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The Rod & Gun Shop |
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Fort William |
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Introduction
Welcome to fishing in Fort William. If you are a visitor to the area we would like to wish you ‘tight lines’ during your stay and hope that you enjoy some excellent fishing in some of the most picturesque countryside in the Highlands of Scotland. We have made every effort to ensure that this guide to fishing will provide clear and informative details on the fishing that is available as well as information on where to go for permits, boat hire and tackle hire. All details are as accurate as we can make them at the time of printing and we cannot accept any liability for loss or inconvenience caused by any changes made without our knowledge.
Seasons of Fishing
The season for brown trout fishing is from 15th March to 6th October. Salmon and sea trout fishing seasons vary and depend on the location and permit restrictions so please check with the relevant issuer. There is no closed season for pike fishing in lochs or on rainbow trout in stocked lochs or fisheries. There is no closed season for fishing in sea lochs (lochs which open to the sea) for species of sea fish only but not including migratory fish such as salmon and sea trout.
Fishing and the Law
(Information extracted from the Lochaber District Salmon Fishery Board advisory leaflet) You are breaking the law at present if you: a. Fish with more that one rod at a time. b. Leave any rod unattended with baited hook in the water (this is known as a “set line” and is illegal in Scotland. c. Obstruct or misinform a water bailiff. d. Sell rod-caught salmon or sea trout. e. Disturb or injure spawning redds or fry or spawn (salmon). f. Fish for salmon or sea trout without legal right or written permission – even in the sea up to 1.5km from the shore. g. Fish for or take salmon or sea trout on a Sunday – even in the sea. Use illegal monofilament or gill nets to take salmon or sea trout. If you break these laws you may have your equipment, boats and/or vehicles confiscated and you risk prosecution.
If in any doubt or if you require any more assistance with information please contact the Fisheries Director on 01631 720100 or 07748 444355.
Water Bailiffs
In Scotland there are Water Bailiffs. These bailiffs are members of the public who are issued with warrant cards by the local Fisheries Board. They have the authority to check persons who appear to be fishing illegally, fishing out of season or who may be infringing fishing rights and they have powers to report any such person to the Procurator Fiscal. In general it is best to take note of friendly advice given by bailiffs and if you are asked to leave an area of fishing for a valid reason then it is best to do so. However, if you feel that you have been unfairly treated or have any reason to complain about any water bailiff then please contact the Director of the Fisheries Board. Email: jon@riverlochy.fsnet.co.uk
River Nevis
Salmon, Sea Trout
The River Nevis is a spate river which flows for about 7 miles through Glen Nevis and exits at Loch Linnhe. It is the main river fishing in the town for day permits and fishing is with worm or flies only. Since a catch and release policy is in force, all salmon and sea trout must be returned to the water alive. The fishing for salmon and sea trout is in the river below the lower falls at Achriabhach and there are no brown trout to be found in that part of the river. Since salmon cannot run beyond the waterfall there is no permit required to fish for the trout above the falls and fishing in the small pools in the upper part of the river is free. Although the trout are smaller in size some fun with light fly tackle can be had there but care should be taken as the area is very rocky and the bank in some places is quite steep. Day permits and more information available from: The Rod & Gun Shop, Fort William. Tel. 01397 702656 or at the shop in Glen Nevis campsite, Tel. 01397 702191.
River Oich (Aberchalder)
Salmon, Brown Trout. Day permits available.
The upper stretch of the River Oich from Bridge of Oich for about 2.5 miles down river. This stretch of the River Oich has recently produced some good spring Salmon. The permit also covers Brown Trout fishing on Loch Oich. Permits available from: Miss Ellice, Taigh-an-Lianach, Aberchalder, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 501287. The Estate Assistant. Tel. 01809 501373
River Oich (Glendoe)
Salmon.
Lower stretch of the River Oich including the mouth at Fort Augustus. Famous for good spring runs of large Salmon. Approximately 3.5 miles with many named pools of which a few can be fished with fly although it is really regarded as a mainly spinning stretch of the river. Usually booked in advance but some day fishing may now be available at short notice. Permits and bookings from: George Watson, Glendoe Estate. Tel. 01320 366234.
