Fishing in Dumfries

Fishing tickets will be on sale from Monday 14 February 2022

CALL 030 33 33 3000 to apply

We manage fishing on the Nith and Cairn in Dumfries Burgh. Restrictions apply.

COVID-19 UPDATE ON FISHING

IMPORTANT NOTE -whilst we may issue a ticket to fish, responsibility for adhering to all relevant Government guidance, social distancing and ensuring it is permissible for you to travel and participate in fishing lies solely with the applicant at no liability to our Council or the Common Good.   YOU MUST NOT FISH IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

Boundaries

Dumfries Burgh waters extend for 8 miles but most fishing activity takes place on:

• River Cairn - 400 yards above Newbridge to the River Nith
• River Nith - 300 yards above Martinton Bridge to the estuary

The Nith has about 20 named pools and the Cairn about 15. The mix of pools is suitable for fly, spinning and worming.

• Download the fishing map [PDF - 190.38KB]

Season

• Sea trout - 25 February to 30 November 
• Brown trout - 15 March to 6 October
• Salmon - 25 February to 30 November (except Sundays) Mandatory Catch and Release
• Grayling - 1 December to 23 February

Regulations and restrictions

In addition to the Dumfries Common Good Regulations, all Government guidance around COVID-19 must be strictly adhered to and followed.

We have also adopted the Nith Conservation Policy (previously the Angling Code).

• Dumfries Common Good Fishing Regulations 2022 [PDF - 504.83KB]
• NDSFB Conservation Policy 2022 [PDF - 144.96KB]
• Common Good GRAYLING Regulations [PDF - 229.69KB]

A condition of the fishing ticket is for the return of all catch data. This helps support the collection of data for conservation. NIL catch returned must also be reported.

• Catch Return 2022 [DOCX - 92.41KB]
• Catch Return GRAYLING 2022 [PDF - 157.22KB]

Permits 

CALL OUR CONTACT CENTRE ON 030 33 33 3000 TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET

We are only able to accept and process applications over the telephone and tickets will be issued via email.  Alternative arrangements can be discussed with our staff if this causes concern, please call our Council Contact Centre on 030 33 33 3000 to discuss. There will be no tickets issued from any Council facility.

Due to the impact of COVID restrictions, if you require to submit evidence of your eligibility for Easy Access etc, we may issue you with a temporary ticket which will expire within 7 days, which should give you sufficient time to email a copy of your evidence.  Once verified, you will be issued with your full ticket by email.  You will be required to pay for your ticket at the point of application and if you fail to provide the supporting evidence required, your ticket will expire after 7 days and no refund can be given.  PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR EVIDENCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO GIVE US AS MUCH TIME TO VERIFY YOUR EVIDENCE AND PROCESS YOUR FULL TICKET.

Prices

Junior tickets are available to those under the age of 18. 

Easy Access tickets are available under the following criteria, for Nithsdale residents only:

• Aged over 65
• A full time student
• Registered disabled
• Armed Forces personnel
• Military veteran
• Those in receipt of
  • Job Seeker Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Universal Credit
  • Carers Allowance
  • Employment Support Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Working Tax Credits
  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Widowed Parent's Allowance

Call 030 33 33 3000 or email fishings@dumgal.gov.uk for further information.