Hi folks,

I'm just about to move to Edinburgh (next week).

I'd be very grateful for any tips on good spots to start out both piking and chasing silver fish on fly. Going to be based at the Uni King's buildings on Mayfield road, so ideally anywhere within half hour cycle of there (though looking forward to exploring a bit further afield as well).

Thanks in advance!

Hi Matt.
The Water Of Leith for Trout and Grayling, it's free but a permit is required. Fly only !! The river runs right through the city, Google water of leith fishing for map and permit stockist's.
Duddingston Loch for Pike, perch and good Carp. It was free when i was a boy and i think still is. Permit i've no idea. ?? It is only ten minutes by bike from your Uni.
The Forth and Clyde Canal runs from the city centre to Bowling on the west coast of Scotland, some sixty miles of free coarse fishing. Never fished it but i have seen Pike and Perch right at the start of the canal.
Loads of other stocked fisheries nearby, but a fair cycle. Check out Harlaw and Threipmuir. £15 for a whole day last year. Permit from Balerno Post Office. You can fish both reservoirs on the same ticket and Threipmuir is stocked with Browns.
Hope this helps. Bob

Whatcha Matt

No idea about Pike, I'm afraid... unless you fancy your chances in the duck pond at the bottom of Blackford Hill. I think that might raise eyebrows.

Presumably, you're young and fit and could cycle up to Glencorse (trout) in the Pentland Hills. It's about 9 miles from Kings Buildings but very hilly.

Other than that, your best bet might be to cycle into town and do a reccy of the Water of Leith. There's another thread on here somewhere discussing it. Never fished it myself, but apparently there's plenty wee tiny browns in there.

You'll love Edinburgh, by the way.

Neil

Edit - Holo obviously types faster than I do.

The Forth and Clyde Canal starts at Falkirk and ends at Bowling. The canal that goes from Edinburgh City Centre and joins it at Falkirk is the Union Canal.

__________________
A Bad Days Fishing Is Better Than A Good Day At Work

Thanks very much for the advice.

I'm certainly looking forwardto chasing the brownies in the water of leith - though I assume there's a close season there?

So - the consensus seems to be that the canal is worth a shot for pike and perch. Anywhere really worth trying (and anywhere best avoided?)

Thanks again.

Matt,

The canal is worth a bash for jack pike but I tend to avoid them due to the restricted casting, cyclists, joggers etc etc. Plus the fact the cormorants have had a right good go at the silverfish.

You may have to go further afield which is obviously an issue if you have restricted transport. Give me a shout when you get up here and I'll point you inb the right direction as a starter for ten.

Dougie

Have a look at crammond angling club web site.


River Almond « Cramond Angling Club

is based on river Almond, runs through west side of edinburgh, at barnton/crammond about 8 miles from kings buildings, but is regular bus service to get you there.
Is becoming good for sea trout/salmon, and has good sized brownies.

Another couple worth a look are esks(is two) at musselburgh, about six miles east of kings buildings, but easier bike ride!
again regular bus routes to them.

http://www.fishforth.co.uk/fdsb/inde...vers&Itemid=12


Duddingston lock in hollyrood park is a couple of miles from kings buildings and has serious carp, and pike. worth a try.
google it as info is scarce, but think permits are still available from park police and are free.


regards
bert