From first casts and family days to bucket-list salmon and multi-day tours, these are the words of anglers who have fished with Best Fishing Scotland.
Some testimonials have been shortened for clarity while preserving the guest’s meaning. Names and locations are shown where supplied.
“Our time in the river was phenomenal. I was a little apprehensive about joining my 12-year-old son on his first fly-fishing lesson. I shouldn’t have been. We had the best morning learning how to cast and even catching our first salmon. This company is second to none, and we would highly recommend it.”
“A top-notch day with a world-class guide, in some of the most beautiful streams. Highly recommended!”
“Fantastic day. Caught my first grayling and had a nice day with James. Learned a lot as well.”
“Coming from South Africa, the fishing experience was a real financial push for me. But standing in the Tweed, crystal-clear water around me and the odd salmon rising, I realised a profound feeling that can’t be explained. One of the most amazing days of my life—a real bucket-list experience. Rob’s patience and calm energy set the tone for the day, and the beautiful salmon was the cherry on top.”
“A very good day out on the river in an exceptional place. The peace and tranquillity was out of this world—a great day with a brilliant instructor. Thank you once again.”
“Just travelling home after a wonderful few days fishing. It was an awesome experience! Our guides Roger, John and Rob were the best: patient, encouraging and fun to be with. Thank you so much for organising such a great trip.”
“Had a fantastic couple of days fishing with my sons and Bill’s team. Equipment was good quality, locations beautiful and the service outstanding. We tried Euro-nymphing as well as conventional fly fishing. I would happily recommend them—and we even caught a couple of fish!”
“Bill brought me to a beautiful, quiet and historic section where I was the only person fishing the beat all day. Within minutes I was catching healthy wild brown trout and grayling. He is a clear, patient teacher and an entertaining storyteller. This was a truly memorable day.”
“It was an outstanding day on the Tweed and surrounding area. Thank you for being such a fantastic fly-fishing guide and tour guide as well. The day could not have been better, and we will remember you and the trip always.”
If these opening stories feel familiar, these practical routes can help you explore the right next step.
Independent guest feedbackView more reviews on GoogleContinue through the complete collection of guest feedback from different waters, guides and types of trip.
“You really go out of your way to teach the technical aspects, but also the wider context. It’s really engaging and I genuinely couldn’t have hoped for a better introduction to fly fishing.”
“Brilliant day out. What Bill doesn’t know about fishing isn’t worth knowing.”
“Bill is a fantastic guide with immense knowledge of the local area and the art of Euro-nymphing. He has a great sense of humour and will tell you many a story. We had the water to ourselves and the day went by so fast. I highly recommend a day fishing with Bill.”
“Together with five old friends I spent a few great days fly fishing on the beautiful River Tweed. Bill and Roger taught us fly fishing from A–Z with patience and professional tips. We also learned about Scotland’s nature, history, country and people. It made our holiday unforgettable.”
“The Euro-nymphing technique was new to me and, thanks to your very competent teaching, I saw how effective it can be. Carol and I connected immediately with your guiding style. Thank you also for your patience in getting us started in Spey casting. We both had a splendid time.”
“My friend and I had two amazing days with Bill and James on the Till at Tiptoe Farm. Their knowledge of the river, fish and insect life was impressive and resulted in good trout and grayling in the net. Friendly, professional guides in a truly beautiful environment.”
“Many thanks for taking Stephen and me fishing. The trip was epic, from the flora and fauna to your gracious hospitality. We both had a splendid time. Your guiding prowess is over the top as well—you are the bomb!”
“We had a fabulous day and James was an excellent guide and lovely guy. We both had a school day in fantastic surroundings and enjoyed Borders hospitality that evening feeling we’d had a great day. We’re both eager to get back into river fishing.”
“Everything was great! We had a blast and everyone caught something. The guides were superb; everyone could cast even a salmon rod after a few tries and instructions. Thank you for arranging everything. We hope to come back someday.”
“Neither of us had fly-fished before, and Bill was more than helpful in teaching us what we needed. He took us to a beautiful, secluded spot, shared local facts and kept us entertained throughout the day. It was even more enjoyable than anticipated and an experience we will remember.”
