To begin with, the best fishing near Edinburgh is easier to access than you might think. Most inbound overseas guests fly into Edinburgh. Therefore, if you find yourself planning a fishing trip, this article might help.

Planning ahead, and avoiding disappointment

Ive been dealing with fixing enquiries for over 20 years. As a result, one begins to build an understanding of where it goes right and wrong. As I write this, I have turned away 5 enquires for next week as we are “fully booked” 

Furthermore, these clients have gone to the bother of booking flights and hotels and then assumed its just a case of cherry picking a guide, who are all sitting by the phone waiting on the go ahead. Without doubt, the simple answer is to plan ahead, well in advance.

The best fishing near Edinburgh – the top 5

1. River Tweed
2. River Tay
3. Sea Fishing Dunbar
4. Trout lochs near Edinburgh
5. Trout fisheries ideal for events, groups and beginners

River Tweed – best river fishing near Edinburgh(1 hour south)

The River Tweed and its tributaries are without doubt one of Europes best river systems. In fact there are more rod caught salmon and sea trout in this river than any in Europe. In addition, the Tweed is a simply awesome trout and grayling river.

Make no mistake though, the Tweed is a river with resident wild trout and grayling. Therefore if your used to catching stocked fish, you need to rest your thinking and adopt a different approach. Furthermore you can fish the Tweed all the year round, with Grayling filling the gap in the winter during the close season for salmon and trout. 

It takes approximately one hour to drive to the Tweed from Edinburgh city centre. Or if you have a car we can meet you near the river. The best towns near the river to stay are Melrose and Kelso. Burts hotel is very good and within walking distance to everything in Melrose . Kelso has a good tackle shop and an interesting fishing museum. 

Its also possible to get a train to the Tweed from Edinburgh city centre. In addition you can enjoy a  scenic, relaxed journey and be met by your guide at Tweedbank station, 50 minutes later. 

The peak time for salmon is Autumn and for trout spring time. The best grayling fishing is from October to February. Sea trout can be caught from May till September. Finally as usual, all fishing is catch and release. 

River Tay – best fishing near Edinburgh (1 hour North)

Undoubtedly the Tay is one of the best rivers in Europe. The Tay boasts the UK record for the biggest salmon. There is a wide variety of fish species in the Tay. As a result, you can catch Atlantic Salmon, brown trout, sea trout, grayling and Pike. All the resident fish are wild, and therefore to remain sustainable. We fish catch and release for all species. 

Firstly, the best village to base yourself is Dunkeld. Moreover Dunkeld was voted one the top places in the Uk to live and for a good reason. You can expect great artisan shops, good places to eat, interesting art galleries and scenery to take your breath away. The ancient Cathedral on the river banks, dates to the 11th century. Most of the Tay fishing is minutes from Dunkeld. 

Secondly, Autumn is the peak time for Atlantic Salmon. Trout and grayling fishing is good throughout the year. Sea trout start to appear in the river from May onwards.

Lastly, you can drive to Dunkeld and the road is a straight easy 1 hour North. Alternatively, you can get a train to Dunkeld from Edinburgh city centre and your guide can collect you at the train station.

The best sea fishing near Edinburgh – departing Dunbar Harbour

To begin with, Dunbar is a charming harbour town Located 1 hour east of Edinburgh. This is the minimum you need to travel outside Edinburgh, before the sea fishing is good. In addition the sea is cleaner and more productive here. Also the scenery here is spectacular, with clifftops, castles and views to the Bass Rock. 

Secondly, we offer a chartered sea fishing boat for up to 4 guests. Furthermore, we provide premium sea fishing tackle, and terminal tackle at the cutting edge. Equally, you can try your hand at fly fishing in the salt for Pollack and Cod. 

Your guide can either meet you at Dunbar or on some occasions, pick you up in Edinburgh. To improve your chances of a slot, meeting in Dunbar will open more dates. 

Trout lochs near Edinburgh – which are the best?

By the way, there are many visitors that prefer fishing in Lakes or as we call them lochs. Fishing can be from the bank side, or some lochs offer boat fishing. Most of these lochs are within 1 hour distance of Edinburgh. Many of them are stocked with Rainbow trout, to supplement the resident brown trout population. 

For guests looking at shorter days or half days, the Pentland hills have a number of lochs, that offer wonderful scenery and good fishing. 

Travel down the coast a bit and you can go into the hills to fish the Watch reservoir. We also have access to a private trout loch, 40 minutes south of Edinburgh. In addition this has an excellent fishing lodge and premium boats. 

Finally the Lake of Menteith is probably one of Scotland’s only lakes. This is a famous rainbow trout fishery and many International competitions are held here. 

The best fishing near Edinburgh ideal for groups and beginners

To begin with, we often get asked to deliver salmon fishing trips on rivers for groups. Unfortunately, as most river beats only take 6 or 8 rods, hosting groups isn’t always possible. Furthermore, its a difficult call to look after a group of beginners on a river, when wading is involved. The safest option, is trout fishing on a fishery like Kinross. 

Access is easy. There are few hazards, and fishing can be enjoyed from the bank side without the risk of wading. To add interest, cash prizes are offered for large trophy fish. Also all fishing is catch and release. 

Additional activities to enhance the fishing day

This venue is ideal for corporate groups and you can add other activities like clay shooting, Highland Games, Archery and learning to play the bagpipes. 

Furthermore, we provide outdoor catering, serving food under large professional gazebos. 

This venue is approximately 40 minutes north of easily reached from Edinburgh. Are groups can access the venue by coach. Finally Edinburgh Airport os only 30 minutes away. 

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