Fishing trips and touring throughout Scotland

River Don, wild, brown trout, dry fly, fly fishing, River Tweed, River Tay
A perfect wild brown trout on a dry fly

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Where to fish for trout in Scotland

Firstly, fishing for trout in Scotland starts on March 15th. You should only be looking to fish rivers in Central and Borders areas of Scotland. The River Tweed and it’s tributaries are best in the early season. Given that trout have been slow to feed in the winter, as temperatures rise, they feed heavily in Spring. As a result, March and April see trout packing weight back on by feeding heavliy on abundant fly hatches. You can expect hatches of March Browns, Large Dark Olives and Blue Winged Olives in the early season. Subsequently, dry fly sport can be incredible, as trout sip down emergers and duns freely.

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Scottish rivers, River Whiteadder, Trout fishing, Grayling fishing, Orvis Helios 3, Spring
Fly fishing for trout and grayling on the River Whiteadder

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.

Prior planning and preperations 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 – 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
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A Blue Winged Olive

Best fishing tackle for trout fishing in Scottish rivers

To begin with for 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 aheavier 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 guide Cuillin Rae. Cuillin represented Scotland at International level and is undoubtedly one of the best fly tyers in Scotland.

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The Olive Para Dun dry fly

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.

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A typical loch fly with palemered body – we usually fish three different patterns like this on a cast.

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 – We use a 6ft furled leader for better presentation and 6x or 7x tippet. All flies are barbless. The method is universal around the world. Cast the fly so it drifts over the nose of a feeding fish. Stealth is the key. So delicate wading is crucial. equally matching the hatch wth good fly patterns can be the gamechanger.
  • Nymphing – We use euronymphing and dry dropper techniques. Our aim is to “dead drift” the nymph to the feeding fish. Additionally a twitched retrieve works effectively, bring the nymph up and down in the water column.
  • Streamer fishing is done with a heavier rod and 10lb test Maxima tippet. We have a range of Streamer and Jig Streamer patterns. The technique is to cast them upstream and retrieve quickly and erratically to enduce a take.

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.

Glencoe, Fort William, Trout Fishing, Loch Arkaig, trout in Scotland
Trout Fishing Loch Shiel near Fort William, from a drifting boat

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.

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

Can you catch big (trophy) 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.

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A 3lb Tweed Brown Trout on a dry fly in early April

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!