Fishing at North Berwick Harbour
A classic East Lothian rock-and-harbour venue looking out towards Bass Rock, reliable for winter codling and summer mackerel with wrasse and pollack over the rougher ground.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Codling (Juvenile Cod) | Oct–Feb (cod), May–Sep (codling) | Black lug, bluey or squid fished hard on the bottom behind the harbour. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers off the harbour pier end or Platcock Rocks. |
| Pollack (Pollock) | Summer–Autumn | Float-fished worm or lures over rough ground near Galloway Pier. |
| Wrasse | Summer | Peeler crab fished close to the rocks. |
Tactics
The back of the harbour and the remains of Galloway Pier are the standard codling and pollack marks; Platcock Rocks are the go-to for summer mackerel on feathers. Black lug and peeler crab are the most productive baits year-round.
Best tide: Flood tide · Best time: Winter for cod, summer evenings for mackerel
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Harbour-side car parks (Kirk Ports, The Glebe) a short walk from the water. Family rating: ★★☆ — Judgement call — harbour walls and rocky marks are interesting for kids but not soft sand, and some ground is uneven underfoot.
FAQs
Is North Berwick harbour dog friendly?
Yes, no confirmed seasonal restriction — East Lothian's only dog-free zone is at Aberlady Nature Reserve, not here.
Best bait for cod at North Berwick?
Black lug, bluey and squid all work well fished on the bottom behind the harbour through winter.
Can you see Bass Rock from the fishing marks?
Yes, most of the harbour and rock marks look straight out towards Bass Rock and its gannet colony.
Nearby marks
Dunbar Harbour & East Beach · Anstruther 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.