DRUMLANRIG FISHINGS River and Loch Fishing
Queensberry Estate | Drumlanrig Mains, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway, DG3 4AG Tel: 01848 600415 | Email: [email protected] | www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk CONTENTS Drumlanrig Fishings...... 1
Description...... 2
Bookings...... 3
Accommodation...... 3
River Nith Beats...... 4
River Scaur Beat...... 8
Season Ticket Holders...... 9
Chapman Cup...... 9
Lochs...... 9
Terms & Conditions...... 10 1. DRUMLANRIG FISHINGS Drumlanrig Fishings cover a 10.5 mile stretch of the River Nith on the Duke of Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate. This includes a seven mile stretch that has been carefully managed for generations as the private waters of Drumlanrig Castle, the magnificent home of Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. The 17th Century pink sandstone Castle provides a splendid backdrop to the river, which is at its most attractive where it runs through the grounds of the Estate. In addition, we offer fishing on part of the River Scaur, which is a tributary of the River Nith. We also offer loch fishing with the lochs located near Thornhill in a glorious countryside setting on the Estate.
Thornhill is a small market town which serves a large rural district and is situated 15 miles north west of Dumfries. The Estate is located just off the A76 and is signposted from the M74 (J14 southbound) and A702 at Abington and Elvanfoot.
The River Nith is the largest river in Dumfries and Galloway and has an established reputation for the quality of its Salmon and Sea Trout. On its long and winding journey, the river travels from its source at New Cumnock in Ayrshire to its mouth at the Solway.
Over the years, the average weight of Salmon caught has been around 8lb, although fish over 20lb have been caught in the past. Grilse can average 4-5lb, Sea Trout 2lb and Grayling 2lb. The Sea Trout fishing is best in the summer months while the height of the Salmon season spans September through to the end of November. Unlike many other rivers, the Salmon season runs from 25th February until 30th November. Grayling fishing runs from 1 December to 31 March.
In addition to river fishing, we offer loch fishing over five lochs. Four with Rainbow/ Brown Trout and one with Tench/Carp. 1 2. DESCRIPTION The fishing on the River Nith comprises mainly double bank fishing. The river broadens from a rocky gorge into a mainly gravelled riverbed with suitable pools and reaches which provide good accessible fishing for Salmon, Sea Trout and Grayling. This is divided into stretches known as the Nith Linns, The Castle Beats (divided into Upper, Middle and Lower Beats) and the Boatford Beat.
Providing weather conditions are favourable, Salmon will run early in the year. Sea Trout also run early and can be expected in quantity from May onwards whilst Grayling abound in the winter months.
Although slightly differing in lengths, the Castle beats are balanced for quality and each contains a proportion of low and high water pools, thereby ensuring fishable water at all times except perhaps during periods of extreme drought or high flood. Nith Linns runs for two miles immediately above the Upper Beat and is mainly fished from the true left (East Bank). It has many streams and pools which provide good lies for both Salmon and Sea Trout as well as Brown Trout. Rocky in nature, it has steep banks. The Boatford Beat runs for three and a half miles below the Lower Beat with a number of streams and pools. Three miles of this beat provide double bank fishing.
The River Scaur fishing comprises eight miles of double bank fishing plus half a mile of single bank fishing.
Fishing on the Nith Linns with the Castle Upper Beat and on the Boatford Beat with Scaur Beat is by way of combined permits and these combined stretches of water are referred to as the Upper Beat and the Mid Nithsdale Beat.
For any enquiries regarding the status of the river or specific information on fishing, please contact Scott Kerr, River Manager, on 07765 002142. For the latest catch returns and river conditions, please phone the Estate Office on 01848 600415 or our River Manager.
2 3. BOOKINGS
Bookings can be made directly with the Estate Office from Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm or with the River Manager outwith these times.
Please note that Season tickets or exclusive hire of the Middle and Lower Castle Beats can only be made directly with the Estate Office.
4. ACCOMMODATION
There are several options for accommodation locally including:
Auldgirth Inn www.auldgirthinn.co.uk | 01387 740250
Gillbank House Bed & Breakfast www.gillbank.co.uk | 01848 330597
Trigony House Hotel www.trigonyhotel.co.uk | 01848 331211
Thornhill Inn www.thornhill.co.uk | 01848 330326
Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel www.bqahotel.com | 01848 323101
3 5. RIVER NITH BEATS
5.1 NITH LINNS Fly fishing, spinning and worming allowed at any height.
HELL’S CAULDRON POOL: Steps from the A76 take you down onto the river. A long narrow pool ideal for spinning from the rocks. Very difficult walking.
