The Glen Franka
Reservoir is in a glorious location located in a valley about 2 kilometres to
the south of Leadhills.
A hidden spot from the
village, it offers a serene getaway for fishing enthusiasts. The Leadhills
Angling Association was set up for those with an interest in fishing, and to
make use of this beautiful reservoir.
The club is small at
the present time with only 14 members, the majority of whom live in and around
Hamilton. The club has only recently been reformed to take advantage of
the reservoir and to provide a recreational opportunity for local residents,
those from further afield and tourists to the local area.
The reservoir contains
native brown trout, with fishing taking place from the bank. A fly only fishery,
with an exception for juvenile fishers who are allowed to spin or use bait, there
is also a take home limit of two fish within prescribed size limits – the
average size of the fish caught is around ¾ of a pound with a couple of fish of
one and a half pound being caught.
Speaking about the
Association, Secretary Gerard Godfrey said: “The Leadhills Angling Association
would not exist without the support provided by the Leadhills Estate. In
particular we must pay tribute to the assistance provided by Donald Noble, the Estate
Manager, who is himself a keen fisherman.
“The Estate has put a
great deal of effort working with the Association to make the water available,
to discuss access arrangements and to work with the Association to arrive at a
lease which meets the needs of both parties. The fishing club has also
received a grant from Leadhills Community Council towards meeting its
establishment costs, including insurance cover – allowing members to be insured
for fishing at the Glen Franka Reservoir and elsewhere as individuals.”
The fishing season
runs from 15 March until 6 October. Interested in becoming a member?
Contact Gerard Godfrey, the Secretary of the Association, for further
information on [email protected] or 01659 74201. Membership information is also available from the
Leadhills Village Shop and the Hopetoun Arms Hotel. Or if you’re just
interested in a day at Glen Franka Reservoir, day tickets can also be obtained
from both these locations. Membership for the season costs £40 for an adult and
£10 for a juvenile. Day tickets cost £10.
