VENUE FACTFILE
THIS GUIDE IS AN IMPARTIAL, UNBIASED ACCOUNT OF THE VENUES LISTED. WE ACCEPT NO PAYMENT FROM OWNERS OR MANAGERS OF THESE VENUES FOR INCLUSION IN THIS LIST.
A new feature has been added to this page whereby every venue is given a rating for its security (both personal and to cars etc).
There is an increasing number of venues available for coarse anglers, particularly in central Scotland. This page is a guide to just some of these. The emphasis is on “wild” venues rather than commercials, although a few of the latter do feature. New venues are always being added.
For up to the minute information on where is fishing, click here.
Glasgow and West
|
South Scotland
|
Central Scotland
|
Edinburgh and East
|
|
|
North Scotland
|
Loch Ken, Galloway
Situated in the South West of Scotland, North of Castle Douglas, West of Dumfries and about 2 hours from Glasgow, Loch Ken is an excellent roach venue, which also fishes well in winter. Pike, perch and bream can also be caught.
Loch Ken is a huge water, some 10 miles long, so it is not possible to deal in detail with all possible fishing areas. There are however, recognised areas for consideration. These include the Birches and Boulders on the New Galloway side, Robin Hood’s Bay and Glenlaggan.
In winter the roach shoal tightly in recognised areas of the loch, on the West Bank just south of New Galloway and on the East Bank at Glenlaggan. Access to these areas is straight from the road. Day tickets are available for the New Galloway shore from the post office in the village and for Glenlaggan on the bank. The usual winter approach is long range legering at between 45 and 60 metres.
In summer, the fish are fairly well spread. A waggler or pole attack can be successful.
Security: no known incidents
back to top
Eglinton Park Loch, Kilwinning, North Ayrshire
Probably the best venue in Ayrshire, this is a former brick pit situated within a country park. It is a long walk from the nearest car park, and access to the pegs can be quite difficult. The venue is just south of Kilwinning. Eglinton Country Park is well signposted on local roads.
Eglinton has some of the best skimmer bream fishing on offer in Scotland, with big bream also showing regularly. Carp, roach and perch are also present. The carp are well established and grow large.
Permits are available from the park visitor centre and should be purchased before fishing.
The loch is relatively small, holding no more than 40 anglers at a time. It is however, very deep in places and is therefore an ideal winter venue. Platforms are available on 2 adjacent banks, with the pegs in the angle between these banks the deepest. Expect as much as 5m of depth at 10-11 metres here.
In winter, a feeder approach at 20-30 metres is the normal method, but skimmers and roach can still be caught on pole or slider. In summer, most fish are caught on whip or pole, with the larger skimmers usually on long pole or feeder. The venue is very fair, with fish present in every peg.
In summer, it can be quite difficult to get through the small fish to the larger roach and bream below.
Security: generally safe. There have been a few reports of local drinkers bothering anglers who were doing overnighters. Also, cars must be parked a long way from the fishery and cannot be seen from the loch.
back to top
River Endrick, Stirlingshire
This is predominantly a salmon river of some repute. There are however some stretches of the lower Endrick open to coarse angling. The river feeds Loch Lomond and as such many of the species in the loch can be found in the river.
In winter, the river carries a great deal of extra water and is prone to flooding. The coarse fishing comes into its own from spring until early autumn.
Dace and roach are the dominant species, with chub, perch, gudgeon, eels and bream also present. The spawning runs of the dace and roach in spring and early summer can produce monster bags.
There are 2 stretches upstream of Drymen Bridge, where permits are available from the proprietor. Dace predominate here, with chub also showing. These stretches are quite shallow and float tactics work well.
Downstream of the bridge, the river deepens. The stretch immediately downstream is controlled by J Bilsland of Croftamie. A further stretch can be fished at Mains Farm 2 miles down river, further details of this being available from the JB Angling Centre in Kirkintilloch. This is the most prolific stretch of the river of all for coarse fish. There are over 50 pegs available, and depths vary from 3 feet to over 20 feet. Pole, waggler and feeder all work here. In early summer roach are abundant, and bream are becoming more commonplace every year. The roach fishing is excellent throughout summer.
Security: Safe. Mostly on private property.
back to top
Forth and Clyde Canal
The canal is over 40 miles long and runs from Bowling in the West to Grangemouth in the East. It has a special place in the history of coarse angling in Scotland, as one of the original venues and for many years, the prime match venue.
The canal fell into disuse in the early 1960s and some stretches were infilled. It was only recently that the waterway was made navigable again. During the late 1970s the waterway fell into decline as a fishery but showed signs of improvement from 1990 onwards.
The Forth and Clyde and Union Canals have been reopened to boat traffic recently as part of the Millennium Project and for the first time in 40 years, are joined. This is at the “Falkirk Wheel”, a spectacular mechanical boat lift now open . Undoubtedly boat traffic will increase immensely as a result in due course. What has been less publicised is that there is also a project for stocking of the canal. CSCAC control a stretch of the Forth and Clyde between Dullatur and Castlecary as part of the Lowland Canals Angling Partnership. There is also an inner city project where it is hoped that the stretch in Maryhill, Glasgow can be similarly stocked.
