Fishing at Fort William

There are two beats on this short river, River Arkaig (10 miles north east of Fort William, Scotland) between Loch Arkaig and Loch Lochy, the lower beat has deep rocky pools. Occasional salmon and sea trout are caught in high water.

The River Nevis is less than one-half mile from Fort William town centre. Fishing on the river is controlled by the Fort William Angling Club. Fly and worm fishing are both permitted and the river provides both Salmon and Sea Trout when in spate. Spinning and float fishing are not permitted. Fishing for Brown Trout is allowed above the lower falls at Polldubh and no permit is required above that point. Permits are issued on the day of fishing at 9am and are available from The Rod and Gun Shop in Fort William.

The baits used are colourful and feathery. They look very much like toys.

Here is some other information about salmon and trout fishing in Scotland:

Wild Atlantic salmon fishing in Lochaber always put the well-being of the salmon first. The number of rods permitted to fish any one stretch (beat) of a private river is regulated. In most instances, a private beat would be for three or four rods, and is reserved in advance Monday through Saturday. Permits for Single or two rods fishing one or two odd days can be difficult to place at times but is possible with pre-enquiry at association or club rivers and streams and the local fishing school. The vast majority of Wild Atlantic Salmon fishing is fly fishing only with catch and release close to universal. Bait, prawn, worming and spin fishing is mostly prohibited. There is no Wild Atlantic Salmon fishing anywhere in Scotland on Sundays.

There are more than three thousand lochs in Scotland of over 10 acres There are no fishing licences in Scotland. One pays only for the wild brown trout fishing. In most instances, a permit is required. Day permits are from £10.00 and are dependent on the management program of the particular water and quality of fishing. Permits are purchased locally from Tourist Information Centres, tackle shops, Estate Offices, game keepers and the local Fishing School. The wild brown trout open fishing season in Scotland is from March 15th through October 6th. The fisher is generally permitted to keep two or three wild brown trout daily however people are encouraged to return the trout to their natural habitat if they are not going to be eaten. All brown trout over half a kilo (one pound) should be returned as they are the most valuable of the brood stock. Fly fishing is generally the order of the day and certainly so on the best quality waters. Spin fishing is permitted on some of larger lochs. Bait fishing is not permitted in fresh water lochs and rivers.