Spinfish Where to Go Fishing for Pike in Scotland
Click a link below on Spinfish guide for places to go fishing for pike and perch in Scotland
Aberdeenshire | Argyll | Ayrshire |Borders | Clyde | Dumfries and Galloway | Fife | Isle of Bute | Inverness-shire | Loch Leven | Loch Lomond | Loch Lomond | Midlothian | Nairnshire | North Lanark | Ross and Cromarty | Stirlingshire | Perthshire | Wigtownshire
Aberdeenshire
Loch Skene
Near Dunecht outside Aberdeen has a good population of pike. The loch, an RSPB bird sanctuary, is described as highly eutrophic (due the the quantity of goose crap) so its best not to drink the water!
The loch has some trout and a lot of pike to double figures.
Permits from Dunecht Estate call 01330 860223
Google Map Reference 57.156704, -2.354432
Checked 07/09/18
St Michaels Loch
Kept this entry because I like the story about the big pike.
4 miles from Collistone on the A975 Ellon to Collistone road is a deep little loch just half a mile long and about a quarter wide where John Branch - Evans caught a fish of 44lbs 9ozs using a Woolworths fishing kit that cost him 7 shillings and six pence (37.5p, remember those kits folks?) in the early 60s when he was a lad of 16. Go to www.pikezander.co.uk for the full story. According to the O/S map there is a loch by the road called Meikle Loch and I am guessing that's it. Sadly it appears that the RSPB has take over control of the loch and it is no longer available for fishing (Thanks to Lee Ellis for that update)
Argyll and Bute
Loch Ascog
Isle of Bute AA have fishing on Loch Ascog for pike (record 33lbs) lots of perch and roach. Members only but they can take a guest. Camping out is allowed under strict rules. They have a boat for hire too. C & R only. Contact through their web site.
Google Map Ref 55.818029, -5.045623
Checked 29/06/18
Loch Awe
There are some awesome Pike in Loch Awe, the record is 35.5lbs. Here you might catch a record Pike or a record trout or char, just about everything grows big here! The loch offers good winter fishing in the weedy bays. Dead baits are good, mackeral, eel, sprats, sardines set on a wire trace with 2 or 3 trebles. Fly fishing is very popular using a standard 10 foot rod with a slow sink or sink tip line and streamer flies tied with white or yellow maribou size 6 - 8. Spinning a plug can be productive but trolling is restricted to the trout season using lures of 5" or more. Favoured marks are around Kilchum Castle, Ford and Dalavich. Contact Loch Awe Boats on 01886 833256.
Google Map Reference 56.294738, -5.230774
Checked 05/07/18
Loch Fad
A beautiful fishery of 175 acres set in an area classified as an SSSI with a plantation of Douglas Firs dating to the 1840’s. The loch is long and narrow with a maximum depth of 36 feet. There are 30 boats with 4 hp outboard motors. Fishing is fly only (except at the North End where bait and spinning is allowed from the bank). The best fishing is the south end of the loch. Stocked with rainbows from one and a quarter pounds to a whopping 18lbs.
The loch also has some magnificent pike fishing.
Day tickets available from Loch Fad Fisheries Ltd, Loch Fad, Isle of Bute, PA20 9PA, Call 01700 504871. Mobile 07712 534511
Google Map Reference 55.816652, -5.063823
Checked 06/09/18
Ayrshire
Loch Doon
Fishing for brown trout, arctic char, pike and perch on this 6 mile long loch. From what I can see there the is no charge for fishing on the loch. Always best to ask around locally just incase.
Google Map Ref 55.261348, -4.365233
Checked 09/07/18
Borders
St Mary's Loch (and Loch of Lowes)
Fishing for wild brown trout, pike, perch and eels on this Borders gem of a loch. Bank or boat fishing, they have 14ft and 16ft boats for hire at very reasonable rates. Largest trout was in 2009 weighing in at 8lbs 6ozs. Any legal method allowed, they say to use a wire trace if spinning because the chances of a pike are high.
As for pike the potential is great. Lots of good pike dead bait is allowed, fly works too, and trawling a rapala seems to work very well.
Permits are very reasonably priced kids under 12 go free and youths 12 to 16 pay £2, well done.
