The best lochs and rivers in Scotland for fishing

Best lochs and rivers for Fishing in Scotland

This article highlights the best lochs and rivers in Scotland, for fishing.

Firstly, your time is precious, so if you’re planning a fishing holiday in Scotland, we can help. We have delivered fishing trips in Scotland since 2004. We offer guided fishing days or vacations for Salmon, Trout, Sea Trout, Pike and Saltwater Species.

This article highlights some of the best fishing lochs and rivers in Scotland, close to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness, Dundee, St Andrews, Fort William and Perth.

Firstly, let’s look at the main rivers.

Summary of the main rivers in Scotland & length

River Tay 193km (120miles)
River Spey 172km (107miles)
Clyde 171km (106miles)
River Tweed 156km (97miles)
Dee 137km (85miles)
Don 132km (82miles)
Nith 112km (71miles)
Forth 105km (65miles)
Findhorn 101km (63miles)
Deveron 98km (61miles)
Annan 79km (49miles)

Salmon rivers in Scotland, River Dee, Salmon fishing, Fishing Guide, Orvis Endorsed, Spey Casting, Fife Arms — Early Spring salmon fishing on the River Dee

The right river at the right time

The best river to fish, depends on what time of year and what conditions you are fishing in. Different rivers peak at different times, and the seasons are changing. The River Tweed for example, used to enjoy prolific Autumn runs of salmon. Whilst there are still good Autumn runs of salmon, they are not as prolific as they used to be.

River Tweed, Big Salmon, Cock fish, Autumn colours, Spawning, Catch and Release — A big male (Cock) Salmon in full Autumn spawning colours River Tweed

There is no doubt the global climate is changing. Therefore, this naturally impacts the rivers and lochs too. Conditions and weather require careful monitoring. Consequently after 20 years of running this business, we have a finger on the pulse, we can help you decide.

Lastly, we have a team of 20 expert fly fishing guides locate throughout Scotland. They understand the rivers you will be fishing.

Additionally we use the very best fishing tackle. As a result, this maximises your chances of catching. and provide access to a portfolio of the best fishing spots. Not only can we plan your fishing itinerary, based on individual needs. Book fishing accommodation and arrange transport.

The best lochs and rivers in Scotland Pike fishing loch near Edinburgh

To begin, if you are looking to fly fish or spin cast for big pike, we have one of the best pike lochs in Scotland, near Edinburgh. We offer guided fishing for small or large groups or corporate fishing events. This is a private fishing venue, on a private estate. Due to the remote location and privacy, it’s an ideal location for high profile clients. Additionally, fishing pressure is kept low the loch is well guarded by the estate gamekeepers.

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River tweed salmon, trout and grayling fishing south of Edinburgh

Situated approx 1 hour south of Edinburgh is the River Tweed. The Tweed is one of the most prolific salmon rivers in Scotland. The River offers fantastic spring fly fishing for trout, summer fishing for sea trout, Autumn fishing for salmon and winter fishing for Grayling.

In fact our team of guides have fished the River Tweed since we were children. You will benefit from our knowledge and experience. There are some very big trophy trout to be caught in the spring, April and May being the best months. In June it is worth fishing at night for Sea Trout. Furthermore, Grayling can be caught all year with October

Fly Fishing in Scotland, Brown Trout, trophy, Wild Brown Trout, River tweed — A 62cm wild brown trout caught on a dry fly on the River Tweed in April

The river produces salmon all year. In Autumn huge numbers of salmon enter the system and the River. The Tweed is one of the few rivers currently offering salmon fishing in Scotland in November. The salmon season on the Tweed commences on 1st of February and runs through to the 30th of November. There is no salmon fishing on Sundays.

River Tweed, Salmon Fishing, Spey Casting, Robson Green, Jim and Robson Icelandic adventure, salmon, — Spey Casting on the River Tweed

Best Fishing Rivers and Lochs near Perth

Firstly some of the best lochs and rivers in Scotland can be found near Perth. In fact the market town of Perth is a good place to base yourself to target the Tay and numerous lochs in the area.