Strontian Angling Club Water
Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout.
Good value spate river Salmon fishing on the River Strontian and River Polloch. Day or weekly permits available. Permits from: Strontian Village Post Office or Store.
River Moriston
Salmon, Brown Trout.
Very good Salmon fishing on this river which feeds into Loch Ness. Day tickets are available but pre-booking is advisable as most dates are booked well in advance. Fly fishing and spinning permitted. Permits from: Glenmoriston Lodge Estate. Tel. 01320 351300.
Upper River Garry
Salmon, Brown Trout.
Fishing on the upper River Garry for Salmon and Sea Trout as well as some excellent Brown Trout. Normally reserved for hotel guests only but day permits may be available. Permits from: Tomdoun Hotel, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 511218. Fish Morvern – River Aline, Loch Arienas
Experienced guide/ghillie, fly fishing instruction, casting instruction, tackle hire, hill loch expeditions, sea fishing trips. River Aline, Loch Arienas and Doire na Marst as well as 15 hill lochs. Contact: Jim Bolton on 07743894199. Website: www.fishmorvern.co.uk.
Rivers Closed to Day Fishing
The following rivers in the area are not open to day permit fishing: River Spean, River Roy, River Garry, River Lochy. The River Lochy is very exclusive fishing on a weekly basis only and no longer offers any day permit fishing. The town beat (the tail race) and the Sluggan beat at the Lochy Caravan Park are only available to local angling clubs. We have no contact phone number for the River Lochy fishing and cannot supply any information regarding bookings or restrictions. Any enquiries should be directed to the River Lochy Association.
Trout Fishing in Rivers
This is a brief guide only and any more information should be obtained from the Director of the Fisheries Board. Email: jon@riverlochy.fsnet.co.uk
In this area most rivers are spate rivers and do not contain any significant numbers of brown trout. Good brown trout can be found in some larger rivers like the Lochy but there is no such thing as a trout permit available on any river in this area. The law regarding trout in rivers can be confusing and is different to that which protects migratory fish. Technically no-one ‘owns’ wild brown trout in Scotland. A person can own land that contains a loch or river but they have no rights over the wild brown trout which effectively belong to whoever takes them out. An exception is the case of artificially stocked waters where the fish are the property of the owners who put them there and removing them would be theft. A landowner can only request someone who is trout fishing to leave the river bank unless they have damaged property gaining access and they would have to obtain an interim interdict from a sheriff to use force. Only light tackle can be used for trout on rivers such as a trout fly rod and a light leader to the flies so that there can be no interpretation that you are fishing for salmon.
Deeply-embedded single hooks can be safely removed by the loch side. The technique is simple, effective and painless. Loop a length of fishing line, or string, round the shank of the fly, just above where the point has entered the flesh. Press down, hard on the eye of the fly, and, while doing so, jerk the loop back and slightly up and away from the angle of the hook’s entry. The fly pops out without leaving a mark. A.B.M.L. 17/2/03
Loch Lochy
Brown Trout, Ferox Trout, Rainbow Trout, Pike.
About 12 miles north of Fort William on A82. There is no permit required for fishing on Loch Lochy. Traditionally a good loch for wild Brown Trout but escaped Rainbow Trout can also be found in the loch as well as good sized Pike. Any legal method of fishing is allowed but spinning is favoured from the shore while fly fishing is better from the boat. Trolling from the boat is most successful for large Brown Trout and Ferox Trout up to 20lb in weight. Boats are available for hire. Tel: 01397 712257.
Loch Arkaig
Brown Trout, Ferox Trout, Char, Pike.
About 15 miles from Fort William on the B8004/5. Loch Arkaig provides excellent Brown Trout fishing especially with the fly and is also one of Scotland’s premier lochs for large Ferox Trout and Char which are regularly caught trolling. Some decent sized pike can also be found especially at the top end of the loch. All legal methods of fishing allowed but no live minnows permitted. Fishing is by permit only for day, week or season. There are no boats available for hire but a permit for launching own boat can be obtained. The permit also covers fishing on Loch Blair, a hill loch above Loch Arkaig. Permits can be obtained at a permit box located at the forestry houses at Clunes, Achnacarry or are available from: Rod & Gun Shop, 18 High Street, Fort William. Tel. 01397 702656. Bidwells Property Consultants. Tel. 01397 702433.
