Still-water trout fishing in the South of Scotland offers a relaxed alternative to river angling. The region’s lochs and reservoirs range from small upland waters to larger, spring-fed lochs, providing opportunities to fish for wild and stocked brown and rainbow trout. 

This guide highlights still-water fisheries across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway to help you choose the right venue for your visit. 

Scottish Borders

Kailzie Fishery (nr Peebles) 

Located within the grounds of Kailzie Gardens near Peebles, Kailzie Fishery comprises two fly-fishing lochs stocked with rainbow, blue and brown trout. The site is accessible and suited to anglers of all abilities, with visitor facilities available on-site. 

Bowhill Lower Loch (Selkirkshire)  

Set within the Bowhill Estate near Selkirk, Bowhill Lower Loch offers bank fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout. Boat fishing may be available by prior arrangement. 

Clerklands Fly Fishery (Selkirkshire)  

Clerklands, near Lilliesleaf, is a small stillwater with clear waters ideal for fly fishing. It is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and is suitable for both experienced and novice fly anglers. 

The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch

Hellmoor Loch (Nr Hawick)  

Hellmoor Loch is a secluded fishery situated in tranquil Borders countryside, offering a quiet escape for trout anglers. With bank-only access, it holds a mix of stocked rainbow trout and native browns. 

Hass Loch (Jedburgh)  

Managed by Jedburgh Angling Club, Hass Loch is a tranquil upland loch just outside Jedburgh. Brown trout dominate the water, with the chance of lively sport for those who enjoy traditional loch-style fishing.  

Whinney Loch (Nr Coldingham)  

Whinney Loch is located near Coldingham on the Berwickshire coast, a scenic fishery surrounded by heather and farmland. Stocked rainbow and blue trout, it provides reliable sport, with its natural setting making it popular with visiting anglers.  

The Watch Water Fishery (Nr Duns):  

Located near Longformacus, the Watch Water is a scenic upland reservoir popular with trout anglers. Stocked with rainbow trout and holding native browns, it provides varied sport from both boat and bank. 

Whiteadder Reservoir (Nr Duns)  

Whiteadder Reservoir, near Cranshaws, is one of the largest stillwaters in the Scottish Borders. It is known for brown trout fishing, with additional rainbow stocking during the season. 

Coldingham Loch (Coldingham)  

Coldingham Loch is a 22-acre, spring-fed natural loch located between Coldingham Moor and the coast. It supports rainbow, brown and blue trout and is fished by fly. 

The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch
The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch

St Mary’s Loch (Selkirkshire)  

The largest natural loch in the Borders. It holds brown trout as well as perch and pike. Prices and permits can be found on the St Mary’s Angling Club website.  

Williestruther Loch (Hawick) 

Maintained by the , Williestruther Loch is a small lochan stocked with rainbow trout. It offers straightforward access and on-site parking.  

Dumfries & Galloway

Glenquicken Trout Fishery (Nr Newton Stewart)  

Glenquicken is a 4.5-acre fly-fishing lochan fed by springs and a burn. It is stocked with rainbow trout, typically starting around 2lb, with larger fish present. 

Greenhill Fishery (Dalbeattie)  

Greenhill Fishery offers dedicated still-water trout pools for brown and rainbow trout, alongside separate coarse and carp waters. Day tickets are available, and tackle hire is offered on site. Perfect for both beginners and families, this is a good opportunity for those looking for accessible, varied angling.  

Green Frog Trout Fishery (Moffat)  

Located in Moffat, Green Frog Trout Fishery provides fly and bait fishing for blue, brown and rainbow trout. The fishery operates seasonally and offers rod hire. 

The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch

Alderneuk Fishery (Nr Terregles)  

Alderneuk is a three-acre fly-only loch near Dumfries, stocked with rainbow, blue, brown and tiger trout. The loch supports fish of varying sizes and offers bank fishing throughout. 

Slatehouse Loch (Nr Thornhill)  

Slatehouse Loch is a two-acre fly-only water stocked with rainbow trout and home to wild brown trout. Barbless hooks are required. 

Hillhead Loch (Drumlanrig Mains)  

Hillhead Loch is a 2.5-acre water set within woodland near Drumlanrig Mains. It contains wild brown trout as well as tench and carp. 

Starburn Loch (Dumlanrig)  

Starburn Loch is a three-acre trout loch located within woodland near Drumlanrig. It is stocked with rainbow trout and is often fished from a boat. 

Morton Castle (Nr Dumlanrig)  

This eight-acre loch is stocked with rainbow trout and can be fished from boat or bank. It lies a short distance east of Drumlanrig. 

Kirriereoch Loch (Nr Glentrool)  

Managed by Newton Stewart Angling Association, Kirriereoch Loch is stocked with brown trout and also holds wild fish. It is a small, shallow lochan suited to bank fishing. 

The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch
The iconic Leaderfoot Viaduct linking the Berwickshire Railway to the mainline, A Tulloch

Woodhall Loch (Nr Laurieston)  

Woodhall Loch is a long, narrow water near Laurieston. While it contains species such as pike, perch and roach, it is sometimes included in local trout listings. Camping is available nearby. 

Mossroddich (Moss Roddock) Loch (outskirts of Dalry)  

Mossroddich Loch is a five-acre trout water located outside St John’s Town of Dalry. It provides dedicated trout fishing in a rural setting.