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We wanted to share with you our best places for fishing near Inverness. Whether you are a complete fishing beginner or a seasoned fisher we hope you will find this guide informative and perhaps share a few local fishing secrets.
The Fishing Magic of Inverness & the Best Places for Fishing near Inverness
Whether it’s the serenity of casting a line in tranquil lochs or the thrill of chasing salmon in rushing rivers, Inverness’s fishing charm remains unrivalled. This guide will share with you the best places for fishing near Inverness. From the world-renowned Loch Ness to the lesser-known River Beauly, or secluded Loch Ruthven, each fishing site has its own distinctive appeal.
The fishing season in Scotland begins in January with Salmon, trout fishing starts in March; however, the best time for fishing is around July to September. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fisher Inverness and its surrounding rivers and Lochs offer a superb fishing experience.
Fishing on Loch Ness
Loch Ness, bathed in mythology and captivating natural beauty, offers an enchanting fishing landscape. Immersed in this serene water body, one finds tranquillity and an intimate connection with nature. The deep, dark waters teem with aquatic life, from the humble trout to the ferocious pike.
In this fishermen’s paradise, success often lies in understanding the loch’s intricate ecology. Knowledge of the local fish’s preferences, the ideal times to cast a line, and selecting the right bait are invaluable. Don’t forget to enjoy the calm, let the mysteries of the Loch seep into your soul while waiting for that invigorating tug on the line.
Try a Guided Fishing Experience on Loch Ness
Fishing success often lies in understanding the loch’s intricate ecology. Knowledge of the local fish’s preferences, the ideal times to cast a line, and selecting the right bait are invaluable.
Take a look at Fish Loch Ness, situated on the world-famous Loch Ness in the Highlands, Fish Loch Ness offers the ultimate fishing experience whilst allowing you to soak up the ambiance of this legendary and iconic stretch of water. Join Fish Loch Ness on their boat Time Bandit and take in the breath taking scenery which can only be really appreciated from a boat on the loch. You will be in the expert hands of Stuart MacDonald a highly experienced fisherman and ghillie with extensive knowledge of local lochs and waterways. NEW for 2026 Hook and Cook experience, a whole day of fishing and then Stuart will prepare a 3 course dinner on the shores of Loch Ness
Most importantly remember to enjoy the calm, let the mysteries of the Loch seep into your soul while waiting for that invigorating tug on the line.
Fishing on The River Ness
The River Ness, with its sparkling waters and verdant banks, is a salmon fishing haven. A testament to Inverness’s rich aquatic life, it offers an exhilarating angling experience to both beginners and seasoned fishers alike.
The River Ness is a big river, carrying the water from its large catchment on the five mile journey from Loch Ness to Inverness and out into the Moray Firth. One of the most productive salmon rivers in the north of Scotland, the Ness produces six to seven hundred salmon in a season and some 200 sea trout.
The pattern of salmon runs on the River Ness has altered in recent years. The early runs of spring fish have decreased in favour of increasing runs of summer salmon and grilse. Much of the spring fishing on the Ness is done with the spinning rod, while any early fly fishing is done with long powerful rods of up to 17 feet and large tube flies fished on sinking lines.
The summer sees a change to floating lines but long rods of between fifteen and seventeen feet are still favoured by the regulars on the Ness. The upper Ness beats are in private hands and may be difficult to get on but the Inverness Town water is run by the Inverness Angling Club and is available to visiting anglers on a day or weekly ticket.
See Inverness Angling Club for all information on fishing and permits on the River Ness. Permits/Tickets can be purchased at Grahams Tackle Shop or bookings can be made via FishPal or by contacting an official of the club.
Fishing in the River Ness, like all water bodies, requires adherence to local regulations, ensuring both a bountiful catch and the conservation of its aquatic ecosystem. Understanding the fishing seasons and acquiring the appropriate licenses are essential to this endeavour.
Equipping yourself with the right gear is another crucial aspect of a memorable River Ness fishing experience. Whether it’s a sturdy rod, the right fly, or warm clothing, being well-prepared ensures an enjoyable fishing trip. Grahams, the tackle shop in Inverness, issues permits and has an excellent selection of all things fishing
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Fishing Spots in Inverness
Beyond the popular fishing sites lie the hidden gems of Inverness. The River Beauly, imbued with the elegance of Pictish history, offers a retreat for those seeking solitude. Its peaceful ambiance and abundant fish make it an angler’s dream.
The Beauly Angling Club provides members with affordable access to river and firth for Salmon and Sea Trout. The club was founded during the Second World War by the late Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, and became known as the Beauly Angling Club in the mid 1980s. The clubs’ fishing on the River Beauly extends downstream from Lovat Bridge to Wester Lovat; this equates to around 7 miles of bank fishing with ten named pools.
Beauly Angling Club Visitor Information
Day/weekly tickets for the river and firth fishings will be available through Iain Morrison, Cruivend House, Cruivend. Beauly IV4 7BE. 07900 693526
Firth tickets will also be available from Grahams Tackle, Castle Street, Inverness (01463 233178). Check before at http://www.grahamsonline.co.uk. to ensure there is no previous allocation to another fisher.
