Fishing Holidays in Scotland

The essential Guide to the best Fishing Holidays in Scotland – Sea Salmon to Fresh Water Trout fishing, the best places, Scotland’s Fishing Laws, Scotland’s Fishing Season’s and Fishing Permits information with – a fine choice of Affordable Self Catering Accommodation. 2
 

A general guide to coarse Angling and Sea Fishing in Scotland

Scotland without doubt offers the best fishing options in the UK with over seven thousand miles of coastline and over six thousand lochs, ranging from small hill lochs offering wild brown trout fishing to some of the largest freshwater bodies in the UK with fishing for fresh water salmon, sea salmon, sea trout, Arctic char, Ferrox Trout, Brown Trout, Grayling, Pike, Perch and Chubb….and with sea fishing stations and charter boats in abundance you can enjoy a productive fishing holiday almost anywhere in Scotland. 1

All Scotland’s east coast rivers continue to benefit from the buy-out of the drift-nets and these salmon rivers have become very productive again over the past few years. habitat improvements, catch and release and increased stocking have all contributed to this most welcome revival. As always Scotland remains a top venue for trout fishing, whether on stocked waters or for wild brownies and sea trout. Wild brown trout fishing is excellent from May onwards, once fish have regained condition from the winter.

There is no better place to experience this type of fishing than the hill lochs and rivers of the Scottish Highlands and islands.

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There are also very few places in Scotland where you are not within easy reach of one of the hundreds of commercial fisheries, predominantly offering rainbow trout fishing, but an increasing number of the fisheries are now introducing additional species such as blues and steelheads and coarse species such as carp, tench and perch. In addition there are more than a 100 quality salmon and trout rivers throughout Scotland.

Best Places to Catch Pike Best Places to Salmon Best Places to Catch Herring Best Places to Brown Trout

 

The Northern Highlands

 
Offer the River Borgie, River Naver, Strathy, River Thurso, River Wick, Loch Watten, Loch Shin, River Okel, Carron, River Beauly, River Berriedale, River Brora and River Helmsdale (often fished by prince Charles)

Central and West Highlands

 
Offers Lochs Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Loch Long, Loch Fyne, Loch Eck, River Forth, Leven, River Ruel, River Leven and River Eachaig, River tweed, Teviot, River Kale

The West Coast and Islands

 
Offer the Moidart Peninsula Loch Broom the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Rona and Arran.

Moray, Grampian & Perthshire

 
Offers the productive River Findhorn, River Tay, River Isla, Loch Eritch, River Tummel, River Lossie, River Spey, River Avon, River Deveron, River Ythan, Don, Dee North Esk

The Northern Scottish Highlands have a wealth of excellent salmon and trout rivers, freshwater hill lochs and sea lochs. The fishing being traditionally for salmon, brown trout and other wild species such as the artic char. Coarse angling for pike is now becoming increasingly popular and the stocking of rainbow trout into privately owned lochs has increased in recent years and there are now a number of commercial fisheries offering quality day ticket rainbow and brown trout fly fishing. Come and fly-fish in the Scottish Highlands and fish famous water such as the Rivers Borgie and Helmsdale, Spey, South Esk, North Esk, Ericht, Tummel, Lyon, Tilt, and Lochs like Lomond, Awe, Fyne and Eck and many others in Angus, Perthshire. Also the excellent Isle of Harris Obbe Fishing. The best in fly fishing for wild salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout in the Western Isles.

Salmonleaping

Scotland has the finest fishing in the United Kingdom

Learn the secrets of successful fly fishing in the Scottish Highlands, enjoy guided trips, based around a self-catering holiday and fly fish throughout Scotland for rainbow trout, brown, trout, grayling, salmon and pike. You even learn how to tie some of the World’s most acclaimed salmon flies invented by Ally Gowans, Ally’s Shrimp, Cascade and several others.

Best Places to Catch Rainbow Trout Best Places to Catch Cod Best Places to Catch Artic Char Best Places to Catch Chubb

 

If you get chance check out the limestone lochs around Cape Wrath and Sutherland – the clarity of the water and beauty of the fish is a sight to behold.