Some stretches which previously held matches and produced well, such as Westerton in Glasgow, Castlecary to Bonnybridge in Falkirk district and Old Kilpatrick at the canal’s western end, were drained to allow work on the Millennium project. Although now refilled, it remains to be seen what stock levels now exist in these stretches.
The canal’s most important species now is Tench. Originally only in the central reaches, these are now well spread and appear in good numbers and size. There are bream as well. Roach are present throughout as are perch and pike.
The canal varies in form but on average is 15 to 20 metres wide, with depths of 4 feet to 8 feet. Pole tactics aimed at the bottom of the near and far side ledges are the normal tactics. A cautious approach and fine lines are needed for the smaller fish. Tench require stronger gear as they can exceed 5lb. The canal is very weedy and too light tackle can result in lost tench.
In winter, the fish shoal tightly. The stretch through the centre of Kirkintilloch is an example of this, as is the basin at Banknock. However, during the summer months bags of roach, perch and tench are possible in many stretches. Wyndford, Dullatur, Kelvinhead, Glasgow Bridge, Bishopbriggs, and Twechar are all worth a try.
The Canals are subject to an annual permit, issued by member clubs and tackle dealers, as well as from British Waterways offices. Members of CSCAC receive a yearly canal permit free of charge, which allows them to fish any of the lowland canals.
Security: The rural sections are generally ok, but there are risks to cars parked in small secluded car parks. However, some of the sections in Glasgow are dodgy. There are confirmed reports of personal violence and threats to anglers and gear being stolen in Glasgow, at Firhill, Westerton, Blairdardie and Maryhill, and in Clydebank. There is a police presence on the towpath.
back to top
Eliburn Reservoir, Livingston, West Lothian
Sometimes known as Deans, this is a small dam in the centre of a new housing development a few minutes from the M8 and convenient for Edinburgh and the central belt. Access is via a gate on the main road to Livingston town centre. The gate is usually open at 8am until dusk. Parking is right beside the water. Tickets are available on the bank at a price of £4 and about 30 anglers can be accommodated.
Eliburn’s main quarry is carp of varying size. Also present are tench, crucian carp, orfe, ide, rudd, roach, and perch. 2 catfish were also introduced a few years ago.
Pole and waggler are best for the smaller fish, but for the carp there is a diversity of approaches, from the high-tech to the traditional. The carp are not as sophisticated as some venues and may still accept baits such as floating crust.
In winter, head for the pegs near the dam wall, but in summer the best pegs are in the shallows at the opposite end of the reservoir, where there are many features such as weedbeds. Fish tight to features and in the margins for carp.
Keepnets and barbed hooks are prohibited.
Security: The path around the loch is busy, but there are no known issues. Cars are parked by the water and there is a gate.
back to top
Lochrutton, Dumfries
Situated by the village of Lochfoot, which is signposted from the main Dumfries to Stranraer Road, Lochrutton is a large, windswept loch. Access can be quite difficult, but the 2 main areas fished are what are termed the “school bank” and the “tower bank”.(because it has a water tower) The school bank is accessed via the village where cars can be parked on the main street. The tower bank, is accessed via the single track road which runs south of the crossroads at Lochfoot. Parking is in a lay by.
The loch is quite shallow, weedy and snaggy. Added to these factors, the weather can make fishing a challenge. However, the fishing is free.
Bream are the main species, mostly skimmers but plenty of them. Larger specimens are there but will require significant prebaiting to locate them. Roach and perch are also present in large numbers.
Pike anglers generally prefer the tower bank.
The loch is not exceptional in winter but comes into its own in summer. If conditions allow, waggler can be deadly for roach and skimmers. Otherwise, groundbait feeder or straight lead can be successful. For the bigger fish, leger tactics are required at a range of 30 to 50 metres.
Security: No known issues. The water is surrounded by farmland. Cars are parked in the roads and out of sight from the loch, but no known reports of car crime.
back to top
River Clyde, Glasgow
Glasgow’s river is no longer the running sewer it used to be. The river is popular in late summer, autumn and into the early winter. There are a number of stretches which vary in character, but from Dalmarnock Bridge downstream to the tidal barrier, the river is predominantly wide, deep and subject to the influence of the tidal gates at Glasgow Green. The river is generally slow-moving. Fishing is free within the city.
The river can be accessed from Glasgow Green, Richmond Park, Swanston Street and Dalmarnock Road.
Dace and roach make up the majority of the catches, with bream, perch and eels also present. Upstream of the city, barbel and chub appear occasionally.
Pole and feeder are the main attacks, with waggler or stick float being possible in the shallower swims. Most anglers adopt a groundbait attack, with mixes requiring to be sticky and heavy as many swims are 12 to 14 feet deep at 9 metres.
