This beat lies in the middle reaches of the Tarf Water, the main tributary of the River Bladnoch, near Glenluce and is not far from Kirkcowan. This beat is owned by Holker Estate Parks and managed as part of the Three Lochs Estate by Galloway Country Sports. This Estate includes the nearby Three Lochs Holiday Park and also offers excellent course angling on Loch Heron and Loch Ronald where large pike, bream, roach, perch, tench and carp are present (see course fish section). Black Loch offers quality rainbow trout and brown trout angling (see trout section).
The Tarf Water is definitely a spate river and really does need a good rise of water to fish well. The river is limited in width here but flows and cascades through beautiful countryside and can hold very good numbers of fish from July onwards depending on rainfall. September and October are particularly productive months for salmon on the whole River Bladnoch system. Salmon up to 12.5lb have been caught from this water and wild brown trout up to 4.5lb.
Grilse, salmon and brown trout can be caught on this three miles long beat. There are 13 named pools with additional good fly water lies between them. Some of these pools, such as Madges Pool and Straights are great holding pools offering good opportunities of fish. This beat is suited to the angler who wishes to hunt for their fish. Some of the pools are easily accessible and bankside vegetation low but some areas will need a braver angler (in particular who is prepared to wade if necessary).
The water ghillie (Brian Newsham) is pleased to meet anglers on arrival and provide advice on where to fish and the best flies. Ample car parking is provided for anglers close to the river and toilet facilities are available 2 miles away at the nearby Three Lochs Holiday Park.
This fishery has the advantage that if the Tarf Water is too low to fish then alternative boat trout fishing can be taken on the nearby Black Loch (all part of Three Lochs Estate). This Loch is fly fishing only and is stocked with 2lb+ Brown trout and 2-8lb rainbow trout.
Fishing Methods
This water is limited to fly only. All twelve pools offer suitable fly water and in addition there are nice runs between these pools. It is important though to remember that this spate river does need a good flow to be fishable. Whilst it is always good to try new flies, the ghillie advises using Ally Shrimp, Silver Doctor or any good colourful fly.
Why you need to fish here
Grilse, salmon and brown trout can be caught on this three miles long beat. There are 13 named pools with additional good fly water lies between them.
