Trout fishing near Edinburgh offers an array of river or Stillwater options. Firstly this is an updated guide based on what’s good right now in 2025 and useful tips on accommodation and common mistakes to avoid.
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, so why not enjoy a day of trout fishing near Edinburgh. Especially as there are so man great options from Scotland’s capital city. Let’s delve into them.
Best river trout fishing near Edinburgh – River Tweed
To begin with, the River Tweed is approx 1 hour south of Edinburgh, and a scenic drive. Our guides usually collect guests at their Edinburgh hotel.
Arguably, the Tweed is one of Europe’s best rivers. Naturally the main focus on the Tweed for anglers is salmon fishing. However, the Tweed contains a huge population of Brown Trout (and Grayling)
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 that were dropped 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.
Dont be fooled into thinking Tweed trout fishing is only good in April! In fact, we catch trout all season using different methods. 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, 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 gem of a river. Again, famed for salmon and again, holds good trout and grayling and the odd sea trout.
Best trout fishing near Edinburgh – River Tay – 1 hour North
To start with the Tay is only 1 hour North of Edinburgh and the biggest river system in Scotland. Furthermore, there are tributaries worth fishing like the Tummel, Ericht, Isla and Braan.
Also, due to its shear size (the Tay is 117miles long) its levels do not fluctuate as unpredictably as smaller streams. Therefore in summer, when other rivers are low, the Tay still has a steady flow and is fishable.
Equally, the Tay trout are educated. To illustrate this, Ive seen 4 people fish the same pool, the first 3 fail and the and the last one to fish it catch the fish. Having the right flies and right methods is absolutely critical and this is why you employ a guide.
Furthermore, you can enjoy catching the Grayling when fishing for trout here. The River Tay has a good population of wild grayling.
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.
What mistakes to avoid when looking to fish for trout 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
A year as a fishing guide in Scotland – 2024 highlights
