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Best Pike Fishing in Scotland Near Edinburgh

April 11, 2020/in Pike, Uncategorized/by Callum Conner

Scotia Fishing have access to some of the best Pike fishing in Scotland near Edinburgh!

Edinburgh is a fantastic location to visit in Scotland. The city has all you would ever need as a tourist visiting Scotland. Beautiful architecture, historic streets, palaces, castles, a beach and one of Europe’s best cities for food and drink!

It also benefits from being ideally situated only one hour from beautiful countryside and some of the best Pike fishing!

Best Pike Fishing Guides

Scotland is a bit of a sleeping giant when it comes to Pike fishing. When you think of Scotland, you will likely think of Atlantic Salmon fishing. Scotland is the home of Salmon fly fishing, so we can fully understand this thinking.

However, we feel the Pike is the underdog, If the Salmon is the king, the Pike is the prince!

Our Head Guide Callum Conner is recognised as one of the best pike fishing guides in Scotland.
He’s been a fanatical Pike angler from a young age. Covering the length and breadth of Scotland to amass a wealth of knowledge on Scotland’s best Pike lochs and when it is best to fish these lochs.

During this time he has built up a respectable record of large 20lb plus Pike captures. He’s also one of only a hand-full of anglers in the country to have caught a wild of Pike of over 40lbs! (image above)

Using this experience we will guide you on carefully chosen venues to suit your experience.

Best Pike Fishing Lochs in Scotland near Edinburgh

Pike fishing in Scotland will take you into some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer. Fishing the iconic Scottish glacial lochs with roaring stags and aggressive tail walking Pike to interrupt the tranquility.

The glacial lochs are the ultimate challenge for the visiting Pike angler. Due to their size, local knowledge is paramount to success.

A good guide will use his experience to assess the conditions and how best to fish the loch. This will maximise your chances of success.

The glacial lochs are the best for larger Pike. We recommend booking a minimum of three days to give you the best chance at landing a 2olb plus specimen!

We’re fortunate enough to have come across some lesser known private lochs and have gained privileged access for our clients.

These private lochs have some of the best Pike fishing in Scotland near Edinburgh. Big numbers of hard fighting Pike can be caught here all year round.

These lochs have fewer 20lb plus Pike, but lots of sporting Pike in the 4-10lb class which are outstanding on light gear and fly!

Best Fishing Methods to catch Pike in Scotland

Spring Pike Fishing

In early spring the Pike can be be lethargic until the water warms up. During this period we will fish for Pike with bait (dead-baiting) during the morning session.

After lunch we will try fishing from the boat with lures and flies in shallow to medium depth water. Using a depth finder to locate the drop-offs from shallow bays into deeper water with sinking fly lines.

Once the water has warmed up and the Pike have spawned by mid to late May we will fly fish from the boat with 9ft #9 fly rods from Loop Tackle and streamer style flies or for spinning anglers we use light lure fishing rods 7ft in length rigged with fixed spool reels, braided mainlines equipped with an array of soft plastic, spinner baits and surface lures from Sakura-Fishing.

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Summer Pike Fishing

Summer pike fishing is our favourite! This time of year we can find the Pike in shallow areas and sometimes sight cast to them with surface lures and surface flies. This is the best way to catch pike in Scotland!

Pike will often bow wave chasing fast stripped flies just subsurface. At this time of year your guide will use the Minn-Kota engine to manoeuvre quietly into position for you to reach the sun-bathing Pike!

Autumn/Fall Pike Fishing

Autumn/Fall see’s us revert back to Spring style tactics for pike fishing. As the water cools so does the Pike’s willingness to chase a bait. This all depends on the climate at the time. It is Scotland – so very hard to predict!

As October approaches the Pike will be slowing down and lure fishing opportunities become restricted to the warmer mid-day before eventually resorting to dead-baiting all day.

Winter Pike Fishing

We fish for Pike using dead-baits mostly from October to April. This method involves fishing with static baits.

Using a variety of different frozen baits we cast into the loch at various areas using a selection of rods to cover a suitable area. As the baits thaw the scent permeates into the water.

