As the harvest season arrives and summer bids farewell, September begins autumn here in Scotland. It comes with crisp mornings, falling leaves, and new country sports pursuits. The fields, forests, rivers and lochs are abuzz with activity, presenting unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.

This post will explore some of the best seasonal country sports this month, from fishing and shooting to hunting with dogs and foraging wild foods. For the country sportsman or woman, September offers many options to make the most of Scotland’s abundant natural landscapes.

Prime Fishing Opportunities

The cooling temperatures and increased rainfall of September provide ideal conditions for fishing Scotland’s bountiful lochs, rivers and coastal streams. Some of the best catches to target this month include:

Salmon

Following the summer solstice in June, Atlantic salmon begin their autumn spawning run from late August through the fall. September offers prime salmon fishing as fresh fish go upriver to their natal spawning grounds. Popular salmon rivers like the storied Tay, Dee, and Tweed in the east see the first big runs of the season. Fly fishing and spinning with flies, spoons, and spinners can all produce violent takes from these determined fish. Key techniques include swinging streamers on sinking lines, casting hitched tube flies, or ripping plugs through rapids. With Salmon fishing being such a storied part of Scotland’s heritage, the autumn salmon runs provide the chance to feel a powerful connection with the past.

Trout

Trout also become more active with September’s drop in water temperatures. In upland reservoirs, lochs and feeder streams, hungry brown trout will be looking to fatten up before winter. Dry fly fishing with mayfly patterns can tempt fish to the surface on warmer afternoons. Nymphing with beadhead nymphs or trolling minnow-imitating lures are also go-to for September trout. For an adventurous fishing challenge, target wild brown trout in lonely hill lochs reached only by hike or pony trek.

Sea Trout

Running up coastal streams and rivers to spawn, the hard-fighting sea trout provide another autumn fishing prize. Late August and September is a peak time for sea trout migration from their ocean feeding grounds into natal rivers. Try fishing at the mouth of rivers or upstream at dusk, when sea trout are most active. Flick small spoons, spinners, and wet flies to imitate the baitfish they feed on. Hook just one of these silver bullets in foaming rapids, and you’ll see why sea trout have such a devoted following.

Pike

Pike are ambush predators ideally suited for exciting autumn sport fishing. As temperatures cool, pike becomes more active, voraciously feeding up before winter. Focus on slack water areas between river currents, fish reservoirs and canal networks. Casting large plugs, spinnerbaits, or dead baits around weed beds and structures can tempt these toothy fish. Not only do pike provide heart-racing strikes, but they also make for great table fare. Pike are also prolific breeders, so harvesting a few helps maintain ecological balance.

In addition to prime rivers, hill lochs and reservoirs, don’t overlook Scotland’s historic Stillwater fisheries. Places like the Lake of Menteith near the Trossachs and Linlithgow Loch have been managed for quality fishing since medieval times. These waters offer the chance to reflect on the ancient traditions of the pastime while wetting a line yourself.

Autumn Shooting Opportunities

September also sees the opening of shooting seasons for some of Scotland’s most prized game birds and deer. Donning the tweed and braving the autumn elements to hunt wild, free-ranging animals connects the shooter with a deep heritage. Some of the highlights include:

Grouse

The red grouse shooting season opens on August 12th – the famous Glorious 12th – making September an excellent month to bag these challenging game birds on moors and uplands. Strong flyers in open terrain, grouse require steady shooting and an adept gundog to retrieve fallen birds. For many, the true thrill of grouse shooting comes from watching a seasoned gundog lock into a point, signalling birds ahead. Nothing else quite matches seeing the explosive flush of grouse from the heather. Grouse are typically cooked quickly, roasted or pan-fried to medium rare to preserve their delicate flavour.

Partridge

Partridge also becomes fair game from August 12th, and September is a prime month for covey shooting over pointers and retrievers. The classic partridge hunt sees guns spaced across a field, with dogs located coveys, then flushing the birds to fly over the guns. Flocks will try to flank the line, allowing for crossing shots. Partridge roost in the ground, so a good nose from the dog is crucial. Look for Grey and Redleg partridge in the Lowlands and Ptarmigan on higher rocky ground. Roasted partridge makes for sublime eating – tender and tasty.