By preference they would like you to buy your permit from the new keeper, but if you can't do so pernits are sold at the Glen Cafe, Tibbie Sheils Inn, The Gordon Arms, Turnbulls in Galashiels, and Fishers in Penicuik. Call the keeper on 07980350031
Google Map Reference 56.089071, -4.590862
Checked 08/07/18
Clyde
8 miles of fishing for brown trout fishing, they also have within this stretch 2 salmon beats, Sligo from Newton Bridge to Battle Bridge RH bank and Crown Lease from Bothwell Bridge to Dalmarnock Bridge DD (alny legal method. no prawn). The river holds good stocks of grayling and some good pike. There are also numbers of coarse fish, barbel, perch, dace and roach. For salmon permits contact the Treasurer on 01698 889472. Brown trout, grayling, coarse fish and pike permits from:
Glasgow Angling Centre
Hooked in Scotland
Tel: 0141 778 6600
Uddingston
Annie’s Pantry
Sheepburn Road
Blantyre
The Village Store.
Blantyre Newsagents, 248 Glasgow Road Telephone 01698 823249
Mo‘s Store
60 Coatshill Avenue
Collins Newsagents, 179 Stonefield Road.
Google Map Reference 55.796467, -4.055296
Checked 02/07/18
Dumfries and Galloway
Auchenreoch Loch
Near Dumfries on the side of the A75 holds bream, perch and pike, permits from the Lochview Motel call 01556 690281. Day permits and boat hire, bring your own boat (there is a fee to launch). The A75 runs alongside the south side of the loch so access is easy.
Google Map Reference 55.025036, -3.846977
Checked 10/07/18
Carlingwark Loch
Castle Douglas. Pike, perch. No permit required. Google Map Reference 54.930471, -3.931284
Checked 10/07/18
Castle Loch
The loch has been bought by Lochmabben Community to conserve the loch for the community and visitors. There is now a wheelie boat on the loch for disabled anglers.
A mix coarse fishing including good pike, carp, bream, Scottish record tench and roach.
While local residents can fish for free (they still need a permit) day tickets are available.
Tickets from Pettigrews of Lochmabben or on line.( I also found reference to tickets from the Post office and Halleaths caravan park).
Google Map Reference 55.120317, -3.433183
Checked 07/09/18
Forest Lochs
Creebridge. perch, pike, rudd, roach, tench, call the Forest Park Office in Creebridge on 0300 067 6800.
Google Map Reference 55.123674, -4.424270
Checked 07/09/18
Garwachie Loch
Located near Newton Stewart on the B7027 this loch holds good pike to 20lb plus.
Permits from Galloway Forestry Park call 03000676800.
Google Map Ref 54.989473, -4.591466
Checked 10/07/18
Kelhead Quarry
Located near Annan this former quarry is stocked well with roach, rudd, perch, pike, bream, tench, carp call 01461 700344 for permits, 40 pegs.
Google Map Reference 55.132748, -3.190586
Checked 10/07/18
Kirk Loch
Another member of the Lochmabben trio of Castle, Mill and Kirk Lochs. Kirk loch has some big pike into the 20lb range. Fishing is free.
Google Map Ref 55.125965, -3.445990
Checked 08/09/18
Loch Bradan
A Forestry Commision water offering fishing for trout and coarse fish (roach, bream, perch, pike). Annual and day tickets from the Post Office in Staiton and Newton Stewart AA or from the the Galloway Forest Park office in Creebridge. (take a passport sized photo with you if buying an annual ticket).
Google Map Reference 55.243178, -4.482654
Checked 09/07/18
Loch Eldrig
Lots of smallish pike plus perch and roach in this loch near Newton Stewart.
Permits from the Galloway Forest Park Office call 03000676800.
Google Map Ref 54.966140, -4.575460
Checked 10/07/18
Lochs Heron and Ronald
(27 and over 100 acres respectively) near Kirkcowan on the 3 Lochs Estate, hold very good stocks of pike, perch, bream, rudd, roach and carp. The pike fishing is of a high quality with fish averaging 10 to 15lbs, the best to date being a fish of 39lbs. For further information call 01678 830304.
Google Map Reference 54.946574, -4.703565
Checked 10/07/18
Loch Ken
New Galloway AA has fishing on the river Ken, Loch Stroan and Loch Ken. River Ken; Brown trout and occasional salmon C&R applies all season) also some pike, roach and perch. Loch Ken: Brown trout, pike perch, roach, bream. Loch Stoan; Brown trout, pike and perch. Spinning and bait allowed but no maggots.