The Pike has a very advanced sense of smell and will sniff out the baits, sometimes very quickly. On its day, this is a very effective method and large catch days are possible.

Has this post wetted your appetite to try some Pike fishing?

Read our reviews on Tripadvisor about pike fishing near Edinburgh.

For more information on Pike fishing trips in Scotland, you can contact us via the “Contact Us” button at the top of the page.

Fishing Near Dundee For Trout, Grayling, Salmon & Pike

February 17, 2016/in Packages/by Callum Conner

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.

You can find out more information about Salmon fishing trips here.

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.

You can find out more information about Pike fishing trips in here.

A large Tay Brown Trout for American guest.

Trout & Grayling Fishing Near Dundee

The best Trout & Grayling rivers in the area are all part of the world famous River Tay system.

The River Tay itself provides excellent Brown Trout & Grayling fishing with fish averaging 3/4 of 1lb.

The Wild Brown Trout grow to huge proportions, alb plus fish are caught every year on the Tay but mostly as a by-catch when Salmon fishing.

A typical Grayling from the Tay

The Grayling average 10-12oz but can be found larger up to 2lb in the upper reaches of the system or in the tributaries such as the Tummel and Isla.

Grayling offer year round sport and peak times are November – March.

You can find out more information about Trout & Grayling fishing trips here .

I hope this has helped to wet your appetite and consider Fishing near Dundee when on your travels.

If you would like to enquire please use this Contact Us button here or above.

Grayling Fishing in Scotland

January 4, 2015/in Fishing Reports, Packages/by Callum Conner

I’ve been Grayling fishing in Scotland since I was 18 and I can remember when I caught my first ever Grayling down on the River Tweed. After a few trips without success, I managed to eventually catch one after applying some advice I was given on a fly fishing forum (they can be helpful places sometimes!).

I was fishing for Grayling in the summer and set up with a duo of klinkhammer and gold beaded hares ear. I was told to strike every time the klinkhammer disappeared and eventually I struck and it moved – I had hooked something.

Where the love began, my first ever Grayling and equally impressive hair style – blonde streaked mullet… Those were the days hey?

I landed the fish (which was over 2lb) and safely returned it before proceeding to catch another smaller one and calling it a day. That’s where the love began.

Over the years I have fished various rivers throughout Scotland, building up local knowledge on the rivers and refining my techniques. Without blowing my own trumpet I’ve been lucky enough to land my fair share of specimen Grayling along the way.

It was on the 1st of January 2015 I first beat my personal best with this horse of a Grayling caught on a red tag hares ear and measured at 48cm but look at the shoulders on this thing!

This was a personal best at the time…

I have caught and weighed Grayling up to 2lb 12oz and this was a bit longer but unbelievably fatter! Easily 3lb plus. That’s only a number though, I just enjoyed catching the fish. Far too much emphasis in fishing these days is on pounds and ounces, just enjoy it!

Now I have beaten it twice in what has been a special, special year for myself personally with Grayling of 3lb 4oz then 3lb 5oz.

Huge Grayling caught in rising river – the rule books aren’t gospel! Apologies for the background photoshop but fish like these are pretty special and we have to protect our marks and more importantly these fine fish.

It’s hard to believe this majestic looking species were considered a pest many years ago. Persecuted by anglers and ghillies worried they ate all the Salmon eggs.

Thankfully attitudes have changed and they are now a much sought after quarry in Scotland, particularly in winter.

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Fly fish stunning Scottish rivers

Grayling can be fished for all year round although it’s advised to avoid fishing for them during spawning times for obvious reasons. Although related to Trout & Salmon they spawn at different times preferring early Spring.

The great thing about Grayling fishing in Scotland is even in the coldest depths of winter, driving sleet, heavy snow, rain and wind they will still feed when little else is willing to take a fly. I have caught them in temperatures as low as minus 17 degrees celsius!

Bugging for Grayling

Grayling fishing in Scotland is up there with some of the best quality sport we have in the country (in my opinion). We have a number of quality rivers such as: the River Annan. Earn, Clyde, Isla, Nith, Tay, Tummel, Tweed & Teviot.

All these rivers offer fantastic Grayling fishing with with healthy populations and specimen captures every season.

