The Lees

Fishing Rules

COVID-19 Update - All Government Rules and Regulations will be adhered to.

These rules apply to all fishers on the Lees Beat. It is important that you read them carefully. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the head boatman. Please follow his advice at all times particularly regarding your safety.

General

• Fishing must be carried out in a sportsmanlike manner and must comply with both the law and all the Tweed rules for salmon and sea trout fishing.
• Spinning upstream will not be allowed at any time.
• Spinning downstream will only be allowed when the height on the Lees gauge is 1ft 10ins or above. Any exception to this rule is wholly at the discretion of, and only by obtaining prior approval from, the owners on the grounds of age (either old or young) or infirmity, and consequent inability to fish with a fly.
• Fishing is from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. although later fishing will be allowed. The owner of The Lees reserves the right to fish with one rod after 5.00 p.m., the Temple Pool on Saturdays and the Annay on weekdays. No boats will be used between 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. when the Boatmen have their lunch.
• The river can experience sudden surges from floodwater and reservoir releases. If you see the water level rising move to the bank immediately.
• There shall be no more than four let rods on the beat at any time.
• Every fisher must properly record all fish caught by reporting to a boatman.
• Fishers are expected to exercise restraint in the number of salmon killed (quite apart from not being allowed to kill any salmon before 30th June).
• Foul hooked fish (i.e. not hooked in the mouth) must be returned to the river unharmed.
• If coming from fishing abroad within the last 2 weeks, all fishing kit used while abroad must be disinfected to safeguard against Gyrodactylus salaris entering the Tweed river system.
• In the interests of safety, it is recommended that all fishers wear a buoyancy aid when fishing the beat. If you require a buoyancy aid these are available in the fishing hut.
• Protective eyeglasses and a cap are also strongly recommended.
• The Country Code must be observed at all times. No fires should be lit, no litter should be left in or around the fishing hut or on the river bank.
• Any dogs must be kept under strict control and must not cause annoyance or interference to other fishers, or wildlife.
• No shooting of any kind is permitted.
• Cars must adhere to the existing permitted tracks and be parked to avoid obstruction.

Boat Safety

• Buoyancy aids should be worn when using the boats.
• The number of persons must not exceed the limit stated for the boat (in almost all cases this will be 2 adults only i.e. boatman plus 1).
• The boatmen are responsible for boat safety, their instructions must be followed at all times.
• The boatmen will make an assessment each day as to whether boats can be used, based on the river and weather conditions, expected deterioration, and available light.

Wading

• Buoyancy aids should always be worn, regardless of the water depth.
• If wading, a wading stick is also recommended to test the water depth and conditions underfoot.
• Do not wade above hip depth, always take account of the depth and flow of the water.
• Wading is not permitted in the deeper pools when the river is up. Always take the head boatman’s advice on where and when to wade.

Fishing Hut

• Sleeping overnight in the fishing hut is not permitted.
• Please remove any litter when you are finished using the hut.
• Please report any damage, or other problems with the hut to a boatman.

Contact Number

Paul Hume - 077473 47425

Malcolm Campbell - 077865 98475 (April to November)