MALCOLMFLAT POOL: Steps from the A76 take you down to the pool. Best for the fly fisher, and for spinning if the river is running at about 2½ ft. Fish from the rocks as wading is very difficult.
LONG STRAIGHT POOL: Another good pool on the beat. Heavily wooded on both sides of the river. Steps lead down from the A76. Ideal for both fly and spinning. Runs for about 250 metres. Fish from side as wading is very difficult.
MILESTONE POOL: One of the best pools on the beat. One for the fly fisher. Access from the A76; steps take you down to the river. Runs for about 200 metres. Fish tend to lie behind rocks in the middle of the river. Heavily wooded on both sides of the river. Able to wade along the side.
AUCHENSELL POOL: Fish this pool from the rocks. Ideal for the worm fisher and also ideal for the spinner lower down. A lovely spot with woods coming down to the river’s edge.
PALM TREE POOL: Steps lead down from the A76. Ideal for fly fishing or spinning when the water is at the right height - about 2½ ft.
COW POOL: A wonderful spot to spend a day’s fishing, with the timber coming right down to the river’s edge. A long narrow pool running for about 150 metres. Very rocky underfoot which makes wading very difficult, but can be done with a wading stick. A very good Salmon holding pool. One of the best pools on the beat.
OTTER POOL: The last pool on the beat. Ideal for spinning. A very good Salmon holding pool. Fishing from a high rock face. Wading is out on this one. Access is from the quarry on the A76. You can fish this pool at any height of water. NITH LINNS
4 5.2 CASTLE UPPER BEAT Fly fishing preferred. Spinning permitted at River Manager’s discretion.
BELL POOL: Not as deep as it appears, and hard to work the fly adequately.
IVY LIE: Best over 2 ft when it is one of the best pools on the beat.
MERMAID’S POOL: Deceptively shallow except immediately under and above the rock. Fish tend to congregate above the rock on south side, and as water falls move up to the Nith Linns.
BRIDGE POOL: Fish tend to lie tight into far bank and below centre pier. Spins well.
PRIEST’S POOL: Fish lie on the east side and in lower water. There are a number of intriguing lies.
BUGHT’S POOL: Fish lie in the east side in lower water. A gravel strand runs down the centre of the river from fallen beech stump to SEPA hut. In higher water beware as the weight of water will prevent you retracing your steps. A deep gully on the south side will ensure a damp exit.
DOVECOTE KNOWE POOL: The best pool on the beat at any height and one of the few holding stretches. Only fishable from the east bank.
UPPER BEAT
5 5.3 CASTLE MIDDLE BEAT Maximum of five rods. Fly fishing preferred. Spinning permitted at the River Manager’s discretion.
ISLA HOLM STREAM: Not much use for holding Salmon, but a good stream for Trout / Sea Trout. Best fished from the west side.
CROWBANK POOL: Good Salmon holding pool. Gravel bed on west side of the river. Best fished from west side. Good fast stream between Crowbank Pool and Lower Crowbank Pool. Good for Sea Trout. Fish with fly from west side.
LOWER CROWBANK POOL: Good Salmon holding pool. Not much good for the fly fisher, but very good for spinning.
STEPPING STONES POOL: Good for Salmon / Sea Trout. Best fished from west side of river.
TIBBERS CASTLE POOL: This pool was made in 1996. Looks good for holding Salmon. Fly could be best bet. Best fished from west side of river.
MORTON POOL: Yet another pool made in 1996. Again, could be good for holding Salmon / Sea Trout. Fish either fly or spinner. Fish this spot from the west side.
WILLOWHOLM POOL: This is a really good Salmon pool. A good strong stream running into a large holding pool which is good for both fly fishing or for spinning. Half way down there is a ledge of rock on the west side of the river. Gravel bed on the east side. Best fished from the east.
SANDY FLATS POOL: Very good for Trout / Sea Trout. Deep pool between the two groins which is good for holding Salmon. Spin this area. The rest of the pool is best for the fly fisher. Always best fished from the Carronbridge side.
