Fishing at Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh
The mouth of the River Esk at Fisherrow, with the old lagoons and the Esk estuary itself producing flounder, eels and the odd cod and pollack — a quieter, easy-access alternative to the busier Forth marks.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Flounder | Apr–Oct | Worm bait fished in the lagoon shallows or estuary mouth on a rising tide. |
| Sea Trout | Summer–Autumn | Spinning or bait fished around the estuary mouth as fish run the Esk. |
| European Eel | Summer | Worm fished static on the bottom in the old lagoon channels. |
| Cod (Atlantic Cod)Pollack (Pollock) | Autumn–Winter | Bait fished from Fisherrow harbour wall. |
Tactics
The old lagoon area between the numbered steps historically produced the biggest flounders and most of the eels, while the harbour wall itself is the better bet for cod and pollack. Fish the estuary mouth as the tide rises for sea trout.
Best tide: Rising tide · Best time: Summer and autumn
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Free car park at Fisherrow Harbour, off New Street. Sat-nav: EH21 6DH.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Judgement call — flat walking on the promenade and harbour, but proximity to a nature reserve and estuary currents means keeping a closer eye on younger children near the water.
FAQs
What can you catch at Fisherrow Harbour?
Flounder and eels from the old lagoon area, with sea trout, cod and pollack around the harbour and estuary mouth.
Is there parking at Fisherrow Harbour?
Yes, a free car park sits right next to the harbour, accessed from New Street.
Is Musselburgh good for beginners?
Yes, the lagoon and harbour walls are sheltered and easy to fish compared with more exposed open-coast marks.
Nearby marks
Burntisland Beach · Kirkcaldy Esplanade & 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.