Day tickets available from New Galloway Community Shop the Post Office in New Galloway or Glenafton Store in Mossdale.
Google Map Reference 55.075833
-4.140645
Checked 02/07/18
Loch Rutton
Not far of the A75 on the Old military Road near Dumfries. Bream, roach and good pike. No permit required.
Google Map Reference 55.037966, -3.726712
Checked 10/07/18
Loch Stroan
5 miles from New Galloway is a pretty loch, attached the Black Waters of Dee,with extensive weed beds and lily pads holding Perch, Pike and Brown trout. Permits from Galloway Forest Park call 03000676800
Google Map Reference 55.010188, -4.123047
Checked 10/07/18
Monreith Loch
(Also know as White Loch of Myrton) Pike, to 20lbs+, roach and rudd. Disabled access along banks and on platforms. Permits call 01988 700248 or contact Palakona Guest house who run Craigshaw Fisheries.
Google Map Reference 54.916925, -4.639091
Checked 10/07/18
Mossdale Loch
Rainbow trout fishing on Aird Estate plus pike to over 30 pounds and perch.
Permits from McCubbing Angling in New Galloway.
Google Map Reference 55.016106, -4.102755
Checked 07/09/18
Mill Loch
Just next to the A7020 Lochmabben the Mill Loch, once a home for the vendace, holds pike, bream and other coarse fish. Fishing is free
Google Map Reference 55.134431, -3.448057
Checked 08/09/18
Spectacle Lochs
In the Penninghame Forest are run by the Forestry Commission. The lochs are; Spectacle Loch, two lochs infact holding lots of small pike, good perch some roach, rudd, and tench: Garwachie Loch, with tench, roach, rudd, pike, perch: Eldrig Loch which has some good pike up to the high teens. Permits from Glenrazie Lodge, call 01671 402404.
Google Map Reference 55.123687, -4.424260
Checked 07/09/18
Whitefield Loch
Whitefield Loch a 60 acre loch with pike and perch with some good roach. New platforms and good disabled access. Call 01581 300697
Google Map Ref 54.857512, -4.750709 (parking here close to the loch with made path and fishing platforms.)
Checked 10/07/18
Woodhall Loch
An 80 acre loch with many bays holding good stocks of pike, perch and roach. Permits from Mossdale PO, call 01644450281.
Google Map Reference 54.982423, -4.076157
Checked 10/07/18
Fife
Kinghorn Loch
Pike, some large perch, and stories of specimen roach, carp and rumours of bream being present in this fine little clear water loch on the B923 just outside Kinghorn, permits from the Ecology Centre by the loch call 01592 891567. Holidayed here many times as a lad remember a guy who fished for pike successfully with rancid bacon. Scottish Carp group have exclusive access to the north bank, there are some massive carp in the loch (30lb plus). Toilets at the Ecology centre.
Google Map Reference 56.073039, -3.192142
Checked 10/07/18
Loch Glow
6 mile north of Dunfermline in the Cleish Hills, all method fishery for rainbows, brown trout, blues and tigers with pike and perch present, run by Rosyth CSSA Angling Club.
Fishing is by any legal method, so I guess if you target pike there would be no problem except the troot might get in the way. Ticket prices are very reasonable (6 fish for £10 in 2018)
Call 0780 3839737.
Google Map Reference 56.145839, -3.468884
Checked 08/09/18
Lochgelly Loch
Pike and perch (roach), no permits required. Just off the B 9149.
Google Map Reference 56.119001, -3.287453
Isle of Bute
Loch Fad
A beautiful fishery of 175 acres set in an area classified as an SSSI with a plantation of Douglas Firs dating date to the 1840’s. The loch is long and narrow with a maximum depth of 36 feet. There are 30 boats with 4 hp outboard motors. Fishing is fly only (except at the North End where bait and spinning is allowed from the bank). The best fishing is the south end of the loch. Stocked with rainbows from one and a quarter pounds to a whopping 18lbs.
The loch also has some magnificent pike fishing.