The flow of the river and the fishing are both influenced by the tidal barrier down river. The shoals seem to drift up and down the river with the tidal flow. Therefore, if you are on fish straight away this may not last, but if you go three hours without a bite the fish can switch on instantly as the river turns. On the right day bags of 15-20lb are possible.
In cold weather, a feeder approach into the middle of the river (sometimes into 30 feet of water) can work where the pole fails. A word of warning, the banks of the Clyde are steep and the water drops off sharply. The river can rise over 6 feet when it is backing up, so careful positioning is essential for safety.
Security: Dodgy. A number of reported incidents of car crime. Also, personal safety cannot be guaranteed.
Castle Loch, Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire
Castle Loch is a smallish, natural lowland loch situated just east of the village of Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, on the main Lockerbie to Dumfries road and a matter of minutes from the M74. The loch takes its name from the ruins of 14th Century Lochmaben Castle situated on a promontory on the far side as seen form the main road, built by Edward I of England to subdue the Scots.
Castle Loch is legendary for bream. Stories of massive individual fish and huge bags have gone around for decades. These fish are still there, but the venue is difficult and overnight fishing is usually required, if not a full weekend. There are also roach, perch, eels, tench and carp in the water.
Tickets cost £5 and must be purchased before fishing from the Post Office in the village.
Most of the loch is shallow but the bank nearest the main road offers greater depth closer in. Feeder fishing, or staight lead, at about 35 yards is the main method on this side. Elsewhere, longer casting distances are necessary.
The loch fishes well all year for pike. However, for other coarse species, the venue is far better in the summer months.
Security: No known issues
Loch Fitty fishery, Fife
Loch Fitty , just outside the village of Kingseat, near Dunfermline, is of course well known for its rainbow trout. Not surprisingly, the coarse fishing therefore is not on the main loch, but on a smallish offcut, immediately behind the tackle shop on the site. There is room for about 20 anglers.
The pond is mostly relatively shallow, with 2 reed islands and some areas of natural bank. Most of the pegs are however on an artificial rocky causeway. Keepnets and barbed hooks are banned and a ticket costs £6 for approx 5 hours. The complex opens at 9am.
The pond is stocked with carp from 4lb to 8lb, plus rudd, roach and perch. Fishing tight to features and in the margins is the favoured method for carp, whilst pole or waggler are fine for the smaller fish.
The complex is quite high up and therefore susceptible to cold weather. The pond therefore improves as the weather warms up.
Security: Safe. This is a private fishery
Kilbirnie Loch, Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire,
Kilbirnie Loch is located in north Ayrshire and accessed from either the Beith to Kilbirnie Road (via an industrial estate) or by a private road from the Kilbirnie to Lochwinnoch road.
The loch is about 1.5 miles long, shallow and windswept. It became famous in the early 1980s for its huge roach bags and indeed several international matches have been held on it, including the 1987 and 2000 Home Internationals.
Despite this pedigree, there is an uneasy relationship with the local trout angling club who control the water. Many locals actively resent coarse angling, yet the club is happy to take the expensive day ticket charges from coarse anglers (the same price as for trout, but with the added condition that coarse anglers must return trout to the water).
During the summer months, waggler fishing at range is the normal method for roach and perch, with pole tactics possible if the fish oblige. The fishing is influenced by the wind. A facing wind for a few days should however ensure that large numbers of roach are within casting distance. If they are, 20lb bags are common, and a 50lb bag is not unknown. Some of the individual fish are near the 2lb mark. As the loch is not regularly fished for roach, the fish do move around. Therefore, the loch is really quite unpredictable. The chance of a huge bag does make it a worthwhile possibility.
The loch fishes from early summer into autumn.
Security: Generally ok. There are some concerns about the car parks at the top of the loch. Some of the locals aren’t too welcoming.
Strathclyde Park, Motherwell
Strathclyde Park is accessed easily from the M74 and has as its centrepiece a large man-made loch primarily used for watersports.
The loch can hold more than 200 anglers and holds roach, perch, bream, gudgeon, carp and tench. It is a deep venue, with on average 10 to 13 feet on a waggler line at 20 -25 metres.
Day tickets are available from the ranger’s office at the south end of the loch. The Park also allows fishing on an adjacent stretch of the River Clyde, which holds dace, roach, perch, plus the odd chub or barbel.
The loch has often promised so much as a coarse angling venue, only to suffer lapses in form. There have been a few problems in the last 10 years, notably cormorant predation, fish deaths and a draining problem which resulted in fish being swept into the river.
Despite all this, the loch still holds a good head of roach. Locating them is the hard bit. The loch has a very strong undertow, and fish location is dependent upon what effect the wind is having on the direction of the tow. If the wind is westerly, one of the main areas to try is the “boating pond” in the south east corner of the loch. A consistent southerly breeze on the other hand would dictate having a go at the top of the loch. Bream seem to show most regulalry of all in the boating pond, in the pegs around the lone tree on the shore.
