Photo Credit ( Mike Bell/ Bepta)
Blairgowrie is a dream base for outdoor enthusiasts, with world-class fishing and traditional country sports all within easy reach. Whether you’re casting for salmon on the River Tay or trying your hand at clay pigeon shooting, the area offers something for every skill level and season.
🐟 Fishing in the Area
There’s a wide variety of fishing available within an hour of Blairgowrie:
- River Tay – Famous for salmon fishing, with legendary beats like Islamouth and Cargill. Tay Salmon Fishing Co
- River Ericht – Flows through Blairgowrie and offers scenic salmon and trout fishing. Please note: while Ericht Holiday Lodges overlook the river, we do not have access or fishing rights.
- River Isla – A quieter tributary with excellent trout and grayling fishing.
- Ledcrieff Loch – Fly-only loch stocked with rainbow, blue, tiger, brook, and brown trout. Ledcrieff Fisheries
- Lairds Loch – Coarse fishery with carp, bream, tench, roach, perch, and wild brown trout. Lairds Loch Fishery
- Butterstone Loch – Boat-only fly fishing near Dunkeld. Butterstone Fishery
🎫 Permits, tackle hire, and local advice:
- Kate Fleming Shooting & Fishing – 26 Allan Street, Blairgowrie
- James Crockart & Son – 28 Allan Street, Blairgowrie
📅 Fishing Seasons in Scotland
- Salmon: Feb–Oct (varies by river)
- Brown Trout: Mar 15–Oct 6
- Grayling: May–Feb (best Nov–Feb)
- Rainbow Trout & Coarse Fish: No closed season
- Note: Salmon fishing is prohibited on Sundays
🗂️ Full details: Fisheries Management Scotland
🦌 Shooting & Country Sports
Many nearby estates offer seasonal shooting opportunities:
- Clay Pigeon Shooting: Try Scottish Clay Shooting Centre in Leuchars or Auchterhouse Shooting Ground near Dundee
- Deer Stalking: Glenericht Estate offers Roe and Fallow deer stalking in mixed woodland and moorland
- Game Shooting: Estates like Tulchan Lodge in Glenisla offer driven and walked-up days for pheasant, partridge, and grouse
📅 Shooting Seasons in Scotland
- Pheasant: Oct 1 – Feb 1
- Partridge: Sep 1 – Feb 1
- Grouse: Aug 12 – Dec 10
- Red Deer Stags: Jul 1 – Oct 20
- Red Deer Hinds: Oct 21 – Feb 15
- Roe Bucks: Apr 1 – Oct 20
- Roe Does: Oct 21 – Mar 31
🗂️ Full details: Country Sport Scotland
🏹 Scottish Game Fair
Held annually in early July at Scone Palace, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair is a celebration of country life and field sports. Expect:
- Fly casting demos and fishing gear
- Gundog displays and falconry
- Clay shooting competitions
- Artisan food, drink, and countryside crafts
- Family-friendly activities and dog-friendly zones
📌 Please Note
Although Ericht Holiday Lodges sit above the River Ericht, we do not have access or rights to fish on the river. Guests wishing to fish must obtain the appropriate permits and permissions from local providers.
