Fishing
Scotland’s waterways have as much to offer the first time angler as the seasoned fly fisher.
From crystal clear lochs and fully-stocked fisheries, to small spate rivers, stream lochs and the classic salmon rivers of the Tay, Tweed and the Dee, Scotland is unrivalled as a fishing destination. You can fish for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Grayling.
Fishing Permits
Before taking to Scotland’s waters with your rod and your reel, you’ll need to have a fishing permit. Unlike the rest of the UK, a separate rod licence isn’t required in Scotland.
When you’re angling, no matter whether you’re on a fishery, a loch or a river, you’ll need to carry your permit with you in case a bailiff or a river watcher produces their authority card and asks to see your permit.
Fishing Clubs
Scotland has many fishing clubs and angling associations that manage fishing in local lochs and rivers, for the benefit of the club and visiting anglers alike. As such, fishing clubs are important for the conservation, maintenance and improvement of fishing waters throughout Scotland.
Scottish fishing clubs have fishing rights to rivers, some own lochs and fisheries. They often have facilities for disabled and junior anglers. Memberships are available for adults, juniors (under 14s), children (aged 14 -18) and ladies. You aren’t restricted to a membership for the whole season either as most fishing clubs offer daily and weekly permits.
Fisheries
Scotland has many fisheries spread across the country. Each offers slightly different facilities, but they always have stocked lochs with monitored stock levels which are replenished regularly. The fish in Scotland’s fisheries vary but the most common are usually Salmon, Brown and Rainbow Trout.
Fisheries offer a mixture of fly only waters, for game anglers, and waters dedicated to coarse and match fishing. There are also usually tackle shops, refreshment areas and parking facilities nearby. Fisheries are the perfect place to introduce a first time fisher, or a junior, to the sport. Prices vary depending on the fishery and often charge based on the number of fish caught.
More on Scotland’s many fishing clubs
Scotland’s Anglers National Associations Limited
More information on where to fish in Scotland