The entire Middle Beat can be booked for exclusive use (for up to five rods). Contact the Estate Office to MIDDLE BEAT check availability and to book. 6 5.4 CASTLE LOWER BEAT Maximum of five rods. Fly fishing preferred. Spinning permitted at the River Manager’s discretion.
CARRONFOOT POOL: One of the best pools on the river. Fish seem to lie on the far bank of the river. Good for either fly or spinning. Always fish from Tibbers side.
QUARRY POOL: Good fast stream that runs from the corner for about 100 metres. Excellent for fly fishing, the next 100 metres is more of a spinning pool. Ledge of rock runs up through middle of this part. Fish tend to lie along the side of this. Good gravel bed on the Tibbers side of the river. Fish from here.
WHITEHILL POOL: This pool is best fished from the east side of the river. Good for either fly or spinning. Large rocks on the Tibbers side of the river where the fish tend to lie.
BULLOCKHOLM POOL: This is probably the best pool LOWER BEAT on the river at the present time. Fish from the rocks at the top end right through. Either fly or spin. You can fish is pool from either side, but best with the fly from the east side of the river from Waterside Farm.
DOCTOR’S POOL: Fish tend to lie on the far bank of the river. Fish right through to the last groin where fish tend to lie on lower side. Gravel bed on the Tibbers side so fish from here.
VIRGIN POOL: The last pool on the beat. Best with the fly for the first 100 metres. Row of Alders on the Tibbers side makes fishing quite difficult, but the last 100 metres is ideal for spinning. Good Salmon / Sea Trout stream.
The entire Lower Beat can be booked for exclusive use (for up to five rods). Contact the Estate Office to check availability and to book.
5.5 BOATFORD BEAT Fly fishing, spinning and worming allowed at any height.
BRIDGE POOL and ELLARS: Access from the A702 on the Penpont side of Boatford Bridge.
MATHERS: Also accessed from the Penpont side of Boatford Bridge. Mathers is best fished from this side as the river banking on the opposite side is very steep.
SEWAGE POOL and KELLOCKS: Accessed from Banking Gate. This is good easy water.
7 CARRONBRIDGE Burnhead
CAMPLE FOOT: Accessed from the track at THORNHILL P Blawplain or from Kirkbog. Best fished from the Start of Beat PENPONT Blawplain side but can be fished from both sides. DUMFRIES
Banking MATHIES: Also accessed from the track at Gate P Blawplain or from Kirkbog. CAMPLE WATER
P NEW HOLE, CRAN POOL, LAKE FOOT and Kirkbog P PENPONT SCAUR FOOT: Best accessed from Blawplain. Blawplain
KEIR Fishing Hut MILL ROCK POOL and RED BROOS. From the car
SCAUR parking area at Scaurfoot, fishers have to cross WATER P the Scaur Water to fish the lower water. THIS MUST NOT BE ATTEMPTED IN HIGH WATER. Alternative access available from Porterstown Porterstown Farm P Farm by crossing two fields. Double bank fishing available. BOATFORD BEAT End of Beat Parking P Track AULDGIRTH Private Fishing
6. RIVER SCAUR
Glenmanna Start of Beat Fly fishing, spinning and worming as appropriate according to water conditions. The River Scaur is a Chanlockfoot tributary of the River Nith with both double and single bank fishing. It is Druidhall split into 2 parts:
Arkland 1. From Glenmanna Bridge,
Auchenhessane downstream to just north of Camling, Penpont. Burnhead Laight THORNHILL 2. A second stretch from just below PENPONT PENPONT Start of Beat End of Beat Penpont, downstream to where the Camling river joins the Nith near Keir.
P Morton r iv a Holm t e The Scaur water gets good runs of F is h P in Salmon and Sea Trout from early June g Blawplain KEIR to the end of July. The River Manager MILL will be happy to provide guidance and further information on request.
End of Beat NITH SCAUR BEAT AULDGIRTH Parking P Grayling fishing is not permitted on Private Fishing the River Scaur. 8 7. SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
We offer various Season Tickets covering all types of River Fishing. See separate pricing sheet for details. 8. CHAPMAN CUP The Chapman Cup is awarded for the first Salmon caught of the season. The angler will be presented by our River Manager with a bottle of Malt Whisky and their name will be engraved on the cup, which will be displayed at the Estate Office. A picture and weight must be brought to the Estate Office or shown to our River Manager to be considered for the cup. 9. LOCHS 9.1 STARBURN LOCH (6 RODS) Three acre loch. Best fished from the boat set in tranquil surroundings. Stocked with Rainbow Trout. The loch lies within the adjacent woodlands of Drumlanrig Castle and is often the loch of choice for our regular clientele.
