The Avon is the Clyde's nearest major tributary on the south side and a proper little trout river — fast, tumbling, and the kind of water where a short rod and a few spider patterns is all the equipment you actually need. It runs off the Lanarkshire hills through farmland and wooded gorges, gathering colour quickly after rain and dropping clear almost as quickly, which is exactly what a wild trout fisher wants. The fishing is controlled by the Avon Angling Association; day tickets are available, and the beats are wadeable with care. Best in April and May when the large dark olives are hatching, and again in early autumn. Not a river to make you famous — just a reliable few hours of wild trout on small flies, which is quite a lot when you think about it.

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