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Fishing in Scotland

Scotland has a vast range of year round fishing and much of it is indisputably world class. It's far easier than you think to access and often very modestly priced too. Add in the many other things that Scotland has to offer and you have all the essential ingredients for a memorable fishing holiday.

Salmon

Scotland is the home of salmon fishing and its famous rivers attract anglers from all over the world. Anyone who has mastered the art of speycasting will want to visit the Spey. Those seeking the river that now catches the most Atlantic salmon in the world, will find it in Scotland, but don't forget that there is yet another that catches the most spring fish!

Trout & Grayling

Our wild trout fishing is also of superb quality, whether it be in the remote small rivers and lochs of our beautiful hills and glens, or the more sedate, lowland rivers in their lush countryside. There is also a range of excellent stocked trout fishing and some very productive grayling fishing.

Coarse

Wild pike fishing is Scotland's hidden gem with much of it in wild and beautiful scenery. There are also opportunities to fish for carp, bream and many other popular species.

Sea

Scotland has excellent and very varied sea fishing, from both shore and boat, with stunning coastal scenery to match. Species are numerous but the skate and tope fishing off our west coast are of particular note.

For more details, click the appropriate section name in the menu bar above.

How easy is it to access?

Even the best rivers have vacancies at most times of the year and many of them are listed on this site. Try the find fishing page or go to the relevant sections on salmon, trout & grayling, coarse and sea fishing, where you can find more detailed search forms or lists of suitable fisheries.

What will it cost?

Prices vary hugely but there is always plenty of availability at modest prices even on famous rivers like Tweed, Tay, Spey and Dee. Again do a rod search to see the costs of what is on offer at the moment, or go to the relevant species section.

Where and when should I go?

Each river area in the salmon section has its own pages on where and when to go, so please refer to these for advice. The other species sections also offer lists of fisheries and general advice.

How do I book?

To book online, go to find fishing and then click the 'week of' date for the week and fishery that you want to fish. The booking system is very easy to use and, on payment, will immediately issue you with a permit and joining instructions by email. At the same time it will notify the fishery of your booking, so they know to expect you. You do not need a licence to fish in Scotland. Just print off your permit and take it with you.