Motorhomes offer great opportunities for those who like to keep an eye on the water. With the ability to go anywhere and everywhere, the water life of Scotland is right at your fingertips, with a variety of unique fishing spots to capture the very best that the country has to offer.
Scotland itself is famed for its fishing. Out of all the UK, this country has the most beautiful, atmospheric places that offer a fantastic experience both for fishers and non-fishers alike.
If you’re choosing to motorhome hire in Scotland and you’re a keen fisher, you’re going to love it. Just don’t get too ahead of yourself. Of course, you can pack those tackles, organise those rods and buckle in the family – note this is not listed in order of importance – but you need to know exactly where you’re going first, especially if you want to make the most out of the holiday.
Before we get into that, though, let’s take a look at why fishing is so good in Scotland and what you need to know before you go:
Why Is Fishing So Good In Scotland?
One of the reasons Scotland is so good for fishing is the variety that it has to offer. This is a country which can give anglers anything from freshwater trout to sea-water mackerel, making it a great spot for trophy hunters and amateur fishers alike.
The views are also stunning, so much so that you can find yourself spending hours simply taking in the scenery, completely unaware that you’ve had a few dozen bites – just beware, this isn’t ideal for the trophy hunters amongst you!
Community is also important in Scotland. No matter what angling ability you possess, there are countless clubs and venues which can offer advice on the correct bait, flies, weights and more – making it perfect for brushing up on your skills and becoming the best fisher you can be.
What You Need To Know Before You Go
Before you grab the keys to your motorhome and set off, there are a few things you need to know. Remember, although you won’t need a rod fishing licence in most places – apart from Border Esk and its tributaries – you still need permission. This should be given by the landowner or the fishing club, and you may be required to pay in a few places – the price will depend on where you are fishing.
Fishing laws and regulations should also be considered, especially for fisheries that cover migratory and freshwater fish. Make sure to check the regulations and always decontaminate your fishing gear and tackle before starting a session. The wildlife in Scotland is beautiful, so you want to do everything in your power to avoid the spread of parasites that can damage the ecosystem.
With all that in mind, you’re set to put your motorhome into gear and set off. Let’s crack onto some of the best places to put into the sat-nav:
The Best Spot For Pollock – Brighouse Bay, Kirkcudbright
Fishing in Brighouse Bay is one of the best fishing experiences you can have in Scotland. This is a motorhome holiday park, so you won’t have to worry about where you park up and lumbering your gear to and fro. It’s all right on your doorstep!
This spot is especially known for its pollock, which are best caught with baits such as sandeels, ragworm and crab. Optimum fishing time is around 6:00 AM, so get up nice and early, make a cuppa and see what you can find!
The Best Spot For Salmon – River Dee, Aberdeenshire
Salmon can be quite elusive, which is part of the reason every fisher wants to catch one! If you’re up for a challenge, River Dee is a must during the salmon season – which commences on 1st February and finishes on 15th October.
Its beautiful, boulder-strewn waters ebb and flow through the rapids, which run throughout its entire length. Plenty of fishers have stories about the size of some of the salmon they have caught – many of which cannot be backed up, most likely – so go out there and create a story of your own!
The Best Spot For Rainbow Trout – Golden Loch, Fife
Golden Loch, in Fife, is a beautiful place to carry out a bit of fly fishing. There is a great community here, many of whom will be happy to lend a hand and give you some top tips on how to go about it. There are plenty of motorhome parks nearby, too, so you won’t be going out of your way to test out the waters.
One of the best fish to catch here would have to be rainbow trout, which are not all too common in the rest of Scotland. Once again, however, it’s best to get advice from your fellow fishers if you want to catch one.
The Best Place For Pike – Clatteringshaws Loch, Galloway
How can you resist a fishing spot known as “Clatteringshaw”? It oozes adventure and mystery, and you will find both within the depths of this beautiful lake.
This is a haven for a number of aquatic species, with many fishers travelling to the area to try and catch pike, which are carnivorous fish that can grow over a metre in length. The best bait for pike normally comes in the form of soft-rayed fish that have an abundance of natural oil – the oils leech the water and help to attract the pike that are in the area.
The Best Place For Blue Mouth – The Irish Sea, Western Scotland
Lastly, the Irish Sea is a perfect spot for some salt-water fishing, but even more so if you want to capture the famed Blue Mouth. This is one of the rarest fish to catch in all of Scotland, and it can be found all year round, especially in shallow waters.
The best rig for these fish would be a three-hook with sizes ranging from size 1.0 to 2.0. Strips of white mackerel would be perfect for the bait and, if you have one, use a luminous lead weight to draw them in. Even if you don’t manage to capture one, however, it won’t be for nothing. The beaches in Western Scotland are beautiful, and it will be a great day out with the family, especially if you’re travelling with children. You can spend hours giving it a go, and the rest of the clan will be too busy enjoying themselves on the beach to notice. For any keen fisher, that’s a win-win!
