Click above map for larger scale map of fishing in Tayside.

Fishing seasons in Tayside - Perthshire. Angus and Dundee

Freshwater (non-migratory) fish

The statutory season for brown trout is from 15 March to 6 October inclusive, but some fisheries restrict the season within this period. Rainbow trout have no statutory close season and several still-water fisheries offer the opportunity to fish all year round. There is no statutory close season for grayling or coarse fish in Scotland otherwise they have similar legal status to brown trout. These species spawn from late April to early June and provide best sport during late summer, autumn and winter.

Migratory Fish (Salmon and Sea Trout)

The angling season for salmon and sea trout on the river systems are:

Earn River System: 1 February - 31 October, inclusive
South Esk River System: 16 February - 31 October, inclusive
North Esk River System: 16 February - 31 October, inclusive
Tay River System: 15 January - 15 October, inclusive

Fishing Laws and permit requirements - click here

Conservation

The Tay District Salmon Fishery Board and the Esk District Salmon Fishery Board are responsible for salmon and sea trout management of their respective areas within Tayside. The former includes the Earn, Tummel and Ericht systems; the latter encompasses both the North and South Esks. Both Board's encourage anglers to minimise their kill and if possible to release salmon and sea trout so that they can continue their journey and spawn successfully. For that reason the use of tailers and gaffs is depreciated and knotless mesh landing nets are recommended.

Trout fishing over much of Tayside is covered by Freshwater Protection Orders that make it illegal to fish for non-migratory species in non-tidal waters without written permission. These orders are managed by their respective Liaison Committees. Indigenous wild trout are still common in Tayside and it is our ambition to protect and improve freshwater fishing throughout the area so that everyone may enjoy it.

Coarse fisheries are almost exclusively catch and release. Knotless keep nets are allowed at certain venues but anglers must ensure the well being of their catch.

All anglers are asked to ensure that they adhere to catch limits, if possible release wild fish unharmed and to make catch returns. Returns are vital to the management of the resource and will make Tayside's great fishing opportunities even better in the future. Please help us to improve your future sporting prospects.

Still water fisheries have their own rules regards catch and release etc. They are regularly stocked and specifically intended to allow anglers to retain catches without endangering wild fish. There is therefore no conservation-based reason to release fish at these venues.