Loch Lanlish

Loch Lanlish is a very small loch of roughly 4 hectares, lying among the limestone country near Durness in the far northwest Highlands. Set in low ground just minutes from the coast, it is the smallest of four limestone lochs on the Durness golf course. The water is shallow overall but with some deeper pockets, and the high alkalinity of the underlying limestone makes it highly productive.

This is a severe loch with a formidable reputation for large trout. Fish average over three pounds, with specimens to eight pounds taken regularly and fish to fourteen pounds recorded, though catches are few each year. The trout are notoriously difficult to tempt, demanding stealth, patience, and strong tackle. Many anglers fish at night, watching for rises and presenting flies from maximum distance. The exposed position makes it vulnerable to the strong winds common in this corner of Scotland.

Access is straightforward from the car park at Balnakeil, with a walk of about ten minutes to reach the loch.