea-trout.

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