The Best Fishing near North Berwick

North Berwick and The Golf Coast fishing options

If you are visiting North Berwick and the East Lothian golf coast, and looking for the best fishing spots, then read on.

This is a corner of Scotland offering angling diversity, and the convenience of being close proximity to Edinburgh. It is often overlooked by tourists who flock north to the Highlands, making North Berwick, something of a Hidden Gem. In addition if you add, the beaches, castles and golf courses, North Berwick is a great choice to base yourself, when visiting Scotland.

Furthermore, our guides can deliver fishing experiences and collect you from your North Berwick hotel. Equally if you prefer a non fishing day, and a tour of the area, we have some stunning tour options, including hidden harbours, castles and stunning beach walks.

Trout Fishing Near North Berwick

There are a number of excellent still water lochs, offer trout fishing all year. Fishing can be from the bank side or from a boat.

Coldingham Loch is a spring fed 22 acre loch and one of the first to stock Rainbow Trout in Scotland. Our guides have been fishing this loch for over 30 years. It is located close to the stunning cliff tops at St Abbs head, giving this remarkable loch unique character and bio diversity.

Fishing is best from the boat, and the boats are large and stable enough to accommodate two anglers, with a guide in the middle. Hiring a guide is essential, he will know what patterns work and the best spots for a successful day. He will also keep you safe and provide transport from North Berwick.

Dry Fly Fishing – top of the water sport

Coldingham loch holds a good stock of rainbow trout, wild brown trout and blue trout. Generally the trout respond well to surface dries, and small imitative fly patterns, like chironomids and sparsely tied nymph patterns. No matter what direction the wind is from, you can always find favourable spots when shore fishing. Equally it pays to move around the edges of the loch looking for rising fish and localised hatches.

In addition to Coldingham, there are a number of lochs in the hills within reaching distance of North Berwick. The Watch reservoir offers trout and perch fishing and a chance to enjoy open space and stunning scenery.

River Whiteadder Salmon, Trout, Sea Trout and Grayling

The River Whiteadder is a gem of a river and possibly the best river close to North Berwick. It is a main tributary of the Tweed. In spring it is an excellent salmon river, and fishes best dropping back after a spate. Fishing has improved greatly since the removal of coastal and estuary nets and removal of obstructions on the river, allowing migratory fish a clear passage in to spawning beds.

We have access to a private beat on the Whiteadder, that offer excellent fishing for all species. If the levels are not right for salmon, it’s worth targeting trout and grayling.

Best times to fish the River Whiteadder

You can fish the Whiteadder all year. The trout season runs from 15th March to 6th October. The salmon season from 1st February to end st February – 30th November (1st February – 31st October for specific association permits like the Berwick and District Angling Association)

It’s possible to fish throughout the winter on the Whiteadder, as it has become a superb grayling river is the last few years. Winter fishing trips can be booked here. Grayling season is year round, though we see a case eye on when they are spawning in early Spring and avoid disturbing them.

The River Whiteadder is wild and untamed, so you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be willing to wander between pools, navigating through long grass and obstacles.

Over the last few years, the Whiteadder has become an excellent Spring salmon river and our guides know exactly where the salmon hold in various pools.

River Whiteadder Season

Spring (February – April): Spring salmon fishing on the River Whiteadder has improved considerably in recent years. The removal of coastal nets has allowed the fish t travel up through the system. February through April can offer opportunities to catch fresh-run spring salmon, particularly following a period of heavy rainfall when river levels begin to fall and the water clears.

Summer (May – July): Salmon continue to enter the River Whiteadder during the summer months. Although runs can be less predictable and are often influenced by rainfall and water levels. Summer also brings sea trout into the river, providing exciting opportunities for anglers, particularly during the evening and after dark when these fish become more active.

Autumn (August – November): Traditionally, autumn has been an important period for salmon fishing on the River Whiteadder. From September through November, increased rainfall and rising river levels can encourage salmon to move upstream. This period has historically been associated with larger fish entering the river, although the timing and strength of salmon runs vary considerably from year to year.

The River Whiteadder is also and excellent venue for hosting our river fishing courses for beginners

However serious anglers can also enjoy some truly special brown trout fishing. Especially in the Spring, and in late March and April. Equally, sea trout arrive in the river in late May. In addition this allows for night fishing for sea trout. We have caught some excellent wild brown trout on the Whiteadder and these can be caught on dry fly during a hatch, or nypmhing in deeper rounds when there’s no surface activity.

Salmon Fishing on the River Tweed, near North Berwick

The River Tweed is less than an hour from North Berwick town centre and offers superb fishing for salmon, trout and grayling. The Tweed salmon season peaks in October and fishing is available right through to the end of November. The River is one of Scotland’s big 4  and is a must do if your are looking to target salmon.

Our fishing guides live and breathe the Tweed. Three of our guides live a stone’s throw from the River Tweed. They can help you understand how to read the river, the best salmon flies to use, and the best techniques to maximise your chances.

Sea Fishing in Berwickshire

There are several options for saltwater fishing in and around North Berwick. The Harbour has chartered boats available for day trips to fish for Pollock, Cod, Coalfish and Mackerel. We offer saltwater fly fishing guided trips too and sport can be fantastic.

Our main fishing trips leave from the port of Dunbar, which is about 20 minutes from North Berwick. Departure times are dependant on tide times, but we are flexible. Boat fishing in this area offers a remarkable variety of species. Equally a chance to enjoy the stunning clifftop views and views out to the Bass Rock. Bird Watches can also enjoy watching puffins and diving Gannets. ON occasions we get followed by Dolphins.

Your skipper Trevor is your captain. He pwns and operates a small and safe boat which is ideal for up to 4 guests. Premium sea fishing tackle is provided and your guide will assist with keeping the day smooth, while Trevor moves between the marks.

Travel times from North Berwick to fishing locations

Here’s a comparison chart for visitors staying in North Berwick and travelling to popular fishing locations across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

Estimated Driving Distances and Times

Fishing location	Distance from North Berwick	Driving time
Dunbar Harbour	13 miles	25 minutes
Coldingham Loch	31 miles	45 minutes
Watch Water Reservoir	35 miles*	50 minutes*
River Whiteadder – Hutton Mill	43 miles*	60 minutes*
River Tweed – Melrose	42 miles	55–60 minutes

Finally if you are looking for a unique and special accommodation option near North Berwick, Fenton Tower is a beautifully restored 16th century castle 20 miles east of Edinburgh and 5 minutes from North Berwick.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss a fishing and or touring holiday in this area, we can help.