Loch fishing

There is an abundance of loch trout fishing in Nithsdale with the majority of the stocked fish being rainbow, but there are wild brown trout waters that supplement their numbers with stocked brown trout. This type of trout fishing is truly world class and not to be missed by any visiting angler.

Most of the main commercially stocked fisheries in Nithsdale are fly fishing only, but there are a few that allow bait fishing as well. If you trout fish at home, then your own tackle will probably be perfectly adequate. There are obviously special flies etc which are popular on a specific water, but they are not essential. Several commercially stocked fisheries have a tackle shop on site, which will be able to supply local patterns and local advice is freely given. Actual tactics depend on the time of year and weather conditions and can vary from dry fly and nymph fishing to deep sunk lures. A floating and intermediate fly line will cover the majority of situations.


Trout fishing in Nithsdale

Terry Hawkins fishing Kettletonhead on 27th March 2012. © Ed Baxter.



Fishing, Starburn Loch, Drumlanrig Estate

Starburn Loch, Drumlanrig Estate



Trout fishing in Nithsdale

Kettletonhead Loch in June 2010. © Ed Baxter.



Nithsdale Trout Fishing

Trout fishing on Morton Castle Loch.



The waters themselves vary from large boat fishing venues to smaller lochs and ponds that specialise in specimen trout fishing. Double figure trout are often found in many of these waters and a trout of four to five pounds in weight would not raise many eyebrows! However it is not all specimen fishing and many waters specifically cater for the novice or junior angler, often with special discounts and the possibility of organising coaching on site.

To find somewhere to fish on any particular day, please use the links below to check the availability.

Trout Loch Fisheries
Afton Reservoir
Alderneuk Loch
Creoch Loch
Drum Loch
Farthingbank Loch
Hillhead
Morton Castle
Slatehouse Loch
Starburn Loch