**EDIT – UPDATE To Fishing on Ettrick Water (Sept 24)
Howford is in an enviable position for fishing on the Tweed and Ettrick Water. A trout fishing permit can be purchased in the local pub, The Cross Keys, Ettrickbridge or at the Post Office in Selkirk on the market square. For salmon fishing beat enquiries, please contact either Bowhill or Fishpal. If you are looking for a guide or instruction for fly fishing in the area, contact Bill Drew at Best Fishing Scotland. Bill has been providing fishing guide/instructor, rods, reels, waders, permits and licences for trout, grayling, salmon and sea trout fishing in the local area for 26 years for individuals and groups; all ages and abilities.
As Howford is so close to the Ettrick Water and the rivers Yarrow and Tweed are nearby too, it is a wasted opportunity if you are staying at Howford, not to go salmon or trout fishing.
The Salmon Fishing Season runs from February through to the end of November but I have been told you don’t really want to fish before mid September.
The Trout Fishing Season is from mid March through to mid October.
There are numerous salmon beats in the Scottish Borders, all within striking distance of Howford. To see the beats available, go to FishPal.com and click on River/Area Tweed. This shows the beats on the Ettrick, Tweed and Teviot and their surrounding tributaries.
If river fishing is not your thing and you would rather still water in a rowing boat, Lindean Loch is just outside Selkirk, stocked with rainbow trout and the permits are £18 for 2 rods available through FishPal. Alternatively you can soak up the dramatic scenery angling at St Mary’s Loch. See Visit St Marys Loch for further info.
Don’t forget to visit the Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre, just the other side of Bowhill from Howford, on the Yarrow road. You will learn all about the life of a salmon (they are amazing creatures and yes it is very interesting! My children are fascinated by it) and if you’re lucky you will spot the salmon leaping through the new fish pass.