Highland offers 3328 mapped fishing waters on PiscaMaps, including 572 rivers, 2756 stillwaters. Species found across Highland's waters include Brown trout, Sea trout, Atlantic salmon, sea trout, brown trout, Arctic char, Salmon, Salmon parr.
There is no rod licence requirement in Scotland — instead, access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 grant anglers the right to fish most rivers and still waters, providing they act responsibly. Most fisheries are managed through riparian owners, angling clubs or estate beats.
Unlike England and Wales, there is no rod licence requirement in Scotland — however, most waters require permission from the landowner or angling club.
Click a river for species information, close season dates, access notes and a location map.
74 species recorded across Highland's rivers, lakes:
| Brown trout | 410 waters |
| Sea trout | 377 waters |
| Atlantic salmon | 195 waters |
| sea trout | 139 waters |
| brown trout | 125 waters |
| Arctic char | 58 waters |
| Salmon | 46 waters |
| Salmon parr | 37 waters |
| Dace | 34 waters |
| Roach | 32 waters |
| Chub | 30 waters |
| Eel | 29 waters |
Carp are a popular target across Highland's waters — always use a landing net and unhooking mat and return fish promptly.
Barbel fishing is well regarded in Highland's rivers, particularly through summer and autumn when water temperatures are higher.
Brown trout are present in Highland's rivers — many are catch-and-release only and may be subject to game fishing close seasons (typically 1 October to 14 March).
Salmon are present in some of Highland's rivers. A migratory salmonid licence is required in addition to the standard rod licence.
View all rivers, stillwaters and canals across Highland on the interactive map. Filter by species, water type and access.