Scotland offers so much to fans of the great outdoors, with its rugged landscape, amazing coastline and beautiful lochs, and fishing is no exception. But with so many different locations it can be a challenge to find the right spot, so we’ve put together six of the best spots to cast your line, whether you’re after trout and salmon, or sea fishing, there really is something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at six of the top fishing destinations in Scotland.
RIVERS
THE RIVER SPEY
Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the River Spey is one of the ‘big four’ salmon rivers in Scotland and is the third longest river in Scotland, (the 9th in the UK) and is one of the fastest flowing, which makes it really popular with anglers.
WHERE IS IT?
The north-east of Scotland, towards Elgin and Inverness.
WHAT TO FISH?
Salmon and trout.
ALSO KNOWN FOR…
Whisky
THE RIVER DEE
The River Dee is one of the UK’s highest rivers and the waters are clear and fast with plenty of shallow pools and runs. It’s also known as ‘the black water of Dee’ because of the dark coloured water.
WHERE IS IT?
In south-west Scotland, starting in the Galloway hills and flowing past Kirkcudbright towards the Solway Firth.
WHAT TO FISH
Salmon and trout.
ALSO KNOWN FOR…
The Battle of the River Dee in 1308 during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
LOCHS
LOCH AWE
Loch Awe is the third largest freshwater loch in Scotland, stretching for 25 miles through the Highlands. It’s popular with tourists but still feels relatively unexplored and is surrounded by rivers and waterfalls, fens and forests.
WHERE IS IT?
Argyll and Bute, on the west coast.
WHAT TO FISH?
Salmon, pike and brown trout.
ALSO KNOWN FOR…
Kilchurn Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
LOCH LOMOND
Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s largest, and most famous, lochs and is the largest lake, by surface area, in the UK. It’s dotted with more than 30 islands, some of which are artificial islands built in prehistoric times.
WHERE IS IT?
On the west coast, just above Glasgow.
WHAT TO FISH
Salmon, pike, sea trout, chub, perch, dace.
ALSO KNOWN FOR…
It’s home to 21 Munros including Ben More and Ben Lomond.
SEA FISHING
DUNNET HEAD
Dunnet Head is home to the most northerly fishing club in Scotland. There are plenty of opportunities for sea angling from the beach, rocks or from a boat from Scrabster Harbour.
WHERE IS IT?
Caithness, on the north coast.
WHAT TO FISH
Skate, halibut.
ALSO KNOWN FOR…
It’s the most northerly point of mainland Scotland and Britain and is a well-known stopping off point for the NC500.
STONEHAVEN
This pretty historic harbour town has fantastic sea angling opportunities; its rocky shores and bay make it ideal for both newcomers and experienced anglers, and it’s very accessible.
WHERE IS IT?
Aberdeenshire, on the north-east coast.
WHAT TO FISH
Cod, sea bass, flounder & mackerel.
ALSO KNOWN FOR…
It’s famous Hogmanay Fireballs Ceremony.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO FISHING IN SCOTLAND?
There is a general fishing season in the UK, but the time of year you go depends on the type of fish and where you want to go:
- Salmon – Salmon fishing runs from the middle of February to the end of October.
- Trout – This season runs from April to the end of September and earlier in the season may be better as the days are longer and the water temperature is better. Bear in mind different trout species peak at different times so it’s a good idea to do some research before you plan your trip.
- Sea fishing – This is all year, although again, the summer months mean longer days and warmer water.
Rivers have specific seasons, too.
Remember this is Scotland, and you could experience all four seasons in one day, so check the forecast and be prepared.
DO I NEED A LICENSE TO FISH IN SCOTLAND?
You don’t need a license for rod fishing in Scotland, apart from the Border Esk region as the river flows into England, but you will need permission from the landowner or angling club.
For sea angling there may be restrictions depending on the species, so check before you go.
There may also be a ‘protection order’ in place in certain inland waters so again, this needs to be checked before you go.
You can look at Fishpal for advice on permits, river levels and general fishing advice.
Scotland has so much to offer anglers, and we’ve only just touched the surface. There are also the Rivers Tweed and Findhorn, and even Loch Ness if you’re brave enough to face Nessie! And the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland are also great coastal fishing locations.
Fishing is such a great way to combine a hobby with the great outdoors and has so many benefits, for our mental health as well as our physical health, but it can also end up costing quite a fair bit once you have all your kit – those fishing gadgets can soon add up (fishing gadgets are covered under the Gadgets and Mobile Phones Optional Benefit), so it’s worth looking at specialist fishing insurance; it would be nice to know you have cover in place if the unexpected were to happen.
For more information read our guide to the importance of taking out fishing insurance and take a look at our policies; there are three policy types that you can tweak, so there’s something for everyone. Find out more on our website, or give us a call and get a free, no-strings quote.
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