Anglers FAQ

In Scotland, there is no rod licence required to fish for salmon, sea trout, brown trout, or coarse fish. However, you must have permission from the owner or manager of the fishing rights, which is what your permit provides.

Fishing without permission is illegal under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003, so always ensure you have a valid permit for the water you intend to fish before starting.

Browse the Fisheries section to find a river, fishery, or loch that suits you, select your preferred date, and complete the secure online checkout.

Your permit is issued instantly and can be shown on your phone or printed if preferred. Availability, permit types, and pricing are set by each fishery, so options may vary depending on where you choose to fish.

​​The Forth catchment offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. You may encounter Atlantic salmon, sea trout, wild brown trout, and grayling across the catchment.

Many stillwaters also hold species such as pike, perch, and roach. Availability varies depending on the location and time of year, so always check the individual fishery profile for the most accurate and up to date information.

Permitted methods vary by fishery and season. Fly fishing is the most commonly allowed method across the catchment, particularly for salmon and trout.

Some fisheries also permit spinning or bait fishing, although restrictions often apply depending on the time of year and conservation measures in place. Always check the rules listed on your permit and the specific fishery profile before fishing.

Catch and release requirements vary by fishery, species, and time of year. Always check the rules and conditions of your permit, along with the overall rules of the river, before fishing.

Fishing for salmon and sea trout is not permitted on Sundays in Scotland.

For other species, Sunday fishing availability varies by fishery and is set by individual clubs and associations. Always check the fishery’s permit booking page before purchasing.

River conditions can change quickly due to weather, forecasts, and water levels. It is your responsibility to check conditions before fishing, including river levels and local weather forecasts.

Changes in fishing conditions, such as weather, water levels, or fish activity, do not on their own entitle you to a refund, account credit, or a new date.

Refunds are given as account credit, not back to your card. You can ask for credit from your dashboard. It is approved straight away if you ask within 7 days of buying your permit and your fishing date is still at least 7 days away. A later request is passed to the Fish Around the Forth team, who grant it only where the booking terms allow, for example if the fishery cancels. A booking can be rescheduled up to 7 days before your fishing date, subject to availability. Season permits cannot be rescheduled.

The contract for your booking is between you and the fishery. The full refund, account credit, and rescheduling terms are shown at checkout and in the Angler Terms.

Most fisheries on Fish Around the Forth offer day permits that are open to all anglers, including visitors and tourists, but you must have a valid permit before fishing.

Some fisheries also offer season permits. Details are shown on each fishery profile.

Each fishery profile on Fish Around the Forth includes a dedicated rules section covering permitted methods, limits, restricted areas, and any seasonal restrictions.

These rules are also provided on your permit. Always check both before fishing to ensure you are compliant.

Fisheries across the Forth catchment are managed by angling clubs, associations, and riparian owners. Fish Around the Forth connects anglers with these fisheries but does not manage the waters itself.

When you buy a permit, Fish Around the Forth collects the payment and pays the managing fishery the permit price, less a small fixed platform fee per permit. The booking fee you pay at checkout goes to the platform. The fishery's share is typically reinvested into maintenance, habitat improvement, bailiffing, and conservation work.

Fish Around the Forth is operated by a not for profit Community Interest Company. Any surplus generated is reinvested into improving the platform and developing better tools and services for fisheries, anglers, the wider community, and the environment.