Loch Lundavra
Brown Trout.
About 6 miles from Fort William Loch Lundavra is a hill loch which provides excellent natural wild Brown Trout fishing. Fish are on average 1/2 to 3/4lb in weight and are plentiful in number. This loch is very picturesque and easily accessible making it ideal for less able persons and beginners. The permit for fishing is obtained from the farmhouse beside the loch. Permits and boats from: Mrs MacCallum, Lundavra Farm. Tel. 01397 702582
Loch Treig
Brown Trout, Pike.
Off the A86 to Laggan Loch Treig is fairly remote and accessible only by a single track road which ends about 1/4 mile before the dam at the north end. There are no boats and no boat launching facilities. The southern end of the loch, which provides better fishing, can be accessed by foot from Corrour railway station as can Loch Ossian.
Laggan Dam
Fishing for brown trout and pike on the old river spean above Laggan Dam when the water is low enough to be accessible. Permits from: Ian MacLachlan, Roy Bridge Hotel. Tel. 01397 712236
Loch Cluanie
Brown Trout, Ferox, Pike.
Bank fishing only, no boats available. Permits from: Glenmoriston Estate Office. Tel. 01320 357300.
Loch Poulary
Brown Trout.
Very good Brown Trout fishing by fly only. Boat fishing only. Smaller fish on average as can be expected from a typical hill loch. Permits from: Tomdoun Hotel, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 511218.
Loch Quoich
Brown Trout, Char, Ferox.
Boat fishing only, no shore fishing allowed. Trolling with lures is allowed and is very successful for larger trout and specimen Ferox. Boats and permits from: Tomdoun Hotel, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 511218.
Loch Garry
Brown Trout, Char, Ferox, Pike.
A very good loch for larger fish especially by trolling but also with the fly. Boat fishing only. Boats and permits from: Tomdoun Hotel, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 511218. Ardochy Lodge. Tel. 01809 511232
Loch Inchlaggan
Brown Trout, Char, Ferox.
Also the possibility of the occasional Salmon. This loch is fly fishing only and boat fishing only. Permits from: Tomdoun Hotel, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 511218.
Loch Loyne
Pike, Brown Trout.
Mainly Pike fishing on this loch but there are still some Brown Trout to be found. Loch Loyne is highly regarded by Pike fishers but care should be taken around the bank due to the soft peaty nature of the shore. Permits from: Glenmoriston Estate Office. Tel. 01320 357300. Tomdoun Hotel, Invergarry. Tel. 01809 511218
Loch Oich and Loch Lundie
Brown Trout.
Bank fishing only at the northern end of the loch from the mouth of the River Garry up and fishing on Loch Lundie which is a hill loch above Invergarry. Permits from: Miss Elice, Taigh-an-Lianach, Aberchalder. Tel. 01809 501287. Estate Assistant. Tel. 01809 501373.
Glenmoriston Hill Lochs
Brown Trout.
Excellent fly fishing on a multitude of 21 small hill lochs above Glen Moriston which are easily accessed.. Permits from: Glenmoriston Lodge Estate. Tel. 01320 351300.
Loch Morar
Brown Trout, Salmon, Sea Trout, Ferox, Char.
Impressive loch (the deepest in Britain) which currently provides great Brown Trout fishing. Occasional Salmon and Sea Trout can be expected. This is mainly a boat fishing loch and permit only. Permits from: Mr. V. De Fresnes. Tel. 01687 462388. Boats available from: Loch Morar Boat Hire. Tel. 01687 462520. Morar Hotel. Tel. 01687 462346.
Moidart Hill Lochs
Brown Trout.
Excellent Brown Trout fishing on 30 lochs in the Moidart hills. Most of these lochs hold numbers of fish. For details regarding permission to fish or any permits please contact: Kinlochmoidart House. Tel. 0196 743 1609.
Ardnamurchan Peninsula Loch Mudle and Loch Mhadaidh
Brown Trout.
