There are some great choices of 2-day fishing trips in the Highlands. This includes a 2-day outing on Loch Ness organised by the Scottish Gillie. Or fly fishing organised by youfishscotland. The choice is tremendous!
Fish species found in Scotland
There’s a host of fish species found in Scotland. This includes:
- Pike – Fishing all year round
- Atlantic salmon –from January 15th through till the end of November
- Rainbow trout –from July to early September
- Sea trout –from late May onwards
- Brown trout (Salmo Trutta) –from March to October
- Greyling – from November to January
- Perch – early February to late June
- Pollock – all year round, but summer months are best
- Wrasse – all year round, although summer months are best
Most Visited Fishing Areas
The Highlands of Scotland offer some of the best fishing in Scotland. Whether it’s sea fishing, loch fishing or river fishing, there’s something to suit everyone with the added bonus of fishing in unspoilt waters. So, when it comes to choosing the best spot for fishing in Scotland, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Fishing in Scotland’s rivers
Scotland’s rivers are renowned for salmon fishing. Anglers visit these shores from all over the world to enjoy salmon fishing holidays in Scotland. There are more than 400 salmon rivers in Scotland which include:
- River Spey – located in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll enjoy some of the best salmon fishing experiences in Speyside. A superb location that also boasts a well-trodden whisky trail
- River Dee – provides you with a choice of spots to salmon fish along a 9-mile stretch of river. Located in the north-east Aberdeenshire, the river flows through the majestic Cairngorm Mountains
- River Tummel – this tributary of the mighty River Tay offers some of the best salmon fishing in the Scottish Highlands. The season begins on January 15th through to October 15th. The best time of the year, however, is from late April to early June
- River Tay – provides excellent days out salmon fishing along Scotland’s longest river. The source is on the slopes of Ben Lui, with the river flowing 120 miles to the Firth of Tay
- River Esk (north and south) – the river flows through Midlothian and East Lothian, providing anglers with excellent salmon fishing in beautiful locations
- River Findhorn – the river meanders through Moray County to the sea at Findhorn Bay. You’ll enjoy great days out in some of the best salmon fishing spots in the area
Fishing in Scotland’s lochs
Are you looking for a great loch fishing holiday in Scotland? There’s a superb choice of locations to choose from. The West Coast and Perthshire has some of the best areas for trout fishing.
Wild brown trout are found in most of the Scottish lochs, which include:
- Loch Leven – this splendid 6km loch is located in Perthshire. You have to fish from a boat on the loch
- Loch Watten – located in Caithness in the Highlands. Again, you fly fish off a boat on the loch
- Loch Morar – situated in Lochaber, Loch Morar is Scotland’s fifth-largest loch. Salmon and trout fishing on the loch attracts many visitors to the area annually
- Loch Maree – located on the Highlands West Coast, Loch Maree is a big freshwater loch with sixty-five small islands definitely worth exploring on a fishing holiday in Scotland
- Loch Assynt – This freshwater loch is located in Sutherland. It’s an excellent choice for salmon fishing but also for Arctic charr, brown trout, sea trout, and ferox trout
- Loch Rannoch – there’s a 10-mile stretch surrounded by splendid views of majestic mountains and rolling hills. Our own Loch Rannoch provides the ideal location for a fishing break in Scotland. Trout season begins from March 15th to October 6th. You’ll need the relevant permit to fish for Arctic charr and pike.
Sea fishing off Scotland’s coast
You don’t need a permit to fish off the coast of Scotland. Sea fishing is free for everyone to enjoy. In addition, charter companies offer wonderful days out on the water.
There’s a variety of fish species off Scotland’s coast which includes:
- Cod
- Whiting
- Pollack
- Mackerel
- Skate
- Sea Bass
- Plaice
Fishing equipment
Below is a list of essentials you’ll need to have when you plan a fishing break in Scotland:
- Rod and reel
- Fishing line
- Hooks
- Sinkers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Scissors or clippers
- Baits
- Tacklebox
- Bobbers
- Sunscreen
- Scales or fishing ruler
- camera
- Fishing license
- How to arrange fishing in Scotland
- You won’t need to get a license to fish with a rod when you arrange a fishing break in Scotland. However, you need permission from a landowner or angling club that rents boats out on rivers or lochs. You can buy daily fishing permits in some places when required.
- The fishing season in Scotland starts in February and runs through to the end of October. But it depends on the fish species as to when it is the best time to plan a break.
- You can find more information on salmon and trout fishing seasons on the Fisheries Management Scotland
Tickets/Permits/licenses
Fishing in the Highlands of Perthshire is governed by Scottish fishery laws. As such, you’ll need to get appropriate fishing permits beforehand.
The cost of permits is:
- Daily permit is £4
- A weekly permit is £30
But it depends on the fish species you’re planning to catch on a fishing break in Scotland.
The Pitlochry Angling Club provides a great way to buy permits on their website.
The fishing season in Scotland starts in February and runs through to the end of October. But it depends on the fish species as to when it is the best time to plan a break.
You can find more information on salmon and trout fishing seasons on the Fisheries Management Scotland
What is allowed
There are no state licencing laws for fishing in Scotland. However, fishing for salmon without a permit or written consent is a criminal offence. Plus, it’s a civil offence to fish for other species.
You should always check out the fishing rules and regulations in Scotland beforehand.
Enjoy a Good Night’s Rest at Our Boutique Hotel in Kinloch Rannoch
End the perfect day fishing by relaxing in a luxurious setting. At Dunalastair Hotel Suites, you’ll find everything needed to make a fishing break in Scotland a memorable experience.
Located close to Loch Rannoch and other Perthshire fishing spots, our beginner’s guide to fishing in Highland Perthshire provides all the information you need.
In short, we offer an ideal location and first-class service with our quality boutique hotel accommodation to ensure your fishing holiday in Scotland is the best!
To book your next fishing trip in the Highlands or talk to one of our friendly team, please call +44 (0)1882 580444.