Angling...

Argyll - Steeped in a bloody history of days past, of ghosts and castles long since crumbled.

Argyll not only boasts the historic and romantic but is set against a background of snow capped mountains. For in the wild places and hidden glens where the Golden eagle, buzzard and red deer freely roam, the brown trout rise freely.

There are a myriad of small hill lochs throughout the expanse of Argyll and most hold free rising 'brownies', typically half a pound upwards. Small wild hard fighting fish that pound for pound will not disappoint on light tackle. Heavier fish are to be found in some of the larger waters.

Loch Awe, probably best known for it's prolific pike fishing, has a head of brown trout in the 3lb plus bracket plus a multitude of escapee Rainbow trout. Ferox and char are to be found lying in the deeper water accessible by boat. In recent years a 31lb record brown trout was caught in loch Awe smashing the previous record. Shoals of perch, reaching 2lb, and smaller roach congregate in the reedy margins. The bottom of the loch changes drastically from bay to bay - stony, shallow, deep mud and sand - as too does depth so be aware off sharp drop offs!

Fed by the River Orchy and drained by the river Awe the loch is rarely if ever short of water, it's regular level maintained and controlled by the barrage. Both rivers hold salmon, which must pass through the loch. Private fishing for salmon is the norm, but day tickets are often available so do ask for any available days. Prices range from the reasonable to very expensive if you want to fish the better fly-only beats. A word of warning! Loch Awe is 24 miles long and is narrow. Wind and wave blow up from nowhere without warning and the loch can become extremely dangerous to navigate. Be prepared on your guard and safe.

South Argyll Lochgilphead and Campbeltown regions have reasonable salmon and sea trout fishing in the rivers; add Carradale and Conieglen. Classed as ‘spate rivers’, success is reliant on rain to swell the rivers when experiencing runs of fresh sea trout and salmon. Catch the conditions right and you are almost guaranteed a memorable day.

The Isles

The inner Hebridean Isles are accessible by ferry from Oban. The Isle of Mull being largest and offering fishing for all tastes. Salmon, sea trout and free rising brown trout cruise the abundant clear freshwater lochs that dot the landscape. Salmon and sea trout are to be found in the rivers; Loch and river Ba, Forsa, Aros, Bellart and Colladoir - all are easily accessible with the exception of the Colladoir. From the roadside the lower reaches downstream to the sea pool and below the Pennyghael bridge are easily negotiated. Upstream of the Brigadiers pool the going is rough underfoot and not accessible from the roadm so only recommended for the fit and hardy. However there are several named pools in the lower beat that fish extremely well. True ‘spate rivers’ again, relying on the rains to swell the river and bring fish in. Fishing methods are variable most waters enforce a fly-only policy. Fishing spate rivers on the rising flood is simply deadly be it fly or bait fishing, resting fish are always willing to oblige. No need to walk the river in search of action they come to you. But ensure you find some local knowledge and fish the resting pools. Brown trout are abundant in the hill lochs for those anglers who want to get off the beaten path and like to fish light. There is unlimited choice for the roving angler.

Mull is also home to the Mishnish Lochs, a chain of three inter-connecting lochs which are stocked annually by the local angling club. Fished from the bank or boat these 'brownies' are fit hard fighters showing no signs of their breeding and range from a few ounces to 3lb plus.

Loch Frisa is a huge expanse of water home to free rising 'highland style' brownies - beautifully marked bars of gold and red. Their pink flesh also makes a tasty snack BBQ'd over an open fire at lunchtime. Sea trout and salmon run into the loch from the river Aros but can be difficult to find - but not impossible! Up at the Dervaig end of the loch trout to 3lbs plus are regularly taken. Bank or boat Frisa is always obliging.

Contributor

John Lindsay

(Oban)
j-lindsay@live.co.uk
http://www.aghilliestale.com

Useful Information

 

Fishing-Argyll

http://www.fishing-argyll.co.uk
Fishing-Argyll is run in our spare time and or aim is to help you make the most of your fishing trips in the area, be it sea or freshwater...

