Fieldsports

The Cairngorms has some of the best of what Scottish country sports has to offer, from salmon and trout fishing to grouse shooting and stag stalking…

Salmon fishing on the majestic Rivers Spey, Dee and Findhorn has gained a global reputation and the area is a classic ‘bucket list’ destination for those with a penchant for hunting, shooting and fishing. 

Anglers say one of the best thing about fishing in the Cairngorm is the fish-filled lochs and rivers which make for more luck on the line!

If you’re after a restful and relaxing activity where you can really soak up the atmosphere, then fishing has to be near the top of the list.

Of course, it always makes for a better memory (and photo!) if you actually catch something, and Cairngorm salmon and trout are famed around the world.

If you really want to up your chances of success (especially if you’re with children who have low patience thresholds!) then visiting one of the Park’s fisheries is a great alternative; Craggan Outdoors and Rothiemurchus Fisheries are both excellent options.

A group of majestic stags mountain side
A group of majestic stags mountain side
The Cairngorms National Park is one of the classic grouse shooting and stag stalking areas in the country.

Estates within the Park that host these activities include areas around Aviemore, Angus Glens, Royal Deeside, Glenlivet, Atholl and Glenshee.

As well as grouse shooting and stag stalking, many estates also offer pheasant and partridge shoots on lower ground, as well as clay shooting.

Estates commonly have their own, distinctive and atmospheric hunting lodges where you can stay, in your group, for the full country life experience!


FAQs

Do you have to walk far when you’re grouse shooting?

No, there is the option to be driven, too.

Apart from grouse shooting, are there other types of shooting on offer in the Cairngorms?

Yes. Many estates also offer pheasant and partridge shooting on the lower grounds, as well as clay pigeon shooting.

What fish can you catch in the Cairngorms?

Many enthusiastic fishermen (and women!) come to the area for the chance to catch wild salmon and trout. However, it is also possible to catch Arctic charr, too.

Where would you recommend fishing with kids?

Lochs, rather than the fast flowing waters of the Dee and Spey, make a good introduction to fishing. Loch Morlich, for example, is an idyllic location where you can catch trout. However, kids also love visiting a fishery where it is much more likely they will be able to catch something, which is the thrill, after all! There are fisheries at Craggan Outdoors near Grantown on Spey and in Rothiemurchus, browse our listings for further details.


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