River Tweed Water Temperatures
The River Tweed Commission (RTC) is urging anglers to act responsibly during the current spell of warm weather by following Scottish Government guidance designed to protect wild salmon and trout from the impacts of elevated water temperatures.
As river temperatures rise, dissolved oxygen levels fall, placing fish under increasing physiological stress. Catching and releasing fish in these conditions can significantly reduce their chances of recovery.
The Scottish Government, endorsed by Fisheries Management Scotland, advises anglers to monitor water temperatures and adjust their behaviour to protect fish stocks during periods of warm weather. When water temperatures exceed 20°C (68°F), anglers should stop fishing for salmon and trout altogether. At these temperatures, fish experience severe stress and even carefully handled catch-and-release angling can result in increased mortality.
To help anglers make informed decisions, the River Tweed Commission operates an online water temperature monitoring service. Water temperature data is recorded every 15 minutes from monitoring stations on the Upper Tweed, Middle Tweed and Whiteadder, with the online graph updated hourly. The information allows anglers to check river conditions before travelling and to make responsible decisions based on the latest temperatures.
Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, said:
"Wild Atlantic salmon are already facing unprecedented pressures from climate change, habitat loss and poor marine survival. During periods of exceptionally warm weather, the additional stress caused by angling can have serious consequences for fish welfare. We fully support the Scottish Government's guidance and ask all anglers to monitor river temperatures carefully before fishing. Our online water temperature monitoring service provides up-to-date information from across the Tweed catchment, helping anglers make informed decisions. When temperatures exceed 20°C, the guidance is clear – anglers should stop fishing for salmon and trout altogether. By acting responsibly now, we can all help safeguard the future of the River Tweed's internationally important salmon and trout populations."
The River Tweed Commission also encourages anglers to:
Monitor river temperatures before fishing.
Avoid fishing altogether when water temperatures exceed 20°C (68°F).
Minimise handling and allow fish to recover fully before release.
Report distressed fish, algal blooms or unusual fish behaviour to the River Tweed Commission.
Anglers can view the latest water temperatures at https://rivertweed.org.uk/fishing/water-temperature, where readings are recorded every 15 minutes and updated hourly using data from the Upper Tweed, Middle Tweed and Whiteadder monitoring stations.
For further information or to report concerns, please contact the River Tweed Commission 0n 01896 848294
