Unique & Exclusive Carron Valley wild brown trout boat & bank fishing membership.
Carron Valley Fishery is one of the best wild brown trout fishing clubs in Scotland only 25 miles from Edinburgh and 25 miles from Glasgow, nestled between Denny and Fintry. The Carron (East) and Randyford (West) dams were constructed in 1939 to form Carron Valley Reservoir at over a 1000 acres in size. The wild trout are hard fighting, fin-perfect, naturally fed, and range in size from small to a very exciting 6lb.
As of 2021, Carron Valley Reservoir is an exclusive private membership fishery and you can apply for your membership now. The membership has been very good for the anglers in that they respect the trout, the boats and the other anglers equally. Our valued members have appreciated the added exclusivity and finesse too.
No day rods are available on Carron Valley Fishery as of May 2021 ongoing.
Fishing the loch
Fly only, the anglers that fish Carron Valley are there for the wild aspect of the trout.
Hike along the South shore through the forest and follow the paths into the idyllic secluded bays to stalk the feeder burn mouths, or along the roadside (where parking and foot access is easy), in the Summer months with big terrestrial flies in the margins. Alternatively, head out on one of the fleet of Coulam boats and drift into the fish on your own or with friends and family for the ultimate Carron Valley experience.
Mornings and evenings are naturally the optimum times, but that’s not to say the daytime will be less productive, just change your tactics.
Boat fishing
To fish from the boat, members need to book their fishing date to guarantee a boat is prepared and allocated to them. Up to three anglers per boat and life jackets are mandatory whilst enjoying all angling access. A first come first serve booking can be made online, by calling the fishery, or by appearing in person. The boats have 5hp Mercury LPG engines with plenty of gas provided, and they are also equipped with a set of oars, a net, and a paddle for drift adjustments. Drogues are not provided, they can be very helpful in a stronger breeze to slow you down, so feel free to bring one.
Bank fishing
Bank fishing can be very effective and is included in your season membership along with the option to book boats. There is unlimited bank fishing around the entire loch for members with no booking required, just turn up. The bank fishing can be so exciting especially in the Summer and Autumn months. There is little need to even get your feet wet, the fish can be cruising 1ft from the shoreline. Stalking, ambushing or bringing these wild browns to your stripped fly on Carron Valley can be sublime.
“In Summertime the place is just bubbling with wild fish anywhere from 8” to 6lb. There can be a fish every two meters and sometimes ‘a fish a cast’ backed with phenomenal landscapes and sunsets.”
Equipment
8-10ft fly rods from #3-8.
In Spring you will want to bring your sinking lines to get down to the fish. Di7’s and fish deep. Pulling mini lures, Shuggies, Carron Bunnies, the Humongous and Yellow Dancers all provide great sport.
The Summer and Autumn months are when Carron Valley Fishery comes into its own with the topwater action being quite special. Bring your full floating line and a selection of Foam Daddies, black Hoppers, Hawthorn Flies and other terrestrials. Be prepared to strip the hoppers very fast, and a dead drift Daddy can be deadly as close as a foot from the shore. “Hang on tight!” says Jimmy, “…some of the cruisers are really big.”
No drogue is provided, so bring your own if you wish.
Bring welly boots or waders (however wading deeper than your ankle is not required for bank fishing), suitable fishing apparel is recommended.
Weather
Due to our location, weather conditions can have a lot to do with the fishing at Carron Valley Fishery. From a calm breeze to a gale and a 4ft swell, it all can happen very quickly. If the wind picks up whilst out on the boat, anglers can take the boat into the shore and fish from there until the squall passes. You really do fish to the conditions at Carron, so be prepared with a range of techniques if the forecast is mixed. In saying this, whatever the conditions, there is always a chance at fish, even in the most unlikely weather some anglers have had some of the best fishing of their lives. Great stories have come from anglers in bright hot still days to side on rain and 40 fish for the outing!
Discover Carron Valley Fishery
Carron Valley Fishery
Fishing Lodge
Carron Valley
FK6 5JL
Meet The Owner
Jimmy Feeney
Fishery owner
Jimmy genuinely cares about Carron Valley as a fishery, but also as an exemplary ecosystem to be shared by good people that appreciate it as he does. Upon your arrival, and over a cuppa, Jimmy will welcome you, give you a bit of advice on what and where has been fishing well, and point you in the direction of the necessary facilities. He also supplies all that you may need in the little shop on site.
His passion for angling comes from a lifetime of fly fishing, and having competed representing the Scottish team, you know there is knowledge and experience behind his recommendations.
Facilities
At the fishing lodge there is everything you could need.
- Free parking
- Shop – flies, fly lines, tippet etc.
- Tea, coffee and kitchen facilities
- Comfortable lounge area
- Trophy and photo walls
- Life vests
- Toilets
Guided Fly Fishing on Carron Valley
An exclusive day out
Some of the best GUIDED stillwater Brown Trout fishing in Scotland for those with only a day or so available.
BOOKINGS ONLY 15th March – 6th October (7 days per week)
Get in touch to book single and multi-day guided fly fishing trips from the bank and boat at the iconic Carron Valley Fishery. We’re located central to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.
Our professional guides (level 2 qualified coaching staff) treat your safety and enjoyment as their ultimate goal whilst sharing their passion for Carron Valley Fishery.
£425 per guide per day (up to two anglers per guide) all inclusive.
