Through the years I have fished many areas of the river Clyde from Abington and Elvanfoot downstream through Lamington, Thankerton, Hyndford, Sandilands, Kirkfieldbank and the Clyde Valley to the point where the river Avon joins the Clyde at Strathclyde Park. The river goes through many changes in its journey through these areas, not least in its width and depth but also in the land use and vegetation surrounding the river, this has the effect of changing the food sources available and therefore behaviour of the Trout and Grayling. The river in general fished poorly for Brown Trout in 2005 when compared with recent seasons although a general decline has been evident for a few seasons now, the reasons for this will probably vary from area to area. The invertebrate hatches have not been as heavy in the areas I fish most often and a study on this is now underway. The associations controlling each area and those whose concern is the whole catchment are all involved in their own projects regarding the health and future of the river, a full list of these associations will be added to the foot of the page. In terms of personality the river can be split into 3 main sections. 1: Upper Clyde. From Elvanfoot to the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark. 2: Middle Clyde. From New Lanark to Strathclyde Park. 3: Lower Clyde. From Strathclyde Park to Cambuslang.

Most of the time I spend fishing the Clyde is on the Middle section on U.C.A.P.A. controlled water in the Clyde Valley between Hazelbank and Garrion Bridge, this is the richest and most fertile area of the river and is home to the most diverse range of invertebrates in the rivers length. As a result this area has fairly dependable hatches of upwing flies and sedges throughout the season and a decent head of free rising fish. As Crossford was the first stretch of the river I fished it is the first to be featured, many more stretches will be added as time permits.

Click on the thumbnails below to view photographs of the river.

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The Brown Trout and Grayling fishing on this stretch of the river is controlled by The United Clyde Angling Protective Association more details on their rules and permit availability will be added here soon.