If the great outdoors, beautiful waterside scenery and a host of scaly adversaries feature in your priorities for the perfect break, a Scotland fishing holiday could be exactly what you are after.

The country is famous for its lochs and many of them are great places to go fishing. But you will also discover a selection of rivers popular with anglers keen to catch the salmon and trout that feature so prominently in Scottish cuisine.

There are excellent spots for fishermen all over the country, but there are some areas that really stand out for getaways on the water. Among them is the Cairngorms, which also has plenty of high-quality holiday cottages to choose from.

If you want to try your hand at loch fishing you will have plenty of choice here, whether you are happy to stand on the banks or would prefer to venture on to the water in a boat. The lochs of Morlich and Alvie are great spots for pike, while Insh, Vaa and Gynack are good choices for trout.

The River Spey and the River Dee both run through the Cairngorms National Park and offer superb opportunities for salmon and trout fishing. Book accommodation close to Aviemore for angling on the Spey or head for the Ballater area to catch salmon in the Dee.

When choosing your holiday cottage in Scotland it is also worth considering locations like Carbost and the Isle of Scalpay, as the fishing in the Skye region is fantastic. This is one of the most picturesque areas of Scotland and its rugged beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a range of activities, including walking, cycling and horse riding.

If your idea of the perfect day outdoors is landing salmon or trout, you are also sure to enjoy a break in Skye. The Snizort, Onse and Hinnisdale rivers have plenty of fish when conditions are right, while if you are feeling adventurous, you can book a sea angling trip.

The Skye and Lochalsh area also has plenty of lochs packed with brown trout. Crag is popular with visitors as no permit is required, while Duagrich is a great stretch of water for anyone who wishes to enjoy real peace and quiet.

Inverness is another great base for a fishing holiday, as the surrounding area has a host of rivers and lochs. You can land salmon in the Ness or Moriston rivers, or try catching pike in Loch Loyne or trout in Mullardoch.