Wild Trout Angling Tourism Development

Scotland’s total wild trout angling resource is vastly underused yet the value locked in the scenery and the angling itself is often a world class experience. Communities who own significant wild trout angling opportunities sometimes do not appreciate the full value it inherently offers to anglers who live behind city computer screens much of the time. Often the resource is just too bewildering to know where to start if you haven’t been there before and anglers, like anybody else, want to build a picture of where they are going and what is available in advance at the research stage. This requires quality information on how the fishing is set up, how it is accessed and so on and as importantly, what facilities / accommodation / places to eat and other activities are available close by to set their trip in context. Consumers seek reassurance that their trip can be easily put together and will provide the level of comfort they desire when they get there. The solitude and isolation surrounding the fishing is a key attraction but there is significant scope for attracting more people to some of these areas without ever affecting those special features, whilst at the same time providing an additional and invaluable source of income for surrounding rural communities. Responsibility in terms of ensuring a sustainable resource should always be a priority and working with area Fisheries Trusts helps this to happen.

CSTG recognise that the angling market has changed and people are now demanding greater choice, higher levels of service and better quality facilities surrounding their booked trip. With this in mind CSTG are currently working on developing greater wild trout angling tourism opportunities in the north of Scotland where this resource is more prevalent.