Fishing History at St Mary's Loch

Organized fishing at St Mary's Loch and Loch o' the Lowes dates back to the 1820s, with documented reports of angling activity from that time.

🎣 The Birth of St Mary's Angling Club

• Founded in 1933 as a Trout fishing club

• Has continued to the present day, preserving traditional fishing practices

The Pike Restoration

For many years, Pike were actively netted out of the lochs. This practice ended in 1995, allowing nature to restore balance to the ecosystem. Since then, all species have thrived naturally, proving that sometimes, Mother Nature knows best!

Other Species in the Lochs

• Perch & Sticklebacks

  • These species are rarely targeted, but occasional accidental catches suggest some large specimens are present.

  • If you choose to fish for them, you’ll be exploring uncharted waters!

• Brown Trout

  • Early summer mornings reveal large numbers of Trout rising to the fly.

  • These Trout are highly educated and require skill, patience, and persistence to catch.

• Mystery Deep-Water Fish

  • Echo soundings indicate shoals of fish in deep water (70–80 ft).

  • Their species remains unknown - perhaps one day, an angler will solve the mystery!

• Arctic Char?

  • Historically, Arctic Char were present in the lochs.

  • Rumour has it they were netted out in the river connecting the two lochs, but could some still remain?

Boat Hire at St Mary's Loch 🚣‍♂️

We currently have Three boats available for hire on St Mary's Loch, as well as one boat on Loch o' the Lowes.

Booking & Usage Guidelines

📞 Pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Contact our Loch Keeper:

• Phone: 07412659569 (Gael)

• Email: stmaryslochanglingclub@yahoo.com

🚤 Outboard Motors

• We do not loan outboards.

• You are welcome to bring your own (MAX 4HP).

Boat Safety & Care

🔹 Boats are the club’s most valuable asset - please treat them with care.
🔹 Report any damage immediately to ensure repairs can be carried out promptly.
🔹 Life jackets are now provided and must be worn at all times.
🔹 In the event of inclement weather, always err on the side of caution - the loch can be unforgiving.

Capacity Guidelines

• 14ft boats: Max 3 anglers

Important Rules

⛔ Private boats are NOT permitted on the lochs, in line with the wishes of our Riparian Owners.
✅ Boats are now available year-round to cater to visiting Pike anglers - see our News Page for updates.

Aquatic Life at St Mary's Loch 🌿🐟

The lochs boast a rich and diverse ecosystem, particularly around the margins, where worms, crustaceans, and molluscs thrive.

Abundant Fly Life & Trout Activity

🦟 When conditions are right, fly life flourishes, leading to spectacular Trout rises as they feed voraciously.

Coarse Fish & Food Chain Balance

🐟 The lochs are home to large shoals of coarse fish fry and a healthy population of three-spined Sticklebacks, both of which provide an important food source for larger predators.

Pike: The Ultimate Indicator of a Healthy Fishery

🔹 Pike sit at the top of the food chain, making their condition a key indicator of the loch’s overall health.
🔹 Experts agree that if the Pike are thriving (which they are), the entire ecosystem is in excellent condition.
🔹 Many of our members, who have fished across Scotland, report that the Pike from our lochs are among the hardest-fighting fish they've ever encountered.

The Myth of Pike as a "Problem Fish"

📖 Thanks to extensive research by the Pike Anglers Club GB, the outdated belief that Pike decimate fisheries is being debunked.
🔗 Visit their site to explore the latest scientific research on Pike and their role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

The Pike Anglers' Club of Great Britain 

Wildlife at St Mary's Loch 🦅🌊

We are fortunate to share our lochs with a family of Ospreys, magnificent birds of prey that can often be seen hunting over the water.

Osprey Sightings & Hunting Behaviour

📍 Best viewing spots: From the dam up to where the Megget River enters the loch.
🔹 The presence of an Osprey is often announced by frantic mobbing from Seagulls and Crows, as they try to deter the skilled hunter.
🔹 Watching an Osprey in action is an unforgettable experience - a near-motionless hover at great height suddenly turns into a breathtaking dive. Just above the water, the bird extends its razor-sharp talons, expertly snatches a fish, and ascends gracefully back to the nest with its catch.

If you are lucky enough to witness this incredible moment, it’s one you will treasure forever.

Beyond the breathtaking Osprey hunts, our lochs are home to a diverse array of wildlife, from tiny field mice to elusive otters.

