Scottish Angling Guide

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Game Fishing in Scotland

The Scottish Tourist Board estimates that more than 100,000 in Scotland relate directly to the tourist industry. While many people visit to see the sites, many recreational enthusiasts come for the golf, hiking, and fishing. There are several species of fresh and salt water fish in Scotland for visiting anglers to pursue, but it's important for visitors to understand Scottish fishing.

The Geography

Scotland is the northernmost section of the United Kingdom, and is also the northernmost section of the area referred to as Great Britain. Fishing is allowed throughout the territory on rivers, lochs, firths, and out on the open sea. Famous Loch Ness is in the northern part of the territory, while the Tay River is located in the center.

Popular Species

There are several species of game fish that anglers may pursue in Scotland, including salmon, sea trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. The rainbow trout is the only non-native in the group, but successful stocking practices have allowed them to thrive in Scottish waters.

Licenses

You don't need a national rod license in Scotland, though you do in Wales and England. However, licenses are required for certain types of fishing in Scotland. Sport fishing licenses are not required for sea fishing. A written permit is required to fish rivers that fall under a Protection Order of the Environmental Agency. Otherwise, written permission is required to fish in lieu of an actual license.

Migratory Fish Laws

Salmon and sea trout are the two fish in Scotland that fall under the migratory fish category. Rules on migratory fish game fishing are strict in Scotland. Written permission from a land owner, a private fishing club, or the Environmental Agency is always required. Also, fishing for these species is never legal on Sunday. Water Bailiffs enforce the rules and have the power to confiscate equipment and even make an arrest if you are breaking the law.

Non-Migratory Fish Laws

Non-migratory refers to fish other than salmon or sea trout. Written permission is required to fish any public area covered under Protection Order. There are no trespass laws in Scotland, so fishing on unprotected land even without permission is technically legal, but common courtesy suggests you ask permission from a land owner. This could be especially important if you accidentally wander towards protected waters.

Other Scottish Fishing Laws

Scotland has several miscellaneous game fishing rules. Salmon season on the River Tay is from Jan. 15 to Oct. 15. Using shrimp or prawns as bait is banned outright throughout Scotland. It is also illegal to use a fixed line–a rod and reel that is set up and then left. All fishing poles must be manned in Scotland.

Coarse Fishing

Coarse fishing refers to fish that have no season, meaning they can be fished for all year. According to the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling, there are 16 species of coarse fish in Scotland, including northern pike, grayling, carp, crucian carp, and eel.

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Scottish Salmon fishing permits are available for all Northern scottish Rivers from late January / early February and run up to the end of September mid October from just £5 per day / £20 per 7 days.

The Brown Trout Season is from the 15th of March until the 6th of October.

Coarse fishing, Sea fishing and Rainbow Trout fishing are permitted all year round and no national rod licence is required in Scotland.

Fishing permits of all kinds are readily available from most local Inns and fishing tackle shops throughout scotland

Please contact the The Assocation of Salmon Fishery Boards for further details