Deer

Across Scotland’s dramatic Highland landscape, the red deer stalking season also begins in September. Selective culling of stags and hinds maintains a balanced population. Spotting deer at dawn or dusk grazing on open hillsides begins the hunt, followed by a stealthy stalk within shooting range. Judging trophy stags takes considerable field experience. Stalking requires zen-like patience and iron composure to take the critical shot. Venison from a mature stag is lean, flavourful, organic, free-range meat.

Geese

September also sees ducks, geese and waders pass through Scotland on migration to and from their arctic breeding grounds. Early mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities to intercept flocks coming to feed. Set up in natural corridors like river valleys and shorelines. Pass shooting requires swift target selection and snap shooting as birds fly over rapidly. Favourites like greylag geese pair well with stuffing and apple sauce at the dinner table.

Throughout the month, estates and hunting lodges across Scotland host driven game shoots for pheasant, grouse and partridge. Here, beaters walk through cover, flushing birds for guns, waiting at pegs. Time-honoured shooting etiquette prevails at these refined hunts. Formal game lunches ultimately cap off an autumn day afield.

Obtaining necessary licences and permission for hunting access is a must. But for those keen on traditional field pursuits, September offers a sportsman’s paradise.

Notable Country Sport Events

Beyond regular hunting and fishing, Scotland hosts some of the premier annual country sports events attended by enthusiasts across Britain and beyond. Make sure you check out the dates of the next event and put it in. your calendar:

The CLA Game Fair

Held annually since 1958, the CLA Game Fair takes place over three days at Scone Palace, Perthshire. With exhibitors, competitions and demonstrations covering field sports, falconry, gundogs and much more, it’s an unmissable event for the country sports community. Watch gundog handling tests, shop the latest outdoor gear, or enjoy fare from the game cookery theatre.

Blair Castle International Horse Trials

The Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair, set in scenic Perthshire, has run since 1966. This prestigious 3-day equestrian event draws top competitors in cross-country jumping, dressage and show jumping. Equine enthusiasts relish the spectacle of skilled riders guiding finely trained horses over varied terrain and obstacles.

The Glenlivet Estate Gundog Trials

Nestled in the heart of scenic Speyside, the Glenlivet Estate has hosted prestigious annual gundog trials since 1937. Top gundogs and handlers compete over three days on the moorland grounds at this event. Tests include retrieving and pointing, with awards for winners. Spectators can marvel at the focus and training required by field trial champion dogs.

Scottish Game Fair

Organised by the Game Conservancy Scottish Trust, the sprawling Scottish Game Fair is a must for hunting enthusiasts. Held in Scone Palace, this family-friendly event has exhibitions, competitions, living history encampments and more related to country sports. Everything from fly tying to archery and re-enactments to gun dog agility can be found here.

Scone Game Fair

The Scone Game Fair on the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Lowland HQ wraps up the game fair season. With two exciting days with gundog scurries, air rifle ranges, falconry demos, venison tastings, and a parade of hounds from Scotland’s top kennels. Family fun for all things field sports.

Whether competing or spectating, these lively events let country sports aficionados congregate to celebrate their shared passions. Lasting connections and future excursions are made.

Country Pursuits at Their Finest

As this overview shows, September provides many options for enjoying field sports amidst Scotland’s fall scenery. From world-class salmon fishing to grouse shooting on the moors deer stalking in the glens to foraging wild blackberries, ample adventures await. For the country sports enthusiast, September is the prime time to don the tweed jacket, lace up the boots and make the most of nature’s harvest.

Remember to obtain any necessary permits, follow good conduct around the quarry, and respect this shared natural heritage. Country sports rely on informed stewardship of ecosystems, animals, and the environment. But practised sustainably, Scotland’s landscapes offer endless open-air enjoyment. September is the perfect month to experience the finest field pursuits – making memories to last a lifetime.

So, as another summer wanes, get out and breathe in the autumn air. Listen to the cries of hounds echo across the hills, feel the tug of a salmon on the line, roam through stands of ripening hazel. This is Scotland at its finest. We invite you to join us in celebrating all the country delights this new season holds.