Secondly, Perth is located in the centre of Scotland, and therefore handy to access most rivers. The River Tay runs from the west coast of Scotland, eastwards to Perth and on towards the tidal water at Dundee.

This historic and productive river offers many great river options. The main tributaries of the Tay, The Isla and Ericht, are outstanding salmon rivers in their own right. The Isla being generally slower flowing and the Ericht a tributary that joins the Isla, resembles more of a spate river.

In addition, the Tay splits into two big rivers north of Dunkeld, the Tummel and the Tay. As a result, the Tummel is a worthy alternative. As the Tay narrows towards Aberfeldy it splits again into the River Lyon.

Glen Lyon is thought to be one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, and if you hit the river when the levels are right, the sport can be epic. You can also catch wild brown trout in the River Lyon.

5050onthewater, ladies fishing, River Isla, River Tay, big Salmon, Fly Fishing, Catch and release, Springer, Tay Catch returns, Atlantic Salmon — A fresh River Isla Spring Salmon

The River Tay, biggest river in Scotland

The River Tay is one of the finest salmon rivers in Scotland and the UK. It is also the largest river in Scotland at 117miles. The salmon season on the River Tay runs from 15th January to 15th October and fish can be caught throughout the year. However there is no Sunday fishing. Likewise it’s possible to spin cast and fly fish the Tay. We can connect you to various salmon trips on the Tay, on a number of select beats.

Spey Casting tuition can be taught by our SGAIC or AAPGAI qualified casting instructors. We can provide transport, accommodation, tackle, and pro-photography on these days.

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If you are looking for reasonably priced and productive salmon fishing in Autumn in Scotland, the River Earn should not be overlooked. Even though, this is a tributary of the Tay, it has superb runs of Autumn salmon and sea trout. Additionally, it’s the closest salmon river to Gleneagles Hotel.

There is plenty to do nearby for the non angler, such as the stunning Drummond Gardens. Meanwhile whisky lovers can visit Glenturret distillery.

Volvo XC90, Durness, Hidden Gems, Sutherland — Luxury Volvo XC90 perfect tp reach the spots off road

Alba has access to a wild brown trout fishing loch situated about 35 minutes north of Perth, This is a limestone loch, which produces prolific insect life and therefore huge wild brown trout. Access to this fishing loch, is by 4×4 vehicle only and we can take you to the lochside in a luxury Volvo SUV.

Best lochs and rivers near Glasgow

The best lochs and rivers near Glasgow include our exclusive access to a private trout fishery 30 minutes from the city centre. This offers Wild Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout fishing all year round (Rainbow trout all year). The is one of the best trout lochs near Glasgow and easy reach of the Airport and Glasgow hotels.

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Additionally this is an ideal loch for fly fishing lessons for beginners and casting tuition. It’s also possible to serve al-fresco fishing lunches beside the loch from our first-class outdoor catering team. Finally, we have hosted many luxury fishing experiences here and corporate fishing events, as well as small groups and family fishing days.

Loch Lomond, private loch, near Glasgow, Brown trout, rainbow trout, fly fishing, corporate event venue, — Solitude and privacy fishing a private loch near Glasgow

Best lochs and rivers near Aberdeen

To begin with, Aberdeen is famous for salmon fishing in the River Dee . However, there are many other fishing venues available in Aberdeenshire.

Rivers of Scotland, River Dee, Salmon Fishing, Aberdeen, Royal Deeside, Speycasting, Commonty, fishing guide, beginners — Salmon fishing on the River Dee at Commonty beat near the Potarch Bridge

In North Aberdeenshire, the River Deveron offers some of the best trout and salmon fishing in Scotland.

