River Annan

Description of the River Annan

The River Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland is a west coast spate river about 35 miles long which flows into the Solway Firth. Starts at Annanhead Hill above Moffat flowing close to the M74 past Lockerbie, Lochmaben and Ecclefechan to the town of Annan on the coast.

The River Annan is particularly well known for summer sea trout fishing which is best during May, June and July. The availability of night fishing, a river of reasonable size and wading which is relatively easy, make the River Annan a real sea trout favourite.

Also blessed with a small spring salmon run on the lower beats and an Autumn run from September on with some fish of a good stamp. Much of the river is accessible to visiting anglers and at reasonable cost and is close the English border making car access from the south that much easier.

Tributaries include Evan Water, Wamphray Water, Kinnel Water, Water of Ae, Dryfe Water, Water of Milk and Mein Water.

Headwaters of the River Annan near Meikleholmside

Photo © Copyright Chris Eilbeck and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The River Annan north of the Edinburgh Road bridge near Moffat

Photo © Copyright Andrew King and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The River Annan viewed from a bridge near Spedlins Tower.

Photo © Copyright Walter Baxter and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Confluence of the River Annan and Dryfe Water near Lockerbie. The Dryfe Water flows from the southern slopes of Loch Fell (which despite its name is a hill!), south-east of Moffat, for 15 miles to join the River Annan west of Lockerbie.

Photo © Copyright Lynne Kirton and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Monty Rig pool, River Annan near Greenhill

Photo © Copyright Peter Bond and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Confluence of River Annan and Water of Milk, Water of Milk comes in from the right.

Photo © Copyright Peter Bond and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Annan, from Mainholme Bridge

Photo © Copyright Mike and Kirsty Grundy and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The river Annan in spate at Brydekirk.

Photo © Copyright John Holmes and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Annan from the bridge in Annan

Photo © Copyright Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

River Annan Estuary

Photo © Copyright Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Local Tips and Advice on the River Annan

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Fishing Links for the River Annan

• Annadale Arms Hotel Comfortable 3 star Georgian hotel in the centre of the beautiful country town of Moffat in Dumfriesshire. The hotel is ideally placed both for the head waters of the River Annan and St Mary's Loch as well as the Megget. Offers special fishing breaks.
• Annan Line All you need to know for salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Annan including the following beats: Upper Annandale Angling Association, Annandale Estate Fishings, Applegarth Beat , Halleaths, Castlemilk, Royal Four Towns Angling, Kirkwood Fishings, Hoddom & Kinmount Fishings, Newbie & Distillery Fishings.
• Annandale Estates Annandale Estates is a family run business, located in the heart of the Dumfriesshire countryside. The estates offer 5.7 miles of double bank fishing on the River Annan for Salmon, Sea trout, Trout and Grayling.
• Fish Annan Online booking service for the River Annan powered by FishPal.
• Hoddom and Kinmount Estates 2½ miles of the River Annan in Dumfriesshire for salmon, sea trout, brown trout, and grayling. Day tickets available. Caravan park.
• Kirkwood Cottages and Fishings Set in the heart of South Scotland, the Kirkwood estate is a beautiful, unspoilt area with rolling hills, oak woods and lush pastures. It is the idyllic setting of Kirkwood cottages where one can use as a base whilst fishing on either the Kirkwood beat or Jardine Hall beat.
• River Annan District Salmon Fishery Board News of interest to anglers, visitors and proprietors of fishing alike including the Fishery Board's Environment Manager's reports; information about problems and any pollution incidents; details of who to contact in the event of problems relating to the river and its tributaries etc.
• River Annan Web Camera at Dalton Hook Live web cam on the River Annan at Dalton Brook.