Young Jaco from Italy was a star! Three big grayling he had this day. Two over 3lbs!

Whether you are based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirlingshire, The Borders, St Andrews or Perth there is good Grayling fishing to be had within an hours drive – what are you waiting for?

If you’re interested in Guided Grayling Fishing in Scotland please get in touch now.

We provide full equipment, waders, permits, transport, guides, lunch and photographs from your day to keep as a souvenir.

New for 2015 is our Winter Grayling Fishing Packages with special offers available.

Fly Fishing in Perth Scotland UK

August 24, 2014/in Packages/by Callum Conner

Fly fishing in Perth Scotland offers the visiting angler a multitude of fishing options. Perthshire is home to some of the best Salmon, Trout and Pike fishing in Scotland. It’s home to some of the most prolific Salmon fishing rivers in Europe, including the mighty River Tay.

Our team of professional fishing guides combine over 50 years of local knowledge, passion and experience of fishing in the Perthshire countryside.

The iconic River Tay in all its glory!

Salmon Fly Fishing in Perth Scotland

Experience Salmon fishing near Perth in Scotland on the iconic River Tay with our professional fishing guides. Salmon fishing in Scotland is not just about the fishing, this is the home of Salmon fly fishing.

Our guides will teach you how to Spey cast using double handed fly rods or you can spin cast which is often very effective given the right conditions.

We also offer guided fishing trips on the lesser known rivers in Perthshire like the Tummel, Earn, Isla, Garry and Tilt. These can often be productive Salmon rivers in the right conditions, some fish better in the spring, some in the back end.

Using our knowledge and experience of these rivers we will choose the river and beat we think offers you the best chance of landing that prized Atlantic Salmon!

Salmon Fly fishing Perth Scotland on the mighty River Tay!

Trout Fly Fishing in Perth Scotland

Scotia Fishing can organise guided Trout fly Fishing in Perth on one of Scotland’s most iconic Trout fishing lochs, Loch Leven. This shallow fertile loch has some of the best natural feeding in Scotland. Trout grow here to epic proportions, but be warned – they are no push-overs!

When the fish are on here there is simply no better Loch in Scotland! Loch Leven is also steeped in history, its unique strain of Trout have been introduced all over the globe, Tasmania, Australia especially.

A serious brown trout caught on the dry fly!

Fly fishing in Perthshire is not not just about Loch Leven, there is an abundance of lochs and rivers in Perthshire offering quality fishing for wild brown trout and grayling. What the wild brown trout often lack in size they make up for in beauty and spirit.

The beauty of fishing in Perthshire…

Grayling are our winter saviour, when the Salmon season is over the grayling fishing really kicks of! They tend to shoal up and offer great sport in the colder months. The ‘lady of the stream’ (as they are often referred to) are a firm favourite with Scotia Fishing guides due to their beauty.

We can organise trips all year for grayling but the peak season is really November – February.

grayling-fly-fishing-perthshire-scotland

A proper Grayling from the River Earn near Perth

Pike Fly Fishing in Perth Scotland

We can arrange Guided Pike Fishing in Perth Scotland with our head guide Callum Conner who’s a fanatical Pike angler. He has the water craft skills and guiding experience to put you on to these hard-fighting predators. An enviable list of big Pike to over 40lbs for himself and clients to over 20lbs!

Pike are a species of fish rarely associated with Scotland but many would argue they are our number one sporting species.

The Pikes aggressive predatory nature means they can be caught all year round using fly, lure or bait. Although we do prefer to target them using fly fishing and modern lure techniques.

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The end result of some guided Pike fly fishing in Perth Scotland Uk – sorry for the photoshop but we have to protect our secret spots!

All our packages include:

Transport
Permits
Professional, personal guide
Qualified tuition
Top of the range tackle from brands like Loop Tackle Design & Sakura Fishing
Breathable waders & boots
Full safety equipment
Gourmet sandwiches & Non Alcoholic Drinks
Professional photography from your trip to keep as a souvenir

If you would like to find out any more information about fly fishing in Perth Scotland or book a guided fishing trip please get in touch via the “Contact Us” button at the top of the page or follow the numerous link through the post.