Prices for the 2023 season will be:
River day ticket £25/day, River week ticket £100, Firth weekly permit £20, Firth season permit £45
Beats 1-3 are generally the best salmon pools, beats 4-10 best for sea trout, finnoch but neither are exclusive.
Green Highlander
Expert tuition or guiding can be enjoyed with Pete Smith the fouder of Green Highlander. With more than 50 years experience he has a passion to pass on his knowledge of fishing skills and fishing in the Higlands. Based in Strathglass near Beauly the beauty of the fishing locations is outstanding. You can enjoy fly-fishing tuition, day trip and also sea fishing can be arranged and it is the ideal opportunity for both beginners and experienced attendees to fine tune your fishing skills. All levels of fishing experience are welcome to enjoy the passion and knowledge on the water with Pete Smith.
Fishing on Loch Ruthven
Not far away, the secluded Loch Ruthven, a tranquil haven for trout enthusiasts, awaits exploration. The serene surroundings and abundant trout population make it a lesser-known but equally rewarding fishing destination. Inverness Angling Club membership is the ability to fish one of the region’s top brown trout lochs.
Loch Ruthven, just a short drive from Inverness, holds feisty brownies which will test anglers and their tackle. It’s also an area of scenic beauty and spectacular sights – soaring eagles and one of the few UK nesting grounds of the Slavonian Grebe. Bank fishing is not permitted on Ruthven. A club boat is available for free use by club members. To ensure your enjoyment of this wonderful Highland fishery, please book early through Graham’s tackle shop. Tel: 01463 233178.
Fishing on the Culligran Estate
With 5 miles of mostly double-bank fishing on the River Farrar it is divided into 3 beats. The Farrar is one of the two main tributaries of the River Beauly, the other being the River Glass. It flows through a Special Area of Conservation and a National Scenic Area. The many named pools and varied terrain have much to offer both beginners and experienced fishers. Below is a brief summay for the fishing on the Culligran Estate but best to contact them direct to arrange your visit or daily permit on Tel: +44 (0) 1463 761285
- Fly-fishing for Salmon or Trout
- April – June, mainly trout fishing & July – October, mainly salmon fishing
- Daily permits
- Over 30 named pools – plenty of choice for all levels
- Beat rotation
- Freelance ghillie – advance booking recommended
Sea Fishing
For the more adventurous, the Moray Firth Coast offers unparalleled sea angling adventures. Its vast, open waters provide a diverse range of marine life, promising an exciting and unpredictable fishing experience. See above for Sea Fishing with the Green Highlander.
Fishing on the Caledonian Canal
Scottish Canals, as the riparian landowner, allows fishing for brown trout and other non-migratory freshwater fish along the manmade sections of the Caledonian Canal – no permit is needed.
The lochs of the Caledonian Canal are excellent for salmon and sea trout. You can also find brown trout, pike and lamprey (larval stages have been found), all of which have been reported from the canal.Fishing on Caledonian Canal
Please just remember to pay attention to other waterways users, and do check for any overhead power cables.
The best months are July, August and September, but there is good fishing anytime between May and October.
Where to Buy Permits
Man made canal sections
Scottish Canals, as the riparian landowner, allows fishing for brown trout and other non-migratory freshwater fish along the man made sections of the Caledonian Canal – no permit is needed
Scottish Canals do not allow fishing for any salmon or sea trout present on the canal network.
Lochs & Rivers
Permits are required for fishing in the local rivers and the following lochs. You can find out more or obtain a permit by contacting the following:
- River Ness and Loch Ness – 01463 233178 (Grahams of Inverness)
- Loch Dochfour – 01463 233178 (Grahams of Inverness)
- Loch Oich – www.rivergarry.com 07796 456026 (Garry Fishings)
There is free bank fishing for brown trout on Loch Ness, with light tackle only, and away from the mouth of rivers. You must also have the landowner’s permission. Please be aware that Ness District Salmon Fishery Board ‘water bailiffs’ enforce fisheries legislation across the Ness District; they will request to see your permit should you be fishing from a boat (see more at www.ness.dsfb.org.uk).
Know before you go!
Fish and fishing rights are protected in Scotland – please keep these points in mind when fishing in Scotland.
- The maximum number of rods which can be used from a boat at any one time is four (even if there are more than four people on the boat)
- See here for information on Scottish Fishing Seasons including close times for Salmon & Trout
- The annual close time for trout is 7th October to 14th March
- Fishing for or taking eels was banned in 2008, for conservation purposes
- Check which methods of fishing, baits and numbers of rods are permitted before heading off on your fishing trip
You can also check out the webpage “Fishing The Fly”, a friendly forum for visiting anglers, those who love a day on the River or Loch with their Rod.
Where to Stay in Inverness on Your Fishing Break
The 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness is the perfect base for your fishing break. Our family-run hotel is centrally located on the banks of the River Ness, overlooking Inverness Castle, offering easy access to all the attractions in the city and further afield. Stay in newly refurbished luxury River & Castle view rooms – they are the rooms with the view in Inverness!
Don’t forget at the Palace when you are not fishing you can you enjoy the luxury Gym, Spa & lovely heated swimming pool with jacuzzi, a great place to relax those muscles after a day on the River or Loch. Book your stay and enjoy a touch of luxury on your fishing break.