Pole and waggler are the main methods for roach, with feeder for bream. Loosefeed is preferable on the pole line, but further out the fish may well accept regular groundbait.
Security: Dodgy. There have been reported incidents of car thefts and break ins from the car parks. Also, the Park is frequented by some questionable individuals.
River Forth, near Stirling
The club has agreed access to a stretch of the River Forth from the Drip Bridge downstream to the confluence with the River Teith.
Access is gained from the A84 Stirling to Callander road and limited parking is available in the village of Chalmerston, adjacent to the Drip Bridge.
The river is accessed by walking along the edge of a field. There are roughly 40 pegs available.
Dace is the main species, with roach, perch and eels. Double figure bags are common in summer.
The river is shallow, and in particular the pegs immediately below the bridge require the use of “puddle chucker” wagglers. On some pegs, there is a slightly deeper channel on the inside.
The main attack is waggler well over, fishing maggot, caster or hemp. If the river is coloured, try groundbait. If the waggler does not produce, try feeder or straight lead as there are occasions where the fish prefer a still bait.
Beware overhead power cables further down the stretch.
Security: Safe. This is on private property. Cars need to be parked on public roads, but the side roads here are quiet.
Springwater fishery, Dalrymple, South Ayrshire
This is principally a trout fishery, but recently a coarse pool has been added with the assistance of former Scotland captain Alistair Keir. The fishery is located in the Carrick hills and is quite easy to locate. Take the Ayr bypass on the A77 and follow the signs for the Ayr Hospital. Take the Castle Douglas road (ie the road to Loch Ken) and continue past the hospital for about 2 miles. There is a right turn for Dalrymple which is well signposted. Take it and continue for about 1.5 miles. You will see a railway viaduct which the road goes under. Take the next right up the hill past the farm. The turn off is just at the other side of the viaduct.
The fishery has a clubhouse where tickets can be purchased. There are drinks machines and hot food and snacks are also available.
The pond is about 2 acres and has 2 islands. It resembles many of the “carp puddles” you see in English commercial fisheries. It is by far the best of the coarse ponds added to trout fisheries so far developed in Scotland. It is set away from the 2 trout lochs and has its own car parking which is right beside the pond. There is room for about 25 anglers maximum. The pond is deepest at the end nearest the trout ponds (about 7 feet) and shallows to about 3 or 4 feet at the opposite end. The islands are at either end and the one at the deep end is tantalisingly just out of pole reach.
The pond holds carp, rudd, tench, perch, roach, eels and skimmers. Pole is main method, feeding 4-5 balls of groundbait containing chopped worm at the start. Perch may show first, but larger fish should arrive later. This water is however a bit of a blank canvas. There is open water between the islands, ideal for either a feeder or big float up in the water attack for carp. Waggler accounts for a lot of the carp caught. Catmeat is becoming a favourite among the regulars.
The carp seem to follow the wind during the summer.
Tickets are £5 for a full day and £3 for a half day, and the complex is open from 8am until dusk. Toilets are on site.
Security: Safe. This is a private fishery.
Hogganfield Loch, Glasgow
Hogganfield is set in parkland in the north of Glasgow on Cumbernauld road and is very handy indeed for the M8 motorway. Head north from Barlinnie Prison and the loch is on your right, with a large car park.
It is thought that Hogganfield is a natural loch, related to Bishop Loch and Johnston Loch and fed by the Molendinar Burn. It has however been landscaped. This is a large shallow water, with easy bank access. It is free. It holds big carp, as well as pike, roach, perch and bream.
The noted carp pegs are on the far side of the loch from the car park, around the island area. The current Scottish record carp came from here.
Hogganfield is hardly fished at all except by seasoned carp anglers, which is a bit of a shame. One of the issues is security (both personal and of cars), much the same problem which blights the Clyde. That said, the more anglers there are on the bank, the problem may be reduced. There is scope for development of this water by the local council.
There is a long bank adjacent to the main road, with space for about 70 pegs. Whip tactics and pole up to 8m, have been very effective for small fish in the past here.
Security: Dodgy. A good pair of binoculars, running shoes and a decent 100 metre sprint are useful here. The car park is not safe either. Fish this water in a group, not on your own.
Kilmardinny Loch, Bearsden
This is a lovely estate loch set in a public park, just off the A81 road. The loch is small and choked with lillies in the summer. It has an island towards the west bank. As a result of the weed, there are only about 4 pegs available, all located to the east end of the loch.
The loch is shallow with a drop off at about 40 metres. It has held coarse fish for many years, and currently is best known for big perch. It also holds roach. Long range tactics are the order of the day.
Security: Generally ok. you will be the centre of attention for all the dog walkers, but they are mostly friendly and curious (as are the owners!). Cars are ok here.
Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch
Castle Semple sits in the same windswept valley as Kilbirnie Loch, and is part of the Clyde Muirshiel Country Park. There is a railway station nearby. The water is large and also used for sailing and windsurfing. Permits can be purchased from the visitor centre, which is also where the car parking is. The loch is well signposted.
