How to catch trout in Scotland

Where to fish for trout in Scotland

Firstly, fishing for trout in Scotland starts on March 15th. Therefore, in early Spring, you should only be looking to fish rivers in Central and Borders areas of Scotland. For example, the River Tweed and its tributaries are best in the early season. Considering that trout have been slow to feed in the winter, as temperatures rise, they will feed heavily in Spring. Furthermore, with gusto and real purpose. As a result, this creates opportunities for the angler, looking to target fish on the Dry Fly.

So, in March and April, trout will feed heavily on abundant fly hatches. You can expect hatches of March Browns, Large Dark Olives Large Dark Olives, Blue Winged Olives in the early season. Subsequently, dry fly sport can be incredible, as trout sip down emergers and duns freely.

There are lots of ways to catch a trout. Maybe that’s why there are so many experts. [Bud Lilly]

Equally, in mid April and May, you can start to consider rivers and lochs in the Southern Highlands. Temperatures are always 5 degrees on average lower than the southern part of Scotland. As a result, the Highlands rivers takes and extra 4 weeks or so to get going. With this in mind, as you look to the far North of Scotland, its best to fish these rivers and lochs in May and June.

Reading the Water

Reading the water is crucial in trout fishing because it helps anglers identify where trout are likely to be holding and feeding. First, by observing features like current seams, glides, eddies, riffles, pools, and structure (e.g., rocks or fallen trees). Using this intel, can help anglers can locate high-probability spots. Naturally this varies in different water levels, and the skill is to identify targets at different water levels. For example, during a flood, fish will be caught in different parts of the river than during low water.

Next, understanding how trout position themselves in relation to food, cover, and current allows for more strategic and accurate casting. Furthermore, all of this helps to determine fly selection.

Employing the services of a fishing guide can greatly help you to read a new river. Equally your guide will know where you can wade safely and where the limitations are. In summary, time spent planning and careful execution of a strategy will maximise your chances

Prior planning and preparations prevents poor performance!

In summary, think carefully when planning a trout trip. I recently had a travel agent request to take a group fishing in a Highland loch 1500ft above sea level in early April. This would have been an unproductive, joyless and an artic experience, so we said no.

To conclude – here is a summary of when and where to fish for trout in Scotland:

• 15th March – River Tweed, Annan, and tributaries
• Early April, River Tweed, River Tay, Tummel, Annan, and other lowland rivers and lochs
• Late April – Upper River Spey, Tay, River Don, Tummel, and River Ness.
• May – You can start to consider rivers and lochs in the Southern Highlands and West Coast. Loch Eye and Watten
• June and July – Aim to fish in the far North of Scotland, Loch Hope, Loch Naver, and numerous hill lochs
• August – consider streamer fishing as trout are fixated on bait fish
• September – trout go on the feed again prior to spawning. Streamer tactics, and Nymphing techniques work well
• Season finishes early October

Best fishing tackle for trout fishing in Scottish rivers

To begin with for medium or large rivers, an 8ft to 9ft #4/5 weight rod is perfect for dry fly fishing. We use the excellent Sage LL and Sage R8 rods. Likewise when streamer fishing you will need a heavier rod and a 9ft # 6/7 weight works well.

However if you are fishing smaller streams, go down to 7 ft #2 or 3 weight rods, for delicacy and pure fishing enjoyment.

Equally, for nymphing, we use 10-11ft # 2 or 3 weight rods. You can see more details on our Euronymphing rod set up here.

Finally, what these rods deserve the best flies. Rest assured, all our trout flies are tied by our guides.

Best fishing tackle for fishing Scottish Lochs (Lakes)

Firstly, the technique for lochs is either from the shore or a drifting boat. Consequently, a 10ft rod is an ideal length # 5/6 weight is our choice. The extra length will help your flies stay out of the heather on the bank side or someones hat in the boat. Usually we fish a team of three palmered surface flies, therefore a 5X cast is about the right balance.

What time of year is best for trout fishing on Scottish rivers and lochs (lakes)

If you are a serious brown trout angler, then April is the best. Speak to us about what locations work well, as timing is everything. Furthermore, May, June and July can also be superb, but requires careful thought about what area and type of water to fish. We can help.

Techniques for trout fishing in Scotland’s rivers

Dry Fly Fishing for trout

First, if you consider all the techniques to catch trout, dry fly must be the most rewarding. The pure thrill and excitement during a hatch, of seeing trout sipping down flies, and casting to them, for me is unsurpassed. We use a 6ft furled leader connected to 5ft-6ft length of 6x or 7x tippet. All of our dry flies are barbless. equally our dry fly patterns are tied by our guides and highly effective.

