River Ayr Rules

Fishing regulations

The Rivers and Waters leased to the Association for the purpose of angling shall be with rod and line only.

1. Trout Angling shall be from 15th March until 6th October on the River Ayr. Salmon and Sea Trout angling shall be from 1st April until 31st October on the River Ayr only. No Salmon or Sea Trout angling on the Glebuck Loch, Garpel Waters, Greenock Water as these are spawning grounds. Angling for Grayling only permitted from 15th December and throughout close season with wading prohibited. N.B. In Scotland, it is illegal to take Salmon, Sea Trout or Brown Trout during the close season.
2. No angling is permitted on Greenock Waters, Garpel Waters or Glenbuck Loch. Any unofficial tickets or permit sales must be reported to any Committee member.
3. Practices known as netting, shabbling, guddling or the use of explosives or toxic substances, or any unfair or illegal means of taking fish are strictly prohibited.
4. Permits for the above must be carried at all times and shown to River Watchers and Proprietor Officials on demand.
5. AIl local and district Salmon Fisheries Board Bailiffs will carry a means of identification i.e. a passport photo and a wallet.
6. No fishing permitted above Red Bridge on the A70, Muirkirk to Cumnock Road.
7. Bailiffs have the right to inspect all tackle, baskets, and game bags. All Members are requested to assist Bailiffs in the smooth running of the Association.
8. Any Members out with a 5 mile radius shall require a Visitor's Permit, except people born in the parish of Muirkirk.
9. All season permits must be uplifted by 1st May
10. Fishing single hook; No prawn or shrimp fishing
11. Bubble floats will not be permitted.
12. No spinning for Salmon and Sea Trout below mark' will be permitted. If the water is on the 'mark' at 10am, spinning will be allowed all day.
12a. Competitors will be allowed to spin for Brown Trout only on day of competition when the water is below the 'mark'.
13. Fly Fishing - Fly Fishing for Salmon or Sea Trout will be permitted at all times, with the use of a floating line only allowed below 'mark'. Fly Fishing with lead cored or heavy fast sink lines and the use of Bubble Floats are prohibited.
14. Landing nets only are permitted. Gaffs and landing hooks are prohibited.
15. No Saturday or Sunday Fishing permitted for Salmon and Sea Trout on Day Tickets.
16. No Salmon or Sea Trout allowed on days of local Competitions. No visitor allowed to fish on days of Competitions unless fishing in the Competition.
17. Ground Baiting for Sa23lmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout or Grayling is strictly prohibited.
18. Fishing for Brown Trout is only allowed on Sundays.
19. Night Fishing for Salmon or Sea Trout will be allowed from 1st May until 31st August, both dates inclusive.
20. Set lines are illegal and strictly prohibited. All rods must be hand held. Members must fish through pools.
21. All Trout under 10" must be carefully returned to the water.
22. From 30th September, no Salmon or Sea Trout Fishing will be permitted on the River Ayr above the Mill Bridge at Muirkirk. Brown Trout and Grayling Fishing will be permitted only with light tackle - e.g. 3lb nylon No 14 or 16 hooks, small float and shot.
23. No Salmon or Sea Trout Fishing will be allowed on the Greenock Water and above the Blue Bridge at Crossflat Farm (River Ayr) and Garpel Water throughout the season.
24. All Members must return all salmon and sea trout carefully to the water. This is a Cat 3 water.
25. There will only be 60 Visitor Permits available. 6 Day Permits per day will be available on weekdays only and 4 permits on Saturday
26. A Revision of these Rules may be demanded or the liberty granted by them may be recalled by the Proprietors at any time.

Salmon and sea trout are catch and release only.
Eels are protected and must be returned immediately to the river.
Anglers may keep up to six trout per day.
Trout under 10 inches must be released immediately.
Shrimp and prawn fishing is prohibited.
Do not gut fish on the riverbank; handle fish carefully and release them promptly.
Do not dig for bait or disturb the riverbanks and natural habitat.

Protect the river

Report poaching, pollution, suspicious activity or illegal ticket sales promptly to the Secretary, an Association official or a committee member.

If you witness the illegal taking of fish, contact the nearest police station without disturbing those involved.

The Association offers a £50 reward for credible evidence leading to a conviction.

River-height markers

Wellwood Bridge, Cumnock Road.
Old Humpback Bridge, Sorn Road.
Post in the water at Limmerhaigh Bridge, Sorn Road.

Useful reporting contacts