“A brilliant day on the Tweed! Low water and a cool breeze were not promising, but I was shown new ways of nymph fishing and provided with superb equipment. I learned so much, it was fun—and I caught fish. A day to remember and definitely worth five stars!”
“The scenery was breathtaking and you were an outstanding coach. You moved between beginners and experienced family members with ease, helping each of us in ways tailored to our abilities. Your stories of the river’s history and traditions made the day one of our family highlights.”
“A most wonderful experience! My guide was extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher for a novice fly fisher like me. Both the Best Fishing Scotland team and my guide were extraordinarily wonderful. I strongly recommend them.”
“Unbelievable experience fishing in Scotland. It was everything I wanted, and a spring salmon more. Bill was great with communicating and getting us booked and teamed with one of the best guides I’ve ever used, Stephen. I’ll remember that trip for the rest of my life.”
“I had a great day fishing with guide Stephen. We caught rainbow trout at a spot near St Andrews. Thanks Bill for setting it up.”
“Had a great day with Rob! He was a very professional guide and a great person to spend a day on the water with. I will definitely be coming back to fish with him again.”
“My 15-year-old son and I booked a day trip on the Tweed. James was terrific and very patient with both of us. Highly recommend.”
“We loved our experience. Fergie was a great guide: helpful, knowledgeable and patient with my two boys. He put us on fish when even the locals weren’t catching. I highly recommend booking your experience with these guys—you’ll have a blast.”
“My daughter, husband and I came from the USA to fish the Tweed with Al and Fergie. The waders, boots, rods and flies were excellent. We waded a small section and each caught fish—three different species. I learned Euro-nymphing!”
“Bill gave our two boys the best introduction to fly fishing possible on the River Tweed. His infinite patience made sure the boys got the maximum from the session. Highly recommended.”
“Bill arranged a four-day fishing trip on the Tweed and Teviot, with guides and instruction in various techniques. The quality of the guides and fishing beats was excellent, including access to private waters. Can thoroughly recommend.”
“Three days of trout, grayling and salmon fishing with Graeme as my guide. I would 100% recommend Bill, and be sure to ask for Graeme. The equipment was exceptional and the knowledge of the water and area first class.”
“A family session, all novices, with Bill Drew in an idyllic location. Excellent equipment, great tuition delivered with humour and love for the environment. The teenagers loved it. Thanks Bill.”
“I had the privilege of fishing with Bill on my epic trip to the UK. This man was a blessing to spend time with. His company was a warm welcome and his knowledge of fishing is well above that of anyone I know.”
“We had a fabulous time fishing the River Tweed with our guides Rob and Scott. They were knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, and we enjoyed their company. The scenery was incredible and we had so much fun catching brown trout.”
“An outstanding trip with Roger. We had a beautiful day and caught several brown trout. Roger was extremely kind, patient and instructive, giving me many tips to improve my technique. The river and scenery were gorgeous.”
“Had a great time catching trophy grayling and brown trout. I recommend Best Fishing Scotland for a great fly-fishing experience.”
“Hands down, one of the most authentic and amazing experiences. My son is an expert but always seeking to learn from the best. Look no further: Bill has amazing guides, local know-how and a warm spirit.”
“I came from Michigan to catch a grayling, which is now extinct where I usually fish. Stephen did a great job—and I caught my grayling.”
“Bill—the Borders’ best fly master!”
“We had a fun and relaxed day on the Tweed chasing trout on a hot summer’s day. Suitable for small and big boys. Bill and Ken guided us superbly, and a respectable grayling at the end topped it off.”
“Excellent experience with Best Fishing Scotland. I learned new techniques and put them into practice, catching plenty of fish. Some great fishing and I will definitely book again.”
“Stephen was an excellent guide—very attentive and knowledgeable. A thoroughly memorable experience.”
“I had a lovely day with Bill. He took care of all the equipment, waders and boots, and I learned a lot. He also arranged hotels and trips in the neighbourhood. All tip-top!”
“A wonderful operation with knowledgeable local guides. The streams they took us to were fantastic. Cannot recommend them enough.”
“A fantastic fishing guide, full of knowledge, stories and on-the-spot advice that allows you to relax and catch fish. Highly recommended.”
“I’ve fished all over the planet and these guys are some of the best I’ve been associated with. Superb!”
“Two great days of fishing and instruction on the River Tweed.”
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