Spring on the Tweed — what to expect in April and May
The Tweed in spring is one of fly fishing's great experiences. The first hatches of the season bring wild brown trout to the surface and the river feels alive again after winter. April on the Tweed can be unpredictable — cold nights keeping water temperatures down, then a warm afternoon triggering a sudden olive hatch that brings fish up all across the pool. The key in early spring is patience. Don't rush to fish the rises. Watch the water for ten minutes first. Work out where the fish are holding and which direction they're facing before you put a fly over them. The trout that have survived a Scottish winter are clever. They've seen a lot of flies. A decent presentation on a sparse pattern will nearly always beat a flashy one thrown badly...