Fishing opportunities in this part of Scotland (Caithness and Sutherland) are bountiful. On the west and north coasts you will find an abundance of short spate rivers and a multitude of lochs. As with most spate rivers you need to be in the right place at the right time to catch the runs of fish many of which begin in late summer so consult with the venue to make sure you get the best of the sport. Runs can be prolific. Nor should you ignore the east coast rivers. These are longer and tend to have more consistent runs and a slightly better stamp of salmon. Many are well managed with considerable efforts being made to improve runs. Fishing opportunities in this part of Scotland (Caithness and Sutherland) are bountiful. On the west and north coasts you will find an abundance of short spate rivers and a multitude of lochs. As with most spate rivers you need to be in the right place at the right time to catch the runs of fish many of which begin in late summer so consult with the venue to make sure you get the best of the sport. Runs can be prolific. Nor should you ignore the east coast rivers. These are longer and tend to have more consistent runs and a slightly better stamp of salmon.

Many are well managed with considerable efforts being made to improve runs.FISHSalmonLeaping_000

The efforts of the west coast fisheries trusts are now starting to return the sport to the halcyon days. Many of these rivers are justifiably famous for their sea trout. Lochs like Hope, Stack, Maree and Dionard have reputations which stretch way back and specimen sea trout are still caught today This is an exceptional area for brown trout. There are simply thousands of hill lochs many of which are remote and virtually un-fished. If you are walking into such loch without a guide do touch base with the local estate. Not only will you thus avoid stalkers, but it is advisable for your own safety – this can be a wild place for the unwary.

Scotland’s Fishing Laws

Unlike other countries (including England and Wales) Scotland has no State licencing system for fishing. It is however a criminal offence to fish for salmon without legal right or written permission and generally it is a civil offence to fish for other fishes. Details of the most significant statutes that apply are given below. Much of this information was derived from “The Law of Game, Salmon & Freshwater Fishing in Scotland” by Stanley Scott Robinson*. It is not be taken as a definitive description of the laws. Relevant Acts should instead be consulted * The Law of Game, Salmon & Freshwater Fishing in Scotland. Stanley Scott Robinson. Published by Butterworths and the Law Society of Scotland, 1990

The Scottish Fishing season and Permits

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 £7 per day

Permits are easily available within all the local areas to fish all these Lochs and rivers – Brown trout fishing permits from as little as £6 a day..

Salmon fishing permits from as little as £25 pounds a day. Permit free Loch Fishing for Pike and Brown Trout is available at Loch Awe Log Cabins

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 Association of Salmon Fishery Boards for exact details.

The Northern Highlands

Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands

Central and West Highlands

 

Maryhill, near Buckie, Moray Coast – sleeps 4 and up to 6. Two Scandinavian Pine Log Cabins situated within working farm land, surrounded by Idyllic Scottish countryside. Offering a remote feel yet close to the Moray Firth’s Finest Beaches and picture postcard villages. at 600 feet above Sea Level the Log Cabins enjoy magnificent Sea Views over the Moray Firth and Highlands of Scotland. Sorry no Pets
 
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For the Rivers Helmsdale, Brora and Shin – Navidale. Luxury former croft cottage in the Northern Highlands, Remote, Detached, with Conservatory, Outdoor Hot Tub (with supplement) Jacuzzi bathroom and Mini Sauna, Full Central Heating, Open fire and WiFi. With enclosed garden and easily accessible by car, or public transport even in the winter. Offering spectacular elevated Sea and Mountain its remote hideaway location making it ideal for Night sky watching and the Northern Lights. Centrally placed this cottage forms the perfect base for exploring all the Northern Highlands including the Black Isle, Loch Ness Caithness and an Orkney day trip. Sleeps 6, Pets Welcome
 
