Scotland is a country with a rich history of fly fishing, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning scenery, clear waters, and abundant fish populations, Scotland is a paradise for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a complete newbie, there are plenty of opportunities to cast your line and hook a catch in Scotland’s lakes and rivers.
One of the most popular destinations for fly fishing in Scotland is Loch Lomond, located in West Dunbartonshire. This vast body of water is home to a wide variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and pike. With its picturesque surroundings and excellent fishing opportunities, Loch Lomond is a must-visit for any angler looking to experience the best of Scottish fly fishing.
Another top spot for fly fishing in Scotland is the River Tay, which spans an impressive 117 miles and is the longest river in the country. The River Tay is known for its excellent salmon fishing, and anglers come from all over the world to try their luck on its waters. With its stunning scenery and diverse fish populations, the River Tay is a must-visit for any angler looking for a truly unforgettable fly fishing experience in Scotland.
Lakes in Scotland for Fly Fishing
When it comes to fly fishing in Scotland, there are plenty of lakes (lochs) that offer great opportunities for anglers of all levels. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best lochs for fly fishing in Scotland.
Loch Leven
Loch Leven is one of the most famous lochs in Scotland for fly fishing. It is located in the Perth and Kinross council area and is known for its excellent brown trout fishing. The loch is also home to some rainbow trout, but most anglers come to Loch Leven for the chance to catch its famous brownies. The average size of the brown trout in Loch Leven is around 1.5lbs, but there are plenty of larger fish to be caught as well.
Lake of Menteith
The Lake of Menteith is another popular loch for fly fishing in Scotland. It is located in the Stirling council area and is known for its excellent rainbow trout fishing. The loch is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the year, so there is always plenty of fish to be caught. The average size of the rainbow trout in the Lake of Menteith is around 2lbs, but there are some larger fish to be caught as well.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is one of the largest lochs in Scotland and is located in the West Dunbartonshire council area. It is a popular destination for all kinds of fishing, including fly fishing. The loch is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, pike, and salmon. The brown trout fishing in Loch Lomond is particularly good, with some fish weighing in at over 10lbs.
Overall, Scotland is home to some of the best fly fishing lakes in the world, and these three lochs are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a total newbie, there is always something new to discover in Scotland’s lochs.
Rivers in Scotland for Fly Fishing
When it comes to fly fishing in Scotland, rivers offer some of the best opportunities to catch salmon, trout, and grayling. Here are some of the top rivers for fly fishing in Scotland:
River Tay
The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland, stretching over 120 miles. It is also one of the most famous salmon rivers in the country, offering excellent fishing opportunities from early spring to late autumn. The river is divided into two sections: the upper river, which is fast-flowing and rocky, and the lower river, which is wider and deeper. Both sections offer great fishing for salmon, as well as brown trout and grayling.
River Spey
The River Spey is another great river for salmon fishing in Scotland. It is known for its fast-flowing waters and deep pools, which provide excellent habitat for Atlantic salmon. The river is also home to brown trout and sea trout, which can be caught using a variety of fly fishing techniques. The best time to fish the River Spey is from May to September, when the water is warmer and the fish are more active.
River Dee
The River Dee is one of Scotland’s most iconic salmon rivers, stretching over 80 miles from its source in the Cairngorms to the North Sea. The river is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, as well as its large salmon and sea trout. In addition to salmon and sea trout, the River Dee is also home to brown trout, which can be caught using dry flies and nymphs.
Overall, these three rivers offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities in Scotland. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, there is something for everyone on these rivers. So grab your rod, tie on your favorite fly, and get ready for an unforgettable fly fishing experience in Scotland.
Legal Aspects of Fly Fishing in Scotland
When it comes to fly fishing in Scotland, there are certain legal aspects that anglers need to be aware of. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Public Right to Fish
In Scotland, there is a common law public right to fish for freshwater fish in the tidal portion of a river. This right to fish extends as far up the river as the ordinary spring tides. However, it is important to note that this right only applies to freshwater fish, not sea fish.
Catch and Release
In Scotland, catch and release is encouraged to help preserve and sustain the fish populations in our rivers and lochs. There are certain regulations in place regarding catch and release, so it is important to be aware of these before you go fishing.
Fishing Licences
Unlike in some other countries, Scotland does not have fishing licences for recreational fishing. However, there are certain permits and permissions that may be required for fishing in certain areas or for certain species of fish. It is important to check with the relevant authorities before you go fishing to ensure that you are in compliance with any regulations.
Conservation
Conservation is an important part of fly fishing in Scotland. It is important to respect the fish and their habitat, and to take steps to preserve and protect them for future generations. This may include things like practicing catch and release, using barbless hooks, and avoiding fishing during spawning season.
Overall, fly fishing in Scotland is a wonderful experience, but it is important to be aware of the legal aspects and to fish responsibly. By doing so, we can help to preserve and sustain the fish populations in our rivers and lochs for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best trout lochs to fly fish in Scotland?
Scotland is home to many beautiful and productive lochs for fly fishing. Some of the best trout lochs to fly fish in Scotland include Loch Leven, Loch Awe, and Loch Lomond. These lochs offer a variety of trout species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.
Which Scottish rivers are best for fly fishing for trout?
Scotland is blessed with many productive rivers for fly fishing for trout. Some of the best Scottish rivers for trout fishing include the River Tweed, the River Tay, and the River Spey. These rivers offer a variety of trout species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and sea trout.
What species of fish can be found in Scottish lochs?
Scottish lochs are home to a variety of fish species. Some of the most common species found in Scottish lochs include brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic char, Atlantic salmon, and pike. Depending on the location and season, anglers may also encounter sea trout, brook trout, and grayling.
Where are the best fly fishing lodges in the Scottish Highlands?
The Scottish Highlands are home to many excellent fly fishing lodges. Some of the best fly fishing lodges in the Scottish Highlands include the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course, the Gleneagles Hotel, and the Loch Lomond Golf Club. These lodges offer luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and access to some of the best fishing in Scotland.
What is the legal size limit for brown trout fishing in Scotland?
The legal size limit for brown trout fishing in Scotland varies depending on the location and season. In general, the minimum size limit for brown trout fishing in Scotland is 175mm. However, some locations may have different size limits or catch-and-release regulations, so it is important to check local regulations before fishing.
What is the best river for wild brown trout fishing in Scotland?
Scotland is home to many excellent rivers for wild brown trout fishing. Some of the best rivers for wild brown trout fishing in Scotland include the River Tweed, the River Clyde, and the River Doon. These rivers offer excellent opportunities to catch wild brown trout in beautiful and scenic settings.