Small Mammals & Woodland Creatures

🔹 Voles and Field Mice are often heard rustling under the bank vegetation, and with a little patience, they can be tempted into the open by scattering small pieces of bread or pie crust - a treat they seem to enjoy!
🔹 Otters have also been spotted fishing in the lochs, a rare and exciting sight for those lucky enough to witness them.

Birdlife Around the Lochs

🌿 Robins & Chaffinches - These friendly birds are particularly bold in the winter months, often feeding just inches away from anglers when natural food is scarce.
🌾 Goldfinches & Greenfinches - Frequently seen flitting through the trees, they feed on seeds in the surrounding vegetation.
🐦 Blue Tits, Coal Tits & Great Tits - A common but delightful sight, these small songbirds bring life to the lochs with their busy foraging.

Whether you're fishing or simply enjoying the scenery, keep an eye (and ear) out—you never know what wildlife encounter awaits!

Birds of Prey & Woodland Birds

🦅 Buzzard & Kestrel – Often seen soaring above the lochs, scanning for prey.
🌿 Treecreeper & Wren – Small but fascinating, these birds are commonly spotted darting up tree trunks or foraging in undergrowth.
🍂 Green & Great Spotted Woodpecker – Listen for their distinctive drumming sounds in nearby woodland.
🎨 Bullfinch & Redstart – Their vibrant plumage makes them a striking sight against the greenery.
🎶 Warblers – A variety of warblers add their melodic songs to the soundtrack of the lochside.

Water Birds & Waders

🦩 Heron – Often seen standing motionless in shallow waters, waiting to strike at fish.
💦 Dipper – A fascinating bird that bobs along riverbanks and even dives underwater to hunt.
👀 Pied, Grey & Yellow Wagtail – These lively birds can be seen flitting along the shoreline.
🐦 Sandpiper – A graceful wader, commonly found near the water’s edge.
🦢 Other Water-Dwelling Birds – Various ducks, swans, and seasonal visitors can also be seen on the lochs.

Small Mammals & Other Wildlife

🐭 Voles & Field Mice – Rustling through the undergrowth, these tiny creatures can sometimes be lured out with breadcrumbs.
🦦 Otter – A rare but exciting sight for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one hunting in the loch.

Whether you're fishing or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, keep an eye out—you never know what wildlife encounter awaits!

Early Morning Wildlife & The Dawn Chorus 🌅🎶

For the early morning angler, the Dawn Chorus provides a natural symphony, making those quiet hours by the loch even more magical.

🎵 Prominent Singers:

• Blackbird & Thrush – Their rich, melodious songs fill the air at first light.

• Robin & Chaffinch – Adding bright, cheerful notes to the morning melody.

• Oystercatcher & Cuckoo – Occasionally heard, their distinct calls add variety to the chorus.

Morning Wildlife Encounters 🦌🐰🦉

• 🦌 Roe Deer – Often spotted at the water’s edge, grazing in the misty dawn.

• 🐰 Large Hares – Quick and elusive, these can be seen darting across open ground.

• 🦉 Owls – Their haunting hoots echo through the trees before sunrise.

• 🦦 Otter – Occasionally seen fishing in the loch—a special sight for the patient observer.

Invasive Species Alert

🚨 Mink Sightings – If you spot a Mink, please report it to the club as they can be harmful to local wildlife.

Whether you're here for the fishing or just to experience nature at its finest, the early hours offer a truly unforgettable atmosphere! 🌿🐾

The Loch in Freezing Temperatures ❄️🌨️

It is rare for St Mary's Loch to freeze over completely. The last recorded freeze was in 1986, when temperatures plunged to -18°C.

🌊 Loch o' the Lowes freezes more easily, particularly at the bottom end near the Glen Café, but even then, ice cover is usually limited.

Cold Weather Precautions 🧤🧣

If you're planning a visit during a cold spell, we strongly recommend:
✔ Checking with local outlets before setting out—especially if traveling from afar.
✔ Contacting the Lochkeeper to confirm weather conditions

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the lochs responsibly! ❄️🎣

Historic Sites 🏰📜

The area surrounding St Mary’s Loch is rich in history, with several notable historic sites nearby.

📍 For a detailed overview, visit Genuki - GENUKI: Ettrick, Selkirkshire
📜 On-site Information: At the top of St Mary’s Loch, you’ll find an information board providing a concise history of the area.

