Fishing on the Water of Leith from Balerno Bridge to Bonnington is free but you do need a permit. The season is open between the 1st April – 30th September; fishing on the Water of Leith is not permitted outside these dates.
Free permits can be downloaded its is OK that it say 2023 season they will still be valid – https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/leisure-sport-culture/fishing-permit
Permits are essential to ensure that you know the rules and regulations to comply by when fishing the river. This helps to maintain the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
The river is not stocked with trout and we rely on anglers to uphold and promote the ‘Catch and Return’ policy.
Other species caught whilst fishing should all be returned safely to the river.
There is no fishing for any species outwith the season.
With Forth River Trust we have completed an electrofishing survey of the river – follow the link below for the results
For the length of the river we recommend wet flies size 14/18 nymphs with lines of 3lb breaking strain. Dry fly fishing is recommended in summer only.
Only permitted from Slateford down to West Bowling Green Street bridge in Bonnington. Maggots or small worms on a small hook with a 3lb breaking strain line works well.
Brown trout, grayling, stone loach, minnow, 3 spined stickleback and flounder are all present in the river. Please note that fishing for salmon or sea trout is not permitted. River lamprey and bullheads can also be found but are rare and protected, making it illegal to disturb them.
So get a permit, fish safely and enjoy the river!
The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to conserve and enhance the river, its heritage and wildlife: The Trust promotes education and recreation through the Visitor Centre, and works with volunteers and community groups to deliver around 240 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually.
