This beat is actually two beats combined. The beat starts at High Barness Farm and continues downstream to Low Barness. At its lower end, it is only 0.75 mile from the tidal water, which means it can be productive for fresh fish even during low water and is well known for its spring salmon.
The water at High Barness tends to be best for fly fishing for salmon. This is also the area where the best wild brown trout water is situated. Large trout have been caught in recent years.
The best known pool on High Barness is Madges Pool, which is a great holding pool for salmon. After Madges Pool, the water becomes more suitable for spinning.
Low Barness begins just downstream of Madges Pool. The water in this area is initially dominated by rocks and rapids adjacent to the old Torhouse Mill but quietens when it reaches Harrisons Pool and the weir. This is some of the best brown trout fishing on the lower river. The weir can provide excellent fishing following a spate. Just downstream of the weir is a further holding pool, the first above tidal influence. This pool can be particularly productive during the spring.
Preferred flies include Munroe Killers, Stoats Tails, General Practitioners, Ally's Shrimp and Green Highlanders.
