Loch of Hundland
Mainland, Orkney
Hundland provides the main catchment area for water supplied to Boardhouse and is as such regarded as its sister loch wi ...
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Stuart Wilding
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Loch of Swannay
Water managed by Orkney Trout Fishing Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
High 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.
Moderate 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.
The peat stained waters of Swannay, the most northerly of the mainland lochs, hold some of the highest quality trout in the county, but it is probably the most enigmatic of lochs with long periods of inactivity making it very dour, but on its day it can provide spectacular sport.
The earlier part of the season gives the best chance of finding Swannay fish feeding and while fish can be taken on a floating line, the use of a sinking line in various densities on the day will vastly increase your chances. Mid to late season is generally regarded as the time for dry fly tactics but the sport largely depends on the appearance of wind blown terrestrials like the Daddy, Cow Dung, and the Heather Fly. Wading can be productive but not widely practiced due to the difficulty in staying upright, the stones and rocks underfoot are extremely slippery. For best results boat fishing is recommended but be warned there are many shallow skerries on Swannay that are invisible due to the water colour so extreme caution is recommended while motoring.
The Swannay fish enjoy a varied diet including: shrimp, snails, daphnia, sticklebacks, midge, caenis, sedge, and terrestrials; including cowdungs, daddies, and heather flies.
More information about fishing the Orkney Lochs can be found on the Association’s website
Loch of Boardhouse
Mainland, Orkney
Boardhouse tends to be the visiting anglers preferred loch due mainly to the fact that it is virtually skerry free and f ...