Fishing Seasons in Scotland

The Fishing season in Scotland differs from river to river, loch to loch and species to species. This can become problematic for visiting anglers. We have decided to list the full fishing seasons of Scotland in this post to help visiting anglers when planning their visit.

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Our native Wild Brown Trout, one of the most popular targets in Scotland.


Trout Fishing season in Scotland

The traditional Trout fishing season runs from the 15th of March to 6th of October. Some fisheries (including the Tweed and Annan) have delayed their opening day until the 1st of April and end it earlier on the 30th of September. We can only presume this is to allow extra recovery time for the Trout and allow Salmon anglers more room during the peak back end period.

Stocked Rainbow Trout Fishing is available all year round, there is no closed season. The majority of Rainbow Trout are triploids (sexless), so they do not spawn in our waters and therefore do not require protecting.

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Traditionally the Grayling season operates during winter, although nowadays many rivers offer year round fishing for this wonderful species.


Grayling Fishing Season in Scotland

In recent years the Grayling has become a much sought after quarry for the discerning fly-fisher, particularly during the trout closed season. Subsequently most grayling season permits on our rivers run during the closed season for Trout. Please note that on many rivers the Grayling can be targeted on a Trout permit but it is recommended not to specifically target them during their spawning and post spawn periods which is generally April & May.

River Tweed & Tributaries – Available from the 1st of December to 28th March.

River Annan – Available from 1st of December to 28th March.

River Tay & Tributaries – Available all year, although not recommended in April & May.

River Earn – Available from 15th of November to 15th January.

 

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Atlantic Salmon fishing in Scotland is available 11 months of the year.


Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Season in Scotland 

The Salmon & Sea Trout (often referred to as migratory species) fishing season is more diverse and varies in Scotland from river to river. Over centuries the Salmon have adapted their survival strategy to suit their environment, migrating at different times of the year. Some of our river management systems recognised this and subsequently adapted the seasons to suit, offering the Salmon protection during vulnerable spawning and post spawn periods.

Here you can read the full Salmon Fishing Seasons in Scotland.

 

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Pike – One of Scotland’s most popular coarse species target.


Coarse Fishing Season in Scotland

Coarse fishing is available all year round in Scotland, there is no closed season. Many lochs that allow Trout or Salmon fishing only distribute coarse fishing permits out-with the game fishing season. This is mainly to manage confusion over which species you are fishing for.

The main Coarse species that can be found in Scotland include: Perch, Pike, Roach, Rudd, Carp, Bream, Tench Chub & Ruffe.

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Pollock can be targeted year-round in some areas of Scotland.

Sea Fishing Season in Scotland 

The Sea fishing season in Scotland is like the coarse fishing season in that there is no closed period. Certain times of the year however suit different species and many can only be found during the warmer months. Sea fishing is also completely free in Scotland!

Trout Fishing Edinburgh With Professional Fishing Guides

We can have you Trout Fishing not far from Edinburgh in the beautiful tranquility of the Scottish countryside – only 40 mins drive from the city centre!

Our talented team of knowledgeable, professional fishing guides have years of Trout fishing experience, particularly in the outskirts of Edinburgh. Under their guidance you will not only have fun, but maximise your chances of having an ultimately successful day.

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Great guys from New Zealand enjoy a day on the river.

Let us explain some package options for Trout Fishing in Edinburgh.

Wild River Brown Trout Fishing

The lowland rivers are rich in natural feeding and this is where the best river Trout fishing can be found in Scotland.

Wild Brown Trout average 8-10’oz, but at certain times of year you stand a good chance of landing the real specimens over 2’lbs.

Early season is best for dry fly fishing. Mid March to Early June, when the temperatures increase and hatches occur more frequently the hungry the Trout will rise freely. This period provides ‘us’ (fisherman) with the best opportunity to tempt them.

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A beautiful dry fly caught wild brown trout from a river near Edinburgh.

 

As the season progresses the bigger fish become meat eaters, feeding on smaller fish they become more difficult to tempt during the day.

Good sport can still be had throughout the summer months with the average sized Trout employing stealthy French/Euro Nymphing tactics. This devastating technique is very straight-forward and your guides can teach this within minutes, regardless of having any fly fishing experience at all.

There are a number of productive rivers not far from Edinburgh and our guides will use their knowledge to put you on the best river to suit the current conditions and your experience.

grayling-and-trout-fishing-near-ednburgh

Grayling are one of the most beautiful species found in Scotland.

Grayling are a frequent by-catch when fishing these stunning lowland rivers. They often provide sport when the Trout are not so obliging. They make a very welcome addition and a worthy target in their own right.

 

 

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Scotia Guide Lennie Fuller scans the water for surface feeding Trout.

Trout Fishing on the Iconic Loch Leven.

Leven is one of Scotland’s most prestigious lochs and only a short drive north from Edinburgh. It offers the serious Trout angler a challenging, traditional Loch fishing experience in Scotland.

Spring and Fall is best for daytime fishing where traditional Scottish wet fly fishing and nymphing can work well when there is little wind or when the buzzer hatches are in full swing. We use a mixture of floating and sinking line tactics during these periods.

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The famous “Last Cast” in the falling light…

In the summer evening sessions are often more productive. This period can be hit or miss, but if we get the correct conditions the Loch can come alive with rising Trout!

Blessed with history and an array of wildlife, Leven is a national nature reserve & site of special scientific interest.  Not to mention home to some outstanding Trout fishing on its day!

Loch Leven has some of the richest feeding of any loch in the country and produces specimen Trout approaching 10lbs in weight every season. It is a national treasure in our eyes and one of the best Trout Fishing lochs in Scotland.

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A typical sized Loch Leven Trout – seriously well fed!

Our packages start from £259 for 1 person, £309 for 2 persons and include:

  • Transportation
  • Permits/licenses
  • A qualified & insured fishing guide per 3 anglers
  • Scottish themed, home-made lunches & non alcoholic drinks
  • High-end fishing tackle hire
  • Breathable waders & boot hire
  • Full safety equipment
  • Photographic memories from your day to keep as a souvenir

Upon confirming your booking with a deposit you will receive a comprehensive PDF welcome pack with all the information you need for your upcoming trip. This can be downloaded and saved to your smart phone, tablet or iPad for easy access.

If you are interested in fishing in Edinburgh please do get in touch by using the contact us button here or at the top of the page.

We look forward to hearing from you!