Day tickets available from Loch Fad Fisheries Ltd, Loch Fad, Isle of Bute, PA20 9PA, Call 01700 504871. Mobile 07712 534511
Google Map Reference 55.816652, -5.063823
Checked 06/09/18
Loch Ascog
Loch Ascog an Isle of Bute AA water Ascog is pike venue with fish up to 33lbs taken but there are good perch too (up to 3lb) there is an abundance of roach up to 4lbs! Camping is allowed but no fires. You can float tube too if you fancy having your tootsies dangling among 33lb pike! Good fly fishing for pike too and the pike aren't too fussy. For more details on membership call the Isle of Bute Club Secretary on 07734263591.
Google Map Reference 55.817360, -5.045172
Checked 29/06/18
Big Dhu and Wee Dhu Lochs
Pike and perch, float tubing allowed. For more details on membership call the Isle of Bute Club Secretary on 07734263591.
Google Map Ref Big 55.809164, -5.089798 Wee 55.816398, -5.079327
Checked 10/07/18
Inverness-shire
Loch Alvie
Wild brown trout and some exceptional pike as well as char. Permits from Alvie Estate Office call 01540 651255 or from the Dalraddy Caravan Park 01479 810330.
Google Map Reference 57.163274, -3.876334
Checked 05/07/18
Loch Arkaig
Brown trout, pike (30lb+) and ferox (up to double figures) on this large loch. Bank and boat fishing available. Fish the shallow sandy margins for trout (av three quarters of a pound) Trawl in the deep water for ferox but some ferox even fall to the fly here.
The pike are big.
Permits from the Honesty Box at the pier on the loch or call 01397 / 712116 / 07879437471
56.971429, -5.123628
Checked 07/07/18
Loch Ceo Glais
Pike, perch, no permit required. Google Map Reference 57.327503, -4.346502
Unconfirmed
Loch Duntelchaig
Also Loch nan Geadas, permits from water authority call 08457437437. Google Map Reference 57.353649, -4.289913
Dores (on Loch Ness)
South Loch Ness on the A862 west of Inverness, productive bay on Loch Ness. While you are there visit the Falls at Foyers, quite special.
Google Map Reference 57.379057, -4.335427
Loch Garry
At 1100 acres and up to 200 feet deep Loch Gary is a challenging bit of water to fish but it contains some whoppers. One upon a time it held the record for the largest fly caught brown trout. The loch has brown trout, ferox, pike, char and some salmon so you can have interesting times on any day if you know where to go. Large trout over 45cm are to be returned however facilities on the boats are provided to minimise stress to the fish, great idea in this selfie mad world where fish are often man handled too much before being released.
There are variety of boats available from 16ft with a cuddy to canoes! Safety on a big water is essential so equipment is provided along with powerful outboards. In the Highlands stormy weather can arrive in minutes, it's always good to know you have boats designed to cope. For bookings contact Mark on 07770 541496. Guiding services are available.
Google Map Reference 57.078474, -4.862546
Checked 06/07/18
Loch Insh
Is just like a massive pool on the river Spey consisting of great swaths of extensive wetlands and weedy shallows which makes access to much of the bank difficult to impossible (or unsafe). The nature of the loch makes it a serious pike fishery with fish over 30lb every year. There also brown trout, char and salmon.
For permits and boat hire (2 boats , outboards for hire extra) call Loch Insh Outdoor Centre on 01540 651272.
Google Map Reference 57.120617, -3.929378
Checked 16/07/18
Loch Morlich
Someone of my acquaintance from the area was fly fishing for trout on Morlich a couple of years ago when, as he described it, a log came alive and snapped up a trout he was playing, end of story with a 4lb leader. He was a very experienced angler not prone to exaggeration, loath to put a weight to the fish but he described the fish as truly massive.
Permits from Loch Morlich Watersports call 01479 861221.
Google Map Reference 57.163254, -3.711113
Checked 07/09/18
Loch Pityoulish
A picturesque and productive pike fishery just a few miles out of Aviemore on the south side of the river which holds Pike and brown trout, permits from Rothiemurchus Estate, 01479 861647.
Google Map Reference 57.201956, -3.788361
Checked 07/09/18
Loch Lochy
Pike, no permit required. Google Map Reference 56.974155, -4.896636
Loch Oich
Pike, no permit required but call 018809 501287 for local rules. Google Map Reference 57.066981, -4.772849
Loch Laggan
On A84 Newtonmore to Spean Bridge, pike along the road side bank between Lochan Uvie and Laggan, some specimen fish here.