Wild Brown Trout fishing on two lochs, sea fishing and accompanied hill walking catered for. Appointments, accommodation and permits from: Nick Peake, ‘Sethean Mhor’ , Achnaha. Tel. 01972 510212.
Loch Shiel
Brown Trout, Salmon, Sea Trout.
Good Brown Trout fishing with occasional Salmon and Sea Trout. Loch Shiel is a boat fishing only loch allowing fly, dapping and trolling. A good loch to fish later season especially with the fly and by dapping for both Sea Trout and Brown Trout. Boats and permits from: D. MacAulay, Dalilea Farm, Acharacle. Tel. 01967 431253. Mrs Duncan, Langal Farm. Tel:01769 431229.
Loch Eilt
Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Salmon.
Once one of Europe’s finest Sea Trout lochs Loch Eilt now fishes mainly for good Brown Trout and is boat fishing only. Excellent catches can be made by dapping in the late season around August and September. Details from: Colin Clarke. Tel. 01687 470327.
Loch Ness Fishing
Fishing for Everyone on Loch Ness
Fish for Ferox, Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Salmon whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery of Loch Ness. Beginners, families and experienced anglers of all ages and abilities catered for with advice and instruction freely given. No bank fishing. Private trips last from 2 hours to all day. All tackle provided. Based in Drumnadrochit which is about 1 hour drive from Fort William. Contact: Bruce Wynne, Drumnadrochit. Tel. 01456 450279. Mobile. 07831 372229. Email. bwynne@madasafish.com.
Loch Doilet
Brown Trout.
Hill loch near above Strontian on the A861 from Lochailart. Permits from: Strontian Village Post Office or Store.
Badenoch Angling Association
Brown Trout.
Trout fishing on the River Spey, Spey Dam, Loch Laggan and Loch Ericht. Boats and permits from: Mains Hotel, Newtonmore. Tel . 01540 673206.
Inversanda Lochs
Brown Trout.
Small group of lochs 7 miles south of Ardgour on B8043 just off the A861. Typical Highland hill loch fishing for natural wild Brown Trout best fished with small flies late season. Permits and details from: Ardgour Hotel. Tel. 01855 841225.
Pike Fishing
There is excellent pike fishing to be had in the Lochaber area on the larger lochs such as Loch Lochy, Loch Arkaig, Loch Garry and Loch Oich. These lochs have all produced fish over 20lb in weight. Most fishing is from the bank with dead bait and specialist tackle but there are areas where plugs and lures can be spun especially around the reeds and shallow areas at either end of the lochs. In most cases fishing is free such as Loch Lochy but a permit is required on Loch Arkaig and is available from Bidwells, High Street, Fort William, tel. 01397 702433. Frozen bait and tackle is available from The Rod & Gun Shop, High Street, Fort William.
Sea Fishing
In recent years the fishing in the sea around the coast and in the sea lochs has improved substantially with good catches of Pollack, Cod, Mackerel, Saithe and large Skate being reported as well as large Thornbacks, Conger Eel and Wrasse. One local angler reported no less than 18 species bagged in one year. Game fish such as Sea Trout can be found, sometimes in large numbers, and can be fished for in season. In the Lochaber area most of the sea fishing will be done in the sea lochs from the shore in which case heavy tackle is not necessary. Ledgering bait is the favourite method with Mussel, Mackerel strip and Peeler Crab being very effective. When the Mackerel are shoaling spinning silver sprat type lures is the most popular method as it is for the Sea Trout but it should be noted that fishing in the mouths of rivers should be avoided since these usually come within the areas covered by Salmon rights. The best locations on Loch Linnhe are at Corpach pier, the West End Car Park and particularly at Corran Ferry where the loch narrows considerably. Supplies of frozen sea bait can be obtained at the Rod & Gun Shop.
At Loch Sunart, en route to the Ardnamurchan peninsula, excellent sea fishing can be found both from the shore and boat with very good catches being reported. Off the coast at Ardnamurchan itself large specimens of Skate and Conger Eel can be expected in fact the British record for rod caught Skate is held here as well as records for a few other species.
