CARBETH FISHERY
Carbeth lies within easy reach of both Glasgow and Stirling, and is a family-friendly fishery which provides both bait and fly-fishing for parents and children, with a choice of three ponds. The three-acre fly pond was opened in 2003 and averages 12 feet in depth. Its soft bottom is home to features such as submerged islands and troughs, that provide a perfect habitat for a range of natural food sources including mayfly and damsel nymph and buzzer larvae, as well as minnow and tadpole.
The bait pond is around two acres in size and 15 feet deep on average, it provides excellent bait fishing for anglers and family groups. The ponds are stocked daily with rainbows from 2-20lb. The fly pond also boasts blue and brown trout. Along with seats and shelters around the perimeter, the ponds also offer disabled access, as do the on-site shop/café and toilets.
A third pond, in an elevated location that enjoys stunning views of the surrounding countryside, is stocked with select trout for events, parties and visiting clubs. When not booked out for such events, it is open to anglers for bait or fly-fishing.
This venue prides itself on catering for experienced anglers and beginners alike. In its well-stocked tackle shop, you will also find equipment available for hire and casting tuition can be booked. Gift certificates for use towards the cost of fishing tickets may be purchased.
ADDRESS: Carbeth Fishery, Stockiemuir Road, Carbeth, Blanefield, Glasgow G63 9AY
CONTACT: 01360 771006
WEB: carbethfishery.co.uk
EMAIL: via website
OPEN: 7am to earlier of dusk or 10pm
PRICE RANGE: (fly) £10-£38 (C&R option available)
GREAT BURROWS TROUT FISHERY
A traditional fishery set in a beautiful and peaceful location, north-east of Bristol. This fly-only, catch-and-kill water (only brown trout go back) is also home to blue and rainbow trout, stocked from 2-5lb.
Great Burrows is open throughout the year and the spring-fed two-acre lake is served by numerous casting platforms. Barbless hooks only and no lures or static fishing. Small nymphs, Buzzers, emergers, Spider patterns, Damsels and Beetle patterns are recommended, as they are all consistently effective and they match the naturally occurring fly life, which also features hawthorn, alder, and sedges.
There is a small lodge for anglers (no WC at present) as well as ample lakeside parking. For anglers new to the sport, the fishery offers tuition and is also available for group bookings (seven people max.). If you’re looking to stay and explore or fish more than one day, then accommodation can be booked nearby.
ADDRESS: Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 6AZ
CONTACT: 01453 547299 / 07879 855172
EMAIL: gardensuppliesglos@gmail.com
WEB: greatburrowstroutfishery.co.uk
OPEN: 7am-dusk all year
PRICE RANGE: £25-£40 (No C&R, except for brown trout)
JERICHO LOCH
Jericho Loch is run by Jericho Fly Fishers Club, whose original membership of 11 in 1981 has grown to more than 230. They administer a secluded 13.5-acre loch (bank fishing only) that reaches a maximum depth of nearly 20 feet and is surprisingly tranquil, given its location on the edge of Dumfries, in south-west Scotland. The fishery is next to the A701, the main road into Dumfries and while a wall of trees shelters the loch from the bustling road, there is ample room for casting.
It is stocked twice a week with a variety of trout including rainbow, blue, brown, brook and tiger. While many fish caught are in the 3-6lb range, there are also a substantial number of fish between 10-20lb to be had.
Tagged fish are put into the loch during the year with various prizes on their head. For a nominal £1 on top of their day ticket, anglers can try for a tagged fish and the ‘bounty‘ on its head. All tagged fish removed are replaced. All undamaged fish less than 10in in length are to be returned, as are all tiger, brook and brown trout. Children fish Jericho free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
The fishery lodge has toilets, tea- and coffee making facilities, and a microwave. Tuition can be booked and group bookings of the fishery are welcome.
ADDRESS: Locharbriggs, Dumfries DG1 1RZ
CONTACT: 01387 710536
WEB: jerichoflyfishers.co.uk
OPEN: All year, except Dec. 25-26, Jan 1-2 and two weeks in Feb. Subject to daylight, 7.30am until one hour after sunset
PRICE RANGE: £15-£30 (C&R option available)
