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Flowing through Bentpath, Langholm, Canonbie, Longtown and Newcastleton, the Esk and Liddle originate in the foothills of the Southern Uplands. The rivers make their way through hills redolent with the stormy history of these borderlands, gathering strength from the numerous upland burns that join them on their course to the Solway. Each tributary adds an abundance of parr and fry to contribute to the salmon and sea trout runs of the system.

The swift flow makes the fly-fishing on the Esk and Liddle so rewarding. Its tumbling boulder strewn nature lending itself to the production of migratory fish and providing some excellent wild sport. Originating in Scotland, but having its mouth in the English section of the Solway estuary, the Esk and Liddle catchment is unique.

The rivers provide a remarkable variety of fishing, from racing runs full of enticing pockets of deeper water, to deep slow moving pools overhung by sandstone cliffs. In normal water heights both rivers provide pools that are ideal for sea trout.

Few pleasures in angling are as sweet as spending a night besides a dark pool quickening to the splash of fresh sea trout entering from the Solway.

The night fisherman sees many secret creatures as he plies his craft; bats will flit across the water in pursuit of night flying insects, and the fussing of nervous ducks in the bank side growth will herald the occasional otter.

THE BORDER ESK AND THE LIDDLE RIVERS have long been host to visiting sea trout and salmon enthusiasts. Throughout its history the catchment has provided excellent sport for Anglers and in 1863 the Esk and Liddle Fisheries Association (now the Esk & Liddle Improvement Association) was established to encourage local angling at a low cost.

Its objectives today are to represent the views of the riparian owners and users of the river, to promote best angling practice and angling generally and to conserve and protect the environment. The work of conservation and consultation, and from time to time buying out net fishing rights has been funded by members' subscriptions, which are limited. More recently, generous support for conservation and habitat improvement works has been given by the Wild Trout Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Community Regeneration Fund, making more extensive work and restoration of flood damage possible.

THE BORDER ESK is well known for its run of sea trout and for its salmon run during the second half of the season.The Esk and Liddle Fisheries beats on the Esk form much of the middle section of the system whilst on the Liddle the two beats are in the middle and lower sections.

Both the Esk and Liddle flow through picturesque countryside typical of the Border area and much of the bankside is wooded with indigenous hardwoods.The rivers are generally fast flowing and with beds of rock outcrop or pebble shingle with no natural weed growth.The Esk may by regarded as 'gin clear' except during periods of high water.The Liddle, except during periods of fairly low levels, often carries peat stain, although this does not have a detrimental effect upon fish taking.

THE SALMON SEASON Opens on 2nd April and continues until 31st October. Spring runs of fish, in common with many other rivers, have sadly declined and only odd fish enter the system during the February/May period. However, given good river levels from late June or thereabouts, fish start to run into the lower beats such as Canonbie and Lower Liddle. Late July usually heralds the arrival of the summer run and, if conditions remain suitable, will continue until they merge with the main autumn runs around mid September, which gererally increase until the season closes. Both rivers produce fish weighing well into the teens of pounds and twenty pounders plus are taken every season.

THE SEA TROUT SEASON Commences on 2nd April and continues until 29th September. NOTE:These are new dates as a result of recent legislation. Normally, given good runs and conditions, fish in the 4/7lb class may be present on the opening day. A gradual increase in numbers usually continues until early August or later in some seasons.The average weight of the main runs is usually 11/2 - 21/2lbs with a few larger specimens up to 10lbs.

Phone: 013873 71416