Ardnamurchan Charters
(Holders of the British record rod caught Skate) Sea loch and sea fishing by charter boat with skipper. Available for parties up to 12 persons, day fishing or longer trips if desired. Also, boat hire on Loch Sunart with 16’ boats plus outboard available. Details from: Ardnamurchan Charters. Tel. 01972 500208.
Mallaig – MFV Grimsay Isle CY64
30 foot traditional Scots fishing vessel skippered by Ewen Nicholson and sailing out of Mallaig. Ideal for parties and excellent sea fishing. Tel. 01687 462652.
M.V. Lady Gail Fort William
A new fishing charter boat based in Corpach basin at Fort William. Licensed for 12 people and with tackle available the skipper can take you to the best fishing available in Loch Linnhe. Skipper owner – Angus Mann. Tel. 01397 701567. Mobile. 07747 680498. Website: www.gaelcharters.co.uk
Stocked Fisheries
There are several stocked Rainbow Trout fisheries in the Lochaber area offering easilly accessable and reasonably priced fishing. For the newcomer to the art of fly fishing they present the ideal opportunity to learn the basic skills with tackle hire and even tuition available at some sites. The experienced angler will not be disappointed either with good sport to be had in these lochans (small lakes) which are mostly situated in very picturesque locations.
Torlundy Trout
Rainbow Trout
Situated 3 miles from Fort William off the A82 (turn left off main road at Camisky) Torlundy Trout provides first class Rainbow Trout fishing on 4 stocked lochans. Fly fishing only with tackle available for hire as well as instruction if required. For more details contact: Torlundy Trout, Torlundy Farm, Tomacharich, Fort William. Tel. 01397 703015.
Lochuanagan Trout Fishery
Rainbow, Blue and Brown Trout
Fly fishing for quality rainbow, blue and brown trout on natural 24 acre highland loch 1 mile west of Fort Augustus. Open Mon. - Sat. (all day). Boats provided. Bookings contact: Lochuanagan Trout Fishery (can be found off the road on the approach to Fort Augustus). Tel. 01320 366555.
Achnabobane Trout Fishery
Now stocked with brown trout
Approximately 8 miles north of Fort William on the A82 this is a new stocked fishery opening for the season of 2000. Located in a very scenic area of the Great Glen it consists of two pools stocked with good quality Rainbow Trout for fly fishing only. Tackle hire is planned to be available and permits are available for 4, 6 and 8 hour sessions. Permits and more information from: Mr A. MacGregor, Achnabobane, Tel. 01397 712565.
Hospital Lochan (Glencoe)
Rainbow Trout
Stocked with Rainbow Trout of about 3/4 lb on average fishing is from the bank with fly or spinner. Special access for wheelchair and an adapted boat are both available. Permits from: Scorry Breac Guest House, Tel. 01855 811354. Glencoe Camp Shop, Tel. 01855 811397. Tourist Information Centre, Ballachulish. Tel. 01855 811866
Highland Activities Ardverikie House
Outdoor activities for all including quad biking, 4x4 driving, clay pigeon shooting, paintball, white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, archery and more. Full on an off road scenic tour with quad bike, test your driving skills with a 4x4 on purpose built off road circuit (no driving license required) 25 or 50 bird clay shooting and the ultimate team challenge of paintball with all equipment supplied and mountain biking with fully guided and instructed trips around world championship trails. Tel. 0845 0945513 or email. adventures@highlandactivities.co.uk or go to www.highlandactivities.co.uk.
The Sea Explorer Coast and wildlife tours
Scenic and wildlife trips on Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven on the Sea Explorer. Longer trips to the Sound of Mull and also available for private charters the Sea Explorer is moored at the Isles of Glencoe marina and departs from Fort William pier for one and two hour trips. Tel. 07729 937242 or call at Fired Art Café, Fort William.
Billy Neil – Fishing Guide
A fishing guide with boat hire available and tackle provided if required. A first class service from an experienced local angler on several lochs in the Lochaber area including Loch Arkaig, Loch Lochy, Loch Morar and Loch Shiel. Tel. 01397 712476. Mobile. 07917529341 |
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Fishing Guide |