Linlithgow Angling Club (LAC)

How do you write about a fishery that is self professed “the best in the country” modestly? You don’t, if the anglers that fish this little river believe it, then who is to argue. An intimate river running through some beautiful rolling green landscapes and through some industrial areas that have cleaned up their act in the last 40 years. A genuine sense of care exists in the LAC for this exceptional little river with amazing Brown Trout. Litter picks and open days merely scratch the surface of this team of members bringing the river and community up. “The Clyde and the Tweed are known for their big Brown Trout, we’re known for being the best ‘small river’ Trout fishery in the country …We also have a great deal of enthusiasm to welcome more youngsters to the club.” Linlithgow has a green undercurrent and we, the LAC, know we are contributing well to that. Continuing to make alliances is the way forward to make this once dead river, now a great river, an even better environment, constantly improving the communities along it too.

The River Avon’s source is often disputed depending on which map you look at, but to say it is near Cumbernauld and Slamannan would be accurate enough. The Avon meets the Firth of Forth at Grangemouth just downstream of the Carron and the Grange Burn at Grangemouth Refinery. Flowing through Linlithgow, the Avon is one of the easiest rivers to get to in the Forth district, just off the M9.

Beat 4, LAC water. The upstream boundary is Muiravonside Aqueduct. The downstream boundary is Tod’s Mill, see maps. However, beats 3 and 5 extend the LAC water upstream to Torphichen Bridge, Beat 3, and downstream to below the Sewerage Works Pool near the estuary, Beat 5. 10.5 miles of fishing total. The private Antonine beat is left bank below the Sewerage Works, no fishing left banks, right bank is available.

The fishing is nearly all for Brown Trout and fly only in beat 4, the LAC water. Beats 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, if any, 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. Beat 4 is exclusive to Linlithgow Angling Club, LAC, members, however the three clubs share beats 3 and 5 meaning that the fishing is extended for all anglers on the river. 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. Muiravonside Park to the Aqueduct. This section is right bank fishing only and the upper limit is above the Avondale cottages where you can park three cars, see map for details. There are a few pools here and the Aqueduct area is very picturesque. The river is used by dog walkers and families in the park, however this is not an issue as there is always another pool to fish in. Muiravonside Aqueduct to Linlithgow Viaduct. This long and varied stretch of river is stunning, and besides the scenery and fishing, the history is rich too. The Priory and battlefield are remarkable and there are excellent information boards along the path. Fishing amongst these landmarks conjures up thoughts of happening in the river long ago. The best access is via the public footpath that lines the right bank from top to bottom. Fishing is best from the left bank, and crossing is easy in places. Please be mindful of fast currents and shifting gravel. Fishing upstream from the viaduct, or walking up from the viaduct and fishing down is a delight. The pools and runs have the perfect speed for fishing dries, nymphs and wets. There are many overhanging branches which often have good fish underneath. Take the best part of a day to investigate this section, it will not disappoint. The Priory area is particularly beautiful in Autumn. Hatches can be very good here, however the nymph has become a better option lately due to reduced dry fly action across the country. This long and not quite straight section of river used to be good for reports of Sea Trout, however not many are caught now, whether that is due to lack of fish, or lack of night time anglers, is yet to be determined. Linlithgow Viaduct to Tod’s Mill. The river takes a change as it passes by Linlithgow and from below the M9 the attraction is obvious. The pool called Trout Run is very special and needs fished whenever you visit. The access is easiest along and up the Cemex boundary, left bank, after parking under the tree at Kinneil Mill Bridge. Nip down to the middle of the pool. Fish the left bank only, no fishing on right bank here, but be sure to cover the whole pool. This is a pool almost perfect for wet flies and can be fished upstream too, however the current can be a little strong if higher. Anglers will discover what they like to do here, and how they wish to fish it. The tail of the pool is now unfishable to a point due to the erosion, but lengthening a line into the tail can be worth a try. 50m below the Kinneil Farm Bridge is a set of steps down off of the road. The path leads you downstream and out into Boulder Pool and Long Pool, below the island. Long Pool is another favourite pool with members. Sea Trout and Salmon have been seen here in recent seasons, however there are exceptional trout and these are the target here for anglers. Witnessing the trout thrash away on the surface here during a hatch is a genuine privilege. Most of the time however the trout are rising just short of the surface and making a little boil for the keen eye to investigate and stalk up to. The beat is a fly only beat, spinning is rendered useless here anyway with the amazing fly action. Pipeline Pool is another place to look forward to on a trip here and there are several pockets that can provide good sport. The beat boundary is broken between the banks, however continuing to fish into beat 5 is no problem.

Beat 3 and Beat 5 available to all members of Beats 1, Slamannan Angling Protective Association, Beat 2, Avon Valley Angling Association, and Beat 4, Linlithgow Angling Club. 3 and 5 are called the Federation Beats. There are places to park depending on where you would like to fish marked on the beat map. There are paths along most of the fishing. Access is not difficult. Please shut any gates you may come to pass. There are plenty of cafe, bakery and shops for meals and snacks around the area. The towns of Linlithgow, Falkirk 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.