Cast ahead with WoL permits
Permits for the Water of Leith will soon be distributed to nine outlets and fishing is free on the water, fondly named a silver thread in a ribbon of green, but you do need a permit to fish from April
1 to September 30 (both dates inclusive).
Permits will be available at Molly’s Coffee Shop in Juniper Green, Post Offices at Balerno, Colinton and Currie, plus the Water of Leith Visitor Centre at 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ.
Orvis of 19 Hope Street EH2 4EL, Edinburgh Angling Centre at Unit E, Granton Retail Park, 65 West Harbour Road, Granton EH5 1PW and Gamefish, 4 Howe Street, EH3 6TD also carry permits along with City of Edinburgh Council, Forestry and Natural Heritage, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road, EH10 6JF.
Distribution centres will be asked to display a poster indicating that permits are available.
Nearly 500 permits were distributed last season with the Water of Leith Visitor Centre being the most popular pick up point.
The fishery is managed by the Fishery Officers on behalf of and in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council and officers are volunteers.
They patrol the river regularly to check permits and offer helpful advice to anglers. They all carry badges of authorisation.
James Stewart, treasurer, said permits are essential to ensure that anglers know the rules and comply with them.
He added: “This helps to maintain the long term sustainability of the fishery.
“The river is no longer stocked with trout and we rely on anglers to uphold and promote the catch and return policy.
“There is no fishing for any species out-with the season.”
All fish must be returned and barbless hooks must be used at all times
Permits are non-transferable and must be carried at all times and produced on request.
It is fly fishing from Balerno to Bogs Bridge in the Dells and from
Bogs Bridge to Leith it is fly or bait fishing. Spinning and fixed line fishing is prohibited.
Mr Stewart, who has been a Fishery Officer for more than three decades, said discarded line and tackle and all rubbish created by anglers should be removed from the river banks.
Wet and flies size 14/18 with lines of 3lb breaking strain are recommended.
So, if you are tying for the opening of the season then popular dry patterns include Adams, Grey Duster, Olive Quill, Rough Olive, and Klinkhammer.
Popular wet flies on the river are Black Spider, Greenwels Spider, Coch-y-Bondoh, Pheasant Tail Nymph and Gold- Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph.
Stealth and caution are necessary, said Mr Stewart, and, in midsummer, the fishing can be best at dusk or after.
As regards bait fishing maggots or small worms are best, fishing with a 3lb breaking strain and small hook.