The river Annan is fast growing a reputation as one of the best wild brown trout rivers in the UK with its prolific hatches and free rising trout to in excess of 6lb. The best of this fishing can be had during the spring and early summer before the main salmon and sea trout runs appear. Trout fishing is available throughout the Annan catchment.
This Borders river has also seen good winter sport it holds good numbers of grayling.
In these hills two other major Scottish rivers also rise, the Tweed and the Clyde, indeed in a couple of places the three rivers are only separated by a matter of metres. From the Beef Tub, the Little Annan, as it is known locally, flows down to the picturesque spa town of Moffat to be joined by two major tributaries, the Evan and Moffat Water at a place called Three Waters Meet. The fishing on the Annan proper starts here, although some excellent small stream fishing can also be found on the tributaries.
From Moffat the river winds its way through the rolling valleys of Annandale picking up many tributaries on its way, the first of these is the Kinnel Water, a substantial river in its own right. After that the Dryfe Water and the Water of Milk enter the river before it finally discharges into the Solway at the historic Royal Burgh town of Annan. In length the main stem of the river is not much over 30 miles but with a catchment area of some 1,000km2 it means that river is quite substantial by the time it reaches the sea.
Applegarth Beat near Moffat
Annandale Estates beat
Varied habitats
Throughout the river’s length and within its tributaries and associated stillwaters there is something for everyone.
The salmon fishing has in recent years been inconsistent but with the Annan being a spate river, salmon fishing is heavily dependent on rain and there are few river systems anywhere in the UK where the chance of large (4lb plus) brown trout would be higher.
Sea trout fishing can be excellent on warm summer nights during June and July and with more summer salmon running the river (weather depending) in recent years, the fishing is varied and some form of fishing is available year round. Even in the depths of winter it is possible to fish for the shoals of grayling and chub that inhabit many of the fisheries. On the stillwaters surrounding the river there are some superb fisheries for pike, perch, bream, roach, tench and carp.
For the angler, access to the river is generally very good with many beats offering day tickets or weekly lets at very competitive rates.
