Fishing at Arbroath Harbour & Cliffs
The harbour gives an easy, low-risk session for coalfish and mackerel, while the cliffs toward Whiting Ness and Auchmithie are a proper winter cod mark for experienced anglers prepared to respect the exposed, wave-swept ground.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod | Oct–Mar | Bait fished (lug/mussel/mackerel strip) from the cliff ledges at Whiting Ness/Auchmithie over low water in winter. |
| Coalfish (saithe) | Apr–Nov, peak autumn | Float fished or spun from the harbour walls and cliff marks. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers from the harbour in summer. |
| Pollack | May–Oct | Lures/deep spinning off the cliff ledges into deeper water close in. |
| Wrasse | May–Sep | Float fished with crab or worm around harbour walls and rock gullies. |
Tactics
Use the harbour for an easy, sheltered summer session on feathers and float gear; for serious cod, head to the cliff ledges toward Whiting Ness and Auchmithie over low water Oct-Mar, but only in calm conditions — the ground has a documented history of anglers being swept by freak waves.
Best tide: Low water for the cliff cod marks; flood tide for harbour species · Best time: Winter low water (Oct–Mar) for cod; summer evenings for mackerel/coalfish
Dogs
Access & parking
The harbour is in the town centre; the cliff marks are reached via the coastal path north toward Whiting Ness and on to Auchmithie. Sat-nav: DD11 1QD.Get directions → Family rating: ★☆☆ — The harbour is fine for families, but the cliff marks are exposed, involve scrambling on ledges, and have a genuine history of anglers being caught by rogue waves — not suitable for children.
FAQs
Is Arbroath cliffs fishing safe?
Only in calm conditions for experienced anglers — the ledges are exposed to sudden swell and there have been serious incidents, including an angler swept off by a freak wave.
Can you fish from Arbroath harbour?
Yes, an easy, sheltered spot for coalfish and mackerel, good for less experienced or younger anglers compared with the cliff marks.
Are dogs allowed on Arbroath beach?
Yes, West Links Beach is listed as dog friendly all year round with no seasonal ban.
Nearby marks
Last updated 7 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.