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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
https://scotiafishing.com/wp-content/uploads/logo1.png00Callum Connerhttps://scotiafishing.com/wp-content/uploads/logo1.pngCallum Conner2016-03-27 17:24:302016-03-27 20:37:19Fishing Seasons in Scotland
What is it about Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland that is so appealing? In the early spring months of January and February it is essentially winter-time and we have a cheek to call it Spring! At this time of year the Atlantic Salmon are pretty thin on the ground and one requires hard work, dedication and a dash of luck to connect with that prized bar of silver!
Catching the elusive “Scottish Springer” is no easy feat. However if you are fortunate to get your fly or lure in front of a springer, it could be the catch of your season. It is this level of anticipation that captures the spirit of the die-hard Salmon angler. A Spring Atlantic Salmon in Scotland is the ultimate, the “pièce de résistance” if you like. If you were to ask any die-hard Salmon fishermen what’s their favourite time of year to catch a Salmon, I reckon 95% would tell you it’s the Spring. You can even include ourselves in this statistic.
A stunning example of a spring Salmon from the River Tay for Australian Guest Mark!
When fishing for Spring Salmon you have to get into the correct mindset. Personally, I try not to think and over analyse my fishing too much or listen to theories. I’ll fish methodically, covering as much water as I physically can. The more water you cover the better chance of getting your fly or lure in front of a Salmon – that’s how I always approach my Salmon fishing.
The good thing for us anglers is Spring Salmon are generally more aggressive, therefore, better takers. Although numbers aren’t as prolific as they are during the back end, if you can cover them, you stand a very good chance of inducing a take.
Fly fishing for Spring Salmon in April
What makes Spring Salmon or “Springers” as they are more affectionately known such a sought after quarry?
Fishing is more accessible & affordable to anglers
There is more satisfaction at catching a spring Salmon
Greater admiration among your angling peers
They take and fight with unrivalled power and aggression
The fish are in peak condition, beautifully proportioned, bright silver and often sea-liced
The Spring Salmon Fishing Season in Scotland
Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland effectively starts in January with the Helmsdale starting proceeding’s and then the Ness and Tay following on. The Tweed then follows, opening in February.
The spring Salmon season ends in June.
I must admit, it feels nothing like spring when fishing in those early months of this “Spring” period, in particular January and February, then through to the beginning of March. One must invest in good thermals!
Despite the cold, this time of year offers a great chance to connect with a spring run Atlantic Salmon!
A beautiful spring salmon from the River Tay system – our favourite river system!
Our Best Spring Salmon Fishing Rivers in Scotland
The River Tay
The Tay offers the best value spring Salmon fishing in Scotland. Scotland’s largest river can boast one of the highest numbers of rod caught Salmon in Scotland. During the early months of the year the traditional Tay method of Harling (Boat trolling) is without doubt the favoured method. From opening day the lower beats of the Tay around Stanley fish best, particularly when cold as fish back up below the first real temperature barriers in the river.
These early runners tend to be headed for the upper reaches of the system, Tummel, Isla, Ericht, Loch Tay and Dochart and some can be well in excess of 20lbs!
As March begins and the water temperatures rise the Salmon runs increase with the arrival of the spring tides. as the early spring Salmon run to the furthest parts of the system and the Loch itself can produce a number of big fish in the coming weeks.
April & May sees the peak of the Spring Salmon run and during this period they can be caught throughout the system with the Middle Tay beats often the most productive. This is one of our favourite times to be on the River Tay.
The Lower River Tummel The River Tummel is part of the excellent Tay system. This short river has a hydro electric dam at Pitlochry which acts as a temperature barrier for migrating Salmon. Salmon will congregate in their hundreds and thousands below the dam until the temperature reaches 12 degrees. Like flicking a switch, the fish counter on the dam will start rising rapidly as Salmon run the fish ladder in their hundreds daily. As the Salmon run the fishing in the lower river Tummel becomes tougher.
The River Teith in Spring, a beautiful river with great potential…
The River Isla & Ericht
One of the most prolific spring salmon systems in Scotland. These small tributaries of the Tay offer outstanding value for money Salmon fishing and can be fished with a single handed fly rod. What the Lower Isla lacks in beauty it more than makes up for in the numbers of fish it produces.
