Fishing in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Scotland's first national park spans the geological boundary where lowlands give way to highlands, and the water reflects that split.

The park holds more than 20 freshwater lochs, three sea lochs, and a network of rivers that drain both sides of the Highland Boundary Fault.

That geography puts salmon rivers, wild brown trout lochs, and serious coarse fishing within a short drive of each other — an unusual combination for one park. Loch Lomond anchors the whole system.

The largest freshwater loch by surface area in the UK, it holds more fish species than any other water in the park — salmon, sea trout, brown trout, pike, perch, roach, chub, dace, bream, ruffe, and eels.

It also holds the powan, a protected whitefish endemic to only two Scottish lochs; if you catch one, return it immediately. The loch has a reputation as hard water for pike despite the population. Coarse fishing is generally more productive.

Boats can be hired from Balmaha Boat Yard for the east side and from Loch Lomond Boat Hire at Balloch for the south end. A permit is required to fish anywhere on the loch, and fishing is not permitted on Sundays.

The River Teith, running past Callander, is the park's most celebrated salmon and sea trout river. It fishes for spring salmon, summer sea trout, and a back-end salmon run, and it has a reputation for large fish.

The season opens on 1 February — marked each year by a small ceremony in Callander — and runs to 31 October. Stirling Council manages salmon fishing rights on the Teith and the River Forth; permits are available through Fishing Around the Forth.

The rivers Dochart, Earn, and Endrick Water also run through the park and carry salmon, sea trout, brown trout, pike, perch, and roach. The Endrick is a notable tributary feeding the south end of Loch Lomond.

Regulations and permit requirements vary by water — some lochs and rivers restrict Sunday fishing, some are shore-only, and rules differ reach by reach.

For salmon and sea trout anywhere in the park, you must have legal right or written permission before fishing. Kelts and fish ready to spawn must be returned.

When fishing for salmon or trout, only one rod may be used and it must be held in the hand — the exception is trolling from a boat, where up to four rods are permitted.

Fishing permits are available from tackle shops, newsagents, and local outlets across the park; James Bayne fishing tackle in the Trossachs covers most park waters. The park's fishing holds because the rules are taken seriously.

Check the current permit conditions before you go — they carry the detail that matters on the day.