Loch an Dùin
Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland
Loch an Dùin is a large, very shallow loch of roughly 56 hectares, lying virtually at sea level in Na h-Eileanan an Iar. ...
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Sandy Gerrard
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Loch Aonghais
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
Moderate 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.
Very small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
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 water is shallow with moderate alkalinity, and the shoreline has a simple outline with gentle bays. An ancient fort, or duin, stands on the loch's edge, adding historical interest to this coastal setting.
The loch holds some good fish, with the possibility of sea trout from the shore as well as resident brown trout. Wading is easy and safe around the margins. Extensive reed beds provide cover but die back in winter, reappearing through the season to make fishing progressively more challenging by late summer. The south shore near the duin proves the most productive area, though the fringes of the reed beds and the west shore also offer opportunities.
