Loch vs Burn fishing on a fishing trip

[Sam Newcombe]

Trying to plan a fishing trip to the highlands, great plan in my head of hiking around fishing different burns and rivers on the way. Logistically the more and more I have looked into it, its an absolute mine field.

Seem to be able to find some permits for lochs and rivers etc. But when it comes to all the small little burns running off or random little lochs- finding who has the rights to any of this is proving to be a nightmare.

So two things-

Do people mainly just fish the lochs as there is a lot more information on this.

Any tips for who to speak too about fishing the smaller waters.

Thankyou in advance to anyone who has any tips and the legalities of fishing in Scotland I understand the basics.

For reference will be going from the River Orchy then heading towards Loch Tulla and from then on it just becomes a bit of an adventure to be honest.

Thankyou Sam

[James Laraway]

Hi Sam,
People tend to fish the lochs and rivers as thats where the bigger fish tend to be and probably because it's easier too casting wise etc.
Fishing up here normally requires the landowners permission and a permit if they offer them.
Rivers often have migratory fish in them so a permit would be a must as there would be a bailiff or gamekeeper most likely.
Lochs like you say you can probably find out who owns them but the burns, different story. Most likely a farmer or an estate. If an estate contact the estate office.
I've fished a few wee burns not knowing who owns the fishing and nobody tends to bother. Id suggest if you are putting the fish back and are polite to anyone who asks that would see you ok. Fishing the wee burns can be exciting and rewarding

[Sam Newcombe]

Hi @James Laraway,

Thankyou so much for replying so quickly.

Yeah that's perfect, will keep digging for who has the permissions in certain places.

That's what I'm hoping for some opportunistic burn fishing, remote, small wild spooky browns.

Thanks again