Permits from The Paper Shop Kingussie; The Glen Hotel, Balavi Hotel, Invernahon Caravan Park in Newtonemore, The Filling Station in Dalwhinnie, Laggan Country Hotel in Laggan. Contact the warden on 07511 458250. Google Map Reference 57.072392, -4.047423
Checked 20/06/18
Loch Treig
Pike, no permit required. Google Map Reference 56.803959, -4.732174
Unconfirmed
Loch Ness
There are good pike in Loch Ness but it is such a vast loch you really need to ask around locally for information, there are concerns about salmon stocks and restrictions do apply.
Google Map Reference 57.336600, -4.413727
Loch nam Bat
Milton nr Drumnadrochit. Pike, no permit required.
Google Ref 57.365009, -4.495794 Part of a group of loch including Loch Gorm, Loch nam Faoileag & Lochan an Torra Bhuidhe all of which are reputed to have pike.
Updated 08/09/18
Loch Lomond
Pike!
Big Pike, small Pike, some that could bite off yer 'ead off! But why? Loch Lomond does have an interesting biology because it has two distinct characters, highland and lowland loch. The northern half of the loch is a typical deep highland loch while the southern end is shallow and more akin to a typical lowland loch. There are salmon, sea trout, brown trout and coarse fish, a veritable smorgasbord of food for predatory Pike. All this means that Loch Lomond is probably one of the best Pike fishing venues any where.
The loch is big, really big so you should search around for information about where to fish rather than waste your time plodding about. Someone once told me there are good Pike near Balmaha, then I had a look and realised that I might as well have been told that there are lots of haddock in the North Sea, there is an awful lot of water cover. Balmaha is recommended as well the area around Luss, Cronin Bay, Ardlui in the north end of the Loch and Balloch and Arden in the south. Endrick Mouth, where the monster Pike skull was found, is also a hot spot ( the famed Endrick pike found dead in 1934 at the mouth of the Endrick, estimates range between 50 to 70lbs).
Both the river Leven and the Endrick hold good pike. Live bait is not allowed as in the past people have used ruffe which have have escaped and multiplied becoming a serious problem because they eat the eggs of other native species of fish.
Membership applications to the Secretary, Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association, PO box 3559, Glasgow, G71 7SJ or call 0141 781 1545.
For permits go to http://www.lochlomondangling.com/permits they have sellers all over Central Scotland.
6.089071, -4.590862
Checked 07/09/18
Midlothian
Edgelaw Reservoir
A 36 acre tree lined water in a secluded location just off the B6372. Run by Bailiffs Angling Association the fishery holds a lot of good pike (with rumours of a skull found estimated as being from a fish of about 40lb).
There are also lots of perch and pike.
Day tickets available, call 0131 663 3028
Google Map Ref 55.810618, -3.116018
Checked 12/09/18
North Aryshire
Eglington Park
6.5 hectares in Eglinton Country Park, containing bream, roach, rudd, perch and pike, occasion carp and tench. Wooden walkways suitable dos people with disabilities. There is a camp site in the park and access to toilets, washing facilities and a cafe. Year and half year tickets available (not expensive) and reductions for juniors. Permits from the visitors centre, call 01294 551776.
Google Map Reference 55.641214, -4.671843
Checked 10/07/18
Nairnshire
Geddes Fishery
Consists of 3 loch 2 for trout and one for course fish. The trout lochs are stocked with rainbows, browns trout, tiger trout and blues. Fishery record 20lbs 6ozs. Very good fly life and as the lochs are set in woodland there is a variety of terrestrial fly and insect life to interest the trout. Very much a match the hatch type of water at times.
The coarse loch holds perch, carp and roach.
Call 07849089232.
Google Map Reference 57.548580, -3.857143
Checked 10/08/18
North Lanark
Lilly Loch
Right next to Hillend loch is the "Lilly" an attractive little loch run by Clarkston AC. Stocked regularly with rainbows and brown trout. Fly, bait and spinning are allowed. Boats are available for fly fishing.
There are also some big pike and perch to add to the fun when spinning. Call 07982666610 during the trout closed season.
Day and season tickets available.
Google Map Reference 55.878621, -3.887878
Checked 12/09/18
Perthshire
Loch Clunie
Near Butterstone. The fishing is free at present with 20lb plus pound fish on record and rumours of a monster lurking around the Island monastery. I'm told a diver went looking for it and came face to face, he got out of the water double quick, face white as a sheet. Lucky he was in a wet suit, avoids pollution!
