Scottish Fishing Seasons

Fishing seasons in Scotland

As a general rule, the salmon fishing season in Scotland runs from early February until late October. Important variations are indicated below;

  • Annan – 25th Feb – 15th Nov
  • Dee  – 1st Feb – 30th Sept
  • Nith – 25th Feb – 31st Nov
  • Spey – 11th Feb – 30th Sept
  • Tay – 15th Jan – 15th Oct
  • Teith – 1st Feb – 31st Oct
  • Tweed – 1st Feb – 30th Nov

In our experience, we would suggest that the most reliable times for taking salmon on the majority of rivers are during April and May and then from September to the end of the season. However, we know where you can find excellent fishing throughout the entire season! There is always great debate over when are the best times to fish for salmon in Scotland. In general terms we have fresh runs of fish from about February to May and then again from September to the end of November. Some rivers are known for having good spring runs, others have consistent catches throughout the year, and others only really fish well during the autumn.

The sea trout fishing season is restricted to the summer months; from the end of May to the end of August. On most rivers, the best fish are taken in June and early July.

On most rivers and lochs, the brown trout fishing season runs from the 15th of March until the end of September. However there are minor variations. Across much of northern Scotland the season starts on the 1st April. On parts of the Tay the season extends to the 6th of October. The best fishing is probably from May to the end of September.

Grayling can be fished for from the middle of May to the end of February. The best fishing is during the period from November to February. Many grayling are caught while trout fishing throughout the season.

There is no closed season for rainbow trout and coarse fishing and sea fishing is also permitted all year round.

River fishing is prohibited on a Sunday on virtually all rivers in Scotland.