Fishing at Ullapool (Loch Broom)
A deep, sheltered sea-loch harbour that's become something of a light-rock-fishing hotspot for its sheer variety of species, with easy pier and shore access — evening mackerel shoals are the summer highlight.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers off the pier/harbour walls, especially evening shoals in mid-to-late summer. |
| Pollack | Apr–Oct | Lure/LRF fishing around the harbour structure and along the Loch Broom shoreline. |
| Coalfish | Apr–Nov | Float fished or spun close to the pier and harbour walls. |
| Dogfish | May–Sep | Bottom-fished bait (mackerel strip) from the harbour and shoreline. |
| Thornback ray | Jun–Sep | Bait fished on the bottom from deeper harbour-adjacent marks, an occasional catch. |
Tactics
The harbour is a genuine light-rock-fishing (LRF) hotspot thanks to species variety around the pilings; fish light gear for a big species count, then switch to feathers for mackerel shoals from around mid-June, best in the evening.
Best tide: Flood tide, evenings for mackerel · Best time: Summer evenings (Jun–Aug) for mackerel; year-round LRF species in the harbour
Dogs
Access & parking
Ullapool sits on the A835 on the shore of Loch Broom; harbour-side parking by the ferry terminal. Sat-nav: IV26 2UJ.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — The harbour has a working commercial element (ferries, fishing boats) so supervision is needed near the edges, but pier fishing itself is low-risk.
FAQs
What can you catch fishing from Ullapool harbour?
A wide variety — pollack, coalfish, dogfish and mackerel are all regular, with mackerel shoals a summer evening highlight.
Is Ullapool harbour good for beginners?
Yes, easy, low-risk access, though it's a working harbour so care is needed around boat traffic.
Are dogs allowed at Ullapool harbour?
No specific restriction found; keep dogs under control as required across Scotland.
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.