Situated on the middle Annan, Halleaths is approximately 2 miles long and single right bank with nineteen named pools and runs. The beat is set amongst low-lying pastures. It benefits from having a major tributary entering it. The Annan's largest tributary, the Kinnel Water, enters to the north of the beat and the Water of Dryfe enters 1/2 mile from the bottom. Both of these tributaries have large runs of salmon and sea trout.
A great many fish stop on this beat whilst making up their mind whether they are Annan, Dryfe, or Kinnel fish so the beat provides very consistent fishing throughout the year. Over the past few years this beat has only been lightly fished by a small number of season rods that live a considerable distance away.
The best times of year are September through to November for Salmon and mid May through to the end of July for the sea trout. However, it should be noted that over the last three years the Annan has experienced strong runs of salmon through July, August and September. In the spring the fishing for brown trout can be exceptional with fish over 4lb not regarded as unusual. Shoals of Grayling inhabit this beat and can provide entertaining sport when the water is too low for salmon fishing.
Much of the beat provides classic fly water with swift running runs and glides sliding into tranquil pools. As such the rule is generally fly only but if the water gets too high, through spates, this is relaxed and spinning is allowed when the water is above 2’6 on the House Pool gauge. The wading is very safe through most of the beat with gently shelving gravel beds making up the bottom.
Brown trout and sea trout anglers in particular should be reticent about wading before they have fully assessed where the fish are. Often they will be lying in very shallow water near the tails of the pools and a clumsy footfall whilst wading will send them scurrying for cover and ruin your chances. Important: If you are fishing either the Pipe Pool or Creamery Stones please do not wade as the fish lie very close to the bank beneath you.
