Loch Aonghais
Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland
Loch Aonghais is a small loch of roughly 9 hectares lying in the low ground near the coast in Na h-Eileanan an Iar. The ...
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David Purchase
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Loch an Dùin
Water managed by North Uist Angling Club
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout and Sea trout
Migratory run
Salmon run from late June, peaking in July and largely over by the end of August. Sea trout run from June, building to a peak in August and tailing off through September. Spring tides every ~2 weeks bring fresh fish in from the sea to the river mouths.
Next spring tides: 12 Aug – 18 Aug
Sea trout run Jun–Sep, peak Aug
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.
Very shallow
The depth of a lake has significant impacts on its ecology. Reduced heat and light in deep lakes inhibit algal growth.
High 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.
Large
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Loch an Dùin is a large, very shallow loch of roughly 56 hectares, lying virtually at sea level in Na h-Eileanan an Iar. The water is brackish, receiving an influx of seawater that influences both its character and the growth of its fish. The shoreline is exceptionally complex, with numerous bays, promontories and small islands creating a maze-like outline along its 13-kilometre perimeter. The loch shelves steeply from its margins and contains a dùin, an ancient fort of historic interest.
The brackish conditions can promote good growth in trout, and specimen fish are possible when conditions align, though the loch can equally prove challenging to fish. Trout may be encountered throughout the water, but the shores, promontories and areas around the small islands tend to be most productive.
