Resplendent with an abundance of fresh, open waters, Highland Perthshire is as renowned for its excellent fishing as it is for its breath-taking scenery and warm hospitality.
It’s little wonder then, that the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, based right in the heart of the Highlands here in Kinloch Rannoch, has already proved such a popular choice for those planning their big Scotland fishing holiday in 2017.
Situated on the banks of the River Tummel, with Loch Rannoch itself on our doorstep and the epic River Tay just an hour’s drive away, our prime location, coupled with the exquisite comfort and style of our luxury hotel suites means that experienced anglers have everything they need to really make the most of their time among the Highland waters.
For those taking their first ever Scottish fishing break however, we appreciate that things can take a bit of getting used to. That’s why we’ve put together the complete beginner’s guide to fishing in Perthshire, containing everything you could need to know to help you make the catch of a lifetime.
What You Need to Know About Fishing Permits in Perthshire
First, we should tackle the serious stuff. As with the rest of the country, fishing in Highland Perthshire is governed by Scottish fishery laws. To fish at any of the locations featured in this guide, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate fishing permit.
These typically cost between £4 for a daily permit and £30 for a weekly permit, depending on the type of fishing you’re undertaking.
To help make planning your stay even easier, the Pitlochry Angling Club enables you to book your permit directly online via their website – https://www.beatbooker.com/bbpaconline/ .
What Type of Fishing is Done in the Highlands?
Perthshire and its neighbouring areas have long been synonymous with the plentiful freshwater salmon that make their home among its waters. Yet that isn’t the only variety you could potentially land on your next Scotland fishing holiday.
Along with the rivers closest to the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Loch Rannoch itself is particularly well known for its high quality trout fishing, with reports of Ferox trout being caught that weigh over 10lbs.
Perch, pike, and freshwater grayling can also be found in nearby Pitlochry and the surrounding waters.
Where are the Best Places to Fish in Highland Perthshire?
Below, we’ve reeled off just a few of the most popular spots within an easily accessible distance of our Kinloch Rannoch hotel.
Loch Rannoch
A ten mile stretch of water surrounded by magical views of rolling hills and grand mountain tops, our own Loch Rannoch serves as the ideal location to start your Scottish fishing break.
Trout season typically runs from March 15th to October 6th, whilst Arctic Charr and Pike can also be fished providing you have the appropriate permit.
Along with fishing from the bank, it is also possible to hire a boat without engine for up to four people. This costs £60 per day, and can be booked by calling 01882 633241 / 244 or 01882 633248 out of hours.
River Tummel
The major tributary of Pitlochry’s powerful River Tay, the Tummel boasts an impressive reputation for its high calibre salmon fishing.
The season runs from January 15th to October 15th, with the period between late April to early June being the best time to fish.
For full details, see: www.fishtummel.co.uk
Aberfeldy and Grandtully
Based within 40 minutes of our hotel, Aberfeldy has become one of the area’s most popular fly fishing destination thanks to the number of beats which line the route from this wonderful market town up to the peaceful hamlet of Grandtully on the Tay.
Brown Trout and Grayling are most popular here, with permits and full information available from the Aberfeldy Angling Club.
For full details, visit them online at www.aberfeldyanglingclub.com
Loch Tay
A huge 15 mile long body of water lying between Killin and Kenmore, Loch Tay boasts a truly fascinating history, remarkable Highland views, and of course, plenty of excellent fishing.
From January 15th – October 15th, salmon season offers up many an opportunity to land some of Scotland’s finest freshwater salmon. Plenty of Charr, Roach, Pike, and Trout are also known among the low waters.
Loch Faskally
This two-mile long man-made reservoir dates back to the late 1940s, when it was first constructed as a means of stabilising the flow of water beneath the Pitlochry Dam.
Today, that dam boasts a salmon fishing ladder which allows almost 6,000 salmon into Loch Faskally each year.
Our own River Tummel and the northern water of River Garry also feed Faskally with an ample supply of Brown and Sea Trout, Pike, and Grayling.
This is one of the more popular destinations for hiring a boat and heading out onto the open water. Bookings, hire charges, and full details can be found online at www.fishfaskally.com.
Visit all of these popular Highland Perthshire destinations on your next Scotland Fishing Holiday with the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Kinloch Rannoch. Book your stay online today or call now on +44 (0)1882 580444.