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