A short drive west of Aberdeen there is a stunning fly fishing loch, that is an ideal venue for corporate fishing events and outdoor hospitality. There are three private lochs, with good stocks of brown trout and rainbow trout. The fishing is safe and easily accessible, in that you can park vehicles right next to the water.

corporate fishing day, fishing event, corporate hospitality, outdoors, gourmet outdoor catering, Incentive days outdoors — Trout Fishing near Aberdeen on a corporate fishing event

In fact this would make this an ideal venue for anyone with mobility problems.

Moreover, we have hosted many successful fly fishing days here, mainly for complete beginners and for corporate events. The wooden cabin at this venue has a log burning stove and can comfortably accommodate 25 diners.

Events are run by a professional team of Professional fishing guides and casting instructors are on hand to offer tuition and fly fishing lessons

Best lochs and rivers in Scotland for fishing near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands

To begin, the river Ness has becomes of of the best salmon rivers in Scotland. Additionally, the river runs through the centre of Inverness. Because it is fed from Loch Ness, river levels are always good. As a result,, when other rivers are low, the Ness still offers unparalleled sport.

Rivers of Scotland, vouchers, River Ness, Dochfour, Salmon Fishing, Ghillie, Spey Casting, Inverness, Ness Walk — Salmon fishing on the River Ness

Secondly, the River Ness is a short river. It flows 6 miles from Dochfour weir at Loch Ness to the Moray Firth estuary. There are some monsters to be caught, but not Nessie. Salmon can be caught in the Spring, and April and May are productive months.

Finally it’s worth remembering, with over 30,000 lochs in Scotland, most of them have a population of brown trout. Loch Eye is a fertile shallow loch in the Highlands. As a result it only averages a depth of 8ft. However this loch offers some of the finest wild brown trout in Scotland. Lastly, the sport here is mainly on the surface, with dry flies and palmered fly patterns on the “pull”

Loch Eye, Brown trout, drifting boat, loch style, team of 3 flies, stand headley, Tain, Troutquest, salmonquest — A beautiful Loch Eye brown trout

Best lochs and rivers in Scotland in the Highlands of Scotland

Firstly some of the best lochs and rivers in Scotland are North of Inverness. In addition there is a huge choice of salmon fishing rivers. The River Alness, this is a small spate river, draining into the Cromarty Firth. If the conditions are right and there is good water, the fishing throughout this scenic river can be fast and furious.

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The River Shin is one of the finest salmon rivers in Scotland and similar in size to the Alness. An ideal salmon rod for this would be a 10-12ft switch rod, as this will help you target the small pockets of water that hold fish. Casting can be tricky and you need to be accurate and be careful not to spook fish.

River Alness, River Shin, River Conon, fishing guide, pike, trout, sea trout, salmon, SGAIC casting instructor, Spey Casting tuition, events, disclosure Scotland, First Aid trained — Salmon fishing on the River Conon

There are other notable rivers north of Inverness in the Highlands, the River Conon is one of my favourites. The Conon is fed by a Hydro system with regular outflows of water. Subsequently, this regulates flow and .

Also Cassley and Upper Cassley river is one of the most remote and beautiful river systems in Scotland, a small highland spate river. Its source almost kissing the West Coast of Scotland. If you’re looking for fishing in Isolation and amidst stunning scenery, the Cassley ticks your boxes.

Are there mosquitos or no–see-ums in Scotland?

Firstly the good news is that we do not have these flies in Scotland. This makes fishing very pleasant and stress free. On the West Coast of Scotland and in the highlands, there is a small biting fly called a “midgie”. The midge is probably similar to a no see um. Avoiding them is easy. Also, they do not like sunshine and if there’s any sort of breeze you won’t be affected by them.

They tend to be more of a problem on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. On a still, damp overcast day they thrive and feed. The bite is not too bad, a wee nip and most people are not irritated by the bites, anti histamines can help.

Lastly, in 18 years of running guided fishing trips throughout Scotland, with thousands of clients, we’ve only had a few days where midges were a problem. So in summary, the biggest fly problem you will encounter, is which one to tie on your line!