Generally dry fly fishing means casting upstream to a rising fish. Then, drifting the imitation fly over the trouts feeding lane and trying to get him to rise and take the fly. However, the downstream dry fly can be highly effective too. To execute this, an angler needs to control drag. This is done by introducing a small amount of slack on teh forward cast. This is called a “Squiggle cast” Upstream of downstream, stealth is the key to success. So delicate wading is crucial, and really taking your time to plan and approach a rising fish without out spooking it, can be as much fun as catching it. Finally, it all comes down to fly choice. So matching the hatch with good fly patterns can be the gamechanger.

Nymphing techniques to catch trout

To begin, nymphing is a highly effective technique, when trout are feeding sub surface. Especially if you consider that trout do indeed spend approx 80% of their time, feeding sub surface. Therefore, it pays to have a handle on the various nymphing techniques. Recently euronymphing has become very popular and our river trout guides are highly skilled in this art. Next you can use the dry dropper technique (or clink and dink) which is hanging a nymph under a dry fly. However you decide to fish nymphs, generally the technique is to “dead drift” the nymph to the feeding fish. Hence, imitating a nymph that is getting swept downstream by the current. Equally it pays to sometimes twitch the nymphs, and. combination of both dead drift and twitching can reap rewards. A

Streamer fishing for trout

Firstly this is not my personal favourite method of catching trout. Although, there’s no argument it’s highly effective at catching bigger fish. Streamer fishing is done with a heavier rod. We use a Sage R8 9 1/2 ft 6weight, which has the backbone to cast a heavy articulated streamer. Ideal tippet for streamer fishing is 10lb test Maxima tippet. Because it is strong and has a degree of elasticity to soak up a stage take and minimise the chance of being broken. Furthermore, our guides have hand crafted a range of Streamer and Jig Streamer patterns. The technique is to cast them upstream and retrieve quickly and erratically to induce a take.

Tenkara fishing

Tenkara fishing is a traditional Japanese method of fly fishing that embodies simplicity, precision, and connection with nature. Unlike Western fly fishing, tenkara uses only a rod, a line, and fly. In fact, no reel is needed. The rod is so long and soft, it generally soaks up sudden lunges by a trout without the need to retrieve line or let line out. 

As a result, it’s an ideal technique for anglers seeking a minimalist and lightweight approach. Typically, Tenkara rods are long and collapsible, allowing for easy reach and delicate presentations in streams and small rivers. However we have also used this technique in larger rivers like the River Tweed and River Tay

Moreover, Tenkara fishing is also great for beginners who want to focus on technique rather than equipment. 

In addition, experienced anglers appreciate Tenkara for the challenge and skill it brings to fly fishing and nymphing techniques. Overall, Tenkara fly fishing has something of a specialist cult like following, however if you want to try it, we have the gear. 

Trout fishing methods for Scottish Lochs

Conversely, when fishing lochs, it pays to move around and cover as much water as possible. Casting more than once in the same spot is probably a wasted cast. Furthermore when bank fishing, stealth and staying out of the skyline is advisable. Fish also feel vibration through soft peaty banks, so walk lightly. Keep on the move and cover as much water as possible. Most fish reside on the reef, which is the drop of from shallow to deeper water. A fast retrieve with a team of flies works well. Equally, fishing static dries can be effective. But as trout are opportunistic, if you haven’t had a take in a few minutes, move the flies elsewhere.

How to dress when fishing for trout in Scotland

Wear thin layers and muted colours. Likewise, layer up according to the time of year and temperatures. A good waterproof jacket is essential. Wear good polaroid sunglasses to help spot trout and make wading easier. Also wear breathable chest waders, and boots with tungsten studs for better grip, when river fishing for trout in Scotland. Finally wear two pairs of socks and go up a size in wading boots. Your feet will thank you.

Can you catch Ferox and big trout in Scotland?

100% yes (see photos above and below). However these fish get big for a reason, and you should alsways remember, they are wild fish, not stocked. Follow our advice and techniques and you will have a chance at getting a trout of a lifetime. The record brown trout in Scotland is 31lb 12 oz and that was caught in Loch Awe. This was a Ferrox trout, one that feeds on other fish. In fact there are many excellent Ferrox lochs in Scotland, like Loch Arkaig, Garry and Quoich. Equally Scottish rivers hold good fish. The River Tweed, River Don, Deveron, Ness, Tay and Spey will all produce good trout, as well as smaller streams throughout Scotland.

How fishing permits work on Scottish rivers and why they are never overcrowded

Finally there is no licence system in Scotland. Permits can be bought for beats of rivers and lochs. Equally numbers are controlled, so its rare to see another angler. Certainly overcorwding is never an issue.

To conclude, you can enjoy stunning scenery, freedom, space and serenity on the rivers and lochs of Scotland. Our waters are abundant with trout that have been resident here since the ice age. If you need to employ the services of a fishing guide, we can cover all regions. Tight lines and Happy Fishing adventures!