394
Loch Leir
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
Low alkalinity
High alkalinity indicates water fertility and can signal the presence of larger trout. Fish in alkaline waters have a wider variety of invertebrates to feed on.
Shallow
The depth of a lake has significant impacts on its ecology. Reduced heat and light in deep lakes inhibit algal growth.
Low shoreline complexity
A lake with a high shoreline complexity will have numerous bays, points and peninsulas.
Low elevation
Lakes at a higher altitude can take longer to warm up during the season and may not fish well until summer.
Small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.

Approach from Forsinain via forestry track leading towards Altnabreac. A 4×4 or vehicle with high clearance is required to negotiate the bumpy track. The parking in an area overlooking the loch leaves a simple 100m walk down to the water’s edge, making this one of the easiest lochs for anglers to visit. In recent years Leir has developed into a productive early and late season loch, unfortunately, the months in between have seen the water plagued with algae during which time fishing efforts have been better concentrated elsewhere. Best bank fishing is found along the south side into SE corner where wading is easy. Although large numbers of smaller fish can be caught in the NW corner where the loch narrows, the wading here, over big boulders, is as difficult as an angler will find anywhere – boat users should take extra care to avoid the number of large rocks found in this area. Average fish size has improved to 12oz with fish of 1lb not uncommon now. Leir fish are still, without question, some of the hardest fighting trout that can be encountered!

Explore nearby

10 waters within 5 miles of Loch Leir

Loch Sletill

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Loch Ealach Mor

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Loch Talaheel

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Loch Tallaheel is a shallow loch which has a large head of fish averaging 8-10oz. Wading is safe though a little soft ...

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Loch Clach Geala

Forsinard, Scotland

A 4×4 or vehicle with high clearance is required to negotiate the bumpy track. The loch is a short 1km walk in an eas ...

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Skyline Loch

Forsinard, Scotland

There is not a large head of fish in Skyline and anglers can expect more blank than productive days though fish caught a ...

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Loch Saird

Forsinard, Scotland

Leave the A897 at Grid reference 903485 (Forsinain) follow the forestry track, a 4×4 or vehicle with high clearance is r ...

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Loch Caise

Forsinard, Scotland

Both bank and boat fishing is available on this little gem of a loch, and with loch side parking in the SW corner, this ...

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Loch Sainn

Forsinard, Scotland

Leave the A897 at Grid reference 903485 (Forsinain) follow the forestry track, a 4×4 or vehicle with high clearance is r ...

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Loch Caol Altnabreac

Forsinard, Scotland

The narrow, southern part of the loch is shallow and the least productive, otherwise the angler can cast with confidence ...

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Grassie Loch 10

Grassie Loch

Forsinard, Scotland

Approach from Forsinain via forestry track leading to and beyond Altnabreac. A 4×4 or vehicle with high clearance is r ...

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