The Ericht is a river for the more adventurous angler, access can be a challenge but for those prepared for a scramble it offers an excellent chance of a spring salmon in Scotland, particularly in April & May.
North & South Esk The North & South Esk have to be the two most under-rated Salmon rivers in Scotland. The Esk’s are spate rivers, fishing better after a rise in water levels. If you can time the conditions right they can offer an outstanding chance of landing a Scottish springer! The beauty of these little rivers is they can easily be fished with a single handed fly rod.
The River Tweed One of the big four Scottish rivers more noted for its Autumn Salmon fishing. In recent seasons the Tweed has seen an increase in its spring Salmon run. The Tweed is a fly fishers dream and boasts more fly caught Salmon than any other river in the central and borders region of Scotland. It is an utterly stunning lowland river and an absolute must for the avid Salmon angler!
The River Teith
The Teith is one of Scotland’s most beautiful rivers, given the right conditions it can compete with the best rivers in Scotland. The Teith is a big fish river and many twenty pound plus Spring Salmon have been landed from this system in recent years. It is where I caught my first ever Salmon, and holds a special place in my heart. Another must in our eyes!
Head Guide Callum Conner admires a true Scottish Spring Salmon
The Salmon
A true “springer” will be bright silver with glints of purple down the flanks and dark grey or blue backs. (As above)
As well as fresh run spring Salmon you may also encounter a few other classes of Salmon.
Kelts are what we call spawned out Salmon. These Salmon returned to the river the previous season and have spawned during winter. The Kelts are now in a recovery stage before beginning their journey back to sea again.
A not so well mended Salmon kelt caught in spring. Note the thin appearance and fungus on tail, this is not prevalent in well-mended kelts.
Although silver, Kelts are much thinner in appearance having used up all their body fat. They are often carrying gill maggots (see above) and are known to attack anything that comes in their general direction! Many inexperienced anglers can mistake Kelts for Spring Salmon.
Gill maggots, a clear give away it is not a fresh Salmon and indeed a kelt.
There is also the opportunity of Rawners or Baggots, which are male and female Salmon (respectively) that have entered the river and haven’t managed to spawn.
Salmon Baggot caught in April
Baggots and Rawners carry more colour, faded grey, purple & brown shades along body, with brown colouration on their heads. Many will have gill maggots and ragged fins (as above). They may not be a spring salmon but they do still put a welcome bend in the rod!
Good sport can be had in the beginning months with these fish.
During the early months of spring it is vitally important you wear appropriate clothing to endure the elements and increase your chances of success.
Never under estimate the importance of tackle choice…
After a few months of lying redundant it is important to double check all your fishing tackle and make sure it’s in fine order, replacing any old and damages lines and leaders for the new season ahead.
Spring Salmon Fishing Fly Fishing Tackle
Rods
12-15ft fly rods to suit the river size and med-fast actioned to aid sunk lines and skagit casting.
Reels
A smooth reliable drag is important and must match the size of fly rod and store approx 150 yards of backing.
Fly lines
Skagit iFlight, Hover sink1 shooting head, Intermediate head sink 2/3 shooting head & Full floating shooting heads.
Leaders
10ft Poly/Versi leaders in various sink rates.
Tippets
25lb Fluorocarbon for heavy tubes and 19lb for flies. And the old faithful 18lb or 20lb maxima chameleon
Flies
Monkeys, Black & Yellow, Willie Gunn & Ice Maiden in copper, tungsten and brass tubes during the colder months when it is imperative to get down to the fish.
As the water warms the usual dressed flies including Ally’s Cascades, Yellow Ally’s, Gledswood shrimp’s, Willie Gunn’s or Flamethrowers among many others work.
I am still great believer fly choice is more down to confidence and size/depth holds greater importance. Follow the rule, big water, big fly and vice versa
Australian lady Liz spin fishing for Salmon on the mighty River Tay in May
Spring Salmon Lure Fishing Tackle
Lures
Megabass Vision Oneten’s, Devon Minnows, Toby Salmo’s, Rapala Max Raps & Kynoch Killers are the mainstays.
Rods
9-11ft rods are the norm. I prefer a shorter 9ft rod for spinning but 10ft is considered standard. An 11ft rod is better suited to fishing Devon Minnows.