A local game keeper had a three legged dog, the fourth leg is in a Clunie Pike.
Scary stuff, wading might not be advisable without cast iron pants! On my visit I saw several pike rolling on the surface and I recon this would be a good fly venue.
Google Map Reference 56.581453, -3.443658
Checked 08/09/18
Dunalastair Loch
Near Kinloch Rannoch is reputed to hold some very large pike. Fishing is boat only, don't be tempted to loiter on the bank as the loch rises quickly without warning when the hydro board release water from loch Rannoch. The loch is a trout venue so I am unsure what the deal is with pike as the loch is fly only. Enquiries call 01882 632354.
Google Map Reference 56.699058, -4.127254
Checked 06/07/18
Loch Earn
Again a very large deep loch with untapped potential. Permits from:
Drummond Estates – 01567 830400 (boat hite)
St Fillans Village Shop – 01764 685309
Drummond Arms Hotel, St Fillans – 01764 685212
Lochearnhead Village Stores – 01567 830214
Lochearnhead Post Office – 01567 830201
Boat hire from Drummond Estate call 01567 830400.Checked 11/07/18
Google Map Reference 56.384923, -4.222347
Checked 08/09/18
Loch Eigheoch
A small hydro electric loch near Rannoch Station (Rannoch Moor) Perch and some nice little trout and occasional salmon, for permits call 07570080579.
Google Map Reference 56.679169, -4.531129
Checked 06/07/18
Loch Errochty
Big pike and good perch on this large loch in the hills above Trinafour. Permits from the Countrystore in Kinloch Rannoch.
Google Map Ref 56.761949, -4.135032
Checked 06/0718
Loch Faskally
Pitlochry. Pike and Perch (also salmon, sea trout and brown trout).
Permits from the Pitlochry Boating Station call 01796 472919.
Google Map Reference 56.706366, -3.750839
Checked 07/09/18
Loch Freuchie
Pike. Can't find information about permits, anyone help?
Google Map Reference 56.517683, -3.848185
Loch Rannoch
Pike and Perch. The east end of the loch near Bridge of Gaur is noted for Pike especially in the water that was once the course of the Gaur before the loch water level was raised by the hydro electric scheme, permits from the Countrystore in Kinloch Rannoch.
Google Map Reference 56.685807, -4.427126
Checked 06/07/18
Loch Tay
Yet an other great pike venue but like Loch Lomond it is so big you really need local advice. There off course brown trout, salmon, and nowadays escapee rainbows of enormous proportions.
Loch Tay offers both bank and boat fishing, float tubing is done with great caution as this is a large loch, 14 miles long, where the weather can change so quickly. Google Map Reference 56.542057, -4.116117
Ardeonaig Hotel
3 boats with outboards, call 01567 820400. Google Map Reference 56.502469, -4.159015
East Loch Angling Association
Control a sizeable part of the bank fishing for trout, salmon fishing is in the hands of riparian owners. Boat hire from the Loch Tay Boating Centre includes a permit to fish for trout.
Kenmore
Brown trout bank permits for the loch from Kenmore Post Office, call 01887 830765. Google Map Reference 56.585815, -4.001826
Killin
Brown trout bank permits for the loch from News First, call 01567 820363 Google Map Reference 56.469522, -4.319269
Loch Tay Lodge
Boat and bank permits. Call on 01887 830209.
Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Offers boat hire including fishing permit. Call 01567 820323.
Also James Bayne in Callander 01877 330218
Checked 08/07/18
Google Map Reference 56.515170, -4.150792
Loch Tummel
Bank fishing on this loch more famous for it's stunning views than for it's fishing. Known for it's pike and perch population, Tummel does have some good trout. Fish close in near the drop off into deeper water or around inflow streams, always a handy spot when fishing a wild loch.
Permits from the Pitlochry Tourist office.
Google Map Reference 56.710954, -3.928721
Checked 08/07/18
Loch Vennacher
Holds a first class population of pike up to specimen size, The biggest so far scaled in at 42lbs taken in 2002 and it is believed there is a record size fish out there just waiting to be had. Fly fishing for pike has become very popular and fish to 20lb plus have been taken on single handed rods. Spinning and dead bait fishing are very effective methods for the loch. There are also boats with outboards for hire.
