Boundaries
Beat 1 – SAPA water – The upstream boundary is above the Slamannan Bridge one and a half miles. There is no official boundary to know of upstream however you eventually run out of fishable water due to it branching and thinning out. The downstream boundary is at Balmitchell Bridge and the fishing is both banks, however all the fishing is from the left bank normally – see maps.
Beats 3 and 5 (shared Federation waters) extend the SAPA membership water from the bottom of Muiravonside Country Park (Union Canal Aquaduct) to Torphichen Bridge (Beat 3) and from Tod’s Mill to below the Sewerage Works Pool near the estuary (Beat 5). 9.5 miles of fishing total. The private Antonine beat is left bank below the Sewerage Works, no fishing left banks, right bank is available down to the refinary boundary. Antonine Beat is sign posted.
We are in the process of upgrading our maps to provide you with information about parking and locations of kissing gates for easier access to the river.
The Fishing
The fishing is nearly all for Brown Trout and Sea Trout but salmon have been making a comeback as the river improves, all with the fly. SAPA members are treated to technical fishing and if the wind is from the West fish downstream, if East fish upstream. There are very few trees on this stretch but anglers prefer when there is a wind, the fishing improves. There are many sections of runs into pools and the overhanging grass over deep runs is exciting and different fishing from many other rivers, almost unique at this scale.
Beats 1, 3 and 5 are any legal method.
The river is historically known for its excellent Brown Trout and also the Sea Trout runs. Increasing numbers of Salmon are returning to the river, however it is still very lucky and a bonus to hook one, from August on. The river is best fished after a good spell of rain, especially after a dry period when the river can become a little stale and slippery too. Sea Trout fishing can be very exciting in Beat 5 above the SEPA station due to it being the first holding pool off the tide. Beat 3 (along with 1, 2 and 4) is one of the most beautiful Brown Trout fisheries and a must visit. The best section on Beat 3 is Muiravonside Country Park; this is accessible via parking at the country park and walking the very well kept paths.
Slamannan Bridge Upstream
Park at the sewerage works entrance on the grass and walk over the bridge. Looking up, walk up the right hand side (true left) and find yourself immediately in Trout Corner. In a hatch this corner is alive with fish and without even fishing it is something to appreciate. There are runs and pools upstream from here and worth investigating. The river splits and it is best to stop here below the Wester Jaw Farm. Access can be difficult above here.
Slamannan Bridge to Red Brae Cottage and Bridge
This long and varied stretch of river is stunning, and besides the big skies the fishing is excellent too.
Again park in the same place on the bridge as mentioned above, cross and head down the true left bank. If you have a downstream wind this is the best place to start. If the wind is upstream, then walk down to the shelter and fish back to the car. The access is easy and the new fence that lines the right bank from top to bottom has plenty of well positioned styles for access to the river. The walking is easy on this section in the field along the fenceline where you can see the river and decided where to hop over and fish. Fishing is best from the left bank, and crossing is not possible in many places, stick to the left bank. Please be mindful of very deep sections. Work your way down the river testing all of the water methodically with your flies making sure to cover both banks and the mid stream as fish sit tight. Take your time and cover the water thoroughly – many good fish have been picked up behind anglers that speed through the river because there is so much of it. There is a willow woven shelter a little further than half way down this section near some mature trees. This offers a little break from any wind (which is great for fishing) and it is a little sun trap too. Fishing downstream from here gets a little more undergrowth and cattle poached underfoot along the fence lines, so it is recommended to head back up to Slamannan bridge and drive around to the middle bridge at Red Brae Cottage.
Red Brae Cottage Upstream
Fishing upstream from the bridge on the true right bank ie. the opposite bank from above is prefered. Either walk up and fish down, pr fish up and down. This is a great stretch of water and will provide many opportunities at good sized Brown Trout that “fight like lions” says Mr Mackintosh.
Red Brae Bridge Downstream to Balmitchell Bridge
Out of the wind near the bridge can help fly presentation, the easiest access is down the right bank, the left bank is better fishing however for most of this section. It is worth exploring this section being mindful of the farm activity and livestock. The 90 degree bend ⅔ of the way down this section above Balmitchell Bridge can hold Salmon and Sea Trout; best fished from the true right bank (inside bend).
Further Information
Facilities on Beat 1
- There are three bridges to park at depending on where you would like to fish and in what conditions; marked on the beat map.
- There is easy foot access along most of the fishing; access is not difficult.
- Please shut any gates you may come to pass.
- There are plenty of cafe/bakery/shops for meals and snacks around the Falkirk area.
- The towns of Falkirk, Linlithgow, and Bathgate offer a few accommodation options so it is worth staying the night to fish early to late and maybe fish multiple beats in one visit according to conditions, or your preferences.