The loch holds roach, perch, eels and pike.
The east bank is a bird sanctuary and there is no access for fishing. The pegs are all on the west bank. In general, the loch is shallow. The normal approach is to get into the water with waders and set up a platform once the water is about knee depth. On some pegs, this could mean 15 yards from the bank. Then fish a big waggler as far out as you can chuck it. If you dont’ get bites, get out a feeder rod and throw a speed feeder as far out as you can get it. On big waters like this, the fish generally move into the feed, so they may come closer during the session once bites start. This also happens at Kilbirnie.
This is a rather forgotten venue, but on its day is capable of producing decent roach bags. Remember the effect the wind has on a big open water like this. Choose a peg that is windward during summer.
Security: Generally ok. The car park is at the visitor centre and is busy. No known issues for anglers.
Union Canal
The Union is a more “English” canal than the Forth and Clyde, similar to the Lancaster Canal in width and depth. The canal runs from Edinburgh city centre to Falkirk and indeed is now extended to the Falkirk Wheel.
This is a beautiful waterway, about 12m wide on average with a depth of about 3 feet or so. This is a “contour canal” ie built level without locks.
Unfortunately, the fish population is not as varied or as large as the Forth and Clyde. Expect roach, perch, pike and eels. There is the odd carp in certain stretches. This canal would be great if it had tench and bream in it (maybe one day...).
Places to try here include around Hermiston and Ratho near Edinburgh, near Broxburn at the M8 motorway, and the stretch through Linlithgow which is stewarded by Linlithgow CAC. The canal is very lightly fished and there are a number of areas which are worth a go, probably for the first time. Fish to features and use fine lines and small hooks. Be ready to cut a peg.
Boat traffic is increasing and alas, so is the number of cyclists. There isnt much room on the bank to the towpath, so ship poles along the bank if you can.
The canal is part of the “LCAPS” initiative.
Security: Much as for the Forth and Clyde for the country stretches. Be wary of the stretches in Edinburgh.
Auchinstarry Quarry, Kilsyth
This is a big semi-circular stone wall which is unmissable as you enter Kilsyth from Cumbernauld or Croy. The quarry flooded many years ago and now holds rudd, roach, pike and tench. The tench are as close to uncatchable as any fish in Scotland.
This is a local council water and the fishing is free. Rock climbers also use the site, and there is often a snack bar there.
There is parking on site and about 20 pegs are on offer. The water is gin clear and the bank slopes off very gradually to about 20 metres where it plummets. The water is extremely deep at the quarry wall. In summer the shallows can get quite weedy.
Normal tactics include long pole if there is enough depth and waggler on shallower pegs, fishing on the drop. The rudd and roach are mainly small, but there are some decent rudd in particular. This is yet another underused fishery.
Some of the local cognoscenti congregate there on weekend evenings, and they are partial to the odd glass of tonic wine. It is however possible to fish within feet of the car park, right beside the climbers. This might be the right tactic for single anglers in the evening.
Security: Verging on dodgy. This place is getting worse, and once was ok. The local Buckfast Appreciation Society can make this a no-go area. The rock climbers don’t get much hassle, since they are always in numbers. They are also your witnesses!
Monklands Canal, Drumpellier Park, Coatbridge
There was one of the lowland canals which was never to reopen, namely the Monklands. Much of this waterway was filled in and now the M8 runs along its route. There are about 3 short stretches of the water still in existence in the Coatbridge area, but the water is piped all the way to Port Dundas where it used to join the Forth and Clyde, meaning that there is still flow in the water.
This stretch is at Blairhill, near the railway station. It used to be controlled by Monklands CAC and is now in the hands of the local council. It is not known if permits are charged but a check should be made at the ranger’s office in the park. There are about 50 pegs. As there is no boat traffic, the canal gets very weedy and is gin clear. Therefore, early and late has to be the approach.
The canal was well stocked by the local club and the council in the 80’s and had a big introduction of carp in particular. Bream were also introduced. The carp are now huge and very difficult to catch, but the bream can still be caught near the basin. There are also roach, gudgeon, tench and chub.
The canal is between 10 and 13m wide and about 25m in the basin. Depth is about 4 feet. Pole tactics usually are best, with a waggler or small feeder also being useful in the basin area.
Security: For all Coatbridge’s reputation for Buckfast, etc, this stretch is generally ok. The towpath is quiet. The Drumpellier Park is patrolled.
Loch Lomond
Lomond is the largest freshwater lake on the UK mainland, some 26 miles long. It is therefore not possible to cover all the possible areas in detail here. It has a legendary status for pike, but there are a number of other coarse species present.
Despite its huge size, there are actually few known areas for bank fishing on the loch. Much of the shore is on private property.
The loch can be divided in half, effectively, as the highland fault line runs across it between roughly Luss on the West bank and Balmaha on the East Bank. North of the fault line, the land around the loch is mountainous, and the loch is deep and cold. South of the line, the loch is relatively shallow, wider and has islands. The coarse fish are more often to be found in the Southern half.
