Members should make themselves aware of the proposed river gradings for the 2022 season. Updates to follow when the gradings are confirmed - click here for more information
Scotland is renowned internationally for the quality of its rivers, hill burns and sea lochs. Our wild salmon and trout are prized at tables and the game angling offered in Scotland attracts visitors in their thousands every year.
Our river ghillie members play a crucial part in ensuring visitors’ angling experience exceeds expectations. Ghillies are skilled boatmen and know the rises, falls and flows of each river or loch. They can advise on the best casting techniques and choices of fly for the prevailing conditions.
Ghillies also actively manage the river, observing regulations, protecting rare species and ensuring the water and banks are in prime condition for both sport and conservation.
Angling Seasons in Scotland
Salmon and Sea Trout: The salmon and sea trout fishing season varies by district (see below). NB: Each river may have its own additional regulations specific to itself so visiting anglers should check this.
There is no salmon or sea trout fishing on Sundays anywhere in Scotland (except the Border Esk in Dumfriesshire which is dealt with under English law, since much of the river is in England).
Annan: 28 February - 15 November
Avon: 11 February - 30 September
Awe: 11 February - 15 October
Ayr: 11 February - 31 October
Beauly: 11 February - 15 October
Bladnoch: 11 February - 31 October
Borgie: 12 January - 30 September
Brora: 1 February - 15 October
Carron E. Ross: 11 January - 30 September
Carron W. Ross: 11 February - 31 October
Clyde: 11 February - 31 October
Connon: 26 January - 30 September
Cree: 1 March - 14 October
Dee: 1 February - 15 October
Deveron: 11 February - 31 October
Dionard: 11 February - 31 October
Don: 11 February - 31 October
Doon: 11 February - 31 October
Eden: 5 February - 31 October
Esk (North): 16 February - 31 October
Esk (South): 11 February - 31 October
Findhorn: 11 February - 30 September
Fleet: 1 May - 31 October
Forth: 11 February - 31 October
Girvan: 25 February - 31 October
Hebrides: 1 February - 31 October
Kirkcud'shire Dee: 11 February - 31 October
Helmsdale: 11 January - 30 September
Luce: 25 February - 31 October
Ness: 15 January - 15 October
Nith: 25 February - 30 November
Oykel: 11 January - 30 September
Shin: 11 January - 30 September
Spey: 11 February - 30 September
Stinchar: 25 February - 31 October
Tay: 15 January - 15/31 October
Thurso: 11 January - 30 September
Tweed: 1 February - 30 November
Urr: 25 February - 30 November
Wick: 11 February - 31 October
Ythan: 11 February - 31 October
Brown Trout: 15th March to 6th October.
Rainbow Trout: No closed season.
Coarse Fishing and Sea Fishing: No closed season
There is no national rod license required in Scotland. Permits for most of the river systems can be obtained from the river management body.
