Our seaside town of Oban is a popular fishing destination on the West Coast of Scotland. With its beautiful coastline and abundant marine life, Oban offers a variety of fishing spots for both amateurs and experienced anglers.
If you’re planning a trip to Oban or are a local eager to get involved in the much-loved hobby, we’re here to help. This guide will explore fishing spots to visit, the different species of fish available around Oban, fishing tours, and more.
Top Fishing Spots Around Oban
Do you want to go fishing around Oban but you’re unsure where to start? Here are our top picks for the best spots to enjoy a peaceful day catching fish:
Loch Etive
Found just North of Oban is Loch Etive. This beautiful area of Scotland is home to a wealth of species to catch such as pollack, cod, and mackerel.
Loch Etive can be fished from the shore, or if you have your own boat, you can venture out to the water yourself. If you don’t have your own boat handy, there’s a company called TFC Boats who are based on the loch, offering boat hire from £70.00.
Dunollie Point
Only a short drive away from our hotel, you’ll find Dunollie Point. The area is home to a great deal of our town’s attractions, including Dunollie Museum and Wood, and the famous Dog Stone.
The area is known to be one of the best spots for fishing from the shore in Oban, with catching mackerel being on the top of everyone’s list.
Loch Feochan
Loch Feochan is a sea loch located south of Oban and can be reached by car in about 15 minutes. It’s a popular spot for fishing due to the abundance of fish in the area and the scenic surroundings.
Those who venture out to Loch Feochan can expect to catch a variety of fish, including codling, dogfish, and coalfish.
Inverawe Fisheries
Located just 25 minutes away by car, Inverawe Fisheries is a great place to enjoy a day of fishing. They provide three separate spots for anglers, all offering prime conditions for catching fish.
Inverawe Fisheries offers trout fishing, salmon fishing, and even an angling school which is suitable for both adults and children. Visit their page by clicking here to learn more.
Fishing Charters and Trips
If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience in Oban, there is one company that offers the chance to experience the best fishing our town has to offer.
The local tour company, Argyll Sea Tours, offers a three hour, family friendly fishing trip that is suitable for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or with years’ experience.
While on this trip, you can expect to catch mackerel; however, don’t be surprised if a wide range of fish find their way to you.
The trips run from 4pm – 7pm on selected dates and are priced at £35 for adults and £20 for a child ticket. Click here to learn more.
Additionally, Argyll Sea Tours offers chartered trips on their boat. These charters allow for less restriction on where you go, giving you the chance to experience deep-sea fishing.
Scotland’s Fishing Licences and Regulations
Before fishing in Oban, it’s important to know about the fishing licences and regulations in the area.
In Scotland, and as long as you’re only using a rod and line, you don’t require a licence to fish anywhere across the nation (apart from the Border Esk region). This means that you cast your line anywhere in or around Oban without worrying about breaking any laws.
Although it is legal to fish recreationally across Scotland, there are two restrictions to keep in mind. These are:
- Rod fishing for salmon is prohibited on Sundays, with some local pauses throughout the year. This is due to the conservation of salmon, Scotland’s prized fish, is encouraged throughout the country.
- There is an annual close on fishing brown trout. This is held between the 7th October and 14th
If you’re fishing on private land, you will either need permission from the landowner or to purchase a permit. Each location will differ in its regulations, so make sure to research the area before casting away.
Conclusion
In summary, Oban is a fantastic place for fishing. We have a number of spots that are easily accessible from the town centre. There is also a fantastic fishing trip for people of all levels to enjoy.
If you’re planning on travelling to Oban for fishing, and wish to stay the night, our seaside hotel might be the place for you. With luxury amenities and a five-star rated Italian restaurant serving delicious food each night of the week, you won’t be disappointed!
Click here to visit our website, or here to contact one of our team.