The loch holds pike, roach in vast numbers, perch, eels and more recently, bream, dace and gudgeon have begun to appear. The exact numbers of bream are not known as they are extremely difficult to locate in such a vast water.
In summer, any area near a river system is worth a look, provided a depth of over around 7 feet can be found. Drumkinnon Bay at Balloch used to be good for waggler fishing before it was developed into a retail park. The one river running out of the Loch, the Leven, is near here.
On the eastern side, the River Endrick plays a big part in fish location. The mouth of the Endrick just south of Balmaha (a long walk over fields) is popular with pikers especially in spring and early summer. The water here is very shallow, as it is on the majority of the the south east of the loch. About 60-80 yards from the shore, there is a drop off. When boat fishing, it is a common tactic to fish along the drop off.
The coarse fish at this side of the loch tend to migrate with the flow of the River Endrick. They move into the river to spawn and move out into the loch through the summer and into the winter. The river’s flow extends into the loch, through the channel between Balmaha Pier and the large island (Inchcaillioch) across from it.
Balmaha is important for a number of reasons, firstly because McFarlane’s boatyard is there for hiring boats, and secondly because the pier and rocks beside it are a known area of bank fishing. The water is deep at the pier, and slopes off to around 30 feet at 50 yards. There is a shelf at around 40 yards. The water to the left of the pier is much shallower but to the right it drops off even further to around 60 feet off the northern tip of the point. There are about 10 pegs in total including the rocks. Due to the deep water and the slippery rocks, this is not a venue for children.
In summer, mixed bags can be had on slider or pole, and indeed the shallow bay between the pier and the boatyard can produce also, even for the odd bream. In winter, the roach shoal tightly along this channel. The winter tactic is to fish feeder or bomb between 35 and 60 yards. The fish tend to move about, so a hefty bombing of feed is required at the start, perhaps around 16 balls. The water tows fairly hard here, so a heavy mix is required. Sometimes the fish are there from the off, but on other days, they only come on in the last hour of daylight.
There are other pockets on the east bank north of Balmaha which are known to some anglers. As Balmaha gets very busy, anglers often keep these other stretches secret. Rowardennan (the end of the road on the east bank) has a bay where a few roach have been caught in winter. It can be a very exposed place to fish if there’s a westerly blowing. as can Balmaha.
At the very north of the Loch, there is some coarse fishing at Ardlui, where the water shallows. This is mainly for perch and pike.
On the West bank, the area around Luss village is known to produce perch, roach and pike. It’s winter potential is not so well known.
There is currently no permit for coarse fishing on the loch. The loch contains Powan, a rare member of the salmon family. These do not show regularly, but should be returned immediately if you are lucky enough to catch one.
Security: Aside from jet skiers, speedboats and irate salmon anglers, Lomond is ok. Be wary of Balloch, especially for car crime.
River Tay, City of Perth
Perth Harbour used to be the winter venue for big roach. It fell into decline in the early 90’s, following a massive netting and also the reduction of the number of grain ships using the harbour, which seemed to be the attraction for the fish. Recently (ie in the last few winters), there have been rumours of a return to form, and currently the harbour has ships in it again.
The Tay is tidal in the city. Coarse fishing is free in the tidal reaches. Otherwise the Tay is a salmon river of the utmost snobbery, with coarse fish regarded as vermin and coarse anglers just as bad. You have been warned: setting up for a day on the stick float at Dunkeld for example, will not go down well.
The harbour creates a massive back eddy in the river, to the south east of the city centre (near the Friarton Bridge). It is a natural winter refuge for roach in a powerful river like this. The Tay has roach, from Loch Tay to the estuary.
The harbour is deep and the banks are difficult. If the fish are there, it’s at its best between about 2 hours before and about the same time after, high tide. The tidal lift is big and it comes in fast. If you get there at low water, you might get stranded as the banks are steep in places, so great care must be taken. Tactics are usually slider or feeder. The water is about 10-15 feet deep in the harbour at low water, but may be as much as 25 feet at high tide.
The attraction is that the roach used to average just under a pound, with 2 pounders very common.
There are some slacks and backwaters in the river upstream but still in the city where the fish might go during summer. The tidal lift is big all the way up to the North Inch in the city. You can have as much as 10 feet of water in the city stretch at low tide going up to over 15 feet once the tide is in. The tide changes the pace of the river and may well also cause the fish to move as they do in the Lower Clyde. This is a bit of a mystery, but one worth solving.
Security: This is a city centre venue, but is generally ok. The harbour is dangerous due to the deep water and the very rapid tidal lift.
Forestburn Reservoir, near Shotts
Situated just outside Shotts, and about ¼ mile from the M8, this is accessible at the eastern end only where there are 2 dam walls. The reservoir is owned by North Lanarkshire Council. Access is via a minor road just east of the exit for Shotts from the M8.
