DRUMLANRIG FISHINGS River, Loch and Pond Fishing
Queensberry Estate | Drumlanrig Mains, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway, DG3 4AG Tel: 01848 600415 | Email: [email protected] | www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk 1. DRUMLANRIG FISHINGS Drumlanrig Fishings have increased from and is signposted from the M74 (J14 previous years and now cover a 10.5 mile southbound) and A702 at Abington and stretch of the River Nith on the Duke of Elvanfoot. Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate. This The River Nith is the largest river in includes a 7 mile stretch that has been Dumfries and Galloway, and has an carefully managed for generations as established reputation for the quality of the private waters of Drumlanrig Castle, its salmon and sea trout. On its long and the magnificent home of Their Graces, winding journey, the river travels from its the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and source at New Cumnock in Ayrshire, to Queensberry. The 17th Century pink its mouth at the Solway. sandstone castle provides a spendid backdrop to the river, which is at its Over the years, the average weight of most attractive where it runs through the salmon caught has been around 8lb grounds of the Estate. In addition, we now although fish over 20lb are not unusual. offer fishing on part of the River Scaur, Grilse can average 4-5lb, Sea Trout which is a tributary of the River Nith. 2lb and Grayling 2lb. The Sea Trout fishing is best in the summer months The lochs and ponds are all located near while the height of the Salmon season Thornhill in a glorious countryside setting spans September through to the end of on the Estate. Thornhill is a small market November. Unlike many other rivers, the town which serves a large rural district and Salmon season runs from 25th February is situated 15 miles north west of Dumfries. until 30th November. Grayling fishing The Estate is located just off the A76 runs from 1st December to 31st March.
2 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, with greater runs throughout the season up to and including November. Sea Trout also run early and can be expected in quantity from May onwards whilst Grayling run 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 2 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 has been added this year and runs for 3.5 miles below the Lower Beat with a number of streams and pools. 3 miles of this beat provide double bank fishing. The River Scaur fishing comprises 8 miles of double bank fishing plus 1/2 mile of single bank fishing. Fishing on the Nith Linns, Castle Upper Beat, Boatford Beat and Scaur Beat is by way of a combined permit and these combined stretches of water are referred to as the Mid Nithsdale Beat.
For any enquiries regarding the status of the river or specific information on fishing please contact Rab Kerr, River Manager (Tel 07765 002142). For the latest catch returns and river conditions, please visit www.fishnith.co.uk or www.rivernithfishings.co.uk. BOOKINGS: We offer availability online via the FishNith website (www.fishnith.co.uk) or by contacting the FishPal call centre on 01573 470612. From 2015, bookings can also be made directly with the Estate Office or, outwith normal office hours, either at the Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, Thornhill or with the River Manager. 3. ACCOMODATION Our preferred partner, the Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel in Thornhill, is able to offer breaks including fishing and other rural pursuits. In addition, day fishing permits may be bought at the hotel. www.bqahotel.com | 01848 323101 3 4. RIVER NITH BEATS
4.1 Nith Linns Fly fishing preferred, spinning and worming possible HELLS CAULDRON POOL: Steps from the A76 take you down on to 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 (4.1) NITH LINNS 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.
4 4. RIVER NITH BEATS
4.2 UPPER BEAT
Fly fishing preferred. Spinning permitted at Ghillie’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 north side and in lower water. There are a number of intriguing lies. (4.2) UPPER BEAT BUGHT’S POOL: Fish lie in the north 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 holdingstretches. Only fishable from the north bank.
5 4.3 MIDDLE BEAT
Fly fishing preferred. Spinning permitted at Ghillie’s discretion.
ISLA HOLM STREAM: Not much use for holding salmon but a good stream for trout / sea trout. Fish this from either 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 west.
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 Morton Mill side.
