UPPER CARRISTON - Location: OS 59/328037

Part of a two reservoir complex, Upper Carriston, run by the Methilhaven and District Angling Club and leased from the East of Scotland Water Authority, is open to non-club members.

In recent times, the surrounding forestry has been cleared which, at present, gives the reservoir a somewhat barren and black look. This always happens in forestry clearance - it is an unfortunate, but temporary set of circumstances. When the land recovers, the loss of woodland associated terrestrials, such as pine beetle will no doubt be replaced by such species as crane fly and, perhaps, heather fly.

The south and east banks are natural with over-hanging trees (south bank) and some difficult to negotiate marshy, rushy growth. In the summer and autumn months marginal weed growth would appear to be a serious problem. The rest of the bank is reservoir dam wall, and this would appear to be the favoured fishing area, although even here weed-growth could make successful landing of fish problematic. Day-ticket holders are not allowed the use of the single boat, which could resolve the weed problem. Perhaps the club will address these matters in the future.