Honest recommendations
Realistic options based on dates, season, access and conditions—not catch guarantees.
Guiding and trip planning since 1999About Best Fishing Scotland
Private Scottish fishing shaped by local knowledge, honest advice and the people travelling with us—not an off-the-shelf itinerary.
Beginners and experienced anglers welcome · No obligation to enquireEstablished 1999Private tailored daysGuides across ScotlandResponsible wild fishing
Bill DrewFounder & fishing guide
The storyBuilt around a lifetime of Scottish fishing
Bill Drew has fished since childhood and has worked as a guide and run guiding companies since 1999. Best Fishing Scotland grew from a simple idea: visiting anglers should not need to understand every river, permit and local condition before they can enjoy a properly planned day.
Today, Bill handles enquiries and works with a wider network of experienced guides. The recommendation starts with the guest—their dates, experience, location, preferred species and practical needs—before suitable water and an appropriate available guide are considered.
This personal planning matters because Scottish fishing is never uniform. River levels change, seasons differ between fisheries, access is limited and no responsible guide can promise what a wild fish will do.
Read Bill's guide profile →
What guests can expectExperience expressed through careful decisions
The strongest trip is not necessarily the most complicated. It is the one where the water, guide, pace and practical arrangements make sense together.
The right guide
A guide matched to the location, species and needs of the private party.
Details handled
Tackle, waders, permits, meeting points and practical advice can be arranged.
Your pace
Patient first-day tuition or deeper technical guidance for experienced anglers.
How we workA tailored plan before anyone reaches the river
One clear conversation connects the guest, fishing, access and guide.
- 1
Listen first
Bill learns your dates, party, experience, location and hopes for the trip.
- 2
Check what is realistic
Suitable water, guide availability, seasons and practical requirements are reviewed.
- 3
Confirm the detail
You receive a written recommendation, inclusions and quote before choosing whether to book.
Rooted in ScotlandLocal knowledge, wider perspective
Best Fishing Scotland arranges private salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling experiences across Scotland. Bill and the guide team understand not only how to fish, but how access, travel time, weather and the character of each water affect a guest's day.
That is particularly valuable for visitors arriving from the United States, Canada and elsewhere overseas. Equipment and permits can be prepared, local conventions explained and fishing fitted sensibly into a wider Scottish journey.
Guest experience“Bill brought me to a beautiful, quiet and historic section where I was the only person fishing the beat all day. He is a clear, patient teacher and an entertaining storyteller. This was a truly memorable day.”Zane Tuta — Denver, ColoradoRead more guest reviews →
Since 1999Guiding and planning experienceAcross ScotlandRivers, lochs and trusted guidesPrivate partiesDays shaped around your group
Responsible guidingRespect for fish, water and local rules
Good guiding includes care for the places and fish that make the experience possible.
Conservation
Catch-and-release, careful fish handling and current fishery requirements are built into guided days.
Biosecurity
Guests receive practical advice about clean equipment and protecting waters from invasive species.
Safety and judgement
River level, weather, wading ability and access are considered before and during the day.
About the companyFrequently asked questions
Who runs Best Fishing Scotland?
Best Fishing Scotland is led by founder Bill Drew, who has worked as a guide and run guiding companies since 1999.
Does Bill guide every fishing trip?
Not every trip. Bill plans enquiries and may guide personally or match you with an appropriate available guide from the wider team.
Where do you operate?
Trips can be arranged across Scotland. The recommended location depends on dates, species, conditions, access and guide availability.
Are complete beginners welcome?
Yes. Private days can include patient tuition for beginners as well as more technical guidance for experienced anglers.
Do you guarantee a catch?
No. Wild fishing depends on weather, water and fish behaviour. We offer realistic advice and careful planning, never a catch guarantee.
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