Orkney Islands fishing forecast
Orkney Islands is a saltwater fishing spot in Orkney, United Kingdom. Anglers here target Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Halibut, Pollock, Saithe. The most productive months are typically May, June, July, August, September.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 13.0 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 20 km/h from NW |
| Wave height | 0.7 m at 6 s |
| Current | 0.03 m/s toward NW |
| Pressure | 1026 hPa |
| Depth | 4 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands currently scores 93 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 13.0 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Orkney Islands:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
What you can catch
-
Gadus morhua
-
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
-
Pollachius pollachius
-
Pollachius virens
Best months by species at Orkney Islands
| Atlantic CodGadus morhua | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic HalibutHippoglossus hippoglossus | ||||||||||||
| PollockPollachius pollachius | ||||||||||||
| SaithePollachius virens |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Cod | 5/day | min 35 cm | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents No licence required for recreational sea fishing from shore or boat in England and Wales. Scottish sea fishing similarly does not require an individual licence., non-residents No licence required.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. UK rules vary by area (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). Always verify with MMO at gov.uk and Marine Scotland before fishing.
Check Orkney Islands before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 282 km of Orkney Islands.
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Loch Ness Scotland
Shetland Banks
Scottish West Coast
Outer Hebrides
River Tay Scotland
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Orkney Islands?
Anglers at Orkney Islands target Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Halibut, Pollock and Saithe.
When is the best time to fish Orkney Islands?
The most productive months at Orkney Islands are typically May, June, July, August, September.
What is the fishing forecast for Orkney Islands right now?
Orkney Islands currently scores 93 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Orkney Islands?
Fishing at Orkney Islands follows the local rules for Orkney, United Kingdom. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Pacific Halibut: The Barn Door of the North PacificHow to Read Tides for FishingHow to Read a Fishing Forecast
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.