Fishing on Mull varies from deep water sea fishing from a boat for giant skate, to hiking up to one of the island’s many hill lochs where you may catch the colourful brown trout. 

If you are holidaying here and are relatively new to fishing, or perhaps trying fishing for the first time, then it is a good idea to head to Tackle and Books in Tobermory who sell a very good range of fishing tackle, including affordable starter rod setups as well as permits, which are required for the freshwater rivers and lochs. Experienced anglers are also well catered for here and may also get some good advice on areas to try.

Sea Fishing on the Isle of Mull

You may fish from the coast without any need of a permit and you can try your luck at any stretch of coastline around the island, however read on for some top tips on areas to try, captured below in a handy map so you can easily spot locations near to where you’re staying.

What can you catch when Mull sea fishing? 

Depending on the time of year, the most commonly caught species around the island will be pollock (year-round) or mackerel, which can be caught from June onwards most seasons. Most people will sea fish using a spinner or spoon, which when reeled back in through the water replicates the motion of a prey fish. Of course, there are numerous other species you have the potential to catch but pollock and mackerel are the most reliable!

Where to go sea fishing on Mull

Rubh nan Gall

One of the closest fishing points to Tobermory, a short walk from the harbour with good access to open waters at the northern end of the Sound of Mull.

Duart Point

Good fishing into deep waters at the southern end of the Sound of Mull, with the fabulous backdrop of the castle too.

Carsaig

Fish from the area around the old pier in spectacular surrounds of coastal cliffs. Parking is limited here.

Gribun Rocks

Very good fishing into deep water below the towering cliffs around Gribun.

Calgary Bay

Midway along the bay, there’s a rocky platform with good fishing potential at all tidal ranges.

Caliach Point

Deep water and currents in this northwestern most corner of the Isle of Mull make for good sea fishing.

What to take with you

Warm clothes and layers, as well as sunscreen and waterproofs are a good idea! A torch if you are fishing at sunset can be handy, as well as spare lures and a container for bringing home the catch – hopefully!  Please take care not to leave any litter or fishing items behind.

Freshwater fishing on the Isle of Mull

For all freshwater fishing, you will require a permit and the best resource to obtain these is Tackle and Books in Tobermory. They will have an up-to-date listing of fishing permits and locations for each season. It is important to note that it is not allowed to fish for migratory species, such as salmon and sea trout, on Sundays in Scotland.

What can you catch when Mull river and loch fishing?

Mull is blessed with some superb tranquil hill lochs that tend to be home to a good number of brown trout. However, the ‘good number’ often also means that the size of any one individual brownie is limited.

Most freshwater fishing is done with a fly, and some permits will stipulate this as a condition of fishing.  Many of Mull’s hill lochs offer an unspoilt experience with little in the way of paths and jetties, but offer an abundance of beauty and seclusion to enjoy. Some sea trout can actually be caught around Mull’s coastal waters too, but it is generally the island’s rivers that offer the better opportunities for these.

Where to go freshwater fishing on Mull

Consult each season’s permit options, but good places to start out are as follows:

Aros Park Lochan

Nearby to Tobermory and set within Aros Park, this maintained fishery has stock of rainbow trout and a well-placed fishing mark with access down to the shore.

Mishnish Lochs

This series of three interconnected lochs between Tobermory and Dervaig is a good introduction into Mull’s hill loch fishing. As well as shore fishing, you may also make use of boats with good opportunities for brown trout.

Loch Torr

Another fine loch with a maintained fishing mark at the loch’s southern end, there is signage pointing the way from the roadside down to the loch.

River Aros

A beautiful river with a variety of fishing opportunities, including the estuary environment at Aros.

River Lussa

Lots of great opportunities for river fishing in pretty deciduous woodland along the banks.

We hope this guide offers plenty of inspiration to get started with fishing on Mull. Just get in touch if we can help with more ideas or suggestions to make the most of your stay.

Fishing on Mull has long been a draw for visitors to the island. It’s a traditional way of life that has deep island roots, with many of the oldest buildings in Tobermory linked to fishing and the associated commerce that Tobermory’s sheltered harbour facilitated. Visit the harbourfront today and you’ll still find the fisherman’s pier busy with boats as catches are unloaded.

But of course, fishing on Mull isn’t limited to what you can find at sea. The island has some fine river and loch fishing to enjoy too. Guy Bolton is a local expert, providing a guiding service for keen anglers visiting Mull, and in this article he shares five top tips to enjoy the bounty Mull has to offer.

Expert tips for fishing on Mull

1. Dress for the occasion

Make sure you have the right foot wear and clothing for a days’ fishing on Mull, the weather here is very changeable and making sure you are kitted out for the day helps to ensure that you stay warm and dry and you are far more likely then to enjoy your day out.

2. Movement is key

Once you have chose a loch or river to fish, try not to get stuck in the same spot all the day. Move around, up and down the bank in different directions. Trout can be quite nomadic, moving around the loch looking for their next meal. It can be easy to spook them in these remote hill lochs, so stealth and keeping trying different places can help hugely.

3. Flies and lures

Keep changing them don’t thrash away for hours if the fly or lure isn’t working. Keep trying different things with the hope that you will present the fish with something it simply can’t resist.

4. Safe hands

When handling fish you have caught look after them, especially if you are intending returning them to the water. Try to keep them as wet as possible. If the slimy coating of the fish gets damaged or rubbed off too much, it leaves the fish susceptible to infection and disease.

5. Plan ahead

Let people know where you are thinking of going and give them a vague idea of when you are expecting to return home. This way if anything were to happen to you or someone in your party, for example a fall, then help will never be too far away.

Best cottages for fishing on Mull

Armed with the expert advice of Guy Bolton, you’ll soon be on your way to fishing success. And you can even enjoy it from the luxury of your own cottage, with these three perfect properties for fishing on Mull.

The Steading, Loch Assapol

Venture straight to the loch shore from the front door of The Steading and enjoy some fine freshwater loch fishing on Loch Assapol. Then it’s only a short walk home with your catch to cook up a storm in the beautiful dining kitchen, complete with vaulted ceilings and charming beams. A great choice for all the family, with excellent walking, beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife in the area too.

Craig Ben Lodge, Loch Uisg

Treat yourselves to a true Highland escape with a stay at Craig Ben Lodge, complete with a turret and exceptional loch views. The house affords easy access to the sea at Lochbuie and Loch Spelve, with use of a boat available on Loch Uisg too.

Macquarie House, Loch Ba

A stone’s throw from the dramatic freshwater loch, Loch Ba, which leads into Mull’s mountainous interior, Macquarie House is an angler’s delight, with a boat available to hire, permits available for river fishing on the River Ba, and even the chance to catch brown trout on a hill loch nearby. Throw in the close proximity of Loch na Keal for sea fishing, and a week simply won’t feel long enough.

Discover more inspiration for things to do on Mull and make your holiday truly memorable.