Take some time to explore and uncover the fascinating past of this beautiful landscape!

Folklore & Legends of St Mary’s Loch 🏴‍☠️🚗

Some stories seem like myths—until you realize they might just be true!

The Sunken Model T Ford

Back in 1934, guests at Rodono House, a Victorian hunting lodge on the loch’s banks, were known for their wild parties. One fateful night, a few overly merry guests decided to drive a Model T Ford (presumably black, of course) onto the frozen loch—then left it there! When the thaw came, the car disappeared beneath the ice, never to be seen again.

👀 Where is it now? No one knows! The local sub-aqua club has conducted numerous dives in search of the legendary Ford, but it remains hidden in the depths. So, if your anchor gets mysteriously stuck… you just might have hooked a piece of history. Let us know!

The Lost Tractor

Rumour has it that an old tractor, having outlived its usefulness, was also pushed onto the frozen loch—eventually sinking to the depths, joining the Model T in its watery grave.

The “Silent Loch”

St Mary’s Loch is sometimes called the “silent loch”, and locals claim it holds the title of Scotland’s coldest loch. Whether that’s legend or fact, one thing is certain - its deep, icy waters hold many secrets!

🚗 Roads & Safety in the St Mary’s Loch Area

⚠️ Road Conditions & Hazards

• Sheep on the Roads 🐑 – Be aware that sheep frequently wander onto the roads around St Mary’s Loch. Drive cautiously, especially on bends and narrow sections.

• Motorcyclists 🏍️ – This scenic route is popular with motorcyclists. Please exercise extra caution, particularly during weekends and in good weather.

⛽ Fuel Stations

• Nearest Petrol Stations:

  • Selkirk (16 miles away)

  • Moffat (16 miles away)

  • Plan ahead, as there are no fuel stations directly at the loch.

🚑 Medical Emergencies

• Emergency Services: 📞 Dial 999 for Ambulance, Fire, or Police assistance.

• Nearest A&E Hospital: 🏥

  • Borders General Hospital, Melrose (18 miles away)

  • Directions: Head towards Selkirk → Continue to Galashiels → Follow signs for Melrose/Borders General Hospital. The hospital is well signposted on the outskirts of Galashiels.

  • Emergency Dental Services are also available at this location.

❤️ Defibrillator Locations

In case of a cardiac emergency, defibrillators (AEDs) are available at:
📍 Tibbie Shiels Inn (at the top of the loch)
📍 Cappercleuch Village Hall (halfway around St Mary’s Loch)

🎣 Operating Policies

👶 Child Protection

• We actively encourage young anglers as they are the future of the sport!

• Under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

• We follow the Pike Anglers Club Child Protection Policy (Link to Policy - CONTENTS).

• Zero Tolerance:

  • Anyone convicted of offences against children will have their membership permanently revoked.

  • Persistent troublemakers will also be banned.

  • We share this information with other clubs.

• Vetted Wardens: All Scottish Office Wardens have been checked by Disclosure Scotland.

♿ Disabled Access

• The rugged terrain around the lochs includes steep banks and rocky areas.

• However, there are several wheelchair-accessible areas.

• If you require assistance, please notify us in advance, and we will do our best to help.

⚠️ Health & Safety

• Risk Awareness: Some activities require careful judgment, including:

  • Boating in heavy winds

  • Wading on rocky ground

  • Walking over soft ground

• Permit Sellers Provide Safety Info – Please follow their guidance.

• Mobile Phones: Reception is intermittent depending on your location.

• Lifejackets are COMPULSORY when boating!

• Anglers fish at their own risk.

📍 Bathymetrical Survey

The bathymetric map above provides an overview of the depth variations in St Mary’s Loch:

• Darkest shaded areas → 100-155ft deep

• Next lighter shade → 50-100ft deep

• Further lighter shade → 25-50ft deep

• Lightest shaded areas → 0-25ft deep

The deepest section is Point C-D (circled on the map).

🔍 For more bathymetric data:

• Visit the National Library of Scotland via our Links page.

• Check our Home page for updated maps.

🎣 Permits & Boat Bookings

• All anglers must obtain a permit before fishing.

• Bookings must be made in person or by phone.

• Contact our Lochkeeper:

  • 📞 Mobile: 07412659569 (Gael)

  • 📧 Email: stmaryslochanglingclub@yahoo.com