Fishing on the River Annan at Hightae
If you’re after a proper day’s bank fishing without the usual hassle, the River Annan at Hightae is hard to beat. This four-mile stretch through the Royal Four Towns is classic lowland river fishing – quiet pools, farmland backdrop and a surprising amount of history attached to every cast.
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 through gentle farmland. Visitor day tickets are for the west bank. 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. Visitor day tickets are for the west bank. If you cannot reach Bill White, try FishPal or Pettigrews of Lochmaben as a backup.
The heritable fishing right is tied to the original holdings – that is a property right, not the same as living in the village. See the full story on our history of the fishing rights page.
The Association also issues a free annual residency permit to local residents of Hightae, Heck, Greenhill and Smallholm. Collect it from Bill White. Bring proof of residency (e.g. council tax bill showing your name and address in one of the four towns).
Permit contacts last checked: September 2026.
| Who | Permit | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Owners of the original holdings (heritable right) | Heritable right attached to the land | See the fishing rights history |
| Local Royal Four Towns residents | Association free annual residency permit | Bill White, Skedholm, Greenhill (07768 535876) – proof of residency required |
| Visitors / day anglers (west bank) | Day ticket (price on enquiry) | Bill White, 07768 535876. Backup: FishPal or Pettigrews of Lochmaben |
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
Do I need a rod licence? +
Can visitors fish both banks? +
What’s the best time of year? +
How do I join the Fishing Association? +
Last reviewed: September 2026