Press Release: Strong September Salmon Catches Highlight Best Month in Recent Years on the River Tweed.

The River Tweed has seen a strong September for salmon catches, with over 2,000 fish reported and many beats along the river experiencing their best season in five years. Weekly averages throughout the month were around 500 fish, with a notable peak in mid-September when over 600 were caught, despite some fishing days lost to flooding. Among these catches were several specimens over 40 inches (1m) long and weighing 28 pounds or more, all in excellent condition.

Historically, years like 2018, 2021, and 2023 failed to reach 6,000 salmon for the entire season. This year’s catches have already passed those benchmarks. While the current numbers are encouraging,, over 5,000 salmon were caught in September 2010 and 4,000 in 2011, reminding us how much work remains. 

Despite the River Tweed continuing to lead the UK in rod catches and holding a Grade 1 status from the Marine Directorate, long-term trends raise concerns about the river's overall health.

"While the River Tweed continues to lead in rod catches, the health of the river remains delicate," said Jamie Stewart, River Tweed Commission. "As we face increasing pressures from climate change, in particular high-water temperatures, our priority is to safeguard the future of the river. This year’s salmon numbers are promising, but greater efforts are needed to ensure their long-term survival, particularly in improving the condition of smolts as they head to sea."

The Tweed Foundation and River Tweed Commission remain focused on habitat improvements, recognising the significant challenges that persist. Recent scientific studies have emphasised the need for a deeper understanding of current habitat conditions throughout the river system—insights that are crucial for future conservation efforts across the Tweed catchment.

The first tributary under review is the Gala Water, where advanced monitoring techniques such as fish counters, electrofishing, and smolt traps have been in place for many years. This audit will culminate in a comprehensive report and future work plan. After applying the lessons learned from the Gala Water, similar audits will be conducted across the catchment, with the Ettrick system next in line for review.

Although tributaries like the Gala Water have shown stability in adult return numbers since 2008, this does not guarantee success across the catchment. Continued monitoring and habitat improvement efforts remain essential.

Although catches have improved this year, there is still a long way to go to secure the river's long-term health and ensure sustainable salmon populations for future generations.

About the River Tweed Commission and Tweed Foundation

The River Tweed Commission (RTC) is responsible for managing, conserving, and improving salmon and sea trout fisheries in the Tweed district. Established under its own legislation, the RTC works alongside the Tweed Foundation to safeguard the river's fish populations. Together, these two organisations play a vital role in addressing the challenges of climate change, habitat degradation, and other environmental pressures affecting the river and its fish.

The Tweed Foundation is a charitable organisation that works to protect and enhance fish populations in the River Tweed and its tributaries. Through scientific research, habitat management, and conservation efforts, the Foundation seeks to ensure a sustainable future for all fish species in the river system, especially Atlantic salmon.