Cramond Angling Club

Cramond Angling Club offers fishing on the River Almond, a recovering urban river that now supports excellent wild brown trout, sea trout and salmon fishing close to Edinburgh. Though many know it only as a city river, a short walk along its banks reveals wooded gorges, wildlife, open fields and surprisingly secluded water. The club fishery is affordable, community-driven and suited to anglers of all ages and experience levels, with three varied beats covered by one permit.

The fishery covers three beats with distinctly different character. Beats 1 and 2 are wooded, faster and bouldery, with deep pools, runs and exciting opportunities for sea trout and salmon as well as trout throughout the season. Beat 3 is slower and more open, with shallow riffles and willow-lined pools that offer some exceptional brown trout fishing, especially on dry flies. Anglers can target brown trout all season, with sea trout and salmon most likely after rain and dropping water.

The River Almond has a long history of industrial damage, pollution and mining legacy, yet it is now recovering strongly. Barrier easement work led by the Forth Rivers Trust under the RiverLife banner has helped more anglers recognise the river’s value and potential. The club supports responsible angling on this recovering system and encourages members to respect access, fish carefully, and value the river as an important asset for both wildlife and the wider community.

This fishery rewards preparation. Access ranges from straightforward paths on the lower beats to heavy summer undergrowth on Beat 3. It is worth walking the river first, even without a rod, to learn access points, likely holding water and the lie of each beat. Public transport can also be used on this fishery, which makes it unusually accessible. Conditions matter: consistent water suits trout, while dropping levels after a spate are often best for migratory fish.