Fishing in the Highlands of Scotland

Scotland is associated with many things, but one that stands out above the rest is her fishing.

What could possibly be more Scottish than a rod and line, a remote loch or river and no one else in sight?

Famous the world over, the Highlands are nirvana for the keen angler and fly fisher to cast a line into its myriad of waters, be it fresh or sea water fishing.

Combine secluded waters with breathtaking scenery and you have the recipe for a perfect get-away-from-it-all fishing break. If you enjoy your fishing, you’ll absolutely love it here. For fishing in the Scottish Highlands is like going on an angler’s safari. With wild brown trout, Northern Pike and wild Atlantic salmon, to name but three, the species available reads like a fish spotter’s guide book.

And the big bonus is that by booking through Gael Holiday Homes you can be sure that you’ll never be more than a short drive from some of the best fishing you will encounter anywhere in the world.

As well as the aforementioned rivers and hill lochs, don’t forget the rugged coastline which is dotted with innumerable sea lochs and offers yet another challenge for the keen angler.

Traditionally, fishing in the Highlands has been closely associated with salmon, brown trout and an array of other wild species such as Arctic char, which today has entered the culinary mainstream as the new salmon. But commercial ventures have in recent years been quietly stocking privately owned lochs and now offer day licences for rainbow trout and brown trout fly-fishing.

Increasingly popular, too, are casting courses on the black art of fly-fishing. Aimed at everyone from novices upwards, fly-fishing courses offer instruction on selecting the most appropriate rod and line for the prevailing conditions, how to cast, how to tie a fly and offer help in determining which flies to choose and when to use them to best effect.

Participants are also taught about water craft, reading the water and fish lies, how to present a fly in the water, hook, play and ultimately land a fish safely. In short, everything you need to know to maximise your time fishing and to do so without accidents.

Again, stick a pin in a map of the Highlands and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing. To make it easier for you we have divided the Highlands into four main fishing areas to help you select the perfect retreat in spectacular scenery that has few rivals anywhere in Europe.

Area 1: Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Dornoch and Sutherland;

Area 2: Fort William and Oban, Inverness, Black Isle;

Area 3: Nairn, Loch Ness and Glen Urquhart, Easter Ross;

Area 4: Isle of Skye and the West, Strathpeffer and Dingwall.

If you do just one thing that is special this year make sure it is to treat yourself to a trip fishing to the Scottish Highlands. For guaranteed, do it once and you will be well and truly hooked.

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