Tackle, Bait Shops & Dealers

Alexandria - K O'Brien

K O'Brien - 225 Bank Street, Alexandria G83 0UJ - 01389 752037‎

Dunoon - I C Purdie

112, Argyll Street, Dunoon PA23 7NE - 01369-703232 - Fishing & angling equipment & outdoor clothing suppliers

Helensburgh - Lochside Bait & Tackle

112a East Princes Street, Helensburgh G84 7DQ - 01436-677796

Helensburgh - Tickers Tackle (Danny's Den)

Tickers Tackle - 93 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh G84 7PJ - 01436 675044‎

Lochgilphead - Fyne Tackle

http://www.fynetackle.com
Fynetackle - 2 Colchester Square, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8LH - 01546 606878 - We are a UK based family run tackle shop offering anglers a massive selection of the very best fishing tackle and fishing equipment at very competitive prices. We aim to give our customers the best possible service available. Shop in confidence on our secure website which accepts all major credit/debit cards and PayPal...

Oban - David Graham Cycle & Tackle Shop

11/15 Combie Street, Oban, Argyll PA34 4HN - 07802 188963

Oban - The Anglers Corner

http://www.anglerscorneroban.co.uk
112 George Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NT, Tel/Fax: 01631 566374 - We stock a wide range of Sea, Fly & Coarse Fishing equipment, Tackle & Accessories, Fishing Permits and of course Bait to name only few...

Rothesay - Bute Angling & Outdoor Centre

Bute Angling & Outdoor Centre - 9 Albert Place, Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9AG - 01700 503 670‎

Rothesay - Fishing Tackle

6 Deanhood Place, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute PA20 0AS - 01700-505062

Rothesay - Lochfad Fisheries Ltd

Information
Lochly, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute PA20 9PA - 01700 504 871‎

Fisheries, Lakes & Rivers

Bishop's Glen

Satellite View
Fly fishing for Rainbow Trout all year round. Permits can be obtained from the address above: Bishop's Glen - Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon - 01369 703232

Crinan Canal

Listing
Satellite View
The canal is excellent for fly fishing, with good trout to be caught and even a run of salmon. No licence is required. The resevoirs that feed the canal can also be fished, some are stocked and others have wild fish...

Glencruitten Fishery

Satellite View
01631 566374

Greenan Loch

Satellite View
Fish for Common Carp, Crucian Carp Tench Bream & Roach all year round. Permits can be obtained through Isle of Bute Angling Association for details - see their website in the Clubs section: http://isleofbuteanglingassociation.webs.com

Inverawe Lochs Fishery

Fishery
Satellite View
We have four lochs and each has it’s own character and appeal. All of the lochs are within easy walking distance. The lochs are stocked frequently with prime rainbow trout. Hard fighting, good eating fish. Your permit will be valid for any loch except the beginner’s Loch...

Loch Ascog

Satellite View
Fish for Pike and Perch all year round, permits need to be obtained first at £6... now with a massive stock of top quality roach! Contact Isle of Bute Angling Association for details - see their website in the Clubs section: http://isleofbuteanglingassociation.webs.com

Loch Awe

Fishery
Satellite View
Loch Awe has always been famous for its wild brown trout, having broken the British rod-caught record four times over the last decade. It is, however, its reputation for good mixed bags of 8oz - 3lb trout that still attracts the majority of anglers. Whether novice or purist, young or old, Loch Awe has a great deal to offer both game and coarse fishermen...

Loch Eck

Satellite View
Fish for Salmon, Brown Trout & Powan all year round. Permits can be obtained from: Whistlefield Inn, Loch Eck, Nr Dunoon - 01369 860440

Loch Fad

Information
Satellite View
Rainbow & Brown Trout. Fly fishing: 1st March - 22nd December, Bait, spinning: 15th March - 6th October. Permits can be obtained from: Bailiffs Hut, Loch Fad, Isle of Bute - 01700 504871

Loch Loskin

Fish for Brown Trout from 1st April - 30th September. Permits can be obtained from: Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon - 01369 703232

Loch Quien

Information
Satellite View
Fish for Brown Trout from 1st March - 15th October. Permits can be obtained from: Bute Estate Office - 01700 502627

Loch Tarsan

Satellite View
Fish for Brown Trout from 1st April - 30th September. Permits can be obtained from: Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon - 01369 703232