9.2 SLATEHOUSE LOCH (6 RODS) Two acre easily accessed loch, stocked with Rainbow Trout, in the parkland of Drumlanrig Castle with piers to provide good bank fishing, making this the ideal venue for a family day out or for the novice fisher.
9.3 MORTON CASTLE LOCH (10 RODS) An eight acre loch stocked with Rainbow Trout and accessed by boat or from the bank. The loch lies a few miles to the east of Drumlanrig Castle, the ancestral seat of the Earl of Morton.
9.4 KETTLETON LOCH (30 RODS) A 25 acre loch stocked with Rainbow Trout, providing good bank fishing.
9.5 HILLHEAD LOCH (15 RODS) A two and a half acre loch stocked with Tench and Carp, providing good bank fishing.
9 10. TERMS & CONDITIONS 10.1 RIVER FISHING River Nith • Salmon season: 25 February to 30 November (excluding Sundays). • Sea Trout / Brown Trout season: 1 April to 30 September
Grayling season: 1 December to 31 March including Sundays.
River Scaur season: Fishing on the River Scaur opens on 1 April and closes on 30 September. No fishing is permitted at any time beyond Glenmanna Bridge. The waters above Arkland Bridge close on 16 August. No Grayling fishing is permitted on the Scaur.
In an effort to prevent introduction of the Gyrodactylus Salaris parasite to the river system fishers are required to thoroughly clean and treat tackle, waders and fishing equipment in accordance with the Scottish Executive Guidelines before taking access to the river. An information leaflet can be obtained from:
• SEERAD: 0131 244 6225 | www.scotland.gov.uk • DEFRA: 08459 335577 | www.defra.gov.uk • Welsh Assembly Government Agriculture and Fisheries: 02920 823567 www.wales.gov.uk
Terms and conditions for river catches will be varied in line with Government Directives as and when initiated. Any changes will be publicised as far as possible.
10.2 LOCH FISHING Loch fishing is available all year round, seven days a week.
10.3 PRICES / BOOKINGS Please see the price list enclosed with this brochure. All prices are inclusive of VAT. You can book fishing by phoning the Estate Office, Fishing Desk (01848 600415) during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm). Outwith the times, you can contact the River Manager (07765 002142).
No River Board Licences or other charges are required in Scotland.
10 All river fishing booked will be liable for a 50% deposit on booking and all loch fishing booked will be liable for a 25% deposit on booking. Deposits are non-refundable. The balance will be due 6 weeks prior to date of fishing. Any bookings made within 6 weeks of fishing date to be paid in full at time of booking. Payment accepted by cheque, debit/credit card or cash. Cheques to be payable to Buccleuch Estates Ltd.
The Estate cannot accept any responsibility for cancellation of bookings due to bad weather. It is therefore recommended that appropriate cancellation insurance is taken out.
10.4 PERMITS Booking confirmation / permits should be carried while fishing and must be shown on request. If the maximum number of Rods on the water is not allocated, Buccleuch Estates reserve the right to assign these Rods. Drumlanrig Castle reserves the right for two Rods to fish at any time. This is exercised only occasionally, and every effort will be made to contact the customer should this intention be known beforehand.
10.5 RETURNS It is a statutory requirement to record accurate returns of fish caught and so customers are particularly requested to be punctilious in making these returns (including Nil Returns), which should be submitted to the Estate Office. This can be done by entering details on the permit and returning it to the Estate Office, phoning the fishing desk on 01848 600415, emailing [email protected], or by texting our River Manager (07765 002142). When the office is closed, returns should be deposited in the red mail box attached to the front wall of the Estate Office.
Failure to submit returns will result in future booking requests being declined. Season ticket holders who fail to submit returns each month will have their permits withdrawn.
