Fishing at Johnshaven Harbour
A small, traditional two-basin fishing harbour on the Aberdeenshire coast just north of the Angus border, a quiet and lesser-fished option alongside the bigger marks at Gourdon and Montrose.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Codling (Juvenile Cod) | Autumn–Winter | Bait fished from the harbour walls, especially in rougher weather. |
| Coalfish (Saithe) | Year-round | Feathers or small lures worked off the pier. |
| Pollack (Pollock) | Summer | Lures fished over the rockier ground either side of the harbour. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers when shoals are inshore. |
Tactics
This is a quieter harbour than its neighbours at Gourdon and Montrose, so treat it as a place to try when the bigger marks are crowded or blown out — fish the harbour walls on a rising tide with standard bait or feather tactics.
Best tide: Rising tide, high water · Best time: Autumn and winter
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Park near the harbour in the village; short walk to the quayside. Family rating: ★★☆ — Judgement call — a small, quiet working harbour with limited facilities, fine for older kids but less set up for families than the bigger towns on this list.
FAQs
Is Johnshaven Harbour a good fishing spot?
It's a quieter alternative to Gourdon and Montrose nearby, worth trying for codling and coalfish off the harbour walls.
What is Johnshaven Harbour used for today?
Mainly lobster and crab creel fishing, with around 20 boats moored there.
Is there parking at Johnshaven Harbour?
Yes, there's parking in the village close to the harbour, though no dedicated large car park.
Nearby marks
Gourdon Harbour · Montrose Harbour · Stonehaven Harbour
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.