Details/included:
- One guide per 1-2 guests – Meet at the Carron Valley car park & lodge at a pre-arranged time
- We can provide multiple guides for larger groups
- Day permit – includes all hours of daylight
- Boat hire and motor with fuel
- Lifejacket
- All abilities welcome – Tuition and introduction to fly fishing prior to setting off (if required)
- Lunch and Snacks (please let us know any dietary requirements)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Fly rods and lines can be arranged with prior notice.
- Our favorite flies, tippet and other terminal items are available in our small shop
- 10% discount on your first annual membership
Bring:
- Warm clothes/layers – the conditions at the top of the hill can change at any time of the year.
- Waterproofs, hat/hood and solid footwear
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- #3 to #7, 8-10ft fly rod, floating, midge-tip and sinking lines
Carron Valley Masters
The Carron Masters is an annual competition for members with a cash prize. This is held on Saturday/Tuesday evenings May-July , 6-10pm fishing. 12 heats to qualify, 2 semifinals, and a final with food and drinks afterwards to determine who the true Carron Master is! Full catch and release competition.
Competition Dates for 2023:
| Heat One | Saturday evening 13th May | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Two | Tuesday evening 16th May | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Three | Saturday evening 20th May | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Four | Tuesday evening 23rd May | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Five | Saturday evening 27th May | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Six | Tuesday evening 30th May | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Seven | Saturday evening 3rd June | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Eight | Tuesday evening 6th June | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Nine | Saturday evening 10th June | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Ten | Tuesday evening 13th June | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Eleven | Saturday evening 17th June | 06:00 pm start |
| Heat Twelve | Tuesday evening 2oth June | 06:00 pm start |
| 1st Semi-Final | Saturday evening 8th July | 06:00 pm start |
| 2nd Semi-Final | Saturday day session 22nd July | 09:00 am start |
| Final | Saturday day session 5th August | 09:00 am start |
First Place Prize: £500
£15.00 Entry Fee
£15.00 Fishing Fee per heat and Semi-Final & Final
If you don’t qualify on your first heat you can enter any of the other heats or fish them all if you want. The more heats you fish the better you get. You only have to pay the entry fee once.
Members get registered ASAP.
Information
Top Tips
- Favourite casts:
- Yellow Dancer on the point, black Hopper in the centre, Kate McLaren on the bob.
- Foam Daddy with 2 black Hoppers for a slow retrieve, or dead drift.
- Dunkeld Sparkler plus 2 black Hoppers for a fast retrieve.
- Strip as fast as you can – “if you’re not catching fish, you’re not stripping fast enough”. Strip so fast your hand hurts and the takes can be phenomenal.
- Don’t give up in poor weather, simply vary your tactics. There is always a chance to catch fish at Carron Valley Fishery.
- Book your boat as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Limited availability.
- Boat and bank fishing can be just as effective as each other.
Guides
Kingfisher Guides:
https://www.kingfisherguides.com
“All around the loch you’ll find different strains of these unique wild trout – some with yellow bellies, some silver, the spots are all different, such remarkable fish these Carron Valley wild Brownies!”
Questions?
What are the allowed fishing times?
What is the fishing season?
Are landing nets provided?
In the boat, yes. If you choose to bring your own, it will have to be dipped at the fishing lodge. Bank anglers should bring their own net, dip this at the lodge also.
Is the loch exclusive to us?
Can I fish privately if there is a competition on?
If you are a club member, you can bank fish on competition days and not be included in the competition. All of the boats will be allocated to the competition anglers.
What facilities are in the hut?
Is there a loo available?
Yes.
Can I bring my family and friends to fish with me if I’m a member?
You are encouraged to introduce new members to the fishery. Please ask the fishery in advance for permission to bring a guest.
Are there any shops locally?
What are the local surroundings like?
You are on top of the world and exposed to the elements, and with that comes the most incredible open skies and sunsets. The River Carron flows out of the loch towards Denny, Larbert and out to the Forth Estuary. At the other end of the loch (west) the River Endrick flows past the dam wall and through Fintry to eventually meet Loch Lomond.
Is it likely to be cold?
How do I get there?
The fishery is located on the B818 which runs from Denny to Fintry. The lodge is at the East dam wall hamlet and is signposted.
Is there wifi?
No.
Is there mobile reception?
Can I bring my dogs?
Can I have a day rod?
No, the fishery is a private membership. Applications must be made to the fishery. However, the annual membership is exceptional value.
What is vehicle access like?
All cars can be used on the fishery along the B road that lines the North shore. There are parking spaces along this road too. There is no vehicle access to the South shore, a walk is required if you are a bank rod, or book a boat and beach wherever you like.
Member availability & booking
The fishery is exclusive to members of the Carron Valley Private Members Fishing Club (“the club”), and guided clients.
In order to fish the loch bank or boat, you must be a member.
In order to book a boat you must also be a member.
There is a small administration fee for a boat booking that also pays for your fuel. Boat bookings are taken on a first come first serve basis.
Exclusive Offers
10% Off B&B
There is a 10% discount at Bed & Breakfast Drum Farm for anglers staying.
Recent photos from the fishery
Some of these photos were donated by Ronnie Anderson, Hugh McCann and Kingfisher Guides – Thank you.
Get in touch
To sign up to occasional availability emails or any other enquiries, please let us know here:
Email: fishing@carronvalleyfishery.com
Phone: 07539360448 (Fishery Manager)