Scotland's top six fishing spots and what you can catch at each named

Daily Record

07-06-2025

From the River Dee to Loch Lomond, Scotland is certainly not short of stunning fishing spots
Scotland's top six "must-visit" fishing destinations have been named. Rivers, lochs, and more are all included in the roundup.
Scotland is regarded as one of the top locations for fishing across the globe. From its idyllic surroundings to the various species that can be caught, it is perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.
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On Wednesday, June 4, The Insurance Emporium published a list of the top places to fish across Scotland. A total of six destinations are included on the roundup, including two rivers, two lochs, and two seaside spots.
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The first fishing destination featured on the experts' list is the River Spey, which is the third-longest and fastest-flowing river in the country. The river runs from Spey Loch to the sea on the Moray Firth.
According to The Insurance Emporium, the River Spey is an especially good spot to fish for salmon and trout. It is considered among the most important salmon rivers in the whole of the UK.
Another river singled out by the experts for fishing is the River Dee. One of the the highest rivers in the UK, it runs from the Cairngorms down through 81 miles of Royal Deeside to the North Sea at Aberdeen.
Like the River Spey, The Insurance Emporium stated that the River Dee is a top spot for salmon and trout. They also praised its clear and fast waters and abundance of shallow pools.
Meanwhile, the first loch in Scotland named by the experts as among the best fishing locations in the country is Loch Awe. Situated in Argyll and Bute, it is the third-biggest freshwater loch in the country—covering a surface area of around 38.5 square kilometres.
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According to The Insurance Emporium, Loch Awe is a good place for salmon, pike, and brown trout. The ruined Kilchurn Castle also provides a picturesque backdrop as you wait for a bite.
The second and final loch included in the list of the top Scottish fishing spots is Loch Lomond. It is the largest loch in Scotland by surface area, covering 71 square kilometres, and is among the most iconic in the country alongside Loch Ness.
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There is a wide selection of fish that the experts suggest fishing at Loch Lomond, including salmon, pike, sea trout, chub, perch, and dace. It is recommended that fishers journey out onto the water by boat for the best chance of landing a bite.
Elsewhere, for those interested in some seaside fishing, The Insurance Emporium recommends Dunnet Head. The most northerly point on Great Britain, Dunnet Head is famous for its spectacular coastal views.
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The northern spot was named as a top destination for skate and halibut fishing. Meanwhile, the Dunnet Head Fishing Club is the northernmost fishing club on mainland Scotland.
Finally, the last location in Scotland that was named among the best for fishing is Stonehaven. Stonehaven is a picturesque town situated along the northeast coast of Scotland, around 15 miles out of Aberdeen.
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According to the experts, Stonehaven is a great place for cod and sea bass. They also state that flounder and mackerel can be found in its waters.
The Insurance Emporium website states: "Scotland offers so much to fans of the great outdoors, with its rugged landscape, amazing coastline and beautiful lochs, and fishing is no exception.
"But with so many different locations it can be a challenge to find the right spot, so we've put together six of the best spots to cast your line, whether you're after trout and salmon, or sea fishing, there really is something for everyone. So, let's take a look at six of the top fishing destinations in Scotland."
The Insurance Emporium website.
Scotland's top six fishing spots
The River Spey
The River Dee
Loch Awe
Loch Lomond
Dunnet Head
Stonehaven