Fishing in Angus

Angus aims to provide sustainable angling across all angling sectors. Weather conditions govern the opportunities for success and therefore it is important to recognise the variety of angling available, together with the conservation codes which are being developed.

The rivers North and South Esks lie side by side in Angus providing the connoisseur angler with a choice of fishing through spring, summer and autumn runs.

The river North Esk is one of the most prolific salmon rivers in the northern hemisphere, although the spring run, in common with other Scottish rivers has declined. Given appropriate weather conditions it provides excellent sport. The North Esk is formed by the Water of Mark and the outflow from Loch Lee. It is thirty five miles long entering the sea north of Montrose.

The South Esk is one of Scotland's finest sea trout rivers during the summer months. With appropriate weather conditions salmon runs are good in the spring and excellent in the autumn. The river is some forty nine miles long with excellent fishing from Glen Clova down to the Montrose Basin where it enters the sea.


South Esk




North Esk



Angus boasts significant opportunities for sea anglers having fine beaches, spectacular cliff scenery and charter boats. Trout fisheries are prominent in Angus offering excellent facilities often with professional instruction thus providing an ideal introduction to angling. Coarse fishing is a fast developing sector.

About this web site

Most of North & South Esk's beats are included on this site so you can read about each one, see its current fishing availability and book fishing permits online or by telephone.

In particular you have free, unlimited access to:
There is a host of information in the left hand menu to help you arrange your fishing on the Esks and organise your visit to Angus.