If you are new to fishing, or want to build your knowledge of local waters, spending a day with a professional guide can be invaluable. On many Scottish rivers these guides are known as ghillies. They help anglers improve their skills while making the most of the river on the day.

A ghillie can assist with casting technique, reading the water, selecting flies and fishing safely. They also explain the traditions and etiquette that help keep a beat running smoothly.

On the South of Scotland’s salmon rivers, including the Tweed, Nith and Annan, local knowledge plays an important role. Understanding how pools fish at different water heights, how conditions change through the season and when to adjust your approach can significantly improve your chances.

Need to know

What can I expect from a day with a ghillie? 

A typical day begins with a short briefing covering conditions, equipment and safety. Your ghillie will advise on suitable tackle for the water height and guide you through the day’s fishing plan.

While fishing, they may help refine your casting, adjust line depth and speed, and suggest fly patterns that match the conditions. They also help manage the day on the beat by organising rotations through the pools, coordinating breaks and making sure the water is rested where needed.

Alongside practical guidance, many ghillies share insights into the river and its history, which adds to the overall experience.

Can a ghillie teach me local fishing traditions and etiquette? 

Yes ghillies can help you understand exactly how a beat works, and its ettiquette. This can include how to rotate in a pool, when to change over with other rods and when to rest the water. This knowledge not only helps you on the day, but ensures you can confidently fish fairly in the future.

Should I tip my ghillie? 

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s customary to thank your ghillie at then end of the day. As a rule of thumb, £20–£50 per rod per day is common, adjusted for the service and conditions, and around 10% is often cited for full guiding packages. If you’ve had exceptional attention, many anglers add more. 

Who to book for guiding & tuition

Alba Game Fishing  

Guided salmon fishing on the River Tweed with a strong focus on Spey casting instruction. All tackle can be provided, and days can be tailored for individuals, small groups or mixed-interest parties looking to fish for several species. 

Scotia Fishing 

Offers guided fishing days and short breaks across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. Trips are led by qualified instructors and can include door to door service options. 

Fish Wild (Scottish Borders)

Established in 2003, FishWild provides guiding for anglers targeting wild fish in natural surroundings. Services are suitable for beginners as well as experienced anglers looking to improve their skills techniques or pursue larger specimen. 

Best Fishing Scotland  (Scottish Borders)

Bill at Best Fishing Scotland provides guided fishing trips designed around individual requirements, offering flexible days for anglers of varying experience levels. 

The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch
The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch

Borders Fly Fishing (Scottish Borders)

Charles at Borders Fly Fishing provides guiding and tuition and can arrange full fishing packages or organised fishing holidays across the region.

Fly Fish The Borders (Scottish Borders)

Offers fly fishing guidance and tuition on the Rivers Eden, Nith and Annan across Cumbria and Dumfrieshire. 

Country Sports Centre  (Scottish Borders)

Led by Eoin Fairgrieve, the team provides Spey casting instruction covering short, mid and long belly lines, along with single hand casting lessons and hosted salmon fishing days on the Tweed and Teviot. 

Damsel Fly Fishing (Twynholm, Dumfries & Galloway)  

Sue Macniven is a AAPGAI Advanced instructor who offers salmon and trout tuition, including Spey casting in Dumfries & Galloway.  

Annan Guiding  (Dumfries & Galloway)

Anna Guiding provide guided fishing on the River Annan and surrounding waters for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling. Trips also include lure and fly fishing for pike on lochs and fly fishing for mullet in the Solway. 

Trout fishing in Dumfries and Galloway 

Provides tuition for beginners and developing anglers on a stocked trout loch in the region.  

The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch