Border Esk

These rivers boast renowned sea trout runs and a salmon run in the second half of the season. The Esk’s midsection and the Liddle’s middle and lower sections feature beats surrounded by picturesque Border area landscapes with wooded banks.

The rivers have fast-flowing, clear waters with rock outcrop or pebble shingle beds and minimal weed growth. The Esk is typically “gin clear,” except in high water periods, while the Liddle may have a peat stain, which doesn’t affect fish taking.

The salmon season runs from April 1st to October 31st, with declining spring runs. From late June, fish start running into lower beats like Canonbie and Lower Liddle. The summer run usually arrives in late July and continues until merging with the main autumn runs around mid-September.

The Sea Trout season runs from April 1st to September 30th, with 4-7lb class fish present on the opening day. Irvine Lower spans 1280m of double bank fishing, including Copper Stone and Fossil Beds. Irvine Middle offers 941m of double bank fishing, including Carrot Beds and Boat Pool.

Borders Esk Beat Maps

Holehouse (Hollows) Beat

Irvine House Lower Beat

Irvine House Mid Beat

Tower Beat

Willowpool Cauldron