Before I get abused, It's for a discussion on the differences, if any,...between fishing in England and Scotland....Cheers all.

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......"Don't need a Weatherman to know which way the Wind blows!"

Yes. Loch Lochy in the Great Glen, Loch Doon in S.W. Scotland, Loch Skeen in S. Scotland and Loch Ba on Rannoch Moor are the venues I am aware of.

I have no doubt there will be more that other forum members will know about.

The main difference in fishing in Scotland and England is that in England no matter where you fish in fresh water you require an Environment Agency rod licence. In Scotland you don't require one.

In Scotland you need permission to fish from the riparian owner of the water be it a private estate or water controlled by a fishing association.

...What about rivers,...are all the rights taken,...or are there any free?

__________________
......"Don't need a Weatherman to know which way the Wind blows!"

All freshwater fishing in Scotland is controlled by someone. Generally the riparian owner or the Crown.
That said it can be offered for free and no permit is required.
Other waters are covered by a Protection Order that forbids fishing without written permission, even if no money has changed hands.
Some enclosed waters are classified as Stanks and as such taking fish from them is a criminal offence and you will be charged with theft.
It is an offence to fish for salmon and sea trout without written permission except I believe in Orkney due to ancient Udal law.
No rod license needed
Generally coarse fishing is free on wild water, though not all, and the sea is free with some previsos in estuaries.

__________________
It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

Mill Loch and Kirk Loch at Lochmaben for pike, Lochrutton Loch at Lochfoot for pike, Loch Arthur near Beeswing, pike. I don't think there is any ticketing on the lower river Lochar near Bankend.

All in Dumfries and Galloway, so the answer is yes free fishing does exist.

As has been discussed in another thread recently, all of these places are owned by someone, it is just that the onwers don't enforce a ticket system or stop people from fishing.

---------- Post added at 11:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------

I would think they are very limited as most that have any value as a migratory or trout river will be controlled and charged for.

I mentioned the Lochar but it is not much more than a drain.

Is that not the same as England? "Free" fishing in England is usually either local authority owned or the result of the riparian owner choosing not to exercise his rights.

If the Crown is the riparian owner,...can you fish free?

__________________
......"Don't need a Weatherman to know which way the Wind blows!"

I am sure it is.
There does seem to be this idea that the waters of Scotland are free to all, but this is not the case.
I believe this comes from the fact that there is only really one fish in Scotland and that is the salmon. Estates did not bother to much about trout, and never about grayling or coarse fish.
This is where the belief came from.
"If you aint bothering my salmon I dont care if you take a trout from some hill loch"

---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 AM ----------

What do you think Do you think Her Maj' is going to let you on the Dee for a wee shot
To put this into perspective there are thousands and thousands of waters to fish in Scotland. Most of them, outwith commercial fisheries, you can fish for less than a tenner.

Where are you thinking of going to and perhaps I can point you in the right direction.

__________________
It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

Er...no! The Crown trends to hold the salmon rights, free fishing for salmon?

---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 AM ----------

What is it you are looking for Jeepster?

Maybe if you are more explicit you will get info?