Venacher has a good population of wild brown trout which is supplemented with a policy of stocking every year with pre-yearlings and some fish up to 2.5lbs. The average is about 1.25lbs with the best fish recently coming in at 4lbs 2ozs. Venacher supports a good mayfly hatch in June and a generally good fly life which makes for very good fly fishing.
Bank tickets available with concessions from James Bayne in Callander 01877 330218.
Google Map Reference 56.219481, -4.301854
Checked
08/07/18
Ross and Cromarty
Loch Chroisg
Loch Crann, Loch Gowan, Pike, Achnasheen, A832 junction with A890.
Contact Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on 01445 720 252 for permits.
Google Map Reference 57.576408, -5.143587
Checked 08/09/18
Loch Ussie
Dingwall, 16 miles north of Inverness on the A9 then A835. Pike and Perch, permits 01349 865505.
Google Map Reference 57.579791, -4.502999
Checked 08/09/18
Loch Glascarnoch
Loch Achnalt, Loch a Chuilinn, Loch Luichart, Loch Garve, 25 miles north west of Inverness on the A832.
Pike and Perch, no permits required.
Google Map Reference 57.712044, -4.831188
Checked 08/09/18
Loch Badan Scalaig
Gairloch, west coast on the A832. Pike, permits 01445 712458.
Google Map Reference 57.728809, -5.693999
Unconfirmed
Loch Achaidh na h-inich
Plockton, Past Kyle of Lochalsh on the A 87. Pike, no permit required, but best to check locally.
Google Map Reference 57.315961, -5.633701
Checked 08/09/18
Stirlingshire
Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park
Loch Ard
Pike and Perch (Scottish record for Perch taken here) one mile from Aberfoyle.
Permits from James Bayne tackle shop in Callander call 01877 330218 or the Post Office in Aberfoyle call 01877 382231.
Google Map Reference 56.184597, -4.473560
Checked 07/09/18
Loch Chon
Pike and Perch, 6 miles west of Aberfoyle on the B829.
permits from Forest Enterprises, Aberfoyle, 01877 382383.
Google Map Reference 56.212960, -4.548319
Checked 08/09/18
Loch Katrine
What a place to go fishing! Stunning scenery, tranquil, red deer on the hills, saw a golden eagle soar up by Glengyle, saw a shining green flash crash into my lure leaving me to wonder what might have been.
Brown trout, pike ferox, char all in this massive loch, 11 miles long, nearly a mile wide in places and over 500 feet deep, it's potential is scarly given that it has been so under fishing until recently and even the the numbers fishing are nowt compared with the size of the loch.
There is no bank fishing, substatial boats for hire though.
For pike the Glengoyle area is a prime location. I know pike anglers have been wanting to get on Katrine for years. So much so that it is booked up in advance so if you want a go get a booking in now - for sometime in the future. There are massive pike out there.
For trout, the first time I fished here we had a fishfinder on board and the reading showed that the depths are precipitous going from margins to a hundred plus feet in a short distance from the shore. So fish the margins.
Going out from Stronachlachar fish the south side down to the Gamekeepers cottage some good drifts on this shore. Another handy drift was on the north shore opposite Factors Island there is an other island in a bay. Worth a visit. Or up to the shallows at the Glengoyne end. Fish around featres, submerged rocks even fence post. Try a Kate McLaren and a Bloody Butcher they worked for me.
Watch out, I've seen massive white cap waves roaring down the loch, if in doubt keep near the shore and make sure you have plenty of juice in the outboard battery, its a heck of a row!
Call 07591 099 826 to book
Google Map Ref 56.257709, -4.577829 Post Code for Stronachlachar FK8 3TY
Checked 08/07/18
Wigtownshire
Loch Ronald
At 100 acres this is a challenging loch but it holds some very big pike to the high 30s. Just off the A 75 near Newton Stewart. Permits which cover Loch Heron which is very closeby from 3 Lochs Holiday Park, Balminnoch.
Google Map Reference 54.945602, -4.701888
hecked 08/09/18
Loch Heron
Newton Stewart pike, just off the A 75 near Newton Stewart. Permits which cver Loch Heron which is very closeby from 3 Lochs Holiday Park, Balminnoch. Google Map Reference 54.948100, -4.699313
Checked 08/09/18
