Fishing

Guide to fishing, including how to buy a fishing ticket to fish on the Nith and Cairn in Dumfries Burgh and haaf net fishing in Annan.

Haaf net fishing in Annan

Haaf netting is a traditional method of fishing for salmon and sea trout in the Solway Estuary. This type of fishing takes places in 2 locations, one of which is the Nith and the Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, which we manage. 

Where you can fish

In Dumfries and Galloway, you can fish from the:

  • mouth of the River Annan to the Solway border with England
  • Altar Stone to Battlehill 

Apply for a fishing licence

To apply for a licence you need to be 18 years old or over. 

Apply for a haaf net fishing licence

We issue a limited number of licences each year. We issue licences on a first come, first served basis. 

A haaf net licence costs £40.

When you can fish

You can fish from 6am Monday to 6pm on Friday. The fishing season is:

  • from 1 May until 6pm on Friday 8 September for trout
  • from 1 June until 6pm on Friday 8 September (catch and release only) for salmon

Fishing regulations

Licences are for sea trout only. All salmon are catch and release only. We will send you the haaf net rules and guidelines with your licence.

Contact us

For more information:

Telephone: 030 33 33 3000
Email: fishings@dumgal.gov.uk