Middle Ettrick

Location

Middle Ettrick, near Ettrick Bridge

Summary

Five year average: 146 salmon/grilse
12 miles double bank on Ettrick water, with 80 pools
12 miles double bank on Yarrow water, with 21 pools
Maximum rods 18
Price range: £25 to £74

Description

The Tweed tributaries of the Rivers Ettrick and Yarrow which run through the Duke of Buccleuch's delightful Bowhill Estate, converge only 1.5 miles upstream of the characterful Scottish Borders town of Selkirk, which is found approximately 40 miles South of Edinburgh on the A7 main road to Carlisle and only 70 miles North West of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne via the A68 main road.

The Ettrick water nestles and winds its way some 12 miles from the March pool passing through high hill ground used for stock rearing to the lower beats of the enchanting Ettrick Valley of mixed agricultural farmland and rolling scenery, where it meets the River Yarrow to form the confluence known as the Meetings Pool on the Estate's eastern boundary. The Ettrick provides 12 miles of mainly double bank fishing with 80 named pools providing fishing for 20 rods on a beat rotation basis (10 season tickets and 10 day tickets). The water is easily covered from the banks in summer but wading may be adventurous in the Autumn. The whole river presents an excellent opportunity for fly fishermen. Successful patterns on both Rivers are Stouts Tail, Silver Stouts Tail and the Ally Shrimp in sizes 8 - 12. In high coloured water conditions try a 1.5" - 2.5" orange, yellow or gold bodied fly.

The Yarrow water originates from St. Mary's loch in the adjacent Yarrow Valley and passes through predominantly hill stock land on its descent to the Meetings Pool. The Yarrow provides both single and double bank fishing, including 21 named pools, with a constant depth of water suited to the fly over similar conditions and scenery to that experienced on the Ettrick. Both day tickets and season tickets are available upon request.

Please note that the catch figures shown are for both the Ettrick and the Yarrow.

All the pools can be accessed from 100 yards to 300 yards stroll from the car. The B7009 runs alongside the Ettrick whilst the A708 follows the Yarrow.

Stephen Howard of the Trout and Salmon magazine described the Ettrick Valley together with the Upper Tweed as a 'picturesque place to be at any time of the year, but in autumn with the changing colours of the countryside, they really are outstandingly beautiful'.

We also have fishings on the River Nith and on the Border Esk. To check the current availability on these beats please go to

Drumlanrig Lower

Drumlanrig Middle

Drumlanrig Upper

Nith Linns

Border Esk