9th March: River Tweed salmon catch rises despite summer heatwaves

The number of rod-caught salmon on the River Tweed rose by more than 800 last year despite summer heatwaves and low water levels.

A report showed 6,690 were caught in 2022 compared with 5,862 the previous year.

The figure in the River Tweed Commission’s (RTC) annual report is below the five-year average of 6,810.

Clerk Jamie Stewart said the increased catch was pleasing but there were still “significant issues” for wild salmon.

The hot weather and reduced rainfall led to water abstraction restrictions during the summer and concerns over fish stocks.

The RTC gave advice to stop fishing on the hottest days and said it was pleased to see anglers showing “respect and restraint”.

A total of 96% of the salmon caught in 2022 were returned to the water – the highest ever figure.