Cleuchhead Fishing – Fly Fishing on the River Annan
Situated near Brydekirk, Cleuchhead offers exceptional fly fishing on a scenic two-mile double-bank stretch of the River Annan. With over nine named pools, the beat provides excellent opportunities for salmon, sea trout, and grayling throughout the year.
The beat accommodates up to eight rods daily. It is divided into two beats, fished in rotation, with four rods per beat switching at 1:00 p.m. daily. Anglers must agree on rotation before fishing.
The beat's streamy pools fish well at most water heights and, being just a few miles above the tide, often hold fresh-run fish. Salmon fishing peaks from August through November, with over 300 fish recorded in 2004. Sea trout arrive from May, with June and July offering the best sport. Cleuchhead is regarded as one of the top sea trout beats on the Annan.
Grayling fishing is available in the salmon close season and can be highly productive. One angler caught over 70 grayling on the fly in a single day.
Most pools fish best from the left bank, though the top three are best accessed from the right. In low water, wading is possible; in higher water, vehicle access is available via Brydekirk.
There is no resident ghillie. Please note, access requires a suitable vehicle due to rough track conditions.
Please note the beat is fly only, unless the gauge at Brydekirk is above 1'8". As a general guideline based on the Brydekirk gauging station ideal levels for fly fishing are 1'3" to 1'10" and for spinning over 1'10".
Why you need to fish here
Much of the beat features classic fly water, with fast-flowing runs seamlessly blending into smooth, steady glides - ideal conditions for fly fishing. Access across the beat is generally straightforward, but anglers should take caution when wading at night or during rising water levels.
