Where to Fish for Coarse Fish

Fisheries and Ponds | Lochs | Rivers and Canals

We have been spoiled for fishing in Scotland for so long with fantastic salmon, trout and sea trout fishing just about everywhere, consequently we have little regard for coarse fish which is a pity as there are some fantastic opportunities available not least of which are the widely distributed populations of perch and monster pike. In addition to the predator species however there are many other species of course fish living a relatively undisturbed existence especially in the borders and central Scotland. The list includes barbel on the lower Clyde and bream in many locations in the borders and central Scotland with the record fish of 11lb 4oz taken from Castle Loch, Lochmaben. The Scottish carp record stands at a respectable 26lb 4oz from Lanark Loch while the Annan has some good chub, the Scottish record of 6lb 2oz was taken by Lisa Breckell when she was just 10 years old.

Other species include dace on the rivers Clyde and Forth where large shoals have been observed as well as being present on the Tweed, Endrick and Leven. There are some gudgeon, ruffe and rudd and there are first class populations of roach as far north as the river Tay system. The record roach stands at 2lb 11oz although in the 1970s I heard of large roach being taken regularly in the salmon nets on the lower Tay. Tench can be found in Dumfries and Galloway and large bags of fish have been taken on the Forth and Clyde canal, the record stands at exactly 10lbs taken in Castle Loch, Lochmaben. Eels are common everywhere.

For more information on coarse fishing Scotland log on to www.sfca.co.uk where you will find a everything you want to know about coarse fishing in Scotland.