The Annan is the best mixed-species river in the south-west and should be read as a four-lane river, not a salmon beat. It is open 52 weeks of the year, and the right answer depends on the season: spring brown trout, summer sea trout, autumn salmon, winter grayling. Trout and grayling are first-class here, not filler — the river is well known for large fish of both, with no grayling close season (but avoid targeting them during the April–May spawning). Access is unusually practical: most beats sell a salmon/sea-trout permit that also covers trout and grayling, with FishPal, association and estate routes. Scotland has no rod licence, but you still need the right permit. Confirm seasons and beat rules before fishing.