Discover the Area

Angling

Every type of angler is catered for in the area. For sea angling, Luce bay is one of the finest Tope grounds in Britain and Loch Ryan (within walking distance from the park) is famous for Conger eel etc. and is sheltered in most weather conditions. Sea fishing trips can be organised from Stranraer and Port Patrick. Trout fishermen are also well catered for. There are several well stocked lochs and good salmon rivers not far away. Permits and information are available.

Soulseat Loch

Soulseat Loch (72 acres) is situated approximately 2 miles from Stranraer, by the village of Castle Kennedy. It is stocked regularly throughout the season with rainbow trout averaging 1 1/4lb with some up to 6lb. the excellent growth rate of this water produces superb quality trout which are very hard fighting. Method permitted are fly, bait and spinning. Boats are available and there is a disabled anglers fishing platform giving easy access to the car park.  Season starts 15 March – ends 6 October

Diniddie Reservoir

Diniddie Reservoir lies approximately 1 1/2 mailes from Stranraer and is stocked regularly throughout the season with rainbow trout and has a brown trout population from previous years (best 5lb 9oz in 1999). This tranquil water is fly only and produces good sport given reasonable conditions. Buzzer fishing, especially in the evenings, can be particularly
rewarding. Season starts 15 March – ends 30 September

Penwhirn

Penwhirn is the largest of the waters set in high moorland – a truly wild loch in every sense. An abundance of natural brown trout which are very free rising given favourable conditions accepting most traditional patterns. Despite the remote setting, it’s only a short walk from the parking area to the water. The ideal place to get away from it all. This is a fly only water.  Season starts 15 March – ends 30 September

Knockquhassen

Knockquhassen is local water within close proximity of the town but with a location of surrounding moors giving a feeling of seclusion. The stocking policy of recent years has resulted in a good head of hardy brown trout. This is a fly only water with a good hatch of sedges from mid May onwards. A dry fly can be particularly effective at these times.  Season starts 1 April – ends 30 September

GIRVAN HARBOUR

Girvan boasts a beautiful harbour area that you can walk along and take a glimpse at the many boats often moored there, including at times lifeboats from all over Scotland that travel to Girvan to be refurbished. There are regular trips from the harbour to Ailsa Craig throughout the summertime including a trip on the world’s last sea going paddle steamer The Waverley. You can fish from the pier and shore and sea fishing can also be arranged with one of the boat hire companies in the area. A terrace rooftop garden sits over the fisherman’s huts with benches and an all year round floral display. The perfect place for locals and tourists to catch up with chat or just watch the world go by!

PORT PATRICK

There are many places to be fished in this part of the world, the best known being The Mull of Galloway. However, for ease of access and the variety of species non-can compare with Portpatrick Harbour. Within 100yards of the car park, you can catch conger, mullet, coalies by the bag full, and plate sized plaice. Wrasse and Pollack just yards out on light float fished tackle, huge rockling that take baits that are meant for conger and on the odd occasion decent sized shore caught ling and the odd bass. With the inevitable dogfish