About Cardrona Salmon Fishings

The Cardrona Fishings beat lies between Peebles and Innerleithen just off the main A72. The fishings are right (south) bank only and are adjacent to Cardrona village. Most of the 8 pools back onto the golf course land. Given water, salmon and sea trout are increasingly appearing earlier in the year on this beat and if there is enough water salmon and sea trout can be caught from June onwards. Sea trout are certainly present throughout the summer and can provide good sport. Salmon are usually in plentiful supply from the end of August and through the autumn. There is no ghillie to meet the rods but information will be sent on booking.

Tackle and Tactics

In general, a 13’ double hander will cover all eventualities on the beat, most of the regulars use rods between 12-14’ coupled with a #10 spey line, with sinking tips dictated by the water conditions. A few of the regular rods have started using shorter rods matched with shooting heads and skagit lines, the latter set-up is particularly useful for presenting bigger flies deeply, which can be essential in a big, cold water which can often be encountered in late October and November.  Conversely, in periods of low water, in late summer or early autumn, a single hander in an #8 can be very useful addition to the armoury.
Fly choice is dictated by many factors and is very much a personal choice. Most of the regulars avoid traditional big heavy tubes in favour of lighter flies and relying on the line density to achieve depth. The general adage of the bigger and more coloured the water, the bigger and brighter the fly, is usually a good guide.
As for patterns, consider the following in sizes 10 to 6 for standard autumn fishing:
  • Cascade
  • Willie Gunn
  • Silver Stoat
  • Flamethrower
  • Junction Shrimp
  • General Practitioner
  • Ally’s Shrimp
  • Posh Tosh