Best trout fishing near Edinburgh - ultimate guide for 2027 |

If you’re looking for Trout fishing near Edinburgh this guide offers a good variety of river or stillwater loch options. This is an updated 2027 summary of fishing near Edinburgh. In addition, useful tips on accommodation and common mistakes to avoid.

Meanwhile, because Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland it’s often the airport most of our guests arrive at from the USA and overseas. Equally Edinburgh is a great starting point for a tour of Scotland. Moreover it’s possible to enjoy a day trout fishing near Edinburgh at the beginning or end of your Scotland tour. So, let’s delve into the fishing options close to Edinburgh.

Best river trout fishing near Edinburgh – River Tweed

To begin with, the River Tweed is approx 1 hour drive, south of Edinburgh. The route to the Tweed is a scenic drive, passing through the villages of the Borders. Our guides usually collect guests from Edinburgh hotels.

Arguably, the Tweed is one of Europe’s best rivers. Naturally the main focus for anglers, s to fish for Salmon on the River Tweed. However, the Tweed contains a huge population of Brown Trout (and Grayling). The Tweed is one of Europes best trout rivers.

River Don, entomology, dark olive, trout flies Scotland, — Expect to see lots of these in April – The Blue Winged Olive

It’s hard to pick a peak time for trout fishing on the Tweed, as fish can be caught throughout the season. However if I were to pick a month, April would win.

Firstly in April, trout go heavily on the feed to regain weight and condition after sparse feeding in the winter. Usually, there are big hatches of March Browns, Blue Winged Olives and these trigger feeding frenzies. These rises can be sporadic and short lived, but offer a real opportunity to capture a real specimen.

Big trout in Scotland, 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

Brown Trout, River Tweed, Dry Fly, Sage LL Trout rod, best time to Visit Scotland — A 62cm wild brown trout caught on a dry fly on the River Tweed in April

Of course Tweed trout fishing is not only good in April! In fact, we catch trout all season using different methods. Also, it’s worth noting, Tweed trout can at times be challenging. However with careful planning and tactics, they are catchable. Our River Tweed guides are world class and know this river inside out.

River Whiteadder and other Tweed tributaries

Without doubt, the tributaries of the Tweed, offer the some of best small river trout and grayling fishing in Scotland.

First you have the River Teviot, one of the biggest tributaries. This offers some of the best trout fishing near Edinburgh. guests staying at the Schloss Roxburghe. Also the River Whiteadder is also a world class tributary, with Salmon, Trout and Grayling. Other worthy tributaries are the Leader, Gala, and Till.

The Teviot is the largest tributary of the River Tweed system. As well as an important salmon river in its own right, it offers good wild trout and grayling fishing. In addition you can enjoy sea trout fishing in the summer months.

The Teviot joins the Tweed at the famous Junction pool. From here, all the way up into the hills above Hawick and Teviothead. Therefore you can enjoy trout fishing in remote stretches. Lastly, the size of the Teviot, makes it a more manageable river to fish.

Equally the River Whiteadder is a hidden gem of a river. Again, famed for salmon and again, holds good trout and grayling and the odd sea trout. One of the nicest features of the Whiteadder, is that is wild and remote. So you are away from traffic noise and other anglers.

trout, River whiteadder, dry fly, brown trout, Trout fishing near Edinburgh, Czech nymphing, Orvis — Brown trout fishing River Whiteadder

Best trout fishing near Edinburgh – River Tay – 1 hour North

To start the River Tay is only 1 hour drive, North of Edinburgh and the biggest river system in Scotland. This huge ecosystem is a marvel of Scottish nature. The Tay hold a number of species of fish. Furthermore, there are worthy tributaries like the Tummel, Ericht, Isla, Braan and River Earn.

Also, due to its shear size (the Tay is 117miles long) its levels do not fluctuate as unpredictably as smaller rivers. Therefore in summer, when other rivers are low, the Tay still has a steady flow and is fishable. Equally the river system holds its clarity due better than smaller spate rivers. Weirdly, when the Tay does colour up, the trout fishing can be epic. Bigger, elusive trout get caught in murky Tay spates.

However, the River Tay trout are educated. To illustrate this, I’ve seen 4 people fish through the same pool, the first 3 fail and the and the last one catch the fish. Having the right flies and right methods is absolutely critical and this is why you should always employ a guide.

Trout fishing near Edinburgh, Big trout in Scotland, River Tay, Wild Brown Trout, Types of fish, River Tay, fishing, Trout, Dry Fly Sage X, — This River Tay Wild Brown Trout took a Dry Olive

Furthermore, you can enjoy catching the Grayling when fishing for trout here. The River Tay has a good population of wild grayling. As you can see from the photo below, some of the finest looking Grayling in the world.

Trout fishing near Edinburgh, Orvis Zero Gravity, 8ft 6", Mid flex, Dry Fly rod, Orvis Endorsed Guides, Grayling, Dry Fly — A big grayling on a dry fly using the Orvis Zero Gravity, 8ft 6inch mid flex two piece trout rod

The best Stillwater trout lochs near Edinburgh

As well as the rivers, there are numerous trout lochs within reach of Edinburgh. The Pentlands hills are about 20 mins from the city and you can fish for trout at Glencourse and Loganlea Reservoirs.

Further afield, and about 1 hour from Edinburgh is Lake of Menteith. The “Lake” is one of Scotland’s best and a great option isa you are looking for truly iconic trout fishing near Edinburgh. It contains rainbow trout, pike and the occasional wild brown trout. Many international competitions take place here and fishing is from boat only.

Without doubt, one of the most historic trout lochs in the world is Loch Leven. Leven used to be home to a trout hatchery, and these trout were used to stock rivers and lakes all over the world. Loch Leven is a shallow loch and has a rich fishing folklore, that precedes many trout fisheries around the world.

Even today, Loch Leven is a premier trout fishery. Yes is can be temperamental and switch off, but when you hit it right, the fishing can be fantastic.

Two of our guides are able to guide here, both highly accomplished competition anglers and both have represented Scotland, at International level.

Best fishing near Edinburgh, Loch Leven, Brown Trout, Trout Fishing, Boat Fishing, Fishing guide, Guided fishing trips, Loch Leven — Your guide Graeme with a typical Loch Leven brown trout.

Private Loch near Edinburgh with trophy Trout

There is a private loch approx 40 minutes south of Edinburgh which offers fishing for large brown and rainbow trout. Furthermore, this is a venue with a big capacity, so is ideal for groups and corporate fishing events. You can fish by boat, or from the Bankside. In addition there is a well appointed lodge overlooking the water. It contains, a lounge area, log stove, dining area and toilets. You can see from the photo below, the quality of the fish you can catch here.

Best fishing near Edinburgh, Loch Fishing, Trout, Brown Trout, Near Edinburgh, Near Peebles — Trout fishing near Edinburgh on a the private loch

Common mistakes when fishing near Edinburgh

Don’t try and fish these venues without a guide – this will not only keep you safe when wading, but vastly improve your chances of catching
Book fishing well in advance – Scotland is a desired fishing destination and generally dates are booked a long time in advance
Wear the right clothing. See this useful guide to understand how to prepare.
Book accommodation in advance. We have a useful accommodation guide here on good places to stay
How to avoid injury when fishing