A new twist this year was the addition of a private chef, who joined us to prepare our meals and elevate the whole experience. It turned out to be a brilliant decision — the food was excellent, and it saved us valuable time that we happily traded for more hours on the water.
Ivo, our chef, proved to be a true expert in the kitchen, serving fantastic meals each day and quickly becoming an essential part of the team.
I even brought a traditional Bulgarian red cloth for the table, just to add a touch of home to our dinners in the English countryside.
First Group
When the first group of five anglers arrived, we were slightly concerned about the low water conditions and the dry forecast that showed little chance of rain. Still, during our six days on the river, we worked hard, adapted to the circumstances, and — despite our initial worries — enjoyed remarkable success.
One highlight was our short trip north to Scotland, where we fished the River Tweed at the Floors Beat, near the beautiful town of Kelso. Of course, we couldn’t resist visiting a few local tackle shops to add some new flies to our collections.
Given the conditions, we focused on low-water tactics — using extra-long leaders up to 25 feet and subtle presentations. We also experimented with a bit of European influence in our salmon fishing, a method I called “Euro Shrimping.” It proved highly effective in the pocket water and fast rapids, producing consistent takes when traditional methods struggled.
By the end of the week, every angler in the group landed at least one salmon, with a total of twelve fish caught. The star of the week was Jean, our youngest member at just twelve years old, who landed a magnificent 96 cm cock fish — an unforgettable moment for everyone.
It was, without doubt, the most successful week I’ve seen in over a decade of guiding and fishing on these waters. Everyone went home smiling, fulfilled, and already dreaming of next year.
Between the first and second groups, I had a single day off, which I naturally spent on the river. The conditions were just right, and I managed to land two fine salmon myself — an absolutely brilliant bonus after a week of guiding. With that, I felt recharged and ready to welcome the second group and start the next chapter of our adventure.
Second Group
The second group arrived — and with them came the much-needed rain! The river quickly rose to perfect fishing levels, setting the stage for an incredible start. From the very first day, things kicked off with a bang: our youngest member, Carl (“The Legend”), hooked into two salmon, landing a magnificent 90 cm cock fish. Not to be outdone, Paul also had his chances and proudly lost his salmon virginity with his first-ever fish — a moment we’ll all remember.
Over the next three days, we explored several different beats on the Tyne River system, but our luck turned a bit. We hooked plenty of fish, yet somehow managed to lose nearly eight of them — enough to make any angler shake their head and laugh. Still, spirits stayed high, and we all agreed: next year, we’ll be back for revenge.
Looking Ahead
Next year, I’m planning to organise three full weeks of salmon fishing on the River Tyne, with several different options available for anglers.
If you’re interested in joining, please visit the Trips Page for details — or feel free to contact us directly for bespoke arrangements and tailor-made experiences.
Whether you’re a first-time salmon angler or a returning friend, I promise another unforgettable adventure on one of the finest salmon rivers in the UK.
Another great salmon season is behind us now. As always, it leaves us with memories that will last a lifetime — the laughter, the challenges, the friendships, and those moments when everything comes together and the line finally tightens.
It’s never just about the number of fish we catch, but about the shared experience, the wild beauty of the Tyne, and the passion that keeps bringing us back year after year.
Until next time — tight lines and see you on the river!