Fishing at Stonehaven Harbour
Easy, sheltered harbour-wall fishing right in the town, good for a relaxed summer session on the walls with feathers, though it gets crowded with holidaymakers in peak season; the rock marks just south around Crawton give better cod and flatfish away from the crowds.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers fished off the harbour walls on bright, calm days at higher states of tide. |
| Coalfish (saithe) | Apr–Nov | Float fished or spun in the harbour gullies rather than on feathers. |
| Pollack | May–Oct | Jellies/soft lures worked around the harbour walls and south rock marks. |
| Flounder / dab | All year, best autumn–winter | Small hooks and worm/mussel fished on the bottom inside the harbour or off the beach at low tide. |
| Cod | Oct–Mar | Bait fished (lugworm/mussel) from the rock marks south of the harbour toward Crawton; occasional harbour fish too. |
Tactics
Fish the harbour walls for mackerel and coalfish on the flood in summer; for cod and better flatfish, move onto the rock ground south toward Crawton, especially over autumn and winter low water.
Best tide: Flood tide into high water · Best time: Bright calm summer days for mackerel; autumn/winter low water for cod off the south rocks
Dogs
Access & parking
Stonehaven Harbour sits right at the foot of the Old Town, a short walk from the High Street. Free parking at The Backies car park directly by the harbour. Sat-nav: AB39 2JU.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Harbour walls are safe underfoot but can be busy with some drop to the water; fine for supervised older kids.
FAQs
Can you fish off Stonehaven Harbour wall?
Yes, the harbour walls are a popular, easily accessible summer mark for mackerel and coalfish, though it can get crowded in peak season.
Are dogs allowed at Stonehaven harbour and beach?
Yes — nearby Stonehaven beaches have no seasonal dog restrictions; keep dogs under control as Scottish law requires.
Where's the best cod fishing near Stonehaven?
The rock marks south of the harbour toward Crawton fish better for cod and larger flatfish, particularly in autumn and winter.
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.