About

Castle Loch is a natural, two-hundred-acre loch situated in a nature reserve in Lochmaben, South West Scotland, and is widely regarded as Scotland's premier specimen coarse fishery. The loch is not a commercial fishery — it holds wild, natural fish in exceptional condition and fishes at its own pace, rewarding patient and skilled anglers with some of the finest coarse fishing available anywhere in the UK. The surrounding scenery and wildlife are outstanding, with the loch offering superb birdwatching and a recently installed walking path that runs almost the full way around the water. The fishery holds the Scottish Record Tench and Scottish Record Bream, and has previously held the Scottish Record Carp — making it the only fishery in Scotland to have held three national records simultaneously. Tench exceeding 10lb have been landed, with 7lb specimens considered common. Bream fishing is among the best in Britain. Carp are present to 28lb 4oz — not easy to catch but a serious proposition for dedicated anglers, with most fish running over 20lb. Pike to 30lb are also present, alongside specimen roach and perch. The average stamp of fish across the loch is 7lb, with a genuine chance of a double figure specimen on any visit. Castle Loch is the first Scottish coarse fishery to offer the services of a Wheelyboat, providing accessible fishing for anglers with disabilities. A team of fully qualified professional angling coaches is available if required, and the fishery has taken a leading role in coaching clients with special needs through its partnership with PAA Scotland and the Barony Angling Academy. Fishing is managed by independent water bailiffs and operates on a day permit system — permits must be purchased prior to fishing and are available online, from the Post Office in Lochmaben, or from Halleaths Caravan Park. All permits run midnight to midnight. Season permits are available directly from the fishery managers. Fishing is free for Lochmaben residents.

Castle Loch Fishery

Dumfries and Galloway, ScotlandDirectory Listing

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About

Facilities

Disabled Access

Coaching

Species

Carp
Tench
Bream
Roach
Perch
Pike

Tactics & Tips

Natural loch — rewards patience. Average fish 7lb with genuine double figure specimens likely. Carp not easy but most run over 20lb. Tench to 10lb+ with 7lb fish common. Bailiffs on site for local knowledge.