Reels
I prefer a 4000 or 5000 series front drag reels with 40lb braid for Salmon spin fishing. Traditionally many use Shimano bait runners in the 6000, 8000 & even 10000. Although fine, they are are not actually designed for spinning and can be quite cumbersome reels to fish with all day, although ok for harling.
Other Handy Items For Spring Salmon Fishing
Landing Net / Gye Net
Rubber Meshed McCleans Salmon Nets take some beating. One with a gye strap when fishing alone for transportation. You don’t want to lose that elusive springer when trying to beach on your own!
Thermometer
Can aid line choice and give yo an idea of how the fish will behave. You can then alter your tactics to suit.
Towel & Spare Clothing In the lucky event you take a tumble you don’t want to end your day early. It still amazes me how many anglers don’t do this!
Auto Inflate Life Jacket
We really shouldn’t fish without them.
Wading Staff
Acts a stabiliser and third leg when negotiating the riverbed.
An angler awaits in anticipation as his fly swings round…
Fishing Tips For Spring Salmon Fishing in Scotland
Get some casting lessons from a qualified instructor during the closed season on techniques for sunk line and skagit lines
Layer your clothing correctly. Base layer, mid insulating layer & waterproof layer
Listen to local & ghillies advice – they know the river better than anyone
Thorough check your gear for wear prior to your trip
Fish deeper and slower to suit the colder conditions
Fish higher and faster in warmer conditions – Don’t be afraid to work the fly faster
Cover the river methodically, visualising your fly or lure fishing through the pool
Monitor any catch trends in specific areas, especially in the early stages of the season
Hire a guide if unfamiliar with the local fishing
If this wets your appetite for a Spring Salmon fishing in Scotland package please get in touch with us to discuss further.
Tight Lines
Callum Conner
Head Guide & Owner Scotia Fishing
Loop Tackle Design Ambassador
SGAIC Single & Double Hand Instructor
https://scotiafishing.com/wp-content/uploads/logo1.png00Callum Connerhttps://scotiafishing.com/wp-content/uploads/logo1.pngCallum Conner2016-03-20 21:27:102016-03-24 09:18:33Spring Salmon Fishing in Scotland
We can arrange fly fishing near Dundee for Salmon, Trout and Grayling on the River Tay or Pike on scenic lochs only forty five minutes drive from Dundee city centre!
Dundee, Scotland’s fifth largest city, is not a famous Scottish fishing destination, however, it benefits from being situated on the Tay estuary. Within a short drive you can be fishing on some of the finest beats of the River Tay system and some tranquil Perthshire lochs.
Allow us to give you some ideas for fly fishing near Dundee.
Fishing near Dundee on the Stunning River Tay in late Summer
Salmon Fishing Near Dundee
Dundee is only forty minutes from the Lower River Tay which has some of the most productive Salmon beats in Scotland.
This mighty River is one of our big four Salmon rivers and produces the most consistent Salmon catches in the country.
Salmon fishing near Dundee on the River Isla a prolific tributary of the River Tay
Dundee is also not too far from some of Scotland’s lesser known gems – the South and North Esk’s!
These picturesque little spate rivers rely heavily on rainfall to fish at their best. Provided you get these conditions they can offer some of the best value Salmon fishing in Scotland!
Couple enjoying a days Salmon fly fishing on the South Esk
These mini rivers can be fished with single handed fly rods or spinning rods. Ideal for those on a short time-scale and no spey casting experience.
Between the Tay and Esk’s Salmon fishing is available from January 15th – October 30th.
Family from Italy enjoy a days Pike fishing with this good Pike
Pike Fishing Near Dundee
Pike are a favourite among our guides. These apex predators are one of the most under-rated sport fish to be found in Scottish waters. Pike grow big in Scotland, twenty pounders are not uncommon but average sizes tend to be 4-8 pounds. Even these smaller average size Pike will give you a tremendous fun on balanced tackle.
In the water months Pike can be targeted using surface flies and lures. This is the ultimate way to catch Pike as they break through the surface with bad intentions.
Monster Pike on the fly in Scotland
We use 9ft #9 fly rods for all our Pike fly fishing from Loop Tackle Design and spinning rods and reels from the excellent Sakura Fishing lure range.
