I have changed my way of working now partly in response to my clients needs and partly beacause I have had a
sneaking suspicion for some time that beginners and people here on holiday have different needs than
those who are already proficient fishermen who need simply a "guide who knows the water" I have found
that new techniques and casts such as double handed Spey casting are better learned in smaller chunks.
So I now recommend 2 four hour sessions rather than a full day. This means that you have all of the advantages
of being fresh to the lesson on the first day and don't get over tired, you then have all evening and
overnight for the brain to process the new stuff and are then fresh again for a top up on the second
day, this re-enforces what is learned on the first day and can often lead to more things being covered
on the second. Sometimes this is not convenient due to available time so I now offer 6 hour sessions for those wishing to cover Spey casting specifically and those wanting to have some fishing time with me following their casting lesson.
Fishing on a spate river or hidden Scottish loch requires different approaches and casts than those
you might use with short lines and tiny flies on a southern chalk stream. Much of the fishing is easily
accessible but not of the comfy lodge and manicured lawns variety of many southern venues. I have chosen
to work mainly on waters which I think are ideal both for safety and lovely surroundings for those
fishermen who want to fish in Scotland and learn some new things but are a little wary of being "chucked
in at the deep end" The great rivers Spey, Tay, Tweed etc are obvious destinations and ideal for those
with lots of experience, money and happy to stand chest deep in big waters, but for those used to more
gentle fishing, the rivers and lochs I use are chosen specifically to give confidence and a less scary
introduction to salmon, seatrout and loch fishing. Not everyone wants commando fishing!
Here in Galloway we are just a few miles from the sea, This means our rivers are true Spate Rivers
reliant on fresh water to allow the fish to enter the rivers and make their way up to spawning grounds. Damsel fly fishing will choose the river in the most suitable
condition for your skill level, our aim being for you to learn to, or improve your Spey casting in the
safest way with the best chances of catching fish, though it must be noted that although we can increase
your skill levels we cannot influence the weather!
About the local rivers.
The River Urr
At 35 miles long offers pleasant fishing in lovely pastoral surroundings. The river is open until the end of
November though these days November is no longer very productive. It is my favourite local wild brown trout
river. Weather permitting it offers good sport from Mid April to end of June and if not too hot through to
the end of July, as the salmon parr come into the main part of the river the trout become a little harder to
find but can still offer some good fun.
Although as with most Scottish rivers the sea trout run is a shadow of it's former glory the Urr still
provides sport from April onwards and they can be found even in the uppermost reaches. I have been exploring
trout holding areas with some success. This is one of my rivers of choice for beginners and experienced
fishermen alike. Permits are available from McCowans in Castle Douglas or Dalbeattie. Annual memberships can
also be obtained from the secretary giving access to both river and Buittle loch for 2023.
Each year at the beginning of the season I spend some time walking the beats to spot where fish are holding
out
The following pictures are some of the results. All fish were safely returned.
Brown Trout caught on the River Urr
Salmon in the River Urr
The River Tarf which is a tributary of the Bladnoch is also a favourite brown trout water with
smaller but plenty of trout free rising to dry fly. There is also the possibility of a salmon.
The Cree
The Cree is mainly a grilse river and is heavily dependant on water levels. There are Sea trout available in
the lower system around May time. I use mainly the NSAA stretch as it has access to both banks and a variety
of different water flows. The river Minnoch runs into the Cree and is a stunningly
beautiful stretch of water holding some good quality brown trout and decent salmon runs when the water is
high enough.
The River Nith
The Nith runs through Dumfries and is a true spate river with some lovely stretches offering brown trout, sea
trout, salmon and Grayling fishing. I have access to the lovely private stretch at Blackwood which is a
brilliant teaching stretch as it gives access to both banks with clear gravel behind and good width for spey
casting
Dalbeattie Loch
This is a lovely loch in spectacular scenery hidden in the hills above Dalbeattie, It has been closed for
some years but the great news is that it will be back open in March 2020 when the new season starts.
Buittle Loch Rainbow
A Happy Family with their catches
A Happy Client
Brown Trout caught on the Nith
First day out, first fish.
A typical day will start at around 10.00am either at our fishing venue or a convenient meeting place
where we can then proceed to the water. If you require some instruction we will start with an in depth
explanation about the lines and flies we use and how they work. I also run through various safety
factors you should take into account.
Another happy couple on their first day out together.
I will then take a look at your casting technique if you have some experience already, or start you off
from the beginning. This generally takes around an hour and a half if there is one of you, or longer if
two of you, and is always done with just a tag of wool, for safety. When you feel ready we will start
fishing for real with a fly.
First day fishing, first brown trout
A nice days work on the river for some absolute beginners.
I suggest you bring a picnic lunch if spending the day as we may be some distance from amenities.
In the afternoon we get down to some serious fishing, all along I will be on hand to make suggestions
on how to tackle certain problems arising, either through adverse wind conditions or perhaps access to
the water. I will suggest which flies would work and where fish might be caught, much of this day is
about reading the water, learning about fish behaviour and what the natural flies would be doing at what
time of day.
My aim throughout is to make the experience informative and above all fun.
The above photo's are all from guided days out with clients, some on rivers, some on small still
waters.
The advantages of having tuition with me are many.
Beginners will benefit from practical high quality tuition geared to steady progression of ability
throughout the day, taking into account weather conditions, casting obstacles, and seasonal insect
hatches.
My experience of specific waters can give a higher chance of catching fish and less time wasted fishing
in unproductive stretches of water.
As an Advanced Instructor I can help to iron out any casting 'bad habits' acquired by self taught
clients, help to correct faults causing pain in back, shoulder or arm.
Ladies often prefer to spend the day learning a new sport with another lady.
I am keen to inject plenty of fun into the day, these days are geared to learning and enjoying the
countryside, away from the pressures of work.
Spey Casting 6 hours
One Person - £190.00. Two People -
£310.00. Three People - £380.00. (Maximum of 3 people in total)
4 hours
One Person - £110.00. Two People - £190.00. Three
People - £230.00. (Maximum of 3 people in total)
For 4 or more people please call or email me for a quote.
Fishing permits are extra as the price varies depending on the water used and the time of
year.