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For the Rivers Watten, Wick and Thurso – Dunnet Head Caithness Far North Cottage sleeps 6. This unique detached former Croft Cottage is the furthest North Detached Cottage on the Scottish mainland, enjoying spectacular open views of the Pentland firth, Scapa flow and Orkney Isles. Far North enjoys many luxuries including optional extra private Hot Tub Hot Tub (with supplement) en-suite master bedroom, with 2 person Spa bathroom and Sauna and additional family Spa Bathroom. The sitting area enjoys a cosy Log Fire leading to the Conservatory which enjoys 180 degree panoramic land and seascape views. This remote location is perfect for night sky watching, the chance to see the Northern Lights and the local wildlife up to 42 species of wild birds have been seen in the gardens. In addition the Cottage has Full Electric heating and free WiFi All 3 bedrooms have TV / DVD. This cottage forms the perfect base for exploring Caithness, Sutherland, the North Coast, Cape Wrath and Orkney. Pets Welcome
 
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For Fresh Water River and Loch Fishing – Glen Urquhart, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, sleeps 2 and 4. Luxury Log Cabins with spectacular views across lush countryside in Glen Urquhart, Loch Ness and set in the heart of the spectacular Scottish Highlands, close to world famous Loch Ness and within easy reach of a whole host of attractions, activities and amenities. Pets Welcome
 
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For Fresh Water River and Loch Fishing – Loch Ericht, Perthshire, An Tochailt Lodge by the Shores of Loch Ericht sleeps 8 people, This magical romantic castle enjoys a superb loch side location ideal for winter and summer self catering holidays in Scotland. An Tochailt Lodge is set in the grandeur of the Grampian mountains with vast inspirational views all round. Approached from Dalwhinnie by a private drive along the lochside, Pets Welcome
 
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Dumfries and the Scottish Borders

For River Fishing Newton Stewart Holiday Cottage – The Coach House provides quality self catering for up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms. Set in its own grounds adjacent to the private parkland of Mochrum Park. two minute walk through the park takes you to the middle of the Fishing Beat. This property is restored and modernised to a very high standard and is ideal for the whole family. Double glazed and carpeted throughout, night storage heaters. Pets Welcome !
 
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For River Fishing – Near Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, Perfect for Fishing Holidays Smithy Cottage is just 6 miles from the thriving Tourist town of Newton Stewart set within an area of outstanding beauty. Recently restored this semi-detached cottage is ideally situated for the fisherman by Spittal Bridge and the riverside. The Cottage enjoys superb River views from most windows, with an attractive garden and large car park, Pets Welcome
 
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Central and Western Highlands

Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands

 

For Loch Eck, Rivers Eachaig and Masson – Whistlefield Lodges sleeps 4. Chance to re-connect with nature Cosy Log Cabins by Loch Eck Argyll, (some with Hot Tubs and Sauna) enjoying stunning Loch, Forest and Mountain Views with Red Squirrels and lot’s of wildlife as company, walking distance 300 yards of the Loch side and a cosy 13th century Inn / Restaurant – less than 90 minutes drive from Glasgow. Pets Welcome
 
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Loch Fyne St Catherines, Argyll – Beautiful detached holiday cottage nestling on the banks of Loch Fyne with it’s lovely mature garden extending to the waters edge and it’s own moorings, where visitors can tie up their own boats. Shore cottage enjoys all modern Luxury including Central heating and Log Fires and WiFi and is so close to the water you actually feel within it sitting just 20 yards from the waters edge offering clear un-restricted views up, down and across Loch Fyne to Inveraray and beyond. Pets Welcome
 
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Loch Fyne Self Catering – Beach Cottage sleeps 4. Welcoming 2 Bedroom seaside cottage in the village of Strachur, beside Loch Fyne. Offering you highland village atmosphere “by the sea” sleeping 4 people, with a Open Fire and fantastic views over Loch Fyne. Pets Welcome !
 
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Loch Awe Self Catering Lodges Argyll – sleeps 2, 4 and 6 – Choice of 1,2 or 3 bedroom Log Cabin with Sauna on the banks of beautiful Loch Awe. Situated at the only crossing point on Loch Awe. Within walking distance of the famous Loch side Portsonachan Inn. The Lodges are just 90 minutes drive from Glasgow, 60 minutes drive from Oban ‘Gateway to the Isles’ and within walking distance of the Shore side Portsonachan Hotel providing good food and drink. Pets Welcome
 