Our flies are homemade by our resident Pike fanatic, head guide Callum Conner. A man who knows this species behaviours well and one of only handful of Scotsman to land Pike to 40b 6oz in Scotland.
Pike can be fished for all year round using bait, fly and modern lure fishing techniques.
Scotia Fishing can organise guided fishing trips near Loch Lomond for Salmon, Pike, Trout and Grayling.
Loch Lomond is an iconic Scottish Loch. You may have heard the famous song about the “bonnie, bonnie banks, o Loch Lomond”. Never has a truer word been sung as this is one of the most beautiful still water surroundings you could ever cast a line.
At an impressive 24 miles long and 5 miles wide at its longest, Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch by surface area in the UK and second largest by volume.
The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond at Cameron House Hotel
Loch Lomond itself is home to a number of species – the most of any loch in Scotland in-fact! Salmon, Sea-Trout, Brown Trout, Pike, Perch, Bream, Chub, Roach, Ruffe, Eels and the rare and protected Powan inhabit this Loch.
Loch Lomond is a wild life haven. Here you will find Ospreys, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Pheasants, Mergansers and Deer to name a few. There is even a pack of Wallabies inhabiting the island of Inchconnachan!
In the surrounding areas of Cameron House, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park there is a number of exciting fishing opportunities to the visiting angler. Allow us to tell you all about them!
Salmon fishing near Cameron House on beautiful private estate
Fishing Trips Near Loch Lomond for Salmon
Fish for Atlantic Salmon & Sea Trout on the stunning River Teith only 30 minutes from Loch Lomond and Cameron House.
This bonnie spate river is the gem of the central belt. The location is idyllic, surrounded by woodland and the only other people you will meet are other anglers which is limited to four per day.
The Teith is known for its quality summer sea trout fishing, spring and back end Salmon runs. Not to mention a renown big fish river – Atlantic Salmon over 40lbs have been landed here in recent years!
Stunning fresh Sea Trout caught on the Teith by head guide Callum Conner
Not just a great fishing river it supplies the water to make the excellent single malt from Deanston Distillery.
The Teith is our local river and our guides know it well. Our head guide caught his first-ever Salmon from this very river!
This level of local knowledge and experience is paramount when hiring a fishing guide to ensure the best chances of success.
Fish for Scotland’s Apex Predator on the bonnie banks or from boat on Loch Lomond. Lomond produces 30b plus Pike every year and is arguably one of the finest Pike fishing lochs in the country.
At 25 miles long Lomond is ocean like, an in-depth knowledge of this vast expanse of water is required in order to locate the predatory Pike.
Our guides have fished this Loch for years and know all the hotspots to help ensure you success.
Pike Fishing Near Loch Lomond Cameron House
We can fish for Pike using a variety of methods including fly, lure or bait. Pike Fishing is mostly done from boat, except in the winter months.
Float tube fishing with lure and fly is great fun in the summer months, if the weather is calm and you’re relatively fit this is a very exciting way to fish for Pike!
Perch are an exciting alternative to Pike when fishing is tough. Big numbers of these fish can be caught with specimens up to 3lb!
Fishing Trips Near Loch Lomond for Trout & Grayling
There are some good Wild Brown Trout Lochs near Loch Lomond offering better fishing opportunities for our spotted friends than the loch itself.
Fishing on the relatively local rivers also allows the opportunity to target one of Scotland’s best kept secrets, Grayling. These fish are a firm favourite with our guides for the beauty and sporting prowess.
Stunning wild brown trout
There are some lovely Highland-like streams in the Trossachs National Park that are ideal for wild brown trout.
Although these fish are small they pose a real challenge to the fly fisher and a stealthy approach is essential. What they often lack in size they make up for in spirit.
If you would like to find out more information about fishing trips near Loch Lomond and Cameron House Hotel please get in touch using the various links throughout the post or by using the “Contact Us” button.
https://scotiafishing.com/wp-content/uploads/1880667-Edit.jpg10191500Callum Connerhttps://scotiafishing.com/wp-content/uploads/logo1.pngCallum Conner2016-01-19 14:54:052016-01-19 15:22:17Fishing Trips near Loch Lomond & Cameron House
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