10.6 CATCH LIMIT RIVER: • Salmon/Grilse: Catch policy will be in accordance with Scottish Government guidelines and subject to change. The current policy and catch limits will be advised at the time of booking. • Sea Trout: Anglers can retain two Sea Trout of 3lb or below per day, per rod. • Brown Trout: From 1 October to 31 March all Brown Trout must be returned. • Grayling: Grayling should be retuned. 11 LOCH: Rods are permitted to keep the first two Rainbow Trout caught with a day fishing permit. Thereafter fishing is on a catch and release basis only. All Brown Trout caught between 1 October and 31 March must be returned.
CHILDREN: In all instances, for a child fishing, the maximum number of fish to be kept is one per permit.
When returning fish this should be done as quickly as possible with the minimum of handling.
10.7 METHODS OF FISHING River: Fly fishing is preferred, but worm fishing may be allowed at the discretion of the River Manager. Bait can be used for Grayling fishing. Fishers may not use more than two hooks when worm fishing and only then if the hooks are tied in close proximity on a single strand of line. Hooks shall not exceed 13mm in length and 7mm gape. Natural prawns or shrimps may not be used as bait or carried on the water at any time. During the whole season all gravid or stale fish must be returned to the river immediately with as little damage as possible.
Flies, lures, etc: The use of a gaff is prohibited.
Salmon: Red or Orange Ally’s Shrimp tied on a double hook in sizes 8, 6 or 4. Other suitable flies are Stoat’s Tail, Hairy Mary, Yellow Dog, Blue Charm andBrown Turkey. These should be mostly around size No 6. In high water a 2” Yellow Dog is suggested.
Sea Trout: Peter Ross, Greenwell’s Glory, Medium Olive and Black Spider. The usual size being No. 12 and 14 but at night up to size 10 may be required. For spinning, a Devon or Blue Silver Minnow is recommended.
Grayling: Bait can be used.
Lochs: Fly fishing only is with barbless hooks.
12 10.8 FISHING ROD HIRE A limited supply of fishing rods are available for hire and must be pre-booked with the Estate Office.
10.9 ACCESS Access and parking facilities are shown on the plans. All gates are to be left as found and roads must be unobstructed. Vehicles may not be driven across agricultural land. Dogs will not be permitted to accompany fishers except by prior arrangement with the Estate Office or River Manager, and only then if they are kept under close control at all times. This is necessary because of the presence of stock in the majority of fields adjoining the river. No fires may be lit. Please do not leave any litter anywhere.
10.10 FISHING HUTS & BOATS A fishing hut accessed using a combination lock is available for some river beats and lochs. The code for the lock will be included in the booking confirmation. Goods left in the huts during the course of the day are left at the owner’s risk.
Please ensure huts are left in a good condition. Any damage to the huts should be reported to the River Manager or Estate Office. Boats are available on two of the lochs at an additional cost (see pricelist for details). At the end of the day, the boat must be returned to the boat house, which must be securely locked and barred, before the Rods leave. Life jackets are provided and must be worn when fishing from a boat. Boat fishing - no more than three people permitted per boat at any given time. Any defect or damage to the boat or boathouse should be reported immediately so that repairs can be effected.
10.11 ACCIDENTS Fishing customers will use the boats, boathouses, stiles, crossing places, access routes, parking spaces, fishing huts and paths at their own risk and no responsibility will be accepted by Buccleuch Estates for any loss, damage, accident or injury which may be sustained and which may be due to the use of the above facilities. If an accident occurs, customers are required to inform the Estate Office and an incident form must be completed.
10.12 GHILLIE / TUITION If a fishing customer would like the services of a Ghillie or Tutor (for an additional fee), this should be organised with the River Manager who can answer any queries or offer advice on the beats. Independent Ghillies or Tutors are not permitted without prior permission of the River Manager who can be contacted on 07765 002142. If a fishing customer is unfamiliar with the river and wishes to be shown the pools for a short time at the beginning of their fishing let, they should ask for this three weeks beforehand when the neccessary arrangements can be made. If a Ghillie is retained, there is no such necessity as the Ghillie will be fully familiar with the water.
13 Find your adventure... Whether your idea of adventure is mountain biking, a Land Rover tour, discovering new art, history or a zip wire, we have it covered here at Drumlanrig. Plus a Tearoom and Shop after all that hard work.
www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk
ADDITIONAL SPORT Drumlanrig provides a wide variety of other sporting and outdoor activities including driven and walked-up shooting and gundog training.
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