Melfort Trout Fishery

Satellite View
07749 848542

River Cur

Satellite View;
Fish for Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout from 1st April - 31st October. Permits can be obtained from: Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon - 01369 703232

River Finart

Satellite View
Fish for Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout from 1st April - 31st October. Permits can be obtained from: Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon - 01369 703232

River Goil

Satellite View
Fish for Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout from March to October. Permits can be obtained from: Shorehouse Inn, Lochgoilhead - 01301 703340

River Massan

Satellite View
River Massan joins the River Eachaig shortly before the waters flow into the Holy Loch. Fish for Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout from 1st April - 31st October. Permits can be obtained from: Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon- 01369 703232

River Ruel

Satellite View
Fish for Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout from 1st March - 15th October. Permits can be obtained from: Purdies of Argyll, 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon - 01369 703232

Clubs, Societies & Associations

Carradale Angling Club

Information
21 Tormhor, Carradale, Argyll, PA28 6SD

Dalmally Angling Club

Glenview, Dalmally, Argyll

Dunoon and District Angling Club

http://www.dunoonanddistrictanglingclub.co.uk
Welcome to the home of Dunoon and District Angling Club (DDAC). If you are interested in game fishing in Cowal, you have come to the right place...

Gareloch & Loch Long Civil Service Angling Club

G Watt, 5 St. Modans Way, Rosneath G84 0SQ 01436 831549

Isle of Bute Angling Association

http://isleofbuteanglingassociation.webs.com
Welcome to the website of the Isle of Bute Angling Association. We hope you will find all the information you need regarding the Association and its waters in these pages and hope that you enjoy fishing our waters and your stay on the beautiful Isle of Bute...

Kintyre Angling Club

Kintyre Angling Club 32;Shore Street, Campbeltown, Argyll

Kyles of Bute Angling Club

Allt Beag, Tighnabruaich, Argyll, PA21 2BE

Lochgilphead and District Angling Club

23 High Bank Park, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8NL

Oban & Lorn Angling Club

http://www.obanandlorn-anglingclub.co.uk
Secretary - Ritchie Robb 07802 188963 email olac@ymail.com

Port Ellen Angling Club

http://www.portellenanglingclub.co.uk/
Fishing reports etc from across the isaland...

Other Places to Stay

The Shore House Inn - Lochgoilhead

http://www.theshorehouse.net
Situated within Loch Lomond and the Trossach National Park and the Argyll Forest Park, Lochgoilhead is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful west coast. It's off the beaten track yet easily accessible; just 90 minutes from Glasgow centre or Oban...

Angling Courses & Tuition

Fishing Scotland

http://www.fishing-scotland.co.uk
Private "Learn Fly Fishing" Trips (no experiance required) for individuals, families (youngsters at least 8yrs), small groups, clubs & team building programs. Guided/Coaching Excursions for experienced Fly Fishers for wild brown trout and Wild Atlantic Salmon on private waters within private estates...

Inverawe Fishing School

School
Everyone from seven years upwards is welcome to take a lesson to the wonderful sport of fly fishing and for those who want to get more deeply into it, we can offer a complete trout fly fishing course covering many areas including safety, tackle, roll casting, overhead casting, single hauling, double hauling, entomology, fishing tactics, environment and laws...

Sea Fishing Sites

Oban Sea Fishing

http://www.obanseafishing.com
Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1PZ - 07793 120958 - john.keggie1@btinternet.com

Charter Boats

Ardnamurchan - Ardnamurchan Charters

http://www.west-scotland-marine.com/Charter.html
Ardnamurchan Charters are situated in Glenborrodale on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the West Coast of Scotland...

Ardrishaig - Keltic Lady

Information
Kenny Thompson - 01546 606512

Loch Etive - Loch Etive Fishing Club Boat Hire

http://www.sea-fishing-loch-etive.co.uk
Welcome to Loch Etive Boat Hire in Taynuilt, near Oban on the West coast of Scotland. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable days fishing or sight seeing, Loch Etive Boat Hire will endeavour to cater for all your needs...

Loch Riddon - Black Pearl Charter

http://www.blackpearlcharters.co.uk
Black Pearl is based on the Cowal Peninsula in Loch Riddon, a sea loch leading into the Kyles of Bute from the north. Cowal may be geographically close to Glasgow, but its deeply indented coastline penetrated by many sea lochs remains relatively unexplored...

