Caithness and Sutherland Trout Angling Group
Home About CASTAG Brown Trout Where to Fish Ghillies and Tuition Accommodation Permits Tackle and Boats Top Tips Angling Techniques Flies The Law and Brown Trout Conservation Location Links Whats New Fishing Breaks Search
The Law and Brown Trout

Fisherman going fishing - Photograph by Lesley Crawford Our area is truly an angler's paradise. All we ask of you is to seek permission before fishing, to abide by local rulings on methods of angling (normally by fly rod), and to respect any local traditions regarding Sunday fishing. There are various laws applying to brown trout fishing in Scotland and you should be aware of the following:

  • It is an offence to take trout without a permit in areas covered by Protection Orders. (A considerable area of North West Sutherland is covered by such a Protection Order so do not be caught out.)
  • It is an offence of theft to take trout from a 'stank' (a stocked loch without stream access).
  • All rod and line fishing in Scotland must be done with a handheld rod. It is a statutory offence to fish with set rods or lines - i.e. with rods set up on rests on the bank akin to coarse fishing methods. So please obey the rules as nobody wishes to prosecute.
  • Unlike English waters, in Scotland you do not require a rod licence to fish.
  • Remember that all waters, however remote, belong to someone. We are delighted to offer you virtually unlimited opportunities for wild trout angling with the owner's permission at minimal cost, so, please, always obtain a permit. Funds from permits go towards providing better services for all anglers - for example, by supplying boats or restocking.

.