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The low down on angling in Ayrshire

Ayrshire is great for fishing - whether it be river, loch or sea – and there's lots of choice for anglers of all levels of ability, around the county and close to home here at The Ranch. We describe some of the Loch fishing opportunities around Ayrshire in this section, and we'll be happy to find out more about River and Sea fishing facilities for you - you just need to give us a call.

Maybole - Mochrum Fishing Club

Our own Mochrum Fishing Club, close to Maybole, offers some excellent loch fishing - 24 acres stocked with brown, blue and rainbow trout. The loch is open 7 days a week, with the exception of competition days (the first Sunday of each month). A boat is available for disabled anglers, fitted to take wheelchairs and powered by an outboard motor. Permits to fish the lake can be bought at the Station Store at Maybole Railway Station.

Sea Fishing

Not too far afield, at Ayr Harbour, Maidens and Girvan, there's good sea angling to be had - for example, from Ayr Pier, and by boat charter from Girvan Harbour. Visit www.gofishing.co.uk and search for Ayrshire.

River Fishing

Several Ayrshire rivers - within striking distance of The Ranch - offer anglers some idyllic river fishing – the Ayr, the Doon, the Irvine, the Stinchar and the Girvan.

Loch Fishing

Girvan – Penwhapple Reservoir (6 miles)

The Penwhapple Reservoir sits just five miles to the north of Girvan, on the Barr road. Here you will find boat and bank fishing for brown trout. The season runs April 1st - September 30th. Call 01465 817226 or 01465 861 663.

Colmonell, near Girvan – Pinbraid Fishery (22 miles)

A 9 acre loch full of good fighting rainbow trout, up to around 20lb, and some good brown trout, too. Visit www.pinbraidfishery.co.uk for more.

Near Ayr - Springwater Fishery (6 miles)

Drive to Springwater Fishery, taking the A713 from Ayr and after about three miles take the B742 to Dalrymple. This complex of 3 freshwater lochs sits peacefully amongst some delightful Ayrshire farmland - offering 20 acres of fishing, for rainbows, browns, blues and steelhead trout, ranging in weight from 2lb - 15lb. There's a shop offering tackle, snacks and lessons. See more at www.springwaterfishery.co.uk

Near Kirkmichael – Dalvennan Country Sports Fishery (3 miles)

Dalvennan Country Sports Fishery can be accessed by taking the A713 from Ayr to Patna,  following signs from Patna to Kirkmichael on the hill road. This stocked fishery - open all year - features bank fishing for rainbows, browns and steelhead trout, and the licensed clubhouse serves hot and cold snacks all day. For more, visit www.dalvennancountrysports.co.uk

Near Coylton – Coyle Water Fishery (12 miles)

Coyle Water Fishery is around 1 mile north of Coylton off the A70, and you can fish for fully finned hard fighting trout on either the main fly-only lochan or on the bait pond. It boasts a comfortable lodge with excellent facilities and disabled access to all areas. It's an ideal family venue with both fly and bait fishing available. For more information visit www.coylewaterfishery.co.uk

Annbank – Annbank Fishery (12 miles)

Open all year, Annbank Fishery is just at the edge of the village of  Annbank, and around about 4 miles east of Ayr. The 2 acre lochan holds Grade 1 rainbow, blue and brown trout - weight range from 2lbs to more than 10lb. Visit www.lochjess.co.uk

Near Fenwick, East Ayrshire - Craufurdland Fishery (22 miles)

3 miles to the south of Fenwick (follow the signs for Waterside and the Craufurdland Estate), this stocked fishery is open throughout the year. There's bank and boat fishing for rainbows, browns and golden trout, and Craufurdland also has a tackle shop offering refreshments and lessons. Visit www.craufurdland.co.uk/fisheries for more.

Near Largs, North Ayrshire - Haylie Trout Fishery (40 miles)

Just 2 miles to the east of Largs off the A760 Dalry Road. The A760 branches off Irvine Road to the south of Largs town centre at the Haylie Hotel. This year-round stocked loch features bank fishing for rainbows and browns. Visit www.newhayliefishingloch.com.