The River Urr
Sea Trout Fishing on the River
Urr
The Urr flows for thirty five miles from Loch
Urr to its outflow into the Solway Firth near Dalbeattie.
The Urr has a moorland character in its upper course but
becomes rather sluggish, flowing through relatively rich
agricultural land in its lower course.
The Urr has always been a spate stream but
rises and falls more quickly now owing to afforestation in
its upper course combined with agricultural drainage
schemes. Unlike other Solway rivers, The Urr attracts fewer
sea trout that its Solway neighbours Nith and Annan but this
sporting fish may be encountered from April onwards. Most
are in the 1 to 3 pound range. The river can fish well for
salmon if you catch it on the heels of a spate. Around 60
salmon are taken in a season, with the chance of larger
fish, perhaps one of the renowned Solway Greybacks, from
September to November. The best of the fishing is from the
Old Bridge of Urr down to the estuary.
The River Urr at Dalbeattie
River Urr Sea Trout Fishing
Castle Douglas Angling Association
Castle Douglas Angling Association (CDAA) has
over 5 miles of the middle reaches of the Urr, beginning at
Step End and finishing at Grange Water. There is a range of
different types of water within the Association's stretch
and methods used will depend upon the water height. Fly
fishing upstream of Spottes Bridge is particularly popular,
while downstream, worming is permitted throughout the year
on the CDAA stretch. The association fishing on the River
Urr and on Loch Roan is available to visiting anglers.
Permits from Tommy's Sports, King Street, Castle Douglas.
Dalbeattie Angling Association
The Dalbeattie Angling Association leases 3.5
miles of the lower Urr. Within this section there is good
fly water with spinning permitted at higher water levels.
The lower beat, Craignair, is tidal at its bottom end and
has nine named pools plus a number of other likely spots.
The upper beat, Firthhead, has a good mix of pools and runs
and is ideal fly water in most conditions. Worming is
permitted under certain conditions. Good numbers of salmon
and sea trout are taken from the DAA beats every year, with
fish running into the river from late spring onwards. The
main runs are from late summer until the end of the season
on 30th November. Given favourable conditions, it is
possible to catch fresh fish even in late autumn, when the
Urr's famous 'greyback' salmon run. Access to all parts is
relatively easy, with the Firthhead beat being particularly
suitable for less able anglers.
Throughout most of year, visitor tickets are
readily available but on Saturdays, visitor tickets are
limited to 10 during March to September, reducing to 6 on
Saturdays in October and November. Prices: £18 - £40 per
rod/day.
For permits, contact M McCowan, Tackle Shop,
43 High Street, Dalbeattie
See more information about the
Fishing on the River Urr
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Pan the whole length of the river and zoom into
aerial views of the salmon and sea trout fishing pools
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