The reservoir is about a mile long, and is in an elevated position. Fishing is normally from the banks near the dam walls and the walls themselves. There are roach, perch, pike and eels in the reservoir, and the fishing is free. It’s position means that it is exposed and windswept most of the time.
There has however of late been some difficulty between anglers and the local farmer, whose farm is very near one of the dam walls. He seems to wish an end to angling on the reservoir if possible. Further, there is little in the way of parking available and what there is must be described as precarious. The reservoir is situated in an isolated spot, and there have been previous car crime incidents.
Security: Dodgy.
River Leven, Balloch
The River Leven is the only river which flows out of Loch Lomond. It is a short river, only 5 miles long, but the second fastest flowing in Scotland with only the Spey coming ahead of it.
The river runs from Balloch to Dumbarton where it joins the Clyde Estuary. It is no longer wholly navigable, since a flood barrage was inserted at Balloch in the 1960’s.
The river is tidal almost up to Renton, but below the barrage to the tidal reaches is controlled by the Vale of Leven Angling Club. Their interests lie with migratory salmonids. The river has a fair reputation as a salmon river (being the only point of access for migratory fish to the loch and its tributaries). Fishing below the barrier is not recommended, due to the attitude of the club and the proactive bailiffs. This review relates only to the navigable stretch upstream of the barrier to the loch itself, some 300 yards or so of water. There are no charges for coarse fishing this stretch.
The river is very busy with boats, some quite large. It varies in depth from 3 feet to 10 feet or so. It is packed with dace and roach, both of which reach decent sizes, big perch, pike, and eels. On the right day, double figure bags are quite possible.
In summer, a very early start might be advisable to get some fishing in before the boats really get going, as the boat traffic goes on into late evening. The river fishes from around June until October.
Access to the water can either be through Balloch Park or via the road to the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer pier.
Whilst it is quite possible to catch on pole, on a moving water like this, running line is better, with both stick float and waggler having their days. Try loosefed maggot, caster or hemp. Dace seem to prefer the main flow whereas roach and perch often are much closer in, around 5-6m out. A link leger rig is a useful alternative to pick out better quality fish.
Security: No major problem for aglers, except the rather zealous salmon bailiffs who are a pest at times. Car crime is well known in Balloch and the Vale of Leven. Do not leave any valuables on display in the car. Park beside other cars.
Pumpherston Pond, near Uphall
This is a golf club water hazard, near Uphall Station, West Lothian. There is room for about 20 anglers, and pegs were created about 10 years ago. At that time also, the water was stocked with some carp, tench and bream. There already was a stock of roach, perch and pike. The pond has a fence around it which is a bit too close to the bank for comfort.
The pond is shallow, around 3 feet deep at the most, and gin clear. It has one island, and is quite weedy. The stamp of the roach is good. Perch tend to be found close in near features, as do carp. Roach are more often caught in open water. In winter, a small feeder tight to the island is the key.
Security: No major problem. The pond is on a private road. There are some local worthies about, but they generally don’t annoy.
Broadwood Loch, Cumbernauld
This is a man-made loch adjacent to the stadium which is home to Clyde FC. The stadium is well signposted on local major roads.
Access to the loch is difficult, but has recently been improved by the addition of a perimeter path for some of the loch. Parking is best near Broadwood Stadium, but a walk is required to the water.
The loch was stocked over 10 years ago with roach, bream and some carp. It has however been more popular with pikers over the years and has indeed produced a few decent pike.
Reports of silver fish are more limited. However, there have been reports of good size individual roach. The loch therefore is a blank canvas, and certainly has fish in it.
There is a dam wall at the stadium end, but the loch is not unduly deep anywhere. It is however a large expanse of water. In summer, it is best to follow the wind.
There is currently no permit charge.
Security: Generally ok. This is a big, open water. There are some local dodgy characters who hang around, and indeed some of the local householders are not too keen on anglers. Car crime could be a concern, so take precautions.
Loch Awe, Argyll
This is a massive Highland loch, some 20 miles long in the northern end of Argyll with the A85 Tyndrum to Oban road being the main access route.
Long recognised for its trout, indeed ferox trout, it is gaining a growing reputation for coarse angling. Pike anglers first caught on to its potential about 20 years ago, and now its roach fishing is getting recognised. There is also perch present.
Aside from the north west end which is near the Cruachan power station, the loch is quite similar to the southern part of Lomond in appearance and depth. There is a permit charge payable.
The shallow, reedy water near Kilchurn Castle at the north east end (near Dalmally) has long been favoured for pike during spring. However, there is also good roach fishing here.
The southern end of the loch, which is accessible only by minor roads, is similarly good for roach and pike. The roach population is indeed quite well spread throughout the loch now.
Security: Generally ok. Cars parked on main roads and in lay-bys might be a risk.
Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh
This is a smallish natural loch situated within Holyrood Park. It is mostly a bird sanctuary but fishing is allowed on a small section. Permission is required from the Park office.
The loch some years ago had a good head of roach, but cormorant predation of late appears to have all but put paid to that. There are still perch and pike present.
