129
a stunning loch

Loch Enoch

water managed by Galloway Forest Park

Duration: 02:05 Distance: 6.88 km Ascent: 432.65m Difficulty: 99 / 100
Moderate alkalinity Shallow High shoreline complexity Mid elevation Large

About

Concealed high up in the Galloway hills and occupying a granite basin overlooked by the highest mountain in the southern uplands, lies Loch Enoch - the Icy Loch. At some 1600 feet above sea level Enoch once suffered the effects of industrialisation and was thought to have completely lost its fish population by the 1950's, but an increase in pH and a period of recovery led to a restocking of brown trout in 1994. The quality of Enoch's fishing is now found in its remote location, diverse and recovering environment, and rich history.

Numerous basins offer the shore angler a range of promontories and vantages to fish from. The varied edge of the loch, with its three islands and jutting headlands makes traversing the perimeter in a single day a challenge for even the most persistent and agile fisherman, but a range of options is guaranteed no matter which way the wind is blowing. At 50ha the surface of the loch is small relative to the long perimeter and in parts the loch shelves off quickly to an estimated maximum depth of 120 feet. Although surrounded on all sides by high ground, the slope to the shore is mostly very shallow, making for easy and carefree back casts. Wading is very manageable and the shallow fisherman will find a range of grass, rocks and coarse sand underfoot.

Hard-fighting brown trout upwards of a pound may be caught here. Fish cruising the drop off will take a Half Hog Hopper from the surface, fished at the end of a light leader. On overcast days take advantage of the variety of Enoch's features with your favourite imitation pulled through the water at different depths.

Loch Enoch is not easy to reach and camping near the loch itself or further down in the hills is recommended. From Glen Trool car park cross the bridge at the Buchan Burn and follow the path on the east side of Buchan Hill and the route of Gairland Burn to Loch Valley. Skirt the west edge of Loch Valley and head for the north side of Loch Neldricken. From Neldricken follow the easier route between the ridges to the south east basin of Enoch.

Fishing Enoch is a challenge made richer by its turbulent past. As you travel the south west shore of the loch, look out for the recovered wreckage of a WWII bomber, brought from the water by divers in the 1970's. When breaking for lunch, keep in mind that during the 14th Century, Robert the Bruce himself may have taken refuge on these shores.

  • Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
  • Lake
  • Brown trout

Location

Directions

Permission & Tickets

Permission isn't required for lochs situated high up in the Galloway National Park.

If you are uncertain please contact the Forestry Commission Scotland, you can find their details on the Galloway Forest Park page.

Please be aware that this is a natural resource and is still recovering from the effects of acidification. Remember to try and do your bit and return the fish to the water unharmed.

Waters nearby

Other waters within 5 miles

Loch Neldricken

Galloway Forest Park, Scotland

Loch Neldricken lies to the South-East of Merrick. This loch, like others in the area, suffered from acidification an ...

Loch Valley

Galloway Forest Park, Scotland

Resting at the bottom of the steep sides of two ridges in the Dungeon Hills, Loch Valley is simply named and seems deter ...

Loch Dee

Newton Stewart, Scotland

Like the other lochs in the Galloway National Park, Loch Dee suffered from the effects of acid rain and the fallout from ...