We have received a number of enquiries as to whether fishing is included in the Government’s list of exercises permitted during the lockdown, or indeed whether all fishing should cease. The approach adopted by the UK and Scottish Governments is designed to prevent the spread of the virus, supporting and sustaining the NHS, and ultimately saving lives.

https://www.gov.scot/news/effective-lockdown-to-be-introduced/

Ultimately, it is for individual proprietors to determine whether fishing can take place in accordance with the latest announcements. However, we do not consider that fishing is an essential activity, and, in most cases, it requires a degree of travel which could not be considered essential.

It is our view that the fisheries management and angling communities should play a full part in this greater societal commitment, and therefore it is the strong recommendation of Fisheries Management Scotland that we should refrain from fishing during the lockdown period.

We will review this position in three weeks’ time as the Government position is reviewed.