Fishing Near Edinburgh

Your complete guide to 35+ fishing spots across Lothian & Borders: lakes, rivers, canals and more.

35+ spots5 species

Interactive map

31 venues plotted near Edinburgh

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Tile data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Click a pin for species, postcode and the venue website

Top Venues

Top Fishing Spots Near Edinburgh

The best-rated fishing venues within reach of Edinburgh.

  1. 1

    River Tweed

    Premium salmon and sea trout, autumn runs

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  2. 2

    Union Canal

    Urban canal fishing: pike, perch, roach

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  3. 3

    Glencorse Reservoir

    Rainbow and brown trout

  4. 4

    Clubbiedean Reservoir

    Edinburgh trout fishery

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  5. 5

    Harlaw Reservoir

    Pentland Hills, trout

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  6. 6

    North Berwick coast

    Sea fishing: mackerel, bass

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  7. 7

    Linlithgow Loch

    Pike, perch, trout

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  8. 8

    River Almond

    Wild brown trout, sea trout

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  9. 9

    Threipmuir Reservoir

    Trout, Balerno

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  10. 10

    Portobello Beach

    Shore fishing: flatfish, bass

    Map (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Species Guide

Species You Can Catch Near Edinburgh

Learn about the fish you’ll find in and around Edinburgh.

Pike

October–March · Deadbaits (smelt

Trout

March–September · Flies (nymphs

Sea Bass

April–November (peak June–September) · Ragworm

Sea Trout

June–September (peak July–August) · Flies (surface lures

Mackerel

May–October (peak July–August) · Mackerel feathers (sabiki rigs)

Salmon

February–November (varies by river) · Flies (Ally’s Shrimp

Getting Started

Fishing Licence & Tips for Edinburgh

Licence Information

Scotland has no government rod licence. You only need permission from the landowner or angling club.

Read the full fishing licence guide

Quick Tips

  • No rod licence needed, just permission from the fishery.
  • The River Tweed is one of the UK's premier salmon rivers, about 50 minutes south.
  • The Union Canal runs through Edinburgh and holds pike, perch, and roach.
  • Sea fishing from North Berwick and Dunbar is excellent for mackerel and bass.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Near Edinburgh

There are 35+ fishing spots near Edinburgh, including the Union Canal, Glencorse Reservoir, and the River Tweed.

No. Scotland has no government rod licence. You just need permission from the fishery owner.

Trout, salmon, pike, sea bass, and mackerel are all available near Edinburgh.

Yes. The Firth of Forth offers excellent sea fishing from North Berwick, Dunbar, and Portobello for mackerel, bass, and flatfish.

The River Tweed is about 50 minutes south and offers world-class salmon fishing, particularly in autumn.

Yes. The Union Canal is perfect for beginners, and several stocked trout fisheries near Edinburgh welcome newcomers.

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