Oban - Donald Maclean

http://www.achuil.plus.com
Skate and Sea Fishing, Angling Trips and Boat Hire - Achuil, Barcaldine, Oban PA37 1SG - 01631 720414 - enquiries@skatefishingoban.co.uk - Donald MacLean was born and brought up in Oban. He has been fishing for 35 years and has 17 years experience of taking angling trips. He has a Coastal Skippers Certificate and a detailed knowledge of local waters...

Oban - Firth of Lorn Charter

http://www.firthoflorn.co.uk/charters.html
The MV Creagallan departs from Oban the gateway to the Islands. Then we steam to the stretch of water outside Oban bay known as the Firth of Lorn, which has a good record for catching; SKATE, CONGER EELS, SPUR DOG, LING, POLLOCK AND MACKEREL...

Oban - Gannet Charters

http://www.tsmvgannet.co.uk
Welcome to Gannet day charters from Oban in Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland. We welcome parties of up to 10 anglers for general sea angling charter on an all-inclusive basis - all rods, reels, lines, lures, lead, hooks, traces and bait are prided on board...

Oban - Laura Dawn

Information
Ronnie Campbell - 01631 750213

Oban - Miss Claudia

http://charterboats-uk.co.uk/missclaudia/
Donald MacLean was born and brought up in Oban. He has been fishing for 35 years and has 17 years experience of taking angling trips. He has a Coastal Skippers Certificate and a detailed knowledge of local waters...

Oban - Oberon

http://www.obanseafishing.com
Oberon is a fast purpose built 43 foot Aquastar and has comfort, speed, functionality and above all safety. She is coded to MCA standard area 2 for up to 60 miles offshore. From our home base at Dunstaffnage marina you have easy access to many excellent fishing areas and the west coast of Scotland. You can catch the Pollack and wrasse that inhabit the inshore reefs to the Giant Skate that hunt the hunt the deep waters around the isle of Mull...

Oban - Porpoise

Information
David Ainsley - 01852 300203

Southend - Hermitage

Information
James Rutherford - 07786866881

Southend - Nitricia

Information
Brian Allen - 07711 846060

Tarbert - Loch Fyne Services

http://www.lochfyne.co.uk
Based in Argyll, Scotland, partners Barry and Vivienne Meredith have many years boating experience between them, involving both power and sail. They have also run a successful marine survey business...

Taynuilt - Loch Etive Fishing Club Boat Hire

http://www.sea-fishing-loch-etive.co.uk
Welcome to Loch Etive Boat Hire in Taynuilt, near Oban on the West coast of Scotland. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable days fishing or sight seeing, Loch Etive Boat Hire will endeavour to cater for all your needs...

Fishing Outfitters, Holidays & Breaks

Inverawe Fisheries

http://www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk
Welcome to Inverawe Fisheries which is part of Inverawe Smokehouses, purveyers of fine smoked salmon, smoked trout and other high quality foods established in 1974. The lochs are stocked daily with prime hardfighting fish to give a good days sport for everyone. While the mile and a half of the River Awe provides some excellent if not challenging Salmon and Sea Trout fishing...

Other Links

Fishing in Argyll

http://www.fynetackle.com/argyll_fishing.htm
Mid Argyll offers a massive range of different types of fishing, whether you’re a freshwater or saltwater angler you will never be bored...

Fishing in Argyll & Bute

http://toadholidays.co.uk/html/fishing.html
Loch Fyne is renowned for it’s sea fishing. Many anglers fish from the pier at Inveraray but there is also a jetty in Furnace just down from the cottage where you can fish for mackerel. cod and other species...

Fishing-Argyll

http://www.fishing-argyll.co.uk
Fishing-Argyll is run in our spare time and or aim is to help you make the most of your fishing trips in the area, be it sea or freshwater. On the site you'll find information on lochs in the Argyll area, sea fishing marks, up to date fishing reports and tips on what's catching fish and where...

Personal Fishing Guides

Argyll Fishing

Guiding
I will supply all the equipment for a full days fishing, this will include but not limited to, Hardy's fishing rods, reels top quality lines, flies landing nets, life jackets, waders...