St Mary's Angling Club
All your Fishing Information for
St Mary’s Loch and Loch o' the Lowes
Welcome to St Mary's Angling Club
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, St Mary’s Loch and Loch o' the Lowes offer breathtaking scenery and exceptional fishing opportunities. Located along the A708 between Selkirk and Moffat, St Mary’s Loch is the largest natural loch in the Borders, stretching over 3 miles long, half a mile wide, and reaching depths of over 150 feet. Covering 640 acres, it is accompanied by the smaller Loch o’ the Lowes, which spans 100 acres. These two stunning lochs are connected by the Little Yarrow, a small river that allows fish to move freely between them.
For detailed bathymetric survey maps of both lochs, check out the maps below, kindly provided by Davie McGarvie, or visit the National Library of Scotland via our links page for more resources.
Depth Map of St Mary's Loch
Depth Map of Loch o' the Lowes
Planning Your Visit
Set at an elevation of 800 feet above sea level, these lochs are exposed to the prevailing south-westerly winds, making for an exciting yet peaceful angling experience. To stay updated on local conditions and any developments, check the notice board at the boathouse (halfway up St Mary’s Loch) or visit our news page.
For permits and expert fishing advice, your first stop should be our loch keeper, John. He can be reached at:
📞 Mobile: 07412659569
📧 Email: stmaryslochanglingclub@yahoo.com
We now accept club and group bookings—contact John for more details.
Fishing at St Mary’s & Loch o’ the Lowes
Enjoy year-round fishing in an unspoiled setting for Brown Trout, Pike, and Perch at a very reasonable cost. If you’re seeking peace, tranquillity, and great fishing, this is the perfect destination.
Boat Hire
St Mary’s Loch: 3-man boats available for hire
Loch o’ the Lowes: 1 boat available for hire
Outboard motors are not provided, but you may bring your own (up to 4HP).
Lifejackets (supplied) must be worn when using a boat.
For current pricing and to choose your preferred type of fishing, please check the fishing section on our website.
Local Amenities
☕ The Glen Café offers delicious meals, snacks, and their famous bacon & egg rolls! Fishing permits can also be purchased here—see our links page for contact details.
🏡 Accommodation:
Looking for a self-catering cottage? Stay at Half House Cottage—a comfortable retreat for up to 4 people, surrounded by stunning panoramic views.
Several B&Bs are available within a 10-mile radius.
🚻 Public Toilets: Available next to The Glen Café—free to use.
🛍 Shops: The nearest towns, Selkirk and Moffat, are 16 miles away.
Overnight Fishing & Fire Regulations
🏕 Bivvies are welcome for overnight fishing, but please respect others' property.
❌ Large fires are strictly prohibited. Fires on grassed areas or near plantations are not allowed.
🌲 Do not damage or cut down trees - this rule is strictly enforced for safety.
Fishing Regulations
⚠️ St Mary’s Loch and Loch o’ the Lowes are protected waters. A valid permit is required before fishing.
🎣 All fishing is CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY.
When booking, please mention our website - we appreciate your support!
For additional permit outlets, please see the information below.
Fishers Direct in Penicuik
9 John Street
Penicuik
Midlothian
EH26 8HN
01968 672877
sales@fishersdirect.com
The image Below will show where you are permitted to fish around both Lochs. Please make sure you follow these guidlines when setting up. Any areas of Livestock are also OFF limits to camping overnight.
The images below will focus into the restricted areas.
The area above marked in Blue is for Members Only. All visitors may Fish this area, but must park in the Cark Park marked above.
The area marked above is Restricted Grounds to Bowerhope Farm. Please do NOT camp overnight here. Fishing is allowed from the Banks, but more accessible via Boat.
The area above is Rodono House Hotel Private Grounds and can NOT be bank fished, there is also no Camping allowed here.
The two areas marked above are Tibbie Shiels and St Mary's Loch Sailing Club. Both areas are out of bounds when it comes to Bank Fishing. Boat anglers can NOT moor a boat anywhere around these areas. The area around Tibbie Shiels includes the banking of the river up to the Bridge that runs across. Please stick to the Yellow marked area when fishing here.
ANGLERS MUST OBTAIN A PERMIT BEFORE COMMENCING TO FISH UNLESS A PRIOR ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN MADE BY PHONING OUR LOCHKEEPER on 07412659569 (John)
Please browse our site and see for yourself the huge untapped potential of our lochs.
Please check our news link for up to date developments and fishing reports.
Day permit all species £10.00/day (24hr permit).
Youth 12-16 £4.00/day, accompanied by a responsible adult.
Children under 12 free, accompanied by a responsible adult.
Permits are available from our lochkeeper, please contact our Lochkeeper BEFORE your visit:
Mobile – 07412659569 (John)
or if you prefer Email – stmaryslochanglingclub@yahoo.com