Rosebery Reservoir is described as a rural idyll which offers excellent fishing. Work has been underway recently which meant closure and there has been a significant lowering of the water to feed the South Esk river.
The popular fishery, situated in the shadow of the Moorfoot Hills to the south of Edinburgh in the heart of Midlothian, is now open again and this picturesque and tranquil, 52-acre water is a haven for wildlife as well as great fishing.
The resident population of fish is wild brown trout and Rosebery is stocked regularly with rainbow trout. You can fish from the bank currently or boat when the water level is at its regular height.
Fly or bait is allowed and Rosebery, which was built in Victorian times, is considered ideal for the fisherman who wants some peace and quiet or for a family to experience fishing, sometimes for the first time.
Dave Picken (pictured), fishery manager, has been delighted with the response from anglers since they re-opened in mid-August and he said that the water level was steadily rising.
Fish have overwintered but bosses have re-stocked with fresh trout recently and good sport is promised.
Wind direction does not seem to affect the resident fish and there are several sheltered bays in the reservoir which takes around an hour to walk round.
There are, he said, no go-to flies at Rosebery, it is a trial and error basis to find the best pattern, but fish were rising on several areas of the reservoir on the day we visited.
FACTFILE:
Contact: Dave Picken, Fishery Manager
e: info@fishrosebery.co.uk
web: www.fishrosebery.co.uk
Address: Rosebery Fishery by Temple, Midlothian EH23 4SS
T: 07783 629714
Open: seven days a week from 8am to dusk
Car park: up to 20 cars on a grass verge two minutes walk from the reservoir
Species: brown trout, rainbow trout, blue trout and jack pike
Basic price: day permits (8am to 5pm): adult: £23 taking home three fish, senior three fish £15: evening permits (5pm to dusk): adult £18 taking home three fish: senior taking home three fish £15.
Concession: day permit (8am to 5pm): adult and child £30. Their limit is five fish between them: evening permit (5pm to dusk): adult and child £25, sharing five fish, again sharing five fish.
Booking: by internet and phone only. Cash by special arrangement
Rod hire: none currently because of COVID-19
Coaching: none currently because of COVID-19
Catching method: fly and bait
How many pegs: there are plenty of pegs to suit all anglers of varying degrees of competency
How many boats: six but water level is too low to launch them currently
Tackle shop: none
Outings: contact Dave Picken on 07783 629714
On-site facilities: toilet
Bothy: none
Food and drinks: none available
Disabled facilities: parking next to the jetty but disabled anglers are advised to view the location before deciding to fish there
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