Country Pursuits - Fishing

Dalswinton offers a range of rural pursuits and there is certainly truth in the fact that Dumfriesshire is “The Best Kept Secret” — Dalswinton will not disappoint in what it has to offer.

Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing on the River Nith

Dalswinton Estate has 2 miles of single (East) bank fishing on the River Nith. It commences at the Pump House just below the bridge at Auldgirth and extends down to the Railway Viaduct at Portrack. This is known as mid Nithsdale and has a long season running from 25th February to 30th November.

Salmon fishing on the Nith has remained constant over the years. The recent 5 year catch has been 1,347 with an average weight of 8.3 lbs. The river is noted for the notorious run of salmon during the months of September through to November, when larger fish, known as the Greyback salmon may be caught and it is not unknown to net a fish of 20lbs plus. In 2004, 283 Salmon were caught with good runs of fish in July and August and the regular runs took place between September and October. The record fish is one of 64lbs caught on Barjarg Estate, just upstream from Dalswinton.

Sea Trout Fishing — whilst there are no longer catches of 7000 plus for the season, as in the early 60’s, there is still a good 5 year average of 2000 caught. It is not uncommon to catch a fish of 3-5lb and each season those of up to 12lb are landed. The largest sea trout ever taken from the Nith weighed 18lb. These sporting fish run early in the season and may be caught in March and April, but the main runs are from the end of May dropping off in September.

In general, this particularly attractive stretch of the River offers great variation and presents the best opportunity to cover fish in low, as well as high conditions.

Tight Lines!

Tariff for 2005

Grayling Fishing: 1st Dec to 31st March £5

Salmon & Sea Trout: 2Sth Feb to 30th April £15

1st May to 31st August £25
1st Sept to 30th September £45
1st Oct to 31st Oct £55
1st Nov to 30th Nov £45

• Prices are quoted per rod per day
• The day runs from 6am to 5.55am
• There are 12 rods available per day
• Full payment is necessary to confirm the booking
• Ghillie may be arranged on request

Night Sea Trout Fishing: £20 per night from 9pm to 6am

For information, booking and permits contact:

Dougie Smith

Brandyburn Farm

Auldgirth

DG2 OXR

Tel: (01387) 740548

Mobile: 07738 015793

e-mail: dalswintonsalmonfishing@btopenworld.com

Trout Fishing on the Drum Loch

The 6 acre Drum Loch was created in 1996 in what was, previously, the Drum Meadow. In 2003, it was developed into a trout fishery by Andy Ross. He stocks the Loch every
week and rainbow trout from 2lb up to 14lb may be landed. The Loch itself lies at the heart of the Estate and provides wonderful surroundings from which to enjoy a good day's sport. The fishing is from the bank and there are over 24 different places to fish from.

The cost is £15 per rod for 3 fish or you can buy a sporting ticket for £10.

For information and booking contact:

Andy Ross
Roads Cottages
Dalswinton
DG1 1TG
Tel: (01387) 740573
Mobile: 07803 228664