Fishing at Thurso / Scrabster
Scrabster's rough ground gives seriously good pollack, cod and coalfish for a north-coast harbour mark, with wrasse and dabs filling in the bag — genuinely one of the best all-round harbour venues on this list, but exposed to Pentland Firth weather.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pollack | Apr–Oct | Lure/jig fished over the rough ground around the harbour and out toward Holborn Head. |
| Cod | Oct–Mar | Bait fished (lug/mackerel) from the harbour in winter, into double figures on occasion. |
| Coalfish | Apr–Nov | Float fished or spun around the harbour walls. |
| Wrasse (ballan/cuckoo) | May–Sep | Float fished with crab or worm over the rough, rocky ground. |
| Flounder / dab | Sep–Mar | Bottom-fished bait close in around the harbour. |
Tactics
Scrabster's rough ground makes it better lure/LRF territory than a pure bait venue — work jigs and soft plastics for pollack/coalfish through summer, then switch to bait for cod/whiting from October.
Best tide: Flood tide up to high water · Best time: Summer for lure-caught pollack/coalfish/wrasse; Oct–Mar for cod and whiting
Dogs
Access & parking
Scrabster sits just west of Thurso on the A9; short-stay free parking near the ferry terminal. Sat-nav: KW14 7UJ.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Scrabster is a working commercial/ferry harbour so supervision is needed around vessels and quayside, but fishing itself is accessible without scrambling.
FAQs
Is Scrabster harbour good for shore fishing?
Yes — regarded as one of the best north-coast harbour marks, with pollack, cod, coalfish and wrasse in good numbers.
What's the best time to fish Scrabster?
Summer for lure-caught pollack, coalfish and wrasse; October to March for cod and whiting on bait.
Are dogs allowed at Thurso/Scrabster?
Yes, Thurso Bay is confirmed as having no dog restrictions at any time of year.
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.