Latest from the Annan 18-01-24
Happy New Year to everyone and tight lines for the 2024 season ahead.
Following what was a very wet and windy period over Christmas and New Year, we are finally seeing some dry and settled weather at the start of 2024 providing ideal conditions for some winter grayling fishing.
The river is at a good height throughout the upper and middle beats and will drop in nicely for the lower river by the end of the week. There are currently eleven beats listed on Fishpal with winter grayling availability offering both bait and fly fishing and covering the upper, middle, and lower river.
Lower River: Cleuchhead, Hoddom, Brocklerigg and St Mungo’s Parish
A good mix of water for both fly and bait fishing with plentiful numbers of grayling from all year classes. Although the average weight of fish on the lower river beats is far lower than the rest of the river, fish of 2lb plus are still present as well as specimen fish of 3lb plus.
Middle River: Castle Milk RFT, Shillahill, Halleaths and Dryfeholm
The middle beats are generally much slower moving than the upper and lower sections of the river with long steady pools being typical. Some sections of the middle river are best suited to bait fishing with the three beats above Shillahill Bridge having the better of the fly water.
Upper River: Applegarth UAAA, Annandale Estate and Upper Beat UAAA
The upper river offers anglers the opportunity to fish for specimen grayling with a much higher average weight of fish on the upper river beats including fish of 3lb plus. Although these big grayling are not present in huge numbers, they are generally present throughout the upper beats, often as solitary fish or in small loose shoals consisting of only a few fish.
For more information on fishing the Annan for grayling check out the Fish Annan Facebook page or call 07710 331079.
Upcoming Grayling Events
On the 28th January there will be a second grayling day on the river held by the Annan DSFB to help raise money for youth angling development projects during 2024. The day is to be held at Johnstonebridge Community Centre for breakfast and beat registration from 8:30am with several beats available for fishing during the day.
Booking can be done through the River Annan Events section on Fishpal with further info on the Fish Annan Facebook page.
Tight lines...
Regards
Michael Fearns
07710331079
We would like to thank the beats, angling clubs and owners who have contributed to this report by providing their time and information as this report would not be possible without your help and support. If you would like to share any interesting stories or pictures from your time fishing on the River Annan for the purposes of this report, please feel free to contact us here.
