A STRONG September for salmon catches represented the ‘best month in recent years’ on the River Tweed.

Weekly averages were around 500 fish, with a notable peak midway through the period when more than 600 were caught despite some days being lost to flooding.

River Tweed Commission CEO Jamie Stewart said the health of the river remained “delicate” despite the encouraging numbers.

"While the River Tweed continues to lead in rod catches, the health of the river remains delicate," he said. "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."

Among the September catches were several salmon over 40 inches long and weighing 28 pounds or more, all in excellent condition.

The years 2018, 2021 and 2023 failed to reach 6,000 salmon for the entire season. 

This year’s catches have already passed that benchmark. 

While the current numbers are encouraging, more than 5,000 salmon were caught in September 2010 and 4,000 in 2011. 

The Tweed Foundation and River Tweed Commission said they remained focused on habitat improvements. 

A spokesperson said: “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.”