Firth of Tay
- Saltwater
- Sound
Firth of Tay
- Saltwater
- Sound
- Sq. miles
- 38
- Boat Ramps
- 1
- Access Points
- 0
- Species
- 6
The Firth of Tay is a substantial tidal estuary and the largest river drainage basin in the United Kingdom by measured discharge, covering approximately 2,000 square miles. This wide, 25-mile-long sound is formed by the confluence of the River Tay and River Earn below the city of Perth, ultimately draining into the North Sea. The estuary is characterized by its immense catchment area, which ensures a powerful flow and creates a diverse marine environment with miles of rugged coastline. The Firth is flanked by the city of Dundee on its north bank and the towns of Newport-on-Tay and Newburgh along its shores. The area is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Special Protection Area (SPA), and a Ramsar site, highlighting its international ecological importance, particularly for its Atlantic Salmon population and coastal habitats.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Firth of Tay and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Firth of Tay. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Firth of Tay
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Scotland licenses and regulations
Scotland Boating Regulations
Scottish Canals is the public navigation authority for Scotland's canals, covering boat licences, permits, and navigation rules. For coastal and sea boating the UK-wide Maritime & Coastguard Agency guidance applies instead.
Scotland Fishing License
Scotland has no statutory rod licence for trout or coarse fishing (the only exception is the Border Esk). You instead need the permission of the landowner or permit holder; salmon and sea trout are fished via permits from the local fishery.
Scotland Fishing Regulations
Official gov.scot guidance on freshwater fisheries rules - close times for salmon and brown trout, protection orders, and the consents needed to catch salmon or freshwater fish. Check the page for current dates.
Scotland Stream Access Laws
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code grants broad public right of responsible access to most land and inland water (unlike England/Wales). Important: fishing is explicitly excluded from these access rights - you still need the relevant permit or the rights-holder's permission to fish.
Take Firth of Tay with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Firth of Tay to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Firth of Tay to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)
On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Firth of Tay and check the marine forecast before you launch.
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