Overview Season Charges Day Tickets Fish to Catch Tackle to Use Photo Gallery   The Fishing     Brown Trout The Isle of Lewis has a wealth of trout fishing with literally hundreds of lochs to explore. Apart from lochs near the road and a few remoter local favourites the roaming angler will generally be able to fish all day without encountering another human being. The observant angler will almost always have their day spiced up with close encounters with the local wildlife such as eagles or divers If you are looking for great scenery and wildlife to go along with you’re fishing then you have come to the right place. The fishing is generally free of charge but be sure to check locally first. Visitors to the island are recommended to obtain a copy of Norman MacLeod’s book Trout Fishing in Lewis which is available in local shops. Although the book is due for an update it contains sound advice on trout fishing on many lochs along with details on how to get to them and tactics to adopt. The quality of the fishing varies considerably ranging from lochs with dark 1/4lb fish, others with a genuine 3/4lb average to stiff lochs with a small stock of large and wary fish. Half the joy is in exploring the many lochs and discovering jewels for yourself. Even the smallest lochan is worth a cast or two, you may well get a pleasant surprise Given a good breeze and an overcast day wet fly is normally the most productive, and enjoyable method, with a floating line all that is required. Teams of two or three flies are used, usually size 8 to 12. Popular local flies include Black Pennel, Grouse and Claret, Bumbles, Soldier Palmer, Blue and Black Zulu’s and various muddlers, to name but a few. But the list really is endless and there is no reason not to try your own favourites. Many local anglers using buzzer and midge imitations to great effect especially during the early part of the season during the duckfly hatch or during the evening rise. If conditions are more difficult with calm weather or bright sunshine a sinking line can be effective if putting a few fish in the bag are a priority. Dry fly fishing is also very productive as the fish are often free rising. At the end of the day the evening rises can be frantic although in calm conditions very frustrating. On some lochs buzzer hatches can be prolific and from mid June there can be heavy hatches of Caenis with all that entails. The season opens on 15 March and closes on 6 October, the best months are May through to the end of June and the first half of September, although the bait fisher and the persistent fly fisherman will catch trout throughout the season. The average fish will not be a monster; the native fish is wild and will probably average slightly more than half a pound. You may catch bigger but rest assured the clean hard fighting half pounders are very good sport and with pink flesh make lovely eating. Although stocks are often prolific anglers are asked to take only what they need for their own consumption and to carefully return the rest. In recent years the increase in smolt cultivation in the freshwater lochs to supply the salmon farming industry has had a profound effect on the growth of the native trout. Each year trout of 5lb+ are caught from some of these lochs. Whilst they are denigrated by some as unnatural they are exceptionally powerful fish that can provide excellent sport. Whilst most are caught on bait or spinner many have been caught on fly providing a memorable day for the lucky angler. The smolt cultivation also adds considerably to the nutrient levels of the lochs. Providing it is not excessive there can be a general boost to the lochs productivity and availability of feed for the trout. The Stornoway Angling Association has ten lochs available to the visitor, which are all located within six miles of Stornoway and are no more than ten minutes walk from the road.   Salmon Sea Trout Brown Trout For more information about the fishing season, or if you have any queries contact us and we will be happy to help you.

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