Fishing at Wick Harbour
Wick's big Victorian harbour and the rock marks either side of it fish well for cod through the winter, with coalfish and pollock a reliable summer standby close in.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod (Atlantic Cod) | Oct–Mar | Bait (lugworm/mussel/squid cocktail) fished from the harbour arms and adjacent rock marks on a rising tide |
| Coalfish (Saithe) | All year, best autumn–winter | Feathers or small lures fished tight to the harbour walls |
| Pollack (Pollock) | May–Oct | Lures/soft plastics worked around harbour structure |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers cast into open water when shoals show |
Tactics
Fish the harbour walls and nearby rock marks on the flood, bait fishing hard on the bottom for cod in winter; light lure gear tight to structure takes coalfish and pollock year-round. It's sheltered from westerlies, so a good back-up when the open coast is unfishable.
Best tide: Flood tide · Best time: Winter nights for cod, summer daylight for coalfish and mackerel
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Harbour-side parking is available around the quays in Wick town centre. Family rating: ★★☆ — Working harbour with vehicle and boat traffic — fine for older kids under supervision, less so for toddlers.
FAQs
Is Wick harbour good for cod fishing?
Yes, it's one of the better winter cod marks on this stretch of coast, especially on a rising tide with bait fished into the channel.
Can you fish from Wick harbour without a boat?
Yes, the harbour walls and adjoining rock marks are all fishable from the shore.
What bait works best at Wick?
Lugworm, mussel and squid cocktails take cod in winter; feathers or small lures work for coalfish and pollock year-round.
Nearby marks
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.