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Lochside Cottage Loch Fyne – St Catherines, Argyll, Beech Cottage sleeps 6 this Beautiful Remote Detached holiday Holiday Cottage nestles on the banks of Loch Fyne with elevated stunning Loch Views. Comfortably accommodating up to 6 people this cottage has 3 bedrooms. Full oil fired central heating is supplemented by a Homely Open Fire and Free WiFi. Pets Welcome
 
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For West Coast Sea Fishing – Argyll West Coast, The old Turbine House sleeps 2. Remote Seaside Holiday Cottage on Argyll’s West Coast. This 1 Bedroom detached Holiday Cottage just a stones throw from a sandy beach and rolling west highland hills offers the Remote Holiday Hideaway. Pets Welcome
 
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For West Coast Sea Fishing – The Lodge sleeps 6. Remote detached Seaside Holiday Cottage on Argyll’s West Coast. This spacious 3 Bedroom detached Holiday Cottage just a stones throw from a sandy beach and rolling west highland hills offers the Remote Holiday Hideaway. Pets Welcome
 
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Moray, Grampian, Perthshire

Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands

 

Fishing the River Lossie and Deveron – Whale Cottage sleeps 7. Beautiful detached cottage so close to the sea you actually feel within it. Whale Cottage sits gable end onto the sea wall and at high tide the waves lap within feet of the cottage. There are sea views from most rooms and if you are lucky the odd passing whale or dolphin. Pets Welcome !
 
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Fishing the River Lossie and Deveron – Creel portsoy sleeps 6. Beautiful former fisherman’s Cottage with commanding Sea Views over looking the Harbour of the East Coast Scottish fishing village of Portsoy. Here the sea according to its unceasing tides’ rhythm calmly washes the coast. This former 18th century Scottish fisherman’s cottage has much history with it’s many original period features combined with 21st century comfort. Pets Welcome
 
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The West Coast and Islands

Moray, Grampian & Perthshire The West Coast and Islands The Northern Highlands Central and West Highlands

 

For Sea Fishing – Waternish Loch Bay, Isle of Skye, sleeps a maximum 4 Adults, 2 Children. Detached former croft cottage on North West Isle of Skye “accessed by toll free road bridge” on the spectacular Waternish peninsular. This cottage enjoys many Luxuries including optional extra private Hot Tub (with supplement) Jacuzzi bathroom, Full Electric Heating, Supplementary Wood burner and free WiFi. Its North West facing Conservatory enjoys breathtaking unrestricted views. This a great location to see Eagles and Buzzards, plus its remote location makes it great for Night sky watching and a chance to see the Northern lights. Pets Welcome
 
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For the Obbe Fishery – Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, 19 Kintulavaig sleeps 6. Luxury detached Cottage in Leverburgh, Isle of Harris sleeping up to 6 people with Open Fire and Wood Burner. Offering you cosy accommodation and spectacular open views of the North Uist Islands, the Sound of Harris and Skye. Pets Welcome
 
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For Sea Fishing – Loch Sween sleeps 4. Remote Beach Chalets on the West Coast of Argyll situated close to the waters edge at the head of Loch Caolisport offering lovely views down the Loch. Teeming with wildlife and sandy beaches this area is also great for hill walking, fishing and beachcombing. Pets Welcome !
 
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For Sea Fishing – Argyll, West Coast, This single storey 3 Bedroom detached Holiday Cottage is perfect for families, facing towards the South-East The Bungalow enjoys lovely views across the Loch. Directly in front is a large mown field leading directly to one of the two beaches which are the main feature of the area. Not far from the Ellary harbour, the Bungalow is also well suited for boating families, with direct access to the Farm Rock and all of the other walking areas starting from the Bungalow. Well Behaved Pets Welcome
 
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Manual Availability Enquiry for self-catering-scotland.com Listings and all other Scottish Fishing Holidays

To help us help you find exactly what you are seeking, please advise the following –

1. How many people are in your intended group ?
2. Which area of Scotland do you seek your Holiday ?
3. Do you need Pet Friendly Accommodation ?
4. Does your Accommodation specifically need a Sauna – Hot Tub – WiFi – Log Fire ?
5. The approximate or exact dates do you prefer ? – weekends – Midweeks – Weeks ?

General Booking enquiry – please note this does not constitute a booking