Melrose · Tweed Valley
Burts Hotel
An 18th-century town hotel on Melrose's Market Square, family-run for over 50 years, with a two-AA-Rosette restaurant.
Explore Burts HotelChoose a practical base for a one- or two-day fishing experience. The River Tweed and Edinburgh lead our recommendations, followed by Deeside and Speyside.
Best Fishing Scotland recommends practical hotels and inns that work with the fishing, rather than presenting a catalogue of luxury touring properties. Tell Bill your dates, existing route and preferred standard of stay.
Our core service is one- or two-day fishing added to a planned Scottish trip. Tweed fishing within reach of Edinburgh is the main focus.
Bill's own recommended hotels and self-catering bases across the Tweed valley and the wider Borders, close to Edinburgh and to the fishing itself.
An 18th-century town hotel on Melrose's Market Square, family-run for over 50 years, with a two-AA-Rosette restaurant.
Explore Burts Hotel
A contemporary sister hotel to Burts, directly across Melrose's Market Square, with individually styled rooms.
Explore The Townhouse Hotel
A baronial country-house hotel with dedicated angling facilities and trout and grayling fishing in its grounds.
Explore Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
A 17th-century coaching inn and Scotland's reigning Pub of the Year, with bed and breakfast rooms.
Explore Cross Keys Inn
A secluded two-bedroom cottage in an enclosed Melrose garden, close to the middle Tweed.
Explore Eildon Cottage
Six estate cottages beside the Tweed with free trout fishing on the Yair's own water in season.
Explore The Yair
Self-catering woodland lodges with private hot tubs on the Lauderdale Estate, on the way to the Tweed.
Explore Thirlestane Woodland Lodges
A boutique guesthouse on ten acres beside the Tweed, available as a private whole-house booking.
Explore WindlestrawPractical hotel bases for fishing in and around Royal Deeside.
A relaxed country hotel in riverside grounds on the edge of Banchory.
Explore Banchory Lodge
A Victorian country-house hotel with a longstanding connection to sporting visits.
Explore Tor-Na-Coille
Recommended hotel bases for River Spey fishing and the surrounding area.
A historic hotel overlooking the Spey in the heart of malt whisky country.
Explore The Craigellachie
A family-run village inn with rooms, restaurant and a renowned whisky bar.
Explore The Highlander InnRiver-focused options ranging from a small sporting inn to larger country-house hotels beside the Tay.
A boutique country inn whose estate offers salmon fishing on its own stretch of the Tay.
Explore Meikleour Arms
A country-house base on a riverside estate near Stanley, surrounded by central Tay fishing.
Explore Ballathie House
A larger four-star riverside hotel with woodland grounds, useful for fishing and non-fishing companions.
Explore Dunkeld HouseExcellent bases for River Tay salmon fishing, Highland Perthshire trout and multi-day central Scotland itineraries.
A contemporary country house above Aberfeldy, well placed for parties seeking a private Perthshire base within reach of River Tay fishing.
Explore Dun Aluinn
A substantial exclusive-use house overlooking Loch Tay, suited to larger family, corporate and sporting parties.
Explore Stucktaymore
A secluded glen setting for guests combining Angus scenery with fishing on the River South Esk and surrounding waters.
Explore Glen Clova HotelPolished Highland stays for Spey salmon fishing, Inverness-based itineraries and longer journeys through the west and north.
An exclusive-use house in the heart of Speyside, attractive for groups combining River Spey fishing with whisky-country experiences.
Explore Rothes GlenA stylish hotel in Aberlour providing a convenient Speyside base for couples, individual rods and smaller parties.
Explore The Dowans Hotel
A riverside Inverness hotel for guests who value city convenience alongside access to Highland fishing routes.
Explore Ness Walk
Spacious suites in one of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes, suited to west-coast fishing and touring itineraries.
Explore Glencoe House
A rural Skye hotel for guests pairing island scenery with seasonal local fishing and a wider Highland journey.
Explore Skeabost House HotelCountry houses with useful access to the Dee and Don, suited to private groups and broader sporting itineraries.
A private country house in Strathdon for groups exploring River Don, River Dee and Aberdeenshire fishing.
Explore Candacraig House
A historic country house near Banchory, well located for upper and middle River Dee itineraries.
Explore Raemoir House
An exclusive-use castle offering a private base for groups fishing eastern Scotland and combining sport with time together.
Explore Turin CastleSend Bill your preferred dates, party size, target species, room requirements and approximate budget. Best Fishing Scotland can recommend the right region, plan realistic journey times and help arrange introductions to suitable local accommodation alongside your guides, permits and equipment.
Plan My Fishing TripScottish weather can change during the day. In the main fly-fishing season, temperatures are often around 45–65°F (7–18°C), so adaptable layers are more useful than one heavy garment.
Bring a breathable base layer, thin and thick socks, breathable walking trousers, a waterproof jacket and polarised dark glasses. Jeans retain moisture and are uncomfortable beneath waders. Wet wading is possible, but the water is seldom truly warm.
Typical choices include a 9ft 4–5wt rod or a 10.5–11ft 2–3wt rod, matching reel, dry flies, wet flies and nymphs, 5–6X leaders, snips, floatant, forceps or a disgorger, waders, boots and a wading staff.
A common setup is a 13–15ft double-handed Spey rod in 8–11wt, matching reel and floating Spey line, sink tips, 12–20lb leader, waders, boots and a wading staff. We can supply the required equipment.
Any equipment brought from elsewhere should be properly cleaned, disinfected and dried before use to reduce biological transfer between waters. Catch and release is the normal approach on our guided trips.
