Rivers
January 24th, 2009 | 
Douglas_Admin
The River Almond
The River Almond passes straight through the heart of West Lothian. From it's origens in North Lanarkshire on it's way to the Firth of Forth, it covers 28 miles. At this time it remains one of Scotland's most polluted small rivers however there has been a major effort both on the part of local industry and SEPA to develop a catchment management plan (CMP). The CMP was developed to improve the water quality of both the river almond and it's tributaries.
Overall between 1996 and 2006 the water quality has improved dramatically bringing new life to the river.
Fishing on the river is mainly for Brown Trout however there are Salmon and Sea Trout reaching Mid Calder. Permit information is vague unless you are fishing near Cramond where the local angling club has the rights (www.fishalmond.co.uk ). The fishing is free in Almondell Country Park, so if in doubt head there.
The River Almond is home to some fantastic Brown Trout and some great fishing. We have caught trout up to 3lb in Livingston and many under that size. Flies of choice for us are, Butchers, Invicta, Spiders, Woolly Buggers, PTN, Olive Nymph, Grey Dusters, May flies and midge patterns.
Get In There....The Almond Is Great!!
Check the River Almond Gallery
The Linhouse Water
The Linhouse starts it's journey in the Pentland hills and travels north passing through Crosswood reservoir on it's way to join with the River Almond in Mid Calder. The Linhouse is more a small stream than a river, the water quality is very good, sustaining an abundance of life.
The easiest access points are from the A71 south Livingston at Oakbank where there is a carpark and a trail leading down to the water and from Main St, Mid Calder.
Brown Trout are resident in the Linhouse and you may even find the odd Rainbow escapee from Crosswood, there is the potential for some Sea Trout and even the odd Salmon to enter this water as it is very clean and could provide good spawning grounds.
There is no permit information available in regards to this stream however anglers should follow the country code.
The River Avon
The River Avon crosses over into West Lothian From Falkirk, Linlithgow Angling Club share two beats on the river with Slamannan Angling Club who have 5 beats altogether. The River Avon Federation was founded in 1998 and is and is made up of Linlithgow, Slamannan and Avonvalley Angling Clubs. The federation is responsible for the management of the river. Membership and tickets vary between them and are as follows:
Linlithgow Angling club: Annual membership - Adults £26, OAP £10, Juniors £5.00 with a £15 joining fee (no day tickets available).
Slamannan Angling Club: Annual membership - Adults £25, Juniors £10 No joining fee (day tickets available for around £6).
Avon valley Angling Association: Annual membership - Adults £25, Juniors & OAP £10 (no day tickets available).
Day Permits and Season Membership of Slamannan Angling Club can be purchased from Muiravonside Country Park Visitor Center and allow you to fish all the Slamannan beats.
