Fishing

The Council manages the allocation of fishing permits for the town waters of the River Tay. For detailed information, please view our guidance notes (PDF, 474 KB).

To fish in our waters, you must obtain either a day or a season permit. To purchase a permit, please email us at CommunityGreenspace@pkc.gov.uk.

Please note that Scotland does not have a state fishing licensing system, unlike England and Wales. However, it is a criminal offence to fish for salmon without legal right or written permission, and generally a civil offence to fish for other species. Additionally, shrimp and prawn fishing is illegal on the River Tay.

Permits

Day permit

A day permit is available to all anglers, including visitors to the area.

For Spring fishing (January to June) this costs £10.00 and for Summer fishing (July to October) this is £15.00. No discounts to the day permit are available.

A day permit grants you permission to angle with rod and line in the fishings belonging to the Council for salmon and fishing of the salmon kind, and other species including coarse fish, under the following terms and conditions:

1. The permit shall be valid only on the day for which it is issued.
2. The holder shall fish according to the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003.
3. The permit is not transferable nor valid if unsigned by the holder.
4. Day permit holders are not entitled to fish from Moncrieffe Island.
5. The permit must be carried by the holder when fishing in the Council's fishings and produced on demand to all persons entitled to ask for such production.
6. Fishing from bridges over the river is prohibited.
7. Fishing is prohibited over the stretch from the Railway Bridge southwards to the former Burgh Boundary from one hour after sunset to sunrise.
8. No person shall fish for more than 10 minutes at any one stance if any other person is waiting.
9. No person convicted of an offence, whether statutory or otherwise, related directly or indirectly to fishing or the possession of illegally taken fish shall be entitled to a permit for a period of five years following the seizure of a permit or conviction.
10. From 1 April to 15 October, anglers are restricted to catching 1 salmon per person per day as per Tay River System Rules.
11. It is illegal to use natural prawns and shrimps (whether fresh or preserved dyed, or natural colour) and any part thereof shall not be used as a bait to fish or take salmon.
12. Contravention of any of the conditions above will mean the immediate forfeiture of the permit and individuals will not be entitled to apply for a permit at any time in the future.

Season permit

Season permits are only available to residents of Perth and Kinross.

A season permit grants you permission to angle with road and line in the fishings belonging to the Council for salmon and fishing of the salmon kind, under the following terms and conditions:

1. The permit shall be valid for the fishing season 2025, from 15 January to 15 October.
2. The holder shall fish according to Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003.
3. The permit is not transferable nor valid if unsigned by the holder.
4. Fishing on Sunday is prohibited.
5. The permit must be displayed on outer clothing by the holder when fishing in the Council's fishings and produced on demand to all persons entitled to ask for such production.
6. Anglers using Moncrieffe Island must keep to the banks and paths and not trespass on the Golf Course.
7. Fishing at the Moncrieffe Island is prohibited from one hour after sunset to sunrise.
8. Fishing by fly only (total floating lines with unweighted flies) using hooks no larger than double 6 size is permitted on that part of the Moncrieffe Island fishings opposite the Lower Harbour, as signposted.
9. Holders must complete a return card of their catch (even if nil) and also record the number of rod days, and return the card no later than 31 October 2025.
10. Fishing from bridges over the river is prohibited.
11. No person shall fish for more than 10 minutes at any one stance if any other person is waiting.
12. Fishing is prohibited over the stretch from the Railway Bridge southwards to the former Burgh Boundary from one hour after sunset to sunrise from the end of July to the end of the season.
13. No person convicted of an offence, whether statutory or otherwise, related directly or indirectly to fishing or the possession of illegally taken fish shall be entitled to a permit for a period of five years following the seizure of a permit or conviction.
14. Permit holders who move address must email us immediately.
15. Anglers must fish responsibly and according to the good practice notes issued with this permit.
16. All salmon to be returned from 15 January to 31 March. From 1 April to 15 October, anglers are restricted to catching 1 salmon per person per day as per Tay River System Rules.
17. It is illegal to use natural prawns and shrimps (whether fresh or preserved dyed, or natural colour) and any part thereof shall not be used as a bait to fish or take salmon.

Frequently asked questions

What information do I need to bring for a season permit application?

Each applicant is required to provide proof of address (for example: a current service bill, bank statement, Council Tax or rent book, Firearms Licence) and two passport-size photographs. Children may not always have proof of address; in this case proof can be accepted from the parents accompanying them at the time of application. If applying for a season permit under PDAA membership, you will need to provide your membership number.

Can I fish without a permit?

If the fisherman wishes to catch salmon, sea trout or grilse, they must hold either a day or a season permit. A permit is not required however if the fisherman only wishes to fish for brown trout or roach, but fisherman should be advised that they have to collect a 'roach fishing only' stamped map and a good practice guide from Pullar House; alternatively these documents could be posted out.

I would like to fish for more than one day. Are there permits for this?

Perth city residents can apply for a season permit to allow fishing on more than one day. If the applicant is not entitled to a season permit, a day permit must be issued and date stamped accordingly for each day of fishing.

Where can I fish?

Fishing is authorised for all users on the town banks of the River Tay along the North Inch to the Harbour and at small bays along the Dundee road. Season permit holders are also authorised to fish from the town side of Moncrieff Island. Fishing is prohibited from the Harbour edge. A map can be provided on request and is included in application packs.

Further information

Please consider our water safety advice before taking access near water.

For further information, please call 01738 475000 or email CommunityGreenspace@pkc.gov.uk.