Fishing at Dunbar Harbour & East Beach
A historic 17th-century harbour with a gently shelving pebble-and-sand beach running out to rock and kelp — a dependable cod and codling venue from spring onwards.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod (Atlantic Cod) | May onwards | Peeler crab fished close to shore as fish come in to feed on the crab run. |
| Codling (Juvenile Cod) | Spring–Autumn | Lures worked from the rocks and harbour walls. |
| Mackerel | Summer | Lures or feathers off the harbour. |
| Wrasse | Summer | Crab or worm fished close to the kelp beds. |
Tactics
Dunbar fishes best for cod from May onwards once peeler crab draws fish in close to the shore. In summer, lure fishing accounts for codling, pollack, saithe and the odd wrasse over the rockier ground beyond the beach.
Best tide: Rising tide · Best time: Spring through autumn
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Parking near the harbour and at Dunbar train station, short walk down to the water; rods and tackle available from a shop on the High Street. Sat-nav: EH42 1JX.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Judgement call — historic harbour is interesting to explore but the beach shelves out to rock and kelp so mind footing further out.
FAQs
What's the best time of year to fish Dunbar?
From May onwards, when cod move close inshore to feed on peeler crab.
Is Dunbar harbour good for beginners?
Yes — you can even hire simple hand lines from the RNLI shop at the harbour if you don't have your own gear.
Is Dunbar harbour dog friendly?
Yes, no confirmed seasonal restriction was found; East Lothian's one dog-free zone is at Aberlady, not Dunbar.
Nearby marks
Last updated 16 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.