However the main species of interest is carp. A previous Scottish record came from here. This is a venue for the serious carp angler to have a go at.
Security: No known incidents
Lanark Loch
Whilst Lanark is a Scottish Carp Group water, it is available to non-members on a day ticket basis. It is situated to the south end of the town, near the old race course. There is good access and parking.
Not surprisingly, carp is the main species of interest. These are not the “pastie” type, but the big variety. The immediately former Scottish record came from here. There are limited numbers of other species also present, but tench are also plentiful and grow large.
There are a number of recognised areas for carp, and the normal techniques used are of the specialised variety.
Security: This place gets busy, but there are no major issues. As ever, cars parked in the public car park are a potential risk.
Clatto Park Loch, Dundee
Well signposted on local roads, this is a small reservoir in the middle of the country park, which is on a hill just to the north of the city.
The reservoir sits in nice woodland but itself resembles a pudding bowl, with featureless stone banks. Permits can be purchased from the park office which is nearby.
The venue is notoriously unpredictable, partly due to the elevated position and the gin clear water. It holds perch, roach and bream. It is best to seek out local advice as to where is fishing best as this changes often. Pole, waggler and feeder are the main attacks.
Security: No known issues for anglers. Again the public car park is a potential car crime risk, given that this is on the edge of a city.
Kingennie Fishery, near Broughty Ferry, Dundee
A new coarse pond added to this established trout fishery, this is gaining a good reputation for its mixed fishing, which includes carp as well as bream, roach, rudd and perch.
The fishery is on minor roads just off the Dundee to Arbroath road, from which it is signposted. There is a tackle shop and café on site. The pond is fairly large, and rather lacking in natural cover. This may well change as it matures. This is by far the best coarse venue in the Tayside / Angus area.
Security: Safe. This is a private fishery.
Kelhead Quarry, Annan
This is a former quarry, near the village of Annan, Dumfriesshire and just by the Solway Firth. There are about 40 pegs and there is a day ticket payable.
This is a mixed fishery which has been well stocked with roach, rudd, perch, pike, bream, tench and some carp. As might be expected, it is deep in places and is often used for winter matches. It fishes all year round and a number of methods can be successful.
Security: No known issues.
Loch Dunmore, by Pitlochry
This small Loch is controlled by Dunmore AC. It is situated near Loch Faskally, by Pitlochry (just off the A9 Perth-Inverness road).
Day tickets cost £6 per day - Dawn till Dusk (2 rod max) . £3 for under 16's and OAP'S (TICKETS LIMITED TO 6 PER DAY). No overnight fishing allowed. Tickets available from 1st April till 31st October.
The loch is very weedy but can produce bags in excess of 40lbs. All fish to be returned - no keepnets - barbless hooks only.
Day tickets can be obtained from the Moulin Hotel, Pitlochry, on the day or pre booked by telephoning 01796 472196.
The loch holds Carp to 20lb, Tench to 6lb, Crucian Carp to 2.5 lb, Roach to 3lb, Rudd to 1.5 lb, Grass Carp to 1.5lb, Perch to 3lb +, and Eels to 4lb.
Security: No known issues
Bookers pit Irvine North Ayrshire
Bookers pit is a old land fill site that flooded about 11 years ago .it holds a good head of roach, rudd, perch and pike which has been stocked by locals from various waters in Ayrshire
The roach and Rudd run to about the 2lb with perch hitting the 2lb plus mark there is also a good head of jack pike in the pit up to 8lb
The pit is about 12 acres and depths are between 8ft-15ft as far as we know there is no ticket on bookers so it’s free fishing.
Access is best from the industrial estate next to booker’s cash and carry hence name .Follow path for around 50 yards and pit is in front of you
Pole and waggler are a good choice .As the pit can be a bit snaggie for the tip
The pit is just off the A78 past the Caledonian paper mill. If heading from Ayr/Prestwick direction take the first slip road after passing the paper mill and turn right at the roundabout. There are a couple of places to park along this road or you can park in a small industrial estate by following signs for the paper mill.
Security: no known issues
is located to the east of the Grampian town of Aboyne off the A93. Parking and permits are available from Aboyne Loch caravan park. The loch is essentially a horseshoe shape with the main swims found on the western side with the majority of swims accessed off the wall running parallel to the main road. The number of swims is limited to roughly 12 although there are plenty of swims available if you fancy a longer walk. On the east side there is a small bay off the road to the water-ski club which is shallow (3 foot) but provides a couple of swims although this can be weedy in the summer.
The loch was stocked in 2002 and 2003 with roach, bream, ide and a few carp. These supplement the existing stock of perch, pike and eels. Mixed catches of the silvers can reach 40 lb with the roach and skimmers going to 1lb+ and ide to 2lb. the largest carp caught so far is 12lb with the pike being 30lb+. given the shallow nature of the loch (average 4-6 feet) fishing is best from April to October with the pole being the main method in summer alongwith the waggler.
Security - No known issues.
General Guide