Fishing on the River Annan at Hightae

The Royal Four Towns Beat – what you actually get

The beat runs from Shillahill Bridge (about two miles south of Lockerbie on the A709) down to Smallholmburn – roughly four miles of double-bank fishing through gentle farmland. There are eight named pools: Boat Pool, Roberthill Pool, Prestonhouse Bank Pool, Chub Pool, Smallholm Pool, Smallholmburn Pool, Bush Pool and Geordie’s Pool. Fly fishing works well from Shillahill to Lairds Point and in the Tunnel to Chub Pool sections. Most people fish from the bank; wading is possible in places but watch the current after rain.

Species are mainly salmon and sea trout, with some brown trout and grayling. The season runs roughly late February to mid-November (exact dates set by the River Annan Fishery Board – always check before you go).

Day permits for visitors & free permits for locals

Visitors buy day permits on the day from Bill White at Skedholm, Greenhill – mobile 07768 535876. Cash preferred.

Local residents of Hightae, Heck, Greenhill and Smallholm have the historic heritable fishing rights (see the full story on our history of the fishing rights page). They fish free but must collect an annual free permit each year from Bill White. Bring proof of residency (e.g. council tax bill showing your name and address in one of the four towns).

Royal Four Towns Fishing Association

The Royal Four Towns Fishing Association looks after the beat on behalf of the local rights holders. It issues day permits to visitors and uses the income to keep the river in good shape – bank repairs, general maintenance and any stocking work that’s needed. The Association is made up of the descendants of the original King’s Kindly Tenants. If you have heritable rights and want to get more involved (or just help out), contact the chairman Malcolm Bell Macdonald through the Community Council noticeboards or the Hall.

Before you go – practical stuff

• → Sturdy boots or waders – banks can be soft after rain.
• → Follow the Country Code – leave no litter, keep dogs under control, shut gates.
• → Plenty of parking spots within 150 yards of the river at Inch Burn Bridge, Calflea Bridge, Greenhill, Shillahill Bridge and Roberthill.
• → No facilities on the river – bring what you need.

Where the beat is

The fishing rights run from Shillahill Bridge down to Smallholmburn. Here’s the stretch on the map:

Frequently asked questions