6 4. RIVER NITH BEATS 4.4 LOWER BEAT Maximum of five rods. Fly fishing preferred. Spinning permitted at Ghillie’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. BULLOCKHOLM POOL: This is probably the best pool on the river at the present time. Fish from the rocks at the top end right through. Either fly or spin. You can fish this 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 this side. 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. 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. The entire Lower Beat can be booked for exclusive use (for up to 5 rods). Contact the Estate Office to check availability and to book. 4.5 Boatford Beat Fly fishing, spinning and worming as appropriate according to water conditions. 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 the left bank as the river banking on the right bank is very steep. SEWAGE POOL and KELLOCKS: Accessed from Banking Gate. This is good easy water. CAMPLE FOOT: Accessed from the track at Blawplain or from Kirkbog. Best fished from the left bank but can also be fished from the right bank. MATHIES: Also accessed from the track at Blawplain or from Kirkbog. Best fished from the opposite bank.
NEW HOLE, CRAN POOL, LAKE FOOT and SCAUR FOOT: Accessed from Blawplain or from Kirkbog
ROCK POOL and RED BROOS, From the car parking area at Scaurfoot, fishers have to cross the Scaur Water to fish the lower water.. THIS MUST NOT BE ATTEMPTED IN HIGH WATER. Alternative access available from Porterstown Farm by crossing 2 fields. Double bank fishing available 7 (4.3) MIDDLE BEAT | (4.4) LOWER BEAT
8 5. RIVER SCAUR BEAT
Fly fishing, spinning and worming as appropriate according to water conditions. The River Scaur is tributary of the River Nith with both double and single bank fishing it is split into 2 parts:
1. From Glenmanna Bridge, downstream to just north of Camling, Penpont
2. A second stretch from just below Penpont, downstream to where the river joins the Nith near Keir.
The Scaur water gets good runs of Salmon and Sea Trout from early June to the end of July. The River Manager will be happy to provide guidance and further information on request.
9 (4.5) BOATFORD BEAT | (5) SCAUR BEAT
CARRONBRIDGE Burnhead
THORNHILL Glenmanna Start of Beat P Start of Beat PENPONT DUMFRIES Chanlockfoot
Banking P Gate Druidhall CAMPLE WATER Arkland
P Kirkbog Auchenhessane P PENPONT Burnhead Laight Blawplain THORNHILL
KEIR Fishing Hut PENPONT MILL PENPONT Start of Beat End of Beat Camling SCAUR WATER P
P Morton r iv a Holm t e F is h P in g Blawplain KEIR Porterstown MILL Farm P
End of Beat NITH BOATFORD BEAT End of Beat SCAUR BEAT AULDGIRTH Parking P Parking P Track Private Fishing AULDGIRTH Private Fishing
10 6. LOCHS All lochs (5) are stocked with quality Rainbow Trout and are located near Thornhill and set within glorious countryside on the Estate of the Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry, KBE
6.1 Morton Castle Loch (10 Rods)
Eight acre loch stocked with Rainbow Trout. The loch lies a few miles to the east of Drumlanrig Castle, the ancestral seat of the Earl of Morton.
6.2 Starburn Loch (4 Rods)
Three acre loch stocked with Rainbow Trout. The loch lies within the surrounding woodlands of Drumlanrig Castle
6.3 Slatehouse Loch (4 Rods)
Two acre loch stocked with Rainbow Trout in the parkland of Drumlanrig Castle with piers to provide good bank fishing.
6.4 Farthingbank Loch (3 Rods)
Two acre loch stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout within the woodlands behind Drumlanrig Mains providing good bank fishing.
6.5 Hillhead Loch (3 Rods)
2.5 acre loch stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout within the woodlands behind Drumlanrig Mains providing good bank fishing. 7. PONDS
7.1 Morton Pond (7 Rods) One acre pond stocked with tench a few miles to the east of Drumlanrig Castle, close to Morton Castle
7.2 Dabton Pond (10 Rods) One acre pond stocked with tench a mile to the north of Thornhill in the Dabton Woodland.
11 8. TERMS & CONDITIONS
8.1 River Fishing
River Nith Salmon / Trout season 25th February to 30th November (excluding Sundays). Grayling season 1st December to 31st March. Fishing on the River Scaur opens on 1st April and closes on 30th September. No fishing is permitted at any time beyond Glenmanna Bridge or within 100 metres of Glenmarlin Falls. The waters above Arkland Bridge close on 16th August. Employees of the Queensberry Estate are permitted to fish on all beats. Fishing customers have priority on the pools within the Castle Beats and employees are requested to move if a customer arrives to fish a particular pool on these stretches. 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
8.2 Loch & Pond Fishing
Loch Fishing season (including Coarse Fishing on Ponds) 1st March to 30th November (including Sundays).
8.3 Prices / Bookings
See attached price list. All prices are inclusive of VAT. TYou can book fishing on line at www.fishnith.co.uk or by phoning the Estate Office, Fishing Desk (01848 600415). Alternatively you can contact the River Manager (07765 002142) or the FishPal call centre (01573 470612). The Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel in Thornhill will also be pleased to take bookings for day tickets in person or arrange accommodation and fishing packages (01848 332101; www.bqahotel.com). No River Board Licences or other charges are required in Scotland.
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.
8.4 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.
12 8.5 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. Out of hours returns should be deposited in the red mail box attached to the front wall of the building.
8.6 Catch Limit
River: Rods are not permitted to kill more than 2 Salmon (including Grilse). Thereafter all fish should be returned as quickly as possible with the minimum of handling. It is strictly prohibited to take, destroy or injure smolt and fry of Salmon. Grayling are strictly catch and release. We operate a catch & release policy for Sea Trout therefore all Sea Trout (including Herling) must be returned.
Loch: Rods are permitted to kill the first 2 fish caught with a day fishing permit. Thereafter fishing is on a catch and release basis only.
Pond: Catch and release only.
In all instances, for a childs fishing, the maximum number of fish to be kept is one per permit.
8.7 Methods of fishing
River: Fly fishing is preferred. Bait can be used for Grayling fishing. Spinning is not permitted when the gauge at the Drumlanrig Bridge registers below 1ft (except in the deeper, slower moving pools). Otherwise, it is at the discretion of the Ghillie, depending on water conditions. Worm fishing is only permitted on the Castle Beats when the River is running above 2½ ft at the Drumlanrig Bridge gauge and is permitted in the Linns, the Boatford Beat and on the Scaur Beat at all heights throughout the season. The weights used by fishermen shall not exceed two pieces of No.1 shot. Fishermen may not use more than 2 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 minnow, artificial or 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 and Brown 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 permitted with barbless hooks. Please do not leave any litter anywhere. 13 8.8 Access
Access and parking facilities are shown on the plans. All gates are to be closed and roads must be unobstructed. Vehicles may not be driven across agricultural land. Dogs will not be permitted to accompany fishermen 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.
8.9 Fishing Huts & Boats
A fishing hut accessed using a combination lock is available for Nith Linns, the Castle Beats plus some 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 some 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. Any defect or damage to the boat or boathouse should be reported immediately so that repairs can be effected.
8.10 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.
8.11 Ghillie / Tuition
If a fishing customer wishes the services of a Ghillie or Tutor (at an extra cost), then this should be organised with the River Manager, who can answer any queries or offer advice on the beats. He can be contacted on Mobile 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 his fishing let, he should ask for this facility at least three weeks beforehand when the necessary arrangements can be made. If a Ghillie is retained, then there is no such necessity as he will be fully familiar with the water.
14 Whatever your idea of fun, from racing down mountain bike trails to watching your kids monkeying about in the adventure playground, the Castle has more activities than you can shake a stick at. If you love nature, there’s plenty to keep you enthralled as you walk along the way-marked paths or pedal the off-road cycle trails. You can enjoy off-road adventure of a different kind with Landrover tours of the estate.
Drumlanrig Castle | Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, DG3 4AQ 01848 331 555 | [email protected] | www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk
FISHING AT OUR OTHER ESTATES
Fish the River Fish the Esk Ettrick and Liddle
01750 20753 bowhillhouse.co.uk 01387 380 202 fishtweed.co.uk fishborderesk.co.uk
15 ADDITIONAL SPORT Drumlanrig provides a wide variety of other sporting and outdoor activities including driven and walked-up shooting and gundog training.
roxtons.com